Sit, Stay, Relax

We understand first hand, selecting a dependable pet sitting service is extremely important.

We are here to help.

First Step:  Contact the Office.  413-320-8737 or  Email Us  

We are happy to explain our services, pricing, and answer any questions.

Second Step: We will schedule a pet-sitting consult.  This meeting will provide the opportunity to meet Barbara Ann with The Barking Basement.  This allows her to learn the normal routine and have the chance to become friends with your pets.

Some pets are very friendly and may become acquainted right away.  Others are shy and may take some time to warm up.  These are things we would like to learn.  It is important for her to know the feeding and medication routines and understand their likes, dislikes, hiding places, quirks or fears. We will discuss your pet's routine and anything else you feel is important for Barbara Ann to know.

This initial pet sitting consultation also enable all parties involved to ask any questions as well as communicate a  thorough understanding of expectations. 

Third Step: Sign all of the required forms & contracts (these you will print PRIOR to our arrival for the initial consult), and pay at least 50% of total the amount of entire contract period.

• The length of time for your pets to be outdoors may be shorter due to inclement weather. If there is heavy rain, thunder and/or lightening, snow, ice, high humidity, etc. dogs will be let out for elimination breaks only. We will play safely indoors. 
• The Barking Basement expressly refuses to adopt a "ignore the cat (or any other living being within the scope of care)" for those who want to secure pet-sitting services for only dogs when there are other animals within the home. We cannot, in good conscience, ignore additional pets in the household needing care.
• It is expressly understood The Barking Basement and all of their affiliates practice a "No shared Visits" policy. This means that The Barking Basement will NOT take responsibility of sharing pet-sitting of any kind with the client's friends, family, another pet sitting company, nor any other arrangements similar to. Should the client insist on allowing friends or family members access to their home while they are away and The Barking Basement is providing professional pet-sitting services, client agrees to sign a waiver indicating The Barking Basement and all of their affiliates is not responsible for any damage that may occur to the pet, or home since others have access to the home and pets. This includes theft.
• The Barking Basement does not offer every other day visits for cats. This is for the safety of your cat. Daily visits (minimum of one visit per day) will be agreed upon. 
•  Understand that for insurance purposes, I will not be able to walk your dog(s) off leash. 
• The Barking Basement will do their very best to accommodate the specific requests of our pet-sitting clients. However, setting specific times for pet-sitting visits may not be feasible. Therefor, barring medical conditions that necessitate a specific visit time, The Barking Basement will NOT guarantee an exact time for visits. We will work within a time range.
• Please have back up items on hand, such as pet food, cat litter, paper towels, cleaning supplies, and other such items, in case of emergencies.
• Cancellation policy:  Unless an emergency situation arises, cancellations must be made within 3 days of first visit, or you will be charged for the full amount of the entire booking. We understand that life happens, so please discuss this with Barbara Ann further if need be.
• Rates are subject to change.  We will notify you if your rate is due to be or will be changed.   You should notify The Barking Basement if you disagree with the new rate, within seven days.
• Payment is required as the following: At least 50% of the total balance is due at the signing of the contracts. This means during the initial consult, should client decide to hire The Barking Basement for In-Your-Home Pet Sitting, client will pay 50% of total visit bill. The balance of the total amount due shall be paid one full day PRIOR to the first date/time of scheduled visit. This can be done by credit card, check, cash, money order, or cashier's check. 
• If you are delayed in arriving home, the client MUST notify The Barking Basement via text, or phone call as soon as it is realistic to do so. The Barking Basement will assume otherwise that the client made it home within the date/time originally  set when original contract was signed. Therefor, The Barking Basement will not provide unscheduled visits once original dates of contract have been completed.
• In excessive cases, The Barking Basement will charge a $10.00 fee for cleaning pet related messes (poop/pee/garbage/etc.).   This is PER MESS. 
• The Barking Basement will not take responsibility for clean up fees as The Barking Basement is not a contracted professional house keeper, maid, carpet/floor cleaner, etc.
• Holiday fees are assessed for the following holidays: Easter, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Eve and New Years Day.  Holiday Charge will be:  Extra half of the current rate.  (Essentially, time and a half).  For weekends such as Labor Day or Memorial Day weekend, the fee will be a one time, $25.00 fee for the entire weekend.
• There will be a $45.00 fee for all returned checks.
• The Barking Basement will confirm all reservations the week prior to clients departure. If you have not heard from us, it is the client's responsibility to contact and confirm their reservation.

Do you groom cats?

No, I do not offer full grooming on cats. However, I do offer nail trimming for cats.

Do you have a lot of dogs there all at the same time?

No, I work individually with only one family of  pets at a time. On occasion, your pet will see another dog if my schedule is tight (due to demand), but it will be in passing. This means one is either coming in as yours are leaving or they are leaving as you are coming in.

Do you use tranquilizers?

Never. Only a licensed vet should tranquilize a pet. We do not recommend that you get your pet tranquilized as they fight it and it only makes things worse. 

We DO, however, recommend that you talk to your vet about homeopathic stress-reducing products if you feel it would help.

How can I help keep my dog from stressing?

Speak to your dog in a calm, relaxed, quiet way. Do not speak to it in a manner that creates stress such as a high-pitched tone, or in a manner that your dog perceives as something bad is about to happen. 

Do you use muzzles?

Alternative measures will be taken before this option is used. Muzzling will be used only if absolutely necessary. Muzzling will not harm your pet, and protects both the pet and the groomer. Please be assured that it will only remain on for as minimal a time as necessary.

How long will the grooming session take?

 When you arrange an appointment with us, your pet is provided with dedicated one-on-one time. Grooming requirements are dependent on breed, temperament, condition of coat and skin, along with products used, as well as services provided. Many appointments will be completed in about 2 hours (give or take).