What is a pet sitter?

While our goal is to provide maximum companionship, we do step out for other scheduled pet care visits or brief errands. Typically, pets are not left alone in our environment, but if I stay overnight with your pet in your home, and if permissible, they would only be left for no more than 4 to 6 hours at a time. However, if your pet requires a more specific schedule or has separation anxiety, we can discuss a customized care plan to ensure they feel secure 

Safety and comfort are our top priorities. Your pet will be staying in a private residence located in a quiet, pet-friendly neighborhood. This provides a "home-away-from-home" atmosphere that is much calmer and more personal than a commercial boarding facility. 

Yes, we provide a cage-free, home environment. Pets are welcome to lounge in the living areas and enjoy the house as if it were their own. We do not use traditional kennel banks or cages. If for some reason your dog has to learn boundaries and cannot be trusted to wander around, due to lack of house training, we may consider using a playpen or crate for their own safety, and our peace of mind. 

We believe in freedom of movement; however, we also prioritize safety.

• Overnight: Most trained pets can sleep in their preferred spot (on a dog bed or near us).
• During the Day: We only use crates or playpens if you explicitly request them for your pet’s comfort, or if it is a necessary part of their established routine (such as for a young puppy or for safe feeding).
• Feeding/Rest: We may use a playpen or a separate room during meal times or "nap zones" to ensure every pet can eat and rest without being disturbed.

When hiring a pet sitter, it is essential to ensure they are fully insured and bonded. Beyond that, look for someone with verified credentials, such as a Certified Professional Pet Sitter (CPPS) designation. This ensures the sitter is trained in pet first aid, animal behavior, and the highest industry standards of care. 

Before your stay begins, we collect all pertinent veterinarian information and a signed medical release. If an emergency occurs, we will immediately transport your pet to your preferred vet (or the nearest 24-hour emergency clinic if after hours) and contact you or your emergency contact right away. 

Absolutely! We know how much you miss your pets. You will receive regular updates, including photos, videos, and a brief summary of their "adventures," so you can have peace of mind knowing they are happy and well-cared for. 

If you would like to request a Meet & Greet before you book a stay, we ask that you call us to ensure that we are the right fit for your needs. BOOK an APPOINTMENT for a Meet & Greet.

Policy: Scope of Behavioral Care & Boarding Eligibility 

Our Philosophy: At SMP PAWS, your dog’s emotional safety is our "Safety First" priority. To maintain a calm and stress-free environment for all guests (and our human team), we have specific eligibility requirements for overnight boarding.

Out-of-Scope Behaviors: While we specialize in enrichment, basic manners, and positive reinforcement training, we are not a clinical behavioral modification facility. We cannot safely or effectively board dogs exhibiting:

• Severe Separation or Confinement Distress: Including non-stop vocalization, destructive behavior, or physiological panic (excessive panting/drooling) when separated from a human.
• Acute "Velcro" Attachment: Dogs requiring 24/7 physical "umbilical" attachment to a human to remain regulated.
• Escapism: High-risk flight behaviors or persistent attempts to exit-seek due to anxiety.

The "Trial Stay" Requirement: All new boarding clients must complete a mandatory Trial Overnight. If a dog displays "Out-of-Scope" behaviors during this trial, we reserve the right to decline future boarding. In these cases, we will transition our services to In-Home House Sitting (where the dog is most comfortable) and provide a referral to a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT).

Why we have this policy: Managing clinical anxiety requires a specialized, sub-threshold environment that a standard home-boarding setting cannot provide. We believe in setting every dog up for success, which means recognizing when a dog needs a specialist rather than a standard boarding stay.