F. A. Q.
What are the benefits of using our professional pet sitters?
While there are many benefits to selecting a professional pet sitter from Pet Sitting by Ramona, the most important ones are knowing that the safety, comfort, and well-being of your pet are in reliable hands and your pet is able to enjoy the security of familiar surroundings. Other reasons are:
What neighborhoods does Pet Sitting by Ramona service?
Algonquin
Barrington
Barrington Hills
South Barrington
Carpentersville
Crystal Lake
Dundee
Fox River Grove
Gilberts
Huntley
Lake in the Hills
Sleepy Hollow
What are some of the things a Professional Pet Sitting Service does?
What are Ramona's qualifications?
Ramona has over 17 years experience working for animal shelters and a pet sitting service.
What animals do you accept?
We care for all breeds of dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, pocket pets, birds, fish, lizards, iguanas. Sorry no snakes.
What other services does Pet Sitting by Ramona provide?
Home care services that are also included with professional pet sitting:
If there is a service you need provided and do not see it listed, do not hesitate to ask us how we can help.
What are your hours?
Pet Sitting by Ramona services are available 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Our office hours are 9am - 5pm Monday through Friday. We are practicing safe driving by not texting or returning phone calls while we drive. Your pet might be in the car with us. We may be transporting him or her to the groomer or a vet appointment. Additionally, we would like to focus all our attention on your pet’s needs when they are in our custody. Please leave a message and we will try to get back with you usually within a few hours.
Do I need to meet with you before service begins?
Yes, an initial consultation (Registration Visit) is needed before any service can begin. The Registration Visit will give us time to go over paperwork, tour your home, and discuss any details on pet and home care. There is a very small fee for this visit and is preferably done at least 48 hrs prior to the initial service. To see the rate for the Registration Visit click HERE.
I need more information on the Registration Visit?
The initial consultation (Registration Visit) is very important. This is when we meet you and your pet, this way everyone is comfortable before our service begins. At this time we will review the information you have provided to us in our forms and discuss any special needs or concerns you may have. You can introduce your pet's daily routine to us and for shy pets, you can show us their favorite hiding places and let us know any habits they may have and what to look for. We will go over any medical special needs, and learn where you store the food, toys, litter box and or leashes, etc. At this meeting you will sign a Service Contract, I will obtain TWO copies of your keys (an extra for emergency back up) and/or security code if necessary. This will be the time that the payment in full will be made. The meeting will take approximately 30-60 minutes. If keys are not provided at the consultation there will be a $15.00 key pick up fee. All keys are returned thru certified mail at a $10.00 charge paid upfront. There is a very small fee for the Registration Visit. To see the rate for the Registration Visit click HERE.
Do I have to give my professional pet sitter a key to my house?
Yes, we strongly recommend that you give your pet sitter a key (actually TWO keys - an extra for emergency back up) prior to the sitting assignment and that you test the key during the sitter’s initial meeting with you. Keyless entry “keypads/codes” can easily malfunction particularly with electrical outages and hidden keys are not always secure. For instance, you may move the key to a new location and accidentally forget to notify your pet sitter. Your key(s) will be stored in a secured fireproof safe at our office. They are coded with numbers to match the names in our database, so no names are attached to the keys for extra security. All keys are returned thru certified mail at a $10.00 charge paid upfront. We can also keep your key, at your request, for future use if you are using our service on a regular basis to eliminate extra charges and inconvenience.
How long in advance should I book?
Please contact us as soon as you know your travel plans. Many of our clients schedule months in advance. We will try our best to accommodate last minute reservations.
Do you have special pricing or packages?
Yes we do. Please go to this LINK to see our Special Packages for a great savings!
Do you administer medication?
We will administer vet prescribed medication only — pills, drops, transdermal or liquid medications at no additional charge. Insulin and IV fluid administration is an additional charge. See our rates HERE. We will not administer medication to any animal that poses a danger.
How much notice do I need when I make a reservation?
If you are a new client, the earlier you call the better because we must schedule an initial consultation which is called Registration Visit. A Meet and Greet before we start your service. Once you are an established client, a week in advance is typically enough time. However, if you need services for a holiday, please call or E-MAIL, to request service as far in advance as possible. Holidays book up very quickly, so please book early!
How many times a day should I have a professional pet sitter come visit my pets?
Many animal behavioral problems are the result of isolation, boredom and insufficient exercise. For your pet's comfort, it's best to have a minimum of two visits per day for dogs; but three visits would be ideal. One or two visits per day for cats are usually sufficient. Other pets, such as birds, fish, and other small animals will vary. Ferrets, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, Birds can be once a day. Reptiles can be every other day. Fish can be every 3 days.
My cat/dog/caged pet doesn't really need much care. I usually just leave them an extra big bowl of food and water. Will you come by every 2/3/4 days to change their food and water and check on them?
In our professional opinion, leaving any pet alone for two days (or more!), is not advised at all. Even if they have a Pet-Door. Animals are "social" creatures. Even with our best efforts to provide adequate food, water, etc, anything could happen to your pet while they are unsupervised. At the very least, your pet could become ill or injured, trapped in an area, their water could be spilled, someone could break in ... the negative possibilities are endless! For this reason, we are not willing to service dog households which request less than (2) visits per day and we are not willing to service cat and caged pet households which request less than (1) visit per day.
Is there an additional charge for more than one animal?
Please check out our rates HERE.
Will I receive a report of each pet visit or daily accounting of dog walks?
Yes. We prepare written notes regarding the date and time of the visit, your pet’s demeanor, health and any specific concerns you may have. Medications, feeding and other routine schedules are recorded so you are aware of what has been done and when.
Who will have access to my home?
At this time ONLY Ramona will have access.
What happens if my pet becomes ill or injured while I'm away?
Though this situation is rare. We would follow the emergency information provided on your forms and contact you immediately.
How do I request service or make scheduling changes?
Once you are registered with our company, you can book a reservation or notify us of a scheduling change by calling or texting us at (224) 300-0550 or e-mailing us at [email protected]. We are accessible seven days a week and we try to respond to your voicemail or e-mail inquiries within a few hours. If it's after our business hours and its not urgent or just questions, please expect contact within 24 hours.
Is it cost effective to retain the services of a professional pet sitter?
Absolutely. Consider the scope of in-home service that we provide: from customized care to meet your pet’s individual needs, administration of pet medication, mail pickup, plant watering, kitty-litter cleaning, rotation of lights and window shade adjustment to making sure that your pet is having fun and getting to play while you’re away. Also consider the unfortunate chance of an extra vet bill because of airborne illnesses contracted from a kennel stay. Please go to our BENEFIT link HERE.
Do you provide overnights or full day care?
We do not provide overnight care. Typically your pet will be sleeping and we don't feel that you need to be paying for this time. We feel that your pet will benefit more during wake time for play and exercise then having someone sleeping there while they are sleeping. We suggest that clients try 2-4 visits per day and in most cases this has worked out just great.
How are payments handled?
We request payment up front. When we do the initial consultation (Registration Visit) is the time you would be paying us. After you and your pet(s) are regular customers you can just give us a call and we can do your transaction over the phone or you may pay on our website also. We accept Cash, Debit and Credit Cards. (VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover) If you pay from our website, you may use our PayPal service also if you'd like. We’re sorry, checks are not accepted.
Do you charge a Holiday fee?
Please go to our rates page HERE to see our fees for Major Holidays; which are: New Years Eve, New Years Day, Memorial Day, Easter, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Eve, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
What is your non-holiday cancellation policy?
We understand that things happen that cause plans to change. We would appreciate at least a 72-hour notice for any cancellations or schedule changes. Once services are confirmed, we dedicate time to you and do not overbook. However, if you cancel 24 hours or less prior to the scheduled service date there will be a cancellation fee. Please go to our rates page HERE to see that fee. Appointment cancellations may be left on the company’s voice mail but e-mail and text message cancellations will not be considered an appointment cancellation. We are very sorry but there is no exceptions to this Cancellation/Reschedule of Appointment Policy.
What is your Holiday cancellation policy?
We understand that things happen that cause plans to change. The Holiday is a demanding time for our type of business. We book up fast. We would need a 7 Day notice for any cancellations or schedule changes over the Holiday times. Once services are confirmed, we dedicate time to you and do not overbook. However, if you cancel 7 Days or less prior to the scheduled service date there will be a cancellation fee. Please go to our rates page HERE to see that fee. Appointment cancellations may be left on the company’s voice mail but e-mail and text message cancellations will not be considered an appointment cancellation. We are very sorry but there is no exceptions to this Cancellation/Reschedule of Appointment Policy.
How are refunds and credits applied?
All refunds are credited to future services only.
Why do I have to call when I return home?
For safety reasons, we will continue to visit your pet until we have confirmation that you have arrived home If we have not heard from you regarding your return we will make a visit to ensure your pet's comfort and regular schedule are not disrupted and the appropriate charges for the visit will apply. No matter what time you arrive home, call us at (224) 300-0550 and tell us your back. If we don't answer or it is late, just leave a message.
What if I return earlier than expected?
Once we have scheduled, confirmed and started our assignment with your pet(s), a fee will apply to cancellations due to early return because we have set that time aside for your pet(s). In the event that you return home early, you will be charged full cost for scheduled assignments within 24 hours of your unscheduled return. Any remaining balance for early return cancellations will be credited to your account for future pet sitting needs.
What if I'm going to be late returning home?
Please contact us as soon as you know that your return date / time is going to change! We can accomodate extensions of service. We will visit as closely as possible to your pet's scheduled time, until your return. We can be reached via telephone (224) 300-0550.
What if my train/bus/flight is delayed and I can't contact you to let you know?
During our initial consultation, all clients agree to contact Pet Sitting by Ramona immediately upon their return home. This notifies us that your pets are again safely under your care. If we do not hear from you within 2 hours of your scheduled return time, we will assume that you have been delayed and will continue to provide care for your pets until you contact us and stop our visits. You will be billed for all extensions of service at the normal, agreed-upon rate.
Is Pet Sitting by Ramona Insured?
Yes. At the time of consultation Ramona can provide you a copy of the Certificate of Insurance.
Can you provide references?
Yes. Please just ask and Ramona will provide you with references and you can also see our testimonials on our web site.
Can I leave a tip for my pet sitter?
Tips are always appreciated for excellent service but are definitely not required! Please make sure to leave a note attached to the tip specifying that it is, in fact, a tip for services rendered!
Do you provide same-day service?
We will try to accommodate your last minute scheduling changes. Please note that same-day service requests will be subject to an additional service charge. Please go to our rates page HERE to see that fee.
Do you offer a referral discount?
Yes, when you refer a friend and they use us, you will receive a credit on your next booking. Please go to our referral page HERE to see. This is our gift to you for helping our business grow and showing the faith you have in us.
While there are many benefits to selecting a professional pet sitter from Pet Sitting by Ramona, the most important ones are knowing that the safety, comfort, and well-being of your pet are in reliable hands and your pet is able to enjoy the security of familiar surroundings. Other reasons are:
- Your pet is guaranteed individualized quality care with lots of love while you are away.
- Your pet’s stress and anxiety levels are kept to a minimum. This is particularly significant for older pets or pets with special needs.
- There is no disruption to your pet’s daily routine.
- Your pets are not exposed to other animals who may be sick.
- We provide enhanced security for your home and property and we take care of general housekeeping tasks, including bringing in the mail, watering your plants, putting out the trash, and rotating lights for safety.
What neighborhoods does Pet Sitting by Ramona service?
Algonquin
Barrington
Barrington Hills
South Barrington
Carpentersville
Crystal Lake
Dundee
Fox River Grove
Gilberts
Huntley
Lake in the Hills
Sleepy Hollow
What are some of the things a Professional Pet Sitting Service does?
- Fresh food and water on each visit
- Giving treats (if allowed)
- Taking out pets for a walk/potty break
- Cleaning up pet messes
- Playing with your pets
- Brushing and "light" grooming
- Maintaining litter pan
- Administering medications if necessary
- Diary of the visit
What are Ramona's qualifications?
Ramona has over 17 years experience working for animal shelters and a pet sitting service.
What animals do you accept?
We care for all breeds of dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, pocket pets, birds, fish, lizards, iguanas. Sorry no snakes.
What other services does Pet Sitting by Ramona provide?
- Daily dog walking
- Vacation care
- Medication administration
- Pet Taxi transportation to Veterinarian and dog/cat grooming appointments
Home care services that are also included with professional pet sitting:
- Mail and newspaper brought in
- Plant watering
- Alternating lights and blinds
- Security check (alarms)
- Place trash and recycling in proper bins
If there is a service you need provided and do not see it listed, do not hesitate to ask us how we can help.
What are your hours?
Pet Sitting by Ramona services are available 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Our office hours are 9am - 5pm Monday through Friday. We are practicing safe driving by not texting or returning phone calls while we drive. Your pet might be in the car with us. We may be transporting him or her to the groomer or a vet appointment. Additionally, we would like to focus all our attention on your pet’s needs when they are in our custody. Please leave a message and we will try to get back with you usually within a few hours.
Do I need to meet with you before service begins?
Yes, an initial consultation (Registration Visit) is needed before any service can begin. The Registration Visit will give us time to go over paperwork, tour your home, and discuss any details on pet and home care. There is a very small fee for this visit and is preferably done at least 48 hrs prior to the initial service. To see the rate for the Registration Visit click HERE.
I need more information on the Registration Visit?
The initial consultation (Registration Visit) is very important. This is when we meet you and your pet, this way everyone is comfortable before our service begins. At this time we will review the information you have provided to us in our forms and discuss any special needs or concerns you may have. You can introduce your pet's daily routine to us and for shy pets, you can show us their favorite hiding places and let us know any habits they may have and what to look for. We will go over any medical special needs, and learn where you store the food, toys, litter box and or leashes, etc. At this meeting you will sign a Service Contract, I will obtain TWO copies of your keys (an extra for emergency back up) and/or security code if necessary. This will be the time that the payment in full will be made. The meeting will take approximately 30-60 minutes. If keys are not provided at the consultation there will be a $15.00 key pick up fee. All keys are returned thru certified mail at a $10.00 charge paid upfront. There is a very small fee for the Registration Visit. To see the rate for the Registration Visit click HERE.
Do I have to give my professional pet sitter a key to my house?
Yes, we strongly recommend that you give your pet sitter a key (actually TWO keys - an extra for emergency back up) prior to the sitting assignment and that you test the key during the sitter’s initial meeting with you. Keyless entry “keypads/codes” can easily malfunction particularly with electrical outages and hidden keys are not always secure. For instance, you may move the key to a new location and accidentally forget to notify your pet sitter. Your key(s) will be stored in a secured fireproof safe at our office. They are coded with numbers to match the names in our database, so no names are attached to the keys for extra security. All keys are returned thru certified mail at a $10.00 charge paid upfront. We can also keep your key, at your request, for future use if you are using our service on a regular basis to eliminate extra charges and inconvenience.
How long in advance should I book?
Please contact us as soon as you know your travel plans. Many of our clients schedule months in advance. We will try our best to accommodate last minute reservations.
Do you have special pricing or packages?
Yes we do. Please go to this LINK to see our Special Packages for a great savings!
Do you administer medication?
We will administer vet prescribed medication only — pills, drops, transdermal or liquid medications at no additional charge. Insulin and IV fluid administration is an additional charge. See our rates HERE. We will not administer medication to any animal that poses a danger.
How much notice do I need when I make a reservation?
If you are a new client, the earlier you call the better because we must schedule an initial consultation which is called Registration Visit. A Meet and Greet before we start your service. Once you are an established client, a week in advance is typically enough time. However, if you need services for a holiday, please call or E-MAIL, to request service as far in advance as possible. Holidays book up very quickly, so please book early!
How many times a day should I have a professional pet sitter come visit my pets?
Many animal behavioral problems are the result of isolation, boredom and insufficient exercise. For your pet's comfort, it's best to have a minimum of two visits per day for dogs; but three visits would be ideal. One or two visits per day for cats are usually sufficient. Other pets, such as birds, fish, and other small animals will vary. Ferrets, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, Birds can be once a day. Reptiles can be every other day. Fish can be every 3 days.
My cat/dog/caged pet doesn't really need much care. I usually just leave them an extra big bowl of food and water. Will you come by every 2/3/4 days to change their food and water and check on them?
In our professional opinion, leaving any pet alone for two days (or more!), is not advised at all. Even if they have a Pet-Door. Animals are "social" creatures. Even with our best efforts to provide adequate food, water, etc, anything could happen to your pet while they are unsupervised. At the very least, your pet could become ill or injured, trapped in an area, their water could be spilled, someone could break in ... the negative possibilities are endless! For this reason, we are not willing to service dog households which request less than (2) visits per day and we are not willing to service cat and caged pet households which request less than (1) visit per day.
Is there an additional charge for more than one animal?
Please check out our rates HERE.
Will I receive a report of each pet visit or daily accounting of dog walks?
Yes. We prepare written notes regarding the date and time of the visit, your pet’s demeanor, health and any specific concerns you may have. Medications, feeding and other routine schedules are recorded so you are aware of what has been done and when.
Who will have access to my home?
At this time ONLY Ramona will have access.
What happens if my pet becomes ill or injured while I'm away?
Though this situation is rare. We would follow the emergency information provided on your forms and contact you immediately.
How do I request service or make scheduling changes?
Once you are registered with our company, you can book a reservation or notify us of a scheduling change by calling or texting us at (224) 300-0550 or e-mailing us at [email protected]. We are accessible seven days a week and we try to respond to your voicemail or e-mail inquiries within a few hours. If it's after our business hours and its not urgent or just questions, please expect contact within 24 hours.
Is it cost effective to retain the services of a professional pet sitter?
Absolutely. Consider the scope of in-home service that we provide: from customized care to meet your pet’s individual needs, administration of pet medication, mail pickup, plant watering, kitty-litter cleaning, rotation of lights and window shade adjustment to making sure that your pet is having fun and getting to play while you’re away. Also consider the unfortunate chance of an extra vet bill because of airborne illnesses contracted from a kennel stay. Please go to our BENEFIT link HERE.
Do you provide overnights or full day care?
We do not provide overnight care. Typically your pet will be sleeping and we don't feel that you need to be paying for this time. We feel that your pet will benefit more during wake time for play and exercise then having someone sleeping there while they are sleeping. We suggest that clients try 2-4 visits per day and in most cases this has worked out just great.
How are payments handled?
We request payment up front. When we do the initial consultation (Registration Visit) is the time you would be paying us. After you and your pet(s) are regular customers you can just give us a call and we can do your transaction over the phone or you may pay on our website also. We accept Cash, Debit and Credit Cards. (VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover) If you pay from our website, you may use our PayPal service also if you'd like. We’re sorry, checks are not accepted.
Do you charge a Holiday fee?
Please go to our rates page HERE to see our fees for Major Holidays; which are: New Years Eve, New Years Day, Memorial Day, Easter, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Eve, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
What is your non-holiday cancellation policy?
We understand that things happen that cause plans to change. We would appreciate at least a 72-hour notice for any cancellations or schedule changes. Once services are confirmed, we dedicate time to you and do not overbook. However, if you cancel 24 hours or less prior to the scheduled service date there will be a cancellation fee. Please go to our rates page HERE to see that fee. Appointment cancellations may be left on the company’s voice mail but e-mail and text message cancellations will not be considered an appointment cancellation. We are very sorry but there is no exceptions to this Cancellation/Reschedule of Appointment Policy.
What is your Holiday cancellation policy?
We understand that things happen that cause plans to change. The Holiday is a demanding time for our type of business. We book up fast. We would need a 7 Day notice for any cancellations or schedule changes over the Holiday times. Once services are confirmed, we dedicate time to you and do not overbook. However, if you cancel 7 Days or less prior to the scheduled service date there will be a cancellation fee. Please go to our rates page HERE to see that fee. Appointment cancellations may be left on the company’s voice mail but e-mail and text message cancellations will not be considered an appointment cancellation. We are very sorry but there is no exceptions to this Cancellation/Reschedule of Appointment Policy.
How are refunds and credits applied?
All refunds are credited to future services only.
Why do I have to call when I return home?
For safety reasons, we will continue to visit your pet until we have confirmation that you have arrived home If we have not heard from you regarding your return we will make a visit to ensure your pet's comfort and regular schedule are not disrupted and the appropriate charges for the visit will apply. No matter what time you arrive home, call us at (224) 300-0550 and tell us your back. If we don't answer or it is late, just leave a message.
What if I return earlier than expected?
Once we have scheduled, confirmed and started our assignment with your pet(s), a fee will apply to cancellations due to early return because we have set that time aside for your pet(s). In the event that you return home early, you will be charged full cost for scheduled assignments within 24 hours of your unscheduled return. Any remaining balance for early return cancellations will be credited to your account for future pet sitting needs.
What if I'm going to be late returning home?
Please contact us as soon as you know that your return date / time is going to change! We can accomodate extensions of service. We will visit as closely as possible to your pet's scheduled time, until your return. We can be reached via telephone (224) 300-0550.
What if my train/bus/flight is delayed and I can't contact you to let you know?
During our initial consultation, all clients agree to contact Pet Sitting by Ramona immediately upon their return home. This notifies us that your pets are again safely under your care. If we do not hear from you within 2 hours of your scheduled return time, we will assume that you have been delayed and will continue to provide care for your pets until you contact us and stop our visits. You will be billed for all extensions of service at the normal, agreed-upon rate.
Is Pet Sitting by Ramona Insured?
Yes. At the time of consultation Ramona can provide you a copy of the Certificate of Insurance.
Can you provide references?
Yes. Please just ask and Ramona will provide you with references and you can also see our testimonials on our web site.
Can I leave a tip for my pet sitter?
Tips are always appreciated for excellent service but are definitely not required! Please make sure to leave a note attached to the tip specifying that it is, in fact, a tip for services rendered!
Do you provide same-day service?
We will try to accommodate your last minute scheduling changes. Please note that same-day service requests will be subject to an additional service charge. Please go to our rates page HERE to see that fee.
Do you offer a referral discount?
Yes, when you refer a friend and they use us, you will receive a credit on your next booking. Please go to our referral page HERE to see. This is our gift to you for helping our business grow and showing the faith you have in us.
Call Us !
224-300-0550
Pet Sitting by Ramona ♥ P. O. Box 7333 ♥ Algonquin, IL 60102
Website created by: Heart to Heart Life Coaching LLC / for website design CLICK HERE
224-300-0550
Pet Sitting by Ramona ♥ P. O. Box 7333 ♥ Algonquin, IL 60102
Website created by: Heart to Heart Life Coaching LLC / for website design CLICK HERE