What are your qualifications?

Grandma Dee’s Pet Care (GDPC) is accredited through the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters. We are also fully insured, including property damage and theft through Pet Sitters Associates, LLC. All GDPC pet-sitters are Independent Contractors (Associates) who have passed a knowledge and skills test created by Andee Rivera (Grandma Dee) and have proven their love of animals and commitment to our standard of honesty and highest quality service. All have passed criminal background checks. And all and have taken certified pet first aid courses and are fully insured. Grandma Dee’s has a certificate in Dog Training and Pet First-Aid.

What is “Meet 'n Greet?”

A Meet and Greet is the initial meeting between GDPC, you and your pet. Most importantly, it allows you to meet your Grandma Dee’s Pet Care pet-sitter, and to see if our service is right for you. It also allows the sitter to interact with your pet in your presence, which is important when deciding which service is right for you!

How do I know when the sitter is at my home, and if my pet is safe?

Your GDPC Associate will leave a detailed note on his or her visit, along with the time of the visit. If a daily call would make you feel more secure, just ask. We aim to provide you with a personalized pet-sitting service, curtailed to your every need!

Who will visit or walk my pet?

             Pet sitting visits are done by me, Grandma Dee (Andee Rivera), Grandpa Joe (Joe Rivera) or one of our highly qualified Associates. Any one of us may fulfill the responsibilities set forth in the service agreement. GDPC reserves the right to deny service or terminate service for any reason, but especially in the case of safety concerns, financial concerns, unsanitary conditions, or inappropriate or uncomfortable situations.

What time of the day/evening do you come and see my pet?

             We try to keep your pet(s) on the same schedule as you do, within reason. We service other pets and set our schedules based on the pets’ needs. We ask for a two-hour time window to make visits in. For example, if you wanted a morning and an evening visit, you might request between 7-9 am and 7-9 pm as a time window. If your pet only gets two visits per day, then visits are no more than 12 hours apart. If they get three or more visits per day, then we have more flexibility in the time frames.

Will my dog be walked with other dogs, like I see on TV?

             For the safety and security of your dog, we do not walk your dog with other clients' dogs. Each client gets their own specified walk time where we care only for their pet. It is also our policy not to let the dogs in our custody go up to other dogs, while we are out. This prevents any kind of sudden mishap between them and any transmission of illness or parasite. Maximum two dogs walked at one time.

Should my pet become ill while I'm gone, do you take them to the vet?

             During our Meet & Greet, we will request your vet’s information and authorization from you to take them to your vet in your absence. Your GDPC Sitter/Walker keeps your preferred veterinary information with them at all times during visits and will transport your pet to your vet, if we feel it is absolutely necessary. Of course, we would try to reach you first; but should we be unsuccessful, that would not prohibit us from taking them for treatment. Our priority is your pets' health and well being at all times.

Do you carry liability insurance, and are your sitters bonded?

             Yes, each member of GDPC is fully insured by Evanston Insurance Company, purchased through our membership with Pet Sitters Associates, LLC. Our insurance coverage includes theft and property damage. We are also proud members of the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, Professional United Pet Sitters, and United States Humane Society.

Once I'm a client, how far in advance do I need to book service?

             We ask you to book as far in advance as possible to guarantee availability, but if we are available with less than 24-48 hours notice, we will accommodate your request. We do charge a last minute booking fee of $15.00. Holiday bookings should be a minimum of two (2) weeks in advance in order to secure a reservation. Holidays include: New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve. Holiday fee is an additional $15.00.

What is your cancellation policy?

             Daily Walks: Cancellation of regularly scheduled daily visits must be given by 7:30 a.m. for credit toward next scheduled visit(s) or you will be charged as usual. All Other Visits/Services: Require a 48-hour notice of cancellation. Less than 48 hours notice will result in Client being charged a 20% cancellation fee.

How do I pay?

All services are paid in advance. If your reservation is for more than a month away, a deposit of 50% of total payment due is required to hold your reservation. The remainder must be received on or prior to the start of contracted service. You may pay by check, cash or credit/debit card through Quicken Merchant Services. Gratuities are never expected but always appreciated for exceptional service.