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

What is a Meet and Greet, and what will it look like?

• A meet and greet is a brief visit to your home. This is the time for me to get to know you, your pet(s) and answer any remaining 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 checks, please make them payable to: House of Guineas LLC.

• 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.

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

• Don’t you worry - you will receive daily pictures 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). For videos, I can provide a Google Photos link to you 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!

Are you insured?

• 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.

What are your service areas?

• House of Guineas Pet Care services most of San Francisco, California. For clients who are 2-3 miles away, an additional travel charge of $15 will apply.

• Service areas within the 2 mile range include: Marina, Cow Hollow, Pacific Heights, Presidio Heights, Inner Richmond, Jordan Park/Laurel Heights, Lone Mountain, North Panhandle, Anza Vista, Lower Pacific Heights, Russian Hill, Nob Hill, Hayes Valley, Western Addition, Alamo Square, Haight Ashbury and Duboce Triangle.

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 to admit your pet and will communicate with you once your pet is admitted.

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 at an exotic pet hospital in San Francisco, as well as growing up around animals in the city, I am experienced with a variety of pets.

• These pets include but are not limited to: small mammals (rats, hamsters, rabbits etc), birds (parakeets, ducks, chickens etc), reptiles and amphibians (snakes, bearded dragons, geckos, frogs etc), aquarium buddies (fish, shrimp, crabs etc) and cats. A more expansive list of pets can be found here.

What happens if I need last-minute care?

• No problem, these things happen. Please be aware that any sits scheduled within 2 days of the needed care will include a $25 surcharge; $50 for holidays. Because last-minute care can conflict with routine clients, please contact me as soon as possible to make sure your pet have 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 will be 1.5x the regular rate. Please be aware that any sits scheduled within 7 days of the needed care over a holiday, care will include a $50 holiday surcharge. Because last-minute care can conflict with routine clients, please contact me as soon as possible to make sure your pet have the care they need.

Do you offer overnight pet sitting?

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