FAQs and Policies

frequently asked questions

Why use a professional pet sitter?

Your pet(s) can stay in familiar surroundings while being cared for by a professional, insured pet sitter who will make sure they get cuddles, snuggles and belly rubs. Maintaining your pet’s usual schedule is easy to do and will greatly reduce the amount of stress your pet(s) might have in your absence. Boarding facilities such as doggie day cares can be traumatic for pets who aren’t used to being in such facilities. They can become overstimulated, they are exposed to possible illnesses, and due to the amount of pets at the facility, your pet(s) may not get the attention he needs. In addition to caring for your pet(s), a professional pet sitter will take care of your home by bringing in mail, rotating lights, closing blinds, etc. If there’s a problem in your home, your pet sitter will notify you. Overall, you will have peace of mind knowing your pets and your home are safe.

Is Laughing Pets Atlanta insured and bonded?

Yes, Laughing Pets Atlanta is insured and bonded by The Business Insurers of the Carolinas. Certificate of Coverage available upon request.

What types of pets do you care for?

Our clients include dogs, cats, birds, chickens, turtles, rabbits, lizards and snakes. We are open to caring for any pet you have.

How do I sign up for a service if I'm a new client?

To get started, click on any button that says “get started” whether you are on your phone or desktop. You will be directed to our system to fill out some preliminary information. If you have a question, you can go to the “contact us” page or contact us directly at karen@laughingpetsatlanta.com.

How do I schedule or cancel services?

The most efficient way to request or cancel visits is through the app. In the app, click schedule and you’ll get the option to schedule new visits or to cancel/change existing visits. The rest is intuitive but you can contact me for further instruction. Download the app from Google Play or Apple App Store. Or you can go to our website at www.laughingpetsatlanta.com and click on existing client.

Are you paperless?

Yes! We are paperless. All information is stored in our online pet sitting software, Time to Pet. Your care provider can access your profile from a phone app. Using Time to Pet you can request visits, pay invoices, update your profile and communicate with us. There is nothing in our cars or on our person which would link back to your home. Download the app from Google Play or Apple App Store.

Why is a consultation needed?

The “meet and greet” gives us the opportunity to meet you and your pet(s) as well as learning the house rules. It’s a great time for you to get to know us and ask questions. In addition it gives us an opportunity to clarify any questions we have about your instructions. The initial consultation is free and is required prior to the first service. Additional meetings will be a charge of $20. At the meet and great, please be prepared to show rabies vaccination records, provide your sitter with two sets of keys and determine a place for the lockbox.

How are keys handled?

The safety of your home is a top priority for us. Laughing Pets Atlanta requires TWO working keys, no exception. If two copies are not provided, we reserve the right to make the necessary copies at the client’s expense. One key is to be kept in a lockbox at your home and the other is in our office. Lockboxes will be provided for a fee of $15 which will be invoiced. You are not required to put the lockbox on your door. We are happy to work with you to determine the best place to put it. Keys must be provided at the initial consultation.

If you request that we return your keys or pick up keys at your home, a $25 fee is required. The same charge applies if we have to go to our office to pick up a key in the event that the lockbox isn’t accessible.

If you live in a gated community, you must provide a gate card, remote or access codes. We will not access your home via the leasing office, calling you or by receiving access through a concierge.

For the safety of your home, no keys will be mailed by regular mail or hidden outside. Keys are marked with pet names only and there are no paper records that would ever connect your key to your home.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellation policies vary slightly based on the type of service. View policies below.

How do I make payment?

Payment is due at the time of service unless otherwise agreed upon. We accept all major credit cards, cash and checks. Invoices can be made through the client Time to Pet phone app or on your computer.

Should I tip my care provider?

Gratuity is not required, but it is always appreciated when you choose to recognize the dedication and care that your care provider offers to you, your pet(s) and your home. Your care provider will receive 100% of the gratuity. You can tip on an invoice that is paid (for tips after completion of service) or not paid from the app under “invoices.” If we are charging your card monthly, there’s an option to add a recurring tip that we will apply to each invoice.

My pet requires medication. Can your care provider administer meds?

Yes, care providers are educated in dispensing oral medications, transdermal medications as well as injections. There is no additional charge for dispensing medications of any kind.

How much advance notice do you require?

There is no such thing as booking a service “too early!” We are happy to accept last-minute requests as our schedule can accommodate. There are no additional charges. However, if you aren’t a current client, we must have a consultation prior to any service.

Do you work holidays?

Absolutely! We work on the holidays so that you can enjoy time with friends and family. Holiday fees are added to each visit.

What happens during inclement weather?

Your pet’s safety is our top priority. In the event of extreme weather, we may modify the time we spend outdoors and then enjoy indoor playtime for the remainder of the visit. Please be sure to have a towel out so we can clean muddy, wet paws.

Policies

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Payment Policies

Laughing Pets Atlanta accepts credit cards, checks and cash as payment. Checks can be written to: Laughing Pets Atlanta, LLC. Payment is due prior to the beginning of any services scheduled unless otherwise agreed upon by Laughing Pets Atlanta. Past due balances will incur a late charge of $25 will continue to be accrued monthly until the balance is paid in full.

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Cancellation policies for non holiday services

Dog Walking and Pet Sitting: We understand that plans can change. We don’t charge for cancellations with adequate notice. However, cancellations made after 8pm the night before the visit will be charged full price of the visit.

Overnight Services: Laughing Pets Atlanta is limited in the amount of overnights that can be scheduled and when this service is booked, LPA may turn down other overnight requests. Clients will be required to pay a 50% deposit within 3 days of booking to guarantee service. The remaining balance must be paid prior to the first date of service.

There will be a full refund of deposit if overnight visits are cancelled with 2-week notice. However, if the overnight services are cancelled with less than 2-week notice, the deposit will be forfeited. Services cancelled due to early returns must give 24-hour notice to receive a 50% refund for services that were not completed.

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Payment and Cancellation Policies for Holiday Services

Holiday Overnight Services and Pet Sitting Visits: Clients will be asked to pay in full within 3 days of booking all services in order to guarantee holiday service. Laughing Pets Atlanta is limited in the amount of overnights and pet sitting services that can be scheduled and when booked, Laughing Pets Atlanta may turn down other requests.

Cancellations within 6-weeks will receive a 100% refund. There will be a 50% refund of deposit if services are cancelled with 3-week notice. If cancellation occurs with less than 3-week notice, there is no refund of the deposit. For early returns, no refunds or credits will be issued.

Holiday surcharges for pet sitting visits and overnight pet sitting will apply for all services.

Holidays include: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Memorial Day Weekend, Easter Sunday, Independence Day Weekend, Labor Day Weekend, Thanksgiving Break, Christmas/Winter Holiday Season