Have a question about San Francisco’s House of Guineas Pet Care services? Take a look at some answers to common questions!

Are you insured? I’m nervous of having someone enter my home.

• I understand the stress of having someone access your home. I assure you that I value you and your pet’s well-beings, and will make sure that the fort is locked down and secured during my stay. I’ll check that the doors and windows are locked, pet is secured (if they’re in an enclosure), and no unnecessary lights are on.

• Rest assured, your pet’s safety and well-being is my top priority. I am certified in Pet CPR and First Aid, bonded, and insured for your complete peace of mind. As a member of Pet Sitters International, the world’s largest pet sitting association, I adhere to the highest industry standards. My insurance protects you from unexpected incidents, while my bond provides financial protection against theft or property damage.

Which animals does House of Guineas Pet Care service?

• House of Guineas Pet Care offers specialized care for exotic animals. With a background as a veterinary assistant and my current role as a volunteer medical assistant at the House Rabbit Society in Richmond, California, I am well adept to provide the best care for your pets.

• An expansive list of pets I care for can be found here.

What is a Meet and Greet, and what will our’s look like?

• A meet and greet is a visit to you and your companion’s home; this is the time for me to get to know you, your pet(s) and answer any questions you have! After covering care for your pets, this would be the time to hand-off any physical keys to access your home (physical key hand-off does not apply if you have a keycode or digital codes for accessing your home).

What happens if I don’t have a key available for the Meet and Greet?

• Don’t worry! We can schedule a time for a key pickup before the first visit. A key pickup and drop-off will be $50 each. I’ve found that clients often have lockboxes, hidden-keys and other methods to securely store their keys when they are away.

What would service payments look like?

• After our meet and greet, a booking deposit will include half of the total care. After the final visit, the remaining half of the care is due, along with any additional charges if applicable.

• I accept Zelle, Venmo, checks and cash. For memo areas, please make them payable to: House of Guineas LLC.

It’s only been a day, and I miss my baby!

• Don’t you worry - you will receive pictures and videos of your pet’s adventures while you’re away! I also include high level updates of their health, any changes in their behaviors/feeding levels and any relevant updates with the home (i.e. received mail/packages).

• I provide a unique, personalized album so you can access clear, quality videos of your pet - whether they’re squeaking for even more cheek scratches, bobbing their head at their reflection or thumping in protest for more treats!

What are your service areas?

• House of Guineas Pet Care services most of San Francisco, California. My primary service area includes Inner Sunset and its surrounding areas. For clients who are outside of the travel range, additional travel rates will apply. Here’s a breakdown of the service areas:

• Primary Service Area (0–3 mile radius of Inner Sunset): No travel surcharge applies. My base rates cover all visits within this area.

• Secondary Service Area (3-6 miles radius of Inner Sunset): All visits are subject to a $15/visit travel surcharge.

• Tertiary Service Area (6+ mile radius of Inner Sunset): All visits are subject to a minimum of $25/visit travel surcharge.

  • Are you father away? Text or call me and let’s figure out if we’re a good fit for each other!

What if there’s an emergency during the visit?

• For our visits, I require note of a veterinary hospital. I will communicate with you first for any small situations, and will take immediate action in emergencies (per our discussion) to admit your pet.

What happens if I need last-minute care?

• No problem, these things happen. Please be aware that any sits scheduled within 7 days of their first visit will include a non-refundable, $75 surcharge; $125 if care includes any holidays. Because last-minute care can conflict with routine clients, please contact me as soon as possible to make sure your pet has the care they need.

What if I’m looking for pet care during the holidays?

• Because of my limited availability during holidays and special occasions, pet care over a holiday will be 1.5x the regular rate. Please be aware that any sits scheduled within 7 days of the needed care over a holiday, a non-refundable, $125 holiday surcharge is due, in addition to applicable service fees.

• Care over the holidays are often booked months in advance, so please contact me as soon as possible to make sure your pet have the care they need.

Do you offer boarding?

• Changing your pet’s environment, especially if they are a prey animal, can cause discomfort and stress. With that said, I understand that there are cases where their home may not be the best place to stay while you are away. House of Guineas offers boarding for most reptiles, birds, amphibians and small mammals. To ensure the safety and well-being of the exotic animals in the home, House of Guineas does not offer boarding for dogs and cats.

• Exotic pet boarding is $65/night. We will discuss a plan together to make sure your pet(s) feel as safe and comfortable as possible. They will have their own room, with soothing music played as they become acclimated during their stay.

• Please bring any enclosures, bedding,food and supplies your pet needs to feel at home when you drop them off. Additional charges will apply if House of Guineas picks-up and drops-off your pet(s), including any additional supplies needed during their stay.

• A meet and greet is required for first-time clients and your pet must be up-to-date with all of their vaccinations by the first visit. As with in-home pet sitting, boarding can book quickly. Please contact me as soon as possible to make sure your pet(s) have the care they need!

Do you offer overnight pet sitting?

• While House of Guineas does not offer overnight pet sitting, I will be more than happy to discuss ways to meet you and your pet’s needs, such extended early morning and evening visits. Just give me a call/text and we can figure our a plan!

Ready to create your perfect care plan? Get started with my in-home pet care services