Zootopia Pet Minding Service

FAQ

How do I book a service?

Call or e-mail me to book a service, have your dates ready & how many visits you would like each day, as well as the dates you are leaving & returning. For new clients a pre-service meeting will also be arranged when you book.

Mob:0400979161 or Ph:59402091 or

E-mail: 

mary@zootopiapetminding.com

Will I get to meet my pets minder prior to service?

Yes! It is essential that we meet you & especially your pets prior to service. A pre-service meeting will be arranged at the time of booking. During the service the minder will fill in your service contract including: all your details & your pets details including emergency contacts & vet information. As well as tour your property & go through all the details of what you need done each service. The contract is signed by the client & the minder & a copy is given to the client to keep.

Will I be charged for the pre-service meeting?

No the initial meeting is FREE!

Do you have references?

Yes I am happy to provide references on request.

How do you handle my key?

Keys are kept on the minders person on a key ring & lanyard during service & kept locked away at other times.

Will my information be kept confidential?

Yes all information is strictly kept confidential for minding purposes only, no information will be given to any 3rd party for any reason. Only your pet minder will have access to your file.

When is payment required & what methods do you accept?

For new clients a 50% deposit is required at the pre-service meeting.

The balance is due in full within 7 days of the final service.

Cash, Money Order, *Cheque, Direct Deposit or Electronic Bank Transfer are accepted methods of payment.

*Bounced cheques will incur any bank fees plus10%.

 

Do you charge by how many animals I have?

No. Zootopia charges by time brackets not by the number of animals, a standard minding visit is 30minutes if extra time is needed it will be added to your final invoice. See the pricing page for more details.

Do you take short notice bookings?

Booking ahead is always a good idea but for regular clients bookings can be made 24hrs in advance for emergencies, if I am not already booked out. There is no guarantee I will be able to accomadate you at such short notice but I will always fit you in if there is a spot!

If you are a new client I need at least 48hrs notice and be able to meet for a pre-service meeting prior to your departure.

What happens if I run out of food or supplies while I am away?

Zootopia will make a trip to buy any essential item if it runs out during a service period, however you will be charged for the item as well as a $20 service fee.

How long is a minding visit?

A standard minding visit is 30minutes but extra time can be booked if you want me to spend extra time with your pets. Extra time is charged at $5 per 15mins over the standard time.

What is your cancellation policy?

Zootopia understands that things can happen that are completely out of our control so generally I do not have a cancellation policy. However as much notice as possible should be given, especially at Christmas & Easter to be fair to other clients who may miss out on a spot otherwise.

How will I know you have been to my property as requested?

When you return you will find a care diary with notes about each of your pets during the service period along with the time the minder came each visit.

Do you have any restrictions on what animals you will care for?

The only animals Zootopia will not care for are those deemed to be genuinly dangerous (that is those with a proven behaviour record of attacking people) and as such too much of a health & safety risk, as well as lethally poisonous snakes.  Other snakes including those with only mild venoms & even temperament such as Brown Tree Snakes etc. I am more than happy to care for as well as spiders, scorpions, crocodiles, ferrets, anything else!

 

Do my pets need to be vaccinated?

It is highly recommended that all cats, dogs, horses & other livestock, rabbits & ferrets be vaccinated.

I will still care for your pets if they are not vaccinated at your request, but will make sure you realise the risk you are placing on your pets by not having them vaccinated.

 

 

During a dog walk will my dog(s) be let off the leash?

No. Dogs will only be walked on leash, the risk is too great to let them off leash.

If my pet has been/is aggressive can I still use Zootopia?

Animals are individual & each will be assessed on a case by case basis in consultation with the client. If during a pre-service meeting an animal becomes aggressive towards a minder they have the right to refuse service. A service may be cancelled during a service period under the same circumstance.

What happens if my pet is injured or becomes ill while I'm away?

Every effort will be made to contact you or your emergency contact in this instance. A veterinary release agreement is filled in prior to service which tells me how you would like your pets medical needs met. First aid will be given where appropriate and the animal taken to the clients allocated vet. In the case of a major medical emergency or if veterinary care is needed outside normal business hours, the pet will be taken to the closest open vet or 24 hour emergency facility.

 

Can I check in to see how my pets are doing while I'm away?

Yes absolutely! Please feel free to call, text or e-mail me any time to ask how your pets are doing, or with any other questions or uncertainties you may have.

My pets are all outdoors, why would you need a key to the house?

It is beneficial for Zootopia to have access to your house for emergencies, such as burst pipes, storm damage, fallen trees, obvious break & enter etc. This allows your minder, emergency services, police or other service people to enter your home to assess damage, investigate, begin repair & prevent further damage to your property in a timely fashion.

It gives your pet minder access to hot water & cleaning facilities for the purposes of hygeine & first aid & allows us to put open tins of pet food or other perishable pet foods in the fridge.

It also allows the minder to use the landline in an emergency if their mobile is out of service range or low battery etc.

It gives the pet minder access to outside light switches for evening visits - it is very difficult to service your property in the dark with only a torch to see by, as well as being a health & safety issue.

Why do you prefer to keep my keys & why do you need a second copy?

By keeping your keys with us you don't have the hassel & expense of having to transfer them every time you book a service. If we leave the keys on the last visit we cannot re-enter the property to service your pets if your scheduled return is delayed in an emergency.

We keep a copy of your keys in the event that any are broken or lost while you are away. It is also beneficial in the event you lock yourself out of the house we will come let you in at a much cheaper rate than hiring a locksmith!