About Us
The Royal Touch Pet Sitting is a full-time professional pet sitting service, established in San Angelo, Texas in 1997. We provide visits to your home up to 4 times daily. We operate 365 days a year from 7 AM – 10 PM (now adding overnight care). This service is geared toward people whose pets are happier staying in their own surroundings while their owners are away.
From The World of Professional Pet Sitting, Nov/Dec 2007 issue, reprinted with permission from PSI |
After caring for the pets' basic physical needs and other house-related assignments (i.e. bringing in the mail, newspaper) we focus on being companions to the pets, getting to know their habits, routines, likes, and dislikes. We are viewed generally as the pets' “nanny” and are greeted happily most of the time. Rates are set with the highest fee for a single visit daily and are downscaled as more visits per day are added. Indoor dogs are given first priority in the scheduling of early morning and late-night visits, for obvious reasons.
We have cared for dogs, cats, horses, large and small birds, fish, rabbits, goats, ferrets, squirrels, guinea pigs, turtles, lizards, and a hedgehog. We contract regularly with people who work to walk their dogs (or let them outside) midday when it is difficult for the owners to come home for lunch. Additional services such as plant watering, house-checking, yard scooping, and pet transportation now are being offered. Regular midday service is offered at a discount when it meets a minimum monthly amount. This and other added services are presented in further detail under “Related and Custom Services”. |
Introductory Meeting, Service Contract, and Key Exchange Policies
An introductory meeting with the clients and their pets is provided as an opportunity for all of us to meet and for us to complete a service contract of instructions, contact numbers, and general information about each pet. This meeting is offered at no charge with the client’s initial service within the city limits of San Angelo. (Mileage charges are calculated for rural residences.) All pets to be cared for should be present so that our caregiver may observe interaction among the pets and get acquainted with each individually.
The service contract covers most general instructions, pet health information, and often includes items the client has not thought of. Every contract is tailored personally, and we come across few people who do not comment on the thoroughness of the questions and on the friendly yet professional way we present ourselves.
When the house key is made available at the introductory meeting, there is no charge for key pick-up, and the key return is complimentary with the first-time service. Future appointments are usually arranged by telephone, along with service contract changes and updates.
|
Mattie and Dustee love the trails of San Angelo Country Club. The colder the weather, the more they enjoy their walks.
|
Associates
At least 2 associate caregivers are kept on staff, although Valerie prefers to do much of the pet visiting work herself. While it is standard policy to inform the client ahead of time if an associate is scheduled for 1 or more visits, the client also has the assurance of an associate being available in case of emergencies. We usually offer a preview meeting with the associate at the client’s home, especially when the instructions are complicated or if pets tend to be afraid or unfriendly with someone they don’t already know.
Bonding and Insurance
This service is covered by a bonding policy for crime and a liability policy for accidental negligence or oversight. There has been no need for any claim in our 15+ years of operation. Neither policy is in effect when our responsibilities are shared by a client's friend or relative who takes over 1 or more of the visits.
Professional Affiliates
National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) – http://www.petsitters.org/ San Angelo Better Business Bureau
Valerie’s Credentials
I have no formal training in this line of work, just a strong love for animals and seemingly an innate ability to communicate well with them. Growing up, I observed this connection with pets in my family. I developed a caring concern for the ranch animals and learned that the responsibility for the family dog doesn’t end when the food bowl has been filled. It ends when the dog is fast asleep, having gotten all the love and attention it wanted. My own 2 cats teach me every day that relationships with pets are real – that their wants, needs, and what they have to offer in return add up to much more than a couple of friendly creatures moving around the house.
|
The Royal Touch Pet Sitting
For that added touch of love and care for your beloved pet All at your home, Since 1997
|
|