Q: Are you bonded and insured?

A: Yes. We are a fully bonded and insured. Joseph Giannini serves as the Illinois State Ambassador for Pet Sitters International.

Q: What type of payment do you accept and when am I charged?

A: We except Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and Checks. We expect payment to be made on the last visit day of each week.

Q: Will my dog receive individualized attention?

A: Absolutely. We pride ourselves in guaranteeing that your dog (s) will receive the best quality individualized attention.

Q: Do you have boarding facilities?

A: Yes! Although we believe in in-home care whenever possible, we understood that some dogs just can’t stay alone for extended periods of time. We opened Urban Out Sitters Daycare and Home-Like Boarding center located at 161 N Halsted Street in the West Loop. Additionally, we have pet care providers who can remain at your home should you need to leave town for an extended period of time. Please telephone us at (312) 651-7387 for more information regarding this service.

Q: How long is each service?

A: We guarantee our dog care service to be 30 minutes long. How that time is spent will be determined in your meet and greet session. Length of our other pet services depends on the type of pet being cared for.

Q: How long have you been pet sitting?

A: We have been pet sitting since 1999.

Q: What if I need an emergency pet care service?

A: Ideally, we request that you schedule with us at least 24 hours in advance. However, for requests that are 48 hours or less, subject to availability, we charge a $5 surcharge plus the standard charge for the service being provided. For example, if you need a 30 minute dog walking service, the total charge would be $17 ($12 for the walk and $5 for the surcharge).

Q: Are there extra costs for services performed on a holiday?

A: We consider the following to be our major annual holidays: New Years Day, Labor Day, 4th of July, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Eve. There is a $10 surcharge plus the standard charge for the service being provided on these dates. There is no refund for cancellation on Holidays.

Q: Are there a minimum amount of services that I must order?

A: Because our goal is to establish a consistent, long lasting and healthy relationship between your pet(s) and our walker/pet care provider, we ask that you commit to 3 days a week minimum.

Q: Can you describe your hiring process?

A: Our pet care providers go through an extensive screening process before becoming an Urban Pet Care Provider. After successfully interviewing with our owners, the candidates must pass a background check and drug screen. Upon passing the background check and drug screen, our sitters then attend our orientation program. The program is designed to underscore home security, safety for your pet, and our quality standards.

Q. Why is there a “meet and greet"?

A: The meet and greet is a visit that allows you to get to know our company . During this visit, we will perform the following tasks: introduce ourselves to you and your pet, pick up keys, confirm pertinent information about you and your pet (e.g. vet information, emergency contact, special requests, etc.), and answer any additional questions you may have.

Q. My pet has been aggressive in the past - can she still be a client?

A: For aggressive pets, our owners will interview you and your pet, in person, to determine if there is a good fit between your pet and our services. There is no charge for this visit. If additional visits are needed to socialize your pet with our pet care provider, then you will need to be present at all visits and pay the normal service fee until socialized. If at any time our pet sitter or owners feel that it is unsafe to perform a service, we will reserve the right to discontinue service without notice.

Q. Can you give my pet his medicine?

A: Yes, what kind of service would we provide if your pets needs are not met. We can administer pills, give insulin injections, IV Fluids, eye drops and other services can be provided. An additional $5 for injections will apply.

Q. How do I drop off or pick up house keys?

A: Two copies of all keys required to access your home (and pet!) should be given to our pet care providers during the "meet and greet" session. If you are giving newly copied keys, we ask that you MAKE CERTAIN TO TEST ALL KEYS TO SEE THAT THEY WORK before giving them to the pet care provider. Normally, we keep keys secure in our offices. If you wish to have your keys picked up or dropped off there is a $10 fee for each service. You are always welcome to bring your keys to our office or leave them in case of an emergency. We also offer lockout services for $35 we will deliver your keys to you if you are locked out of your home. After midnight add an additional $40 for this service, NO EXCEPTIONS.

Q. What if my dog doesn't like a leash?

A: As it is a city ordinance to have all dogs on leashes when in a public area and for the safety of your pet, Urban Out Sitters will always have your pet leashed. This strict rule includes parks that do not have fences and are not pet friendly. Only in yards or parks with secure fences, will our sitters allow your pet to be without a leash.

Q. How will your pet providers discipline my pet, if necessary?

A: Urban Out Sitters believes in positive reinforcement for pets. We will never hit, spank, slap, yank the leash, yell or grab your pet. If there is a disciplinary problem, i.e. toilet training issues, running away, etc., you will be informed of the incident(s) and we will implement your suggested disciplinary actions.

Q. What are your service areas?

A: Please see our map.