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?

• 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.

• 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.

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 is a Meet and Greet, and what will our’s 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 memo areas and checks, 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 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 personal 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. For clients who are outside of the travel range, additional travel rates will apply. Examples of these areas include Lakeshore, Presidio, Excelsior and North Beach.

• A bit father away? Don’t worry; text or call me and let’s figure out a plan!

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.

What happens if I need last-minute care?

• No problem, these things happen. Please be aware that any sits scheduled under a week will include a non-refundable, $30 surcharge; $50 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 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 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, $50 holiday surcharge is due in addition to applicable service fees. 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 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.

• Boarding starts at $60 per night, and we will discuss a plan together to make sure your pet(s) feel as safe and comfortable as possible. 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 are 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?

• 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!