Welcome to Coddled Creatures Question and Answer forum! We have designed this forum to address commonly asked questions about the "In Home" Pet Care experience. |
Q. Does Coddled Creatures do private boarding or doggie day care for pets in the homes of their staff?
A. If we were to receive monetary gains for watching someone else's animal in one of our homes, whether we call it private boarding or doggie day care, we would be breaking the law. Boarding of pets in a home, for commercial purposes, is illegal. Therefore, we are unable to be involved in this type of activity and we are sure that you don't want to be either. A local Bergen County Newspaper recently ran an article on the illegality of private boarding. At Coddled Creatures we take care of pets where they are the happiest, safest, and most secure...in their home!
Q. What is the best, safest and most secure way to find a professional pet care provider for your special pet (s)?
A. Whomever you hire will be coming into your home and entrusted with your keys. To ensure the well being of your beloved pet ask for a recommendation from a local neighbor, friend, or family member whom you trust. We hope you have come to us this way, but if not we welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and we offer a free initial get to know you consultation. We won't let you down!
Q. Is Coddled Creatures a network of pet sitters or a referral service?
A. No Coddled Creatures is not a network of pet sitters or a referral service. Our Pet Care Specialists are employees of Coddled Creatures and must adhere to our platinum standards.
Q. Are dogs ok at home alone? Where are dogs truly the happiest?
A. To answer this question you need only rely on your own good judgment and common sense. First here is a little history on dogs. Dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years meaning they are used to living and interacting with humans! They are bred to be companion dogs. This means that they recognize humans as their leaders not other dogs. There is a lot of conflicting information out there today, that would try to have us forget that dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years! Don't let the conflicting information befuddle your common sense. In fact we are sure you know the answer, to where dogs are happiest, already. Dogs are happiest when they are with you... their leader, of course, but since being with you is not always possible they are happiest being at home, in familiar surroundings because they are domesticated! If you understand dogs, and their history, then you understand that they are happiest when being provided stimulation and exercise in their own familiar surroundings. That means being in your home, and your neighborhood, which is their den! Dogs really don't like to leave their den without their leader and that would be you! In the wild the alpha, or leader, is allowed to leave the pack and come back, but the subordinates are not. If you really feel your dog needs company consider acquiring a second dog! Sound like the most basic of common sense! That's because it is! In two decades we have not experienced any behavioral problems resulting from pets remaining at home and receiving in home pet care visits. In fact, our testimonials speak for themselves as our clients have relayed to us just how happy their pets are when they arrive home. We have also not experienced any pets becoming ill from diseases that are commonly passed among animals in group settings.
Q. Wouldn't my dog being happier socializing with other dogs while I'm away?
Once again today's dogs are domesticated and bred to be companion animals! They recognize human's, not other dogs, as their leaders. The purpose of domesticating dogs was so that they could live with humans and not in packs with other dogs! So now one can understand why the daycare option is not really beneficial for your dog. Just clever marketing. Don't buy into the spin. Do what is best for your dog. So the answer to the question is clear. Domesticated dogs no longer live in packs because they have been bred to be companion animals. Dogs are socialized to other dogs when they are very young pups, by their mothers and litter mates. Beneficial ongoing socialization, with other dogs, does not mean other unfamiliar dogs ...the common sense solution would be to get another dog as a playmate for your first dog. If your dog is not experiencing any behavioral problems then you can commend yourself for raising a happy well adjusted dog! If you really would like company for your dog the best way to provide it is to acquire another dog as a companion rather then remove your single dog from his den.. Remember that we, and our pets, have gotten along just fine, for thousands of years, without removing them from their familiar surroundings. There are also other important considerations based on the nature of the group setting. In any group setting it is of the utmost importance that you be there with your dog to supervise these interactions with other dogs. You can also socialize your dog with other dogs just by meeting fellow dogs, and dog owners, in your own neighborhood. You need not remove them from their familiar domestic surroundings. You could also consider going to a dog park to let your dog play, but only if you can be with them and can closely supervise their interactions and ideally it should be with other dogs that you are very familiar with. Don't be mislead by companies that profess to offer "safe" doggie day care. The nature of the setting simply does not allow for safety. Disagreements between dogs can happen very suddenly and things can turn very quickly. That is why it is of the utmost importance that you be there, to read your dog's signals, as you know your dog better than anyone, and are the best one to supervise and prevent injury to your beloved four legged friend. Also once again you have the concern of common illnesses that can be passed among animals in group settings. Safe for your dog means being in their own familiar environment.
Q. Why don't you offer group walks?
A. Coddled Creatures puts the well being of your pet first. While we certainly would make more money walking a group of dogs together we don't believe it's safe to put your special pet into a group of dogs that don't know each other and even if they do know each other things can turn very quickly with dogs. One person walking a group cannot supervise or watch carefully for signs of discontent much less interrupt a fight when they are trying to control multiple dogs at once. We only offer what we feel is in the best interest of your pet. Group dog walking might be in our best interest, but it is not in the best interest of your special pet.
Q. Is Pet Sitting regulated?
A. Pet Sitting is not regulated. There is no licensing required for Pet Sitters. Don't be mislead by anyone who claims to be licensed. Ask by whom they are licensed. So that means that anyone can call themselves a pet sitter, anyone can call themselves a trainer, both of which are daunting thoughts . Don't be fooled by those who claim to have years of animal experience because they have had a pet. How long have they really been in the professional pet care business professionally caring for and professionally training animals? Rest assured that at Coddled Creatures Pet Care is not a sideline or part time vocation. We have been in the professional pet care business for nearly two decades. We are a full time, full service pet care company at your service 365 days per year...especially on holidays! President, Heidi Wise, is an expert in the field of pet care and dog training. Once you read her impressive biography you will feel confident that you are in highly competent hands. Click to read our President's impressive biography.
Q. Does Coddled Creatures outsource assignments to independent contractors?
A. No. Coddled Creatures staff is composed of Pet Care Specialists(®) who are employees not independent contractors. This way were are able to ensure that our high quality standards are maintained. It is very important to research the legal ramifications, to you as the pet owner, when hiring a company that outsources to independent contractors. because it increases your liability.
Q. What sets Coddled Creatures apart from the single operators, franchises, and other newbies to the Pet Care Industry?
A. Coddled Creatures is the area's largest, most experienced and established pet sitting and dog walking service. We are very selective in whom we hire because it's our reputation on the line. Only the cream of the crop work for Coddled Creatures. We are fully staffed. We have been serving the area for nearly two decades and have a proven track record. We know the "in home" pet care business better then any of those who have come and gone from the industry in just a few years and we are considered an expert in our field. Since we know it much better than the newbies to the industry we have considered every possible eventuality to ensure that you have the most positive pet care experience possible. Our President and Founder meets with each new client personally to establish a personal rapport with pets and their pet parents (®) (as she calls them) and remains very accessible throughout the pet caring relationship. Indeed many single operators, sideline businesses and franchises come into the in home pet care industry thinking it is an easy thing to do. There is a lot to it. Our professional experience, educational and business background, and animal experience speaks to the success and longevity of our business.
We utilize sophisticated systems and processes to ensure your special pet receives the most reliable and attentive care. We maintain a large staff of professionally trained, bonded and insured pet care specialists readily available to service your needs whenever you need us most. We also maintain a large database of client and pet specific needs which is always at our finger tips to ensure you have the most positive pet care experience possible. Yes many Pet Care companies and franchises have come and gone over the 20 years that we have been in business, but we are still here and will continue to be for a very long time to come. You can count on us.
Q. Are Coddled Creatures Staff Members trained?
A. Yes. Coddled Creatures staff members must complete the Coddled Creatures Training Program® and certification. While a love for animals may be innate caring for them professionally, and meeting Coddled Creatures high standards, requires the right training. Many national organizations have tried to imitate our business model and training programs because of our high standards. We have often been imitated, but never duplicated! Our Pet Care Specialists have a comprehensive job description. Our staff members receive training on basic obedience and handling techniques, dog communication, safety and pet emergency training, including how to administer medications, as well as training on basic security protocols. Our Pet Care Specialists continue to receive ongoing training as long as they are with Coddled Creatures.Read about our team
Q. How often will Coddled Creatures come to my home?
A. Typically an adult dog requires 2-3 visits per day and a cat 1-2 visits per day. Coddled Creatures also offers overnight service for your special pet.
Q. How long will Coddled Creatures stay at my home?
A. Coddled Creatures offers many types of visits, of varying duration, to accommodate the needs of your special pet.
Q. What time will Coddled Creatures come to my home to visit my pet?
A. Please click on this link for Coddled Creatures visit time ranges. Time Ranges
Q. I have a puppy or an elderly dog. Can I have the time ranges adjusted?
A. Yes. Coddled Creatures will modify the time ranges of our visits for puppies and elderly dogs. You may also wish to consider our overnight service.
Q. My dog really has to get to know someone first... would they be a candidate for in home care?
A. Coddled Creatures accepts well socialized dogs as clients. A well socialized dog pretty much accepts anyone and anything. If your dog is not a candidate for in home care, at this time, we would be happy to send our trainer to work with you on socializing your dog. We may then be able to consider them as a client at a later date. Learn more about our training program
Q. Will Coddled Creatures bring in my mail and water my plants?
A. Yes, as a courtesy, Coddled Creatures will water any indoor plants that you would like watered and will bring in your mail and newspaper.
Q. Is Coddled Creatures available on holidays?
A. Yes. Coddled Creatures is available 365 days per year, especially on holidays! Our client service representatives are at your service, to take your reservations, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8am to 4 pm.
Q. How long has Coddled Creatures been in business?
A. Coddled Creatures has been in business for nearly two decades.
Q. Is Coddled Creatures insured?
A. Yes. Coddled Creatures is insured and bonded.
Q. Do you have references?
A. Yes we have a large cadre of testimonials, posted to our web site, from satisfied clients. To view click on testimonials. Upon request phone numbers can be furnished if you would prefer to speak with some of our satisfied clients directly .
Q. What happens if my pet becomes ill while I am away?
A. Coddled Creatures will contact you and, with your permission, take your pet to your Veterinarian for you. If it is an acute emergency Coddled Creatures will take your pet to your Veterinarian immediately and will contact you as soon as practical.
Q. What is your cancellation policy?
A. Coddled Creatures requires 48 hours notice for cancellation.
Q. How can I reach you if I arrive home early.
A. Our office is open M-F 8am to 4:00pm. If you arrive home after office hours then our Pet Care Specialist will arrive at your home for the next scheduled visit and you may then cancel all succeeding visits.
Q. Can I book online? Its so much more convenient.
A. Yes. Coddled Creatures has a very thorough and very user friendly online reservation system.
Q. How can I get a copy of my itemized bill?
A. You may login to our web site at anytime and obtain a copy of your itemized bill for any reservation you have placed in the past.
Q. Can I view and change my pet information online?
A. Yes. Coddled Creatures maintains a client and pet specific comprehensive database, with all of your pets needs, which you may access at any time.
Q. How does Coddled Creatures screen their staff?
A. Coddled Creatures checks references and conducts background checks on all of its prospective employees.
Q. Does Coddled Creatures belong to any large professional pet sitting organizations?
A. Pet Sitting organizations basically charge in home pet care companies a fee to become a member. There are no special qualifications required to join. Anyone can become a member if they pay the fee. These organizations are helpful to the newbies in the industry because they do offer some guidance for the very inexperienced pet sitter and also send them referrals. Coddled Creatures has been one of the leader's in the industry since the inception of the Pet Sitting concept. We do not believe in paying for recommendations. Our excellent reputation, in the pet care industry, generates word of mouth which is how we obtain most of our customers. Also our standards are much higher then those set by the professional pet sitting organizations so we see no benefit in membership for Coddled Creatures as our President is already recognized as an expert in the Pet Care Industry and has set the highest standards as one of the first pioneers in the field.
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