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Cat in Basket

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to our 'Frequently Asked Questions' page.

We know how important your pets are to you, and we want to make sure you feel confident in our services.  This FAQ's section answers some of the most common questions we get asked.  If you're unable to find what you're looking for, please reach out to us by completing the 'contact us' form

Frequently Asked Questions?

  • Do I need to register before I can make a booking?
    No, you won't need to register prior to booking a sitting service with us. All you need to do is complete the booking form, or make an enquiry by filling out our contact form, or alternatively, you can send us an email. Once we confirm your booking, we will then register you. We offer a convenient and combined registration and key collection service for all our pet sitting appointments. While this service incurs a nominal fee of £15*, it ensures a seamless experience for both you and your pet. *We waiver this charge for repeat customers. Our combined registration and key collection service includes: Secure key retrieval: Our experienced team ensures the safe retrieval of your keys. We kindly request a spare set of unused keys, which will be checked during our visit. This precautionary measure allows us to avoid any last minute call outs to a locksmith during your absence (this is time consuming and costly!) Professional handling: Your keys are handled with the utmost care and professionalism throughout the entire process. They will be covered under our insurance and are kept in a secure safe, with no name tag in sight. Detailed Instructions: We carefully note specific instructions regarding your pet's care, emergency procedures and your household's management and security.
  • How do I make a booking?
    Booking is simple and convenient, with minimal fuss. You can make a reservation by filling out our Booking Form, or by sending us an email. We'll get back to you promptly to confirm your booking, and at the same time we'll ask you for further details about your pet's care, including any special instructions or additional services you may require.
  • What are your payment arrangements?
    After confirming your booking, you'll receive an invoice detailing our service and a full break down of our pricing. For your convenience, we offer payments via bank transfer, PayPal or cash (for in-person transactions). If we confirm a booking with more than 7 day's notice, we kindly request 50% payment to secure your reservation, with the remaining balance due 72 hours prior to your scheduled service. If we confirm a booking with less than 7 days' notice, we kindly request the full amount to be paid. Please note that due to high demand for our service and to ensure fairness to all our customers, once we send an invoice, your booking will be held for 24 hours. In the event that payment is not received within this period, we will make contact with you to inquire about your intentions before releasing the booking to accommodate other customers. Make your reservation today by completing our Booking Form, or by sending us an email.
  • What is your cancellation policy?
    We understand that plans can change. However, to ensure the best service for all our customers, we have the following cancellation policy; Cancellations made 48 hours or more before the scheduled appointment will receive a full refund. Cancellations made 24-48 hours before the scheduled appointment will be charged 50% of the full service fee. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the scheduled appointment will be charged 100% of the full service fee.
  • Do you charge a registration or booking fee?
    We do not charge a booking fee! We offer a convenient and combined registration and key collection service. While this service incurs a nominal fee of £15*, it ensures a seamless experience for both you and your pet. *We waiver this charge for repeat customers. Our combined registration and key collection service includes: Secure key retrieval: Our experienced team ensures the safe retrieval of your keys. We kindly request a spare set of unused keys, which will be checked during our visit. This precautionary measure allows us to avoid any last minute call outs to a locksmith during your absence (this is time consuming and costly!) Professional handling: Your keys are handled with the utmost care and professionalism throughout the entire process. They will be covered under our insurance and are kept in a secure safe, with no name tag in sight. Detailed Instructions: We carefully note specific instructions regarding your pet's care, emergency procedures and your household's management and security.
  • What are your fees for pet sitting?
    Our prices are clearly listed on our 'Prices' page and on the individual 'Services' pages. If you have any questions about pricing or need a custom quote, please feel free to reach out to us by completing the 'Contact Us' form or emailing us.
  • What forms of payment do you accept?
    We accept a variety of payment methods, including: Bank Transfers PayPal Cash (for in-person transactions) Payment details will be provided during the booking process.
  • Are there any additional fees? (e.g. extra pets etc.)
    In general, our prices cover the full cost of the service provided. However, there may be additional fees for certain circumstances, such as: Caring for multiple pets Travel fees if located outside of our regular service area Holiday or weekend bookings Charges for shopping for extra supplies Vet visits We believe in full transparency when it comes to pricing, so there are no nasty surprises waiting for you. Any potential extra fees are clearly listed in the individual 'Services' pages, and the 'Fees' page. Feel free to reach out to us if you are unsure about anything.
  • Do you accept last minute bookings?
    If you have a last-minute request, feel free to reach out, and we'll do our best to accommodate your request.
  • Are you an online platform?
    No! We are neither an online platform nor a franchise. Lyons Pride Pet Sitting is a family run business that provides its own pet sitting services using its own staff that have been fully vetted, DBS checked and insured. An online pet sitting platform is different in that it acts as an intermediary between pet owners and pet sitters. The platform itself does not provide direct services but facilitates connections - anyone can add their services to an online pet sitting platform. Although using an online pet sitting platform might appear convenient and cheaper, it's important to conduct your own research on aspects like trustworthy reviews, background checks and insurance, as your contract or agreement is directly with your selected pet sitter, not the platform itself. Remember! your pets wellbeing is paramount. Book with a credible family run business like Lyons Pride Pet Sitting.
  • Why should I choose Lyons Pride Pet Sitting?
    At Lyons Pride Pet Sitting, we offer a personal touch and genuine love for animals - we treat each of your animals as if they were our own! We also believe in consistency, stability and familiarity for your pet, as this helps them feel safe and secure - that is why you will always have the same person visit your pet. You will also benefit from the following services: Included in our service is comprehensive Pet Sitting Insurance - this means we are safeguarding your pets, our Team, and your property throughout the time in our care. Everyone in our Team is fully vetted and DBS checked. Our Team are certified in pet First Aid, ensuring your pet's safety and wellbeing at all times. We are available 365 days a year, providing reliable care whenever you need it, including Bank Holidays, weekends, Xmas and New Year. We offer an easy online booking service, allowing you to schedule your pet's care quickly and effortlessly from the comfort of your own home. With every booking that requires a house visit for the purpose of feeding your pet, we provide a complimentary household management and security service. We provide photo and video updates so that you can stay connected with your pet while you're away. For travelling customers whose return home is delayed, we'll continue to provide care for your pet. We are fully transparent with our prices, so you will not be hit with any nasty surprises.
  • Will you water my plants?
    Yes, if we're carrying out a house visits for the purpose of feeding your pet, we're happy to water up to 15 houseplants or garden plants. We would kindly ask that they're all moved into one area, to make it easier for us to access and care for them during our visits.
  • Do you offer overnight pet sitting?
    At the moment, we don't offer overnight pet sitting as a standard service. However, we understand that some pets may need extra care, and we're open to discussing special arrangements based on your pet's needs. Please feel free to reach out, and we can explore possible solutions together!
  • Do you offer services on weekends and holidays?
    Yes, we are available 365 days a year, providing reliable care whenever you need it, including Bank Holidays, weekends, Xmas and New Year.
  • What areas do you cover?
    We cover a number of local areas in South East London, and are currently exploring opportunities to expand our services beyond our primary coverage area. We currently cover the following areas: SE3 Blackheath, Kidbrooke and Westcombe Park SE7 Charlton SE8 Deptford (postcodes starting SE8 3....) SE9 Kidbrooke, Shooters Hill, Eltham & New Eltham SE10 Greenwich, Maze Hill & Greenwich Peninsula SE16 Welling As we continue to expand, we want to ensure that we can accommodate as many requests as possible. Although we are not yet operational in all areas, we are more than happy to consider requests outside our standard service area. While we work towards serving a wider area, the following additional charges will be added to account for extra travel and logistical arrangements: 45p per mile outside our normal range (to cover fuel, maintenance, and wear and tear). A surcharge of extra travel time, calculated at £10 per hour. We fairly and proportionally base on actual travel time, not by the hour. Tolls and Parking fees will be charged, if applicable. *We calculate for a return journey using google maps. For an accurate quote and reservation, please complete either our Booking Form or Contact Us Form, or send us an email.
  • How far in advance should I book?
    To ensure availability, we recommend booking as far ahead in advance as possible, especially during busy periods like bank holidays, weekends or school holidays as these periods tend to fill up pretty quick. Ideally, try to book with at least several weeks notice. However, if you have a last-minute request, feel free to reach out, and we'll do our best to accommodate your request.
  • How long are your visits?
    The length of our visits depends on the type of service you're booking. Please visit the individual 'Services' pages for more information.
  • What should I do to prepare my home for your visits?
    To make sure your pet has everything they need when you're not there, we provide a complete checklist and guidance sheet during our registration visit. By following our checklist, you can be confident that your home and pet are fully prepared for our visit!
  • What happens if staff fall ill?
    We understand that some circumstances are unavoidable and staff do from time to time get ill. As highly trained professionals we can share bookings seamlessly within our team, so regardless of which team member attends, your pet will continue to receive the same level of care.
  • Do you have Insurance?
    Yes, we are fully insured to give you peace of mind while your pet is in our care. Our Insurance covers any unexpected incidents or damages that may occur during our services, allowing you to trust us with confidence. If you'd like more details about our coverage, feel free to ask!
  • What references can you provide?
    We can provide references from a variety of satisfied customers who have used our services. These references can attest to the reliability, professionalism and care we offer. We can also provide written testimonials highlighting specific experiences and positive feedback. We want you to experience our service first hand, so while a reference is valuable , the best way to truly gauge the quality of our service is by encouraging you to book a sitting with us to see the care and professionalism we offer. This allows you to directly observe our approach and ensure it meets your individual expectations.
  • What experience do you have?
    Our Team is made up of reliable pet lovers, who have years of experience and a shared commitment to providing top quality care. We carefully select our team members, ensuring they have the right mix of hands-on experience and a deep love for animals. This ensures that each member brings the skills necessary to provide top quality pet sitting and dog walking, as well as being a dedicated animal lover. When you choose us, you're trusting a team who understands just how important your pet is. We work together with you, to make sure that your pet is safe, happy and treated with the same love and respect we'd give our own.
  • Are the sitters DBS checked?
    Yes, all of our team undergo a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check when they join us. This ensures they have a clean criminal record and are credible and trustworthy.
  • What do you do in the case of extreme weather (e.g. heat, storms)?
    For visits that require your pet to leave the house, we would, for the safety of your pet and our sitters, typically avoid walking during severe weather conditions like thunderstorms, or extreme heat as it can be dangerous for your pet. If a storm occurs during the scheduled walk, we'll prioritize your pet's safety by delaying the walk or offering indoor playtime and bathroom breaks instead, although we'll keep you informed if this happens. We prioritise the safety of both your pets and our team, so if conditions are deemed dangerous, we may delay or reschedule our visit. Rest assured, we will keep you informed of any changes and ensure your pet's needs are met as soon as it is safe to do so.
  • Do you provide updates on my pet during your visits?
    Yes, absolutely! We understand how important it is to stay connected with your pet while you're away, so we are happy to provide updates, photos and videos. These will be sent via WhatsApp, iMessage or email. We communicate once daily, although we will discuss your preferred frequency and method of communication during your registration visit.
  • How long do you spend on each visit?
    The length of our visits depends on the type of service you're booking. Please visit the specific 'Services' pages for more information.
  • What time will you schedule to visit my pet?
    Our pet sitting service operates between 9:00am and 7:00pm, but we may at times work outside these hours. We aim to schedule visits around your pet's usual routine to minimise disruption. When booking, you can let us know your preferred time slots for feeding, walks, or playtime, and we'll do our best to accommodate. Visits are typically grouped into morning, midday or evening timeframes, but we'll confirm the exact time of your pet's visit based on availability and your specific needs. A few points to note: We are unable to offer an 'ad hoc' (alternate days) service for customers that are away for more than 24 hours. We will plan our route in the most efficient manner and prioritise visits around Pet(s) on medication, or those that have special dietary needs. Although we try and stick to the same schedule each day, we are unable to guarantee specific visiting times.
  • Do I have the same pet sitter on every visit?
    Yes, our goal is to provide the same dedicated sitter on every visit, however due to unforeseen circumstances this may be unavoidable. There may also be times during very busy periods that may necessitate the need for a different team member to visit. As highly trained and trusted professionals, we are able to seamlessly share bookings between us, so regardless of which team member attends, your pet will continue to receive the same level of care and attention.
  • Can you administer medication to my pet?
    Yes, we can administer medication to your pet if it has been prescribed by a vet. Our team is experienced in various methods to ensure they receive their medication safely and stress free. We can gently administer pills directly into your pet's mouth if they are comfortable with this method, or if you provide pill assist treats this will make it much easier for us and your pet. We can use a syringe or dropper to administer medication too, as well as applying topical medications to your pets skin. We are not trained to administer injections. Please remember that your pet may not always come when called. There are some gentle strategies we use such as treats and toys, to create a positive association with medication time, being quiet and speaking softly if they are in a hiding spot and trying to administer medication when they are naturally more inclined to come out for food. If none of these work, we will contact you to discuss the best way to proceed.
  • What happens if my pet becomes ill while I'm away?
    Firstly, we hope this never happens! All our sitters are first aid trained, so can treat minor injuries and accidents, but can also perform life-saving treatments such as animal CPR. Our sitters are equipped with pet first aid kits, so they're fully prepared in the unlikely event of a minor injury, that would not require a visit to the vets. If your pet is unwell, we will reach out to you immediately (or your emergency contact if you are unreachable) and agree on how to proceed. We will invoke the 'vet release form' that you completed during our initial registration visit, and on your behalf seek veterinary care for your pet at your local registered practice. If we are unable to get hold of you or your emergency contact, and we feel that it is in your pets best interest to be seen by a vet, we will act as your representative and take them to the vet. The vet will then decide on how best to care for your pet. We will keep you fully informed every step of the way. Payment of vet fees related to the care of your cat are your responsibility and need to be arranged directly with the practice.
  • Are you trained in Animal first aid?
    Yes, all our staff are trained in Animal First Aid. We understand that emergencies can happen, and we are prepared to respond quickly. We can treat minor injuries and accidents, but also perform life-saving treatments such as animal CPR. Our sitters carry pet first aid kits, so they're fully prepared to treat any minor injuries, that do not require a visit to the vet.
  • Can you care for puppies, kittens or senior pets?
    Yes, we can care for puppies, kittens and senior pets, but only once puppies are fully house-trained and kittens are consistently using the litter tray.
  • How do you handle pets that are shy or anxious around strangers?
    We take a calm and patient approach, allowing your pet to warm up to us at their own pace, rather than forcing interaction - this helps create a safe and comfortable environment and helps make them feel secure. As you know your pet best, we would always follow your guidance to make them feel more at ease.
  • Can I leave detailed care instructions for my pet?
    Detailed instructions must be exchanged at the key collection and registration visit. Our goal is to provide the best experience for both you and your pet, so if you forget something or have any last minute care instructions for your pet, these can be left inside your home or sent to us via email and we will do our best to follow them closely.
  • Do you require pets to be vaccinated?
    For the safety and wellbeing of all pets in our care, it is important that your pet is vaccinated. Ensuring your pet is up to date with their vaccines will help us protect the other animals we look after and prevent the spread of disease. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us.
  • Will you clean up after my pet if they have an accident indoors?
    Yes, provided you supply cleaning products for this purpose, we are happy to clean up after your pet if they have an accident indoors - we will also document this in our Accident Book and provide a copy to you. Please note that while we will do our best to clean up, we are not professional cleaners. We cannot guarantee that furniture, carpets, or other surfaces will be restored to their original condition and will not be held liable for any damage caused by your pet, or by the cleaning process.
  • What do you do during a typical visit?
    During a typical visit, we focus on making sure your pet is comfortable, happy and well cared for. Our visits generally include: Feeding and providing fresh water. For dogs, we provide walks, toilet breaks and waste clean up. For cats and other small pets, we maintain clean litter boxes, cages or enclosures. We engage in play or provide a walk for exercise. Plenty of cuddles and attention. A quick health check. We keep an eye out for any signs of illness or discomfort. Accommodate any special requests, such as administering medication. For a complete breakdown of what each visits entails, please visit the specific 'Services' page for your pet.
  • Can you accommodate special requests for my pet?
    Our goal is to provide the best experience for your pet, so feel free to share any details or preferences with us, and we'll do our best to follow your instructions closely.
  • Can you give my pet treats or follow certain training routines?
    Yes, we're happy to give your pet treats and continue with the training routines you have in place. We understand the importance of consistency, especially when it comes to reward training. Simply let us know during the registration visit what treats your pet enjoys, as well as the commands or routines you'd like us to follow.
  • Can you administer flea/tick treatments?
    Yes, we can administer flea and tick treatment to your pet, provided we have clear instructions to follow, have your consent and it is a treatment that your pet is used to, with no previously known reactions.
  • What happens if my dog bolts?
    While we hope this never happens, owners must be aware of the risks involved with walking off-lead, as dogs can bolt even if they have good recall! This can put them at risk of injury, loss or even loss of life. Owners who are comfortable with their dog walking off lead need to sign our off-lead consent form. Owners who sign this form are also provided with a 'Lost Dog' guidance sheet that is packed with information on what they can do if their dog bolts in our care. If your dog bolts while we are out walking off lead, we would; Use a positive recall command. Ask for help from others in the vicinity. Walk along our usual route, calling the dog's name. Alert you, as the owner, as soon as possible. If you are not available, we may notify your emergency contact. Stay nearby for as long as practicably possible. We would never chase after your dog, as this could compromise the safety of other dogs in our care. Your dog might also interpret being chased as a game. If you are not reunited with your dog, we are happy to help put up posters on our walks.
  • Do you visit in a company vehicle?
    All our staff wear branded company t-shirts so you can identify them as part of our trusted team, but arrive in unmarked vehicles or on foot. This is to ensure that our pet sitting visits are conducted discreetly, as we understand the importance of maintaining the security of your property while caring for your pet.
  • How do you ensure the safety and wellbeing of my pet?
    We have a well thought out plan to ensure the safety and wellbeing of your pet. 1. We have a clear emergency plan that includes; Vet care. We keep details on your pets regular vet as well as information on the nearest 24 hour emergency practice. We hold Emergency Contact Information while you're away. We carry Pet First Aid Kits on every visit, in case of minor injuries that do not require a visit to the vet. We are fully aware of any medication your pet takes. Natural disasters. In the unlikely event your pet is unable to remain at home because of a natural disaster, we would make arrangements with a temporary boarding facility. We hold contact information for reliable locksmiths in all the areas we cover, should we be unable to gain access to your property. We would get prior approval from you to use this service, if necessary. We carry an incident book on every visit and document any minor incidents, making a copy available to you. 2. We have a clear wellbeing plan that includes; Health and behaviour monitoring – we will closely observe your pet's behaviour for any signs of distress or unusual changes and communicate them back to you. If there are signs of illness, we will follow our procedures for "What happens if my pet becomes ill while I'm away"? If your pet is not present when we visit (this mainly refers to cats), or hiding and won't come when called, we will look at other relevant indicators such as eating, drinking and toilet habits.
  • Key Collection / Drop Off
    Key Collection We offer a convenient and combined registration and key collection service for our pet sitting appointments. While this service incurs a nominal fee of £15*, it ensures a seamless experience for both you and your pet. *We waiver this charge for repeat customers. Our combined registration and key collection service includes: Secure key retrieval: Our experienced team ensures the safe retrieval of your keys. We kindly request a spare set of unused keys, which will be checked during our visit. This precautionary measure allows us to avoid any last minute call outs to a locksmith during your absence. Professional handling: Your keys are handled with the utmost care and professionalism throughout the entire process. They will be covered under our insurance and are kept in a secure place, with no name tag in sight. Key Drop Off We do not like to leave keys at your property on our last visit as this could pose security breaches, and in the rare event that your return is delayed, we would be unable to help. You are more than welcome to collect your keys directly from us, or if you would like to arrange a key drop off, this will incur a fee of £10.
  • How do you keep my keys safe?
    Your keys are handled with the utmost care and professionalism throughout the entire process. We do not label keys with identifiable information. We use a tag with an assigned unique number and separate digital record which can only be accessed via personal log-on and password. All the keys in our care are stored securely and covered under our insurance.
  • What happens if there are problems with my keys and you are unable to access my property?
    We would reach out to you immediately to inform you of any issues. If you are not available, we would reach out to your emergency contact. The wellbeing of your pet is our main priority, so as a last resort, we will consider calling out a professional locksmith. We would always get your permission first, or if you are unavailable, that of your emergency contact. Costs for this service would be recovered on your return.
  • How do you handle emergencies or unexpected situations?
    We have a well thought out plan to ensure the safety and wellbeing of your pet. We have a clear emergency plan that includes; Vet care. We keep details on your pets regular vet as well as information on the nearest 24 hour emergency practice. We hold Emergency Contact Information while you're away. Our sitters are equipped with pet first aid kits so they can treat minor injuries that do not require a vet. We are fully aware of any medication your pet takes. Natural disasters. In the unlikely event your pet is unable to remain at home because of a natural disaster, we would make arrangements with a temporary boarding facility. We hold contact information for a reliable locksmith should we be unable to gain access to your property. We would get prior approval from you to use this service, if necessary. We would document any minor incidents and make a copy available to you.
  • What measures do you take to ensure the security of my home?
    On our registration visit, we would become familiar with any alarm system and security, so that we can continue to enforce this when you're not there. We do not label keys with identifiable information. We use a tag with an assigned unique number and separate digital record which can only be accessed via personal log-on and password. All the keys in our care are stored securely. We would close and secure the door immediately upon entering your home. For cat and small animal sittings, we would also carry out a visual inspection (as agreed) before leaving. In agreement with you, we can open and close curtains and blinds to make your home appear occupied, although we would only generally do this on twice daily visits. In addition, for your peace of mind and the privacy of your home, our pet sitting visits are conducted discreetly in unmarked vehicles, as we understand the importance of maintaining the security of your property while caring for your pet.
  • What precautions do you take to prevent escapes or accidents?
    The safety of your pet is our top priority. We ensure that all areas where pets are kept are secure, with locked gates, fenced yards, and safe enclosures to prevent escapes. Constant supervision is provided during playtime, whether that's indoors or outdoors and on walks, we double check that harnesses are fitted properly to prevent accidental slips or escapes.
  • Do you need a copy of my pet's vaccination records?
    It is important that we have a complete record of your pet's vaccinations just in case we ever need to show proof when taking them to a Veterinary practice. Ensuring your pet is up to date with their vaccines will also help us protect our staff and the other animals we look after, and prevent the spread of disease. If you have any concerns about providing this information, we can discuss it at the registration visit.
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