FAQ's

Click the “+” signs to review our questions and answers below. If you need more details, give us a call!

 

Why choose Barking Up the Right Tree Pet Care Service?

Pet owners choose Barking Up the Right Tree because we are licensed, bonded and insured, provide detailed visit notes for each visit, offer 24/7 access to our automated scheduling system, and we email confirmations of appointments. As Atlanta’s Premier Pet Sitting Company, Barking Up the Right Tree offers the highest in customer service and professional pet service in town.

What is a Meet and Greet and how do I prepare?

At its essence, a meet and greet is just that, an opportunity for everyone to meet your primary pet sitter. A Meet and Greet is the first step to pet care service.You’ll show your sitter the pets’ routine, location of supplies and provide any additional relevant information about your home or pet.

 

To prepare for your Meet and Greet, please logon to Power Pet Sitter, our online scheduling software application, and input all pertinent details regarding your home, contact information and pets. Please call the office if you do not have your user name and password, do not recreate yourself in Power Pet Sitter (we cannot merge records).
If you are new to Barking Up the Right Tree and would like to register, please do so under NEW CLIENT or by clicking HERE.

Please prepare two (2) sets of house keys for our use to be picked up at the Meet and Greet. We ask that you please test each key to ensure that it works properly. Please also provide any access fobs or codes necessary for entry into your community at the Meet and Greet. Then will ensure seamless pet care service.

How do I scheduled services in the future?

To schedule future pet sitting service after the initial Meet and Greet you may schedule online, email the office at admin@barkinguptherighttree.com, call, or text the office.

 

Why can I not schedule directly with my pet sitter?

Our pet sitters are busy caring for pets. Prompt and accurate scheduling may not always be possible from your pet sitter. By scheduling through the office you will always receive a confirmation email from the office to confirm service for your verification and approval. In the event that a pet sitter has an emergency, our office or another pet sitter has the ability to step in and seamlessly care for your pets.

How do I pay for pet sitting services and when will I be charged?

We accept Visa and MasterCard. All pet sitting services will be charged 3 days in advance of the start date of the first visit. Clients may enter and update their credit card online as an existing client with their user name and password or call the office with a credit card.

Why do you need two sets of house keys? Can I just give you one?

We require two sets of house keys from all clients, no exceptions. One set of keys remains in the care of your primary pet sitter and the other set is kept in our office safe to be used in the case of a lock-out or emergency. In the event you have a secondary sitter assigned they will be given your second set of keys. You will have the opportunity to do a Meet and Greet with your secondary sitter. All keys are coded for your security. We cannot offer services without two sets of keys.

Can I hide a key or give a garage code?

We do not allow clients to hide a key or leave a key under a doormat. This is dangerous for the pet sitter and clients. Clients may provide sitters with a garage or door code, but must also provide one key in case the power goes out, battery dies or code was changed without notifying the pet sitter.

What is a primary sitter?

A primary pet sitter is the pet sitter that is assigned to you and your pets. Your primary pet sitter will conduct the Meet and Greet and will keep your key for use during future appointments. While your primary pet sitter may not always be available, they will be the first pet sitter to be called on to care for your pets. Please have your pet profile updated online prior to the Meet and Greet so you and your pets can get to know your sitter.

How do I know when my pet sitter was at my home?

Your pet sitter will leave daily notes on each visit they make to your home. They will also text/call you on your first visit to ensure you know they have started the visits. Do not be surprised if you get pictures of your pets having fun emailed or texted to you while you are out of town.

I have a special needs pet, can you accommodate special requests?

As professional pet sitters, we are prepared to care for pets of all ages, sizes, temperaments and needs. At Barking Up the Right Tree we have 60 pet sitters capable of handling many types of pet services. Please contact us to further discuss your pet’s individual needs and our availability.

What is your cancellation policy?

We ask for 24 hours’ notice on all additions, changes and cancelations. Visits canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice will be charged in full. Visits that are canceled with a minimum of 24 hours’ notice will be credited to your account to use toward future services. All credits expire six months from the date of cancelation. Please contact the office directly with any additions, cancelations, changes or scheduling needs. Holiday cancelation notice is 7 days in advance.

Do you require a minimum number of visits per day while I’m out of town?

In order to provide the best possible service and in keeping with the terms of our insurance policy, we require a minimum of one visit per day for cats and small animals and two visits per day for dogs during the duration of your trip. It is recommended to schedule 3 visits a day for dogs if you will be out of town more than a few days. If you have elderly pets or puppies it is recommended to have a minimum of 4 visits each day.

How do I make changes to existing reservations?

You may log on to Power Pet Service (PPS) by CLICKING HERE and update/change an existing appointment 1 day prior to the start date of the first visit of the appointment. You may also contact us at admin@barkinguptherighttree.com or call us at 404.603.5355 to make changes to existing reservations.

How do I make reservations?

We ask clients to schedule reservations through our online scheduling software, Power Pet Sitter . You can do so by CLICKING HERE for new clients or CLICKING HERE for existing clients. Reservation requests are approved and confirmed via PPS within 24 hours. You will receive an email confirmation letting you know the assigned pet sitter for each visit and the total amount for your services.

Do you take last minute requests?

We are happy to accommodate last minute pet service requests when possible. All requests made with less than 24 hours’ notice must be emailed to admin@barkinguptherighttree.com or by calling the office directly. A $10 late reservation fee will apply. Requests with more than 24 hours’ notice may be input into Power Pet Sitter. We will respond to all requests as soon as possible.

Do you offer refunds?

We do offer a credit for future pet sitting if cancellations are made 24 hours to the start of a visit directly with the office. During holiday periods, we require 7 days’ notice for a full credit of services. Credits must be used within six months of the cancelation date.

What happens during inclement weather?

In order to ensure the safety of our pet sitters and of the community, we initiate our Inclement Weather Plan when localities close schools due to potentially dangerous weather conditions. When initiated, we announce our Inclement Weather Plan for that day and specific weather concern on our FaceBook page and via email. During inclement weather situations, our midday dog walking services may be canceled and our pet sitting service schedules may be altered.

 

We ask that all clients provide us with an inclement weather emergency contact that can care for your pets in the event that we cannot access your home. Your emergency contact should be able to walk to your home and have working keys for entry. All visits that are canceled as a result of inclement weather are credited to your account for use toward future services. Credits must be used within six months of the cancellation date.

We also ask that you consider your pet sitter’s safety by clearing steps and walkways of ice, snow and debris as well as designating a neighbor to do so when you are traveling. Please also note that your sitter is empowered to shorten exercise time during heavy rainfall and lightning and/or thunderstorms or extreme heat. In such cases, exercise time will be replaced with indoor playtime and TLC.

Do you have references?

Our satisfied clients are happy to speak with you about their experience with us. Please contact us for a list of references in your area.

Do you have a referral program?

As part of Barking Up the Right Tree’s Referral Rewards Program, referring clients will receive a FREE VISIT credit on your account when the referred party books 3 visits with us. Barking Up the Right Tree Reward credits expire six months from the date of the credit. There is no limit to how many credits you can get so spread the word!

May I Tip My Pet Sitter?

Tips are never expected but always appreciated. You are welcome to reward your pet sitter for a job well done by leaving a tip for them directly.