Planet Paws Pet Care – Frequently Asked Questions
Still have question or concerns?
This page contains many FAQs about Planet Paws Pet Care and our approach to pet care.
Choosing the Right Pet Care
How do I find a reliable pet sitter in Clinton Township?
Finding the right pet sitter starts with looking beyond availability and price. You want someone who is experienced, insured, and trained to handle different situations—not just someone who loves dogs.
Look for a professional who offers a meet and greet, can clearly explain how they handle nervous or reactive pets, and provides consistent communication during visits. Certifications like Fear Free, pet first aid, and professional memberships are also strong indicators that your pet is in capable hands.
Is in-home pet sitting better than boarding?
For many dogs, especially those who are anxious, older, or routine-driven, staying in their own home is often the least stressful option. They’re surrounded by familiar sights, smells, and routines, which helps reduce anxiety while you’re away.
Boarding can be a great fit for social dogs who enjoy a home environment, but it’s important that it’s structured, low-volume, and tailored to the dog—not a high-traffic setting. The right choice depends on your dog’s personality and needs.
What’s the difference between a professional pet sitter and an app-based sitter?
The biggest difference comes down to consistency, training, and accountability.
With a professional pet sitting business, you’re working with someone who has established systems, experience, and a commitment to ongoing education. You know who is coming into your home, how your pet will be handled, and what to expect every time.
App-based services can connect you with available sitters quickly, but the experience can vary widely depending on who accepts the booking. For pet parents looking for reliability and a higher level of care, working directly with a professional often provides more peace of mind.
How much does pet sitting cost in Macomb County?
Pet sitting costs can vary depending on the type of service, the number of pets, and the level of care required. In general, professional services may cost more than app-based options, but they also include a higher level of experience, structure, and reliability.
Rather than focusing on price alone, it’s important to consider the value of consistent, low-stress care for your pet and the peace of mind that comes with knowing they’re in good hands.
What should I look for in a professional dog walker?
A good dog walker does more than just walk your dog—they pay attention to behavior, energy levels, and the environment to create a safe and enriching experience.
Look for someone who walks dogs one-on-one, understands body language, avoids overwhelming situations when needed, and adapts the walk to your dog’s personality. Communication is also key—you should receive updates so you always know how your dog is doing.
General Questions
What areas do you serve?
We proudly serve Clinton Township and surrounding areas throughout Macomb County, including Sterling Heights, Harrison Township, St. Clair Shores, Roseville, Fraser, and Mount Clemens. If you’re unsure if you’re in our service area, just reach out and we’ll be happy to confirm.
What types of pets do you care for?
We primarily care for dogs and cats. Whether your pet needs daily dog walks, in-home vacation care, or boarding in a calm home environment, we customize our care based on their individual needs.
What makes Planet Paws Pet Care different from other pet sitters?
We focus on your pet’s emotional, physical, and overall wellbeing—not just basic care. As a Fear Free Certified Professional, we prioritize low-stress handling, enrichment, and reading your pet’s body language to ensure every visit is safe, comfortable, and positive.
Are you insured and certified?
Yes. We are fully insured and certified in pet first aid and CPR. We are also a NAPPS Certified Pet Sitter and a Fear Free Certified Professional, which means we are trained to recognize and reduce fear, anxiety, and stress in pets.
How do I get started?
Getting started is simple. Reach out through our website to schedule a meet and greet. This allows us to learn about your pet, answer your questions, and make sure we’re the right fit for your needs.
Do you require a meet and greet?
Yes. A meet and greet is required for all new clients. It helps ensure your pet is comfortable, allows us to learn their routine, and ensures we can provide the best possible care.
What happens after the meet and greet?
After the meet and greet, everything is set up to make your pet’s care as smooth and stress-free as possible.
We’ll review your pet’s routine, preferences, and any specific needs so visits feel familiar and comfortable for them. Once you’re ready to move forward, you can easily schedule services through the Time To Pet app, where you’ll also receive updates, photos, and visit reports.
The goal is simple: by the time your service begins, there are no surprises—just a plan your pet is already comfortable with.
How do you handle emergencies or unexpected situations?
Your pet’s safety is always the top priority. If something unexpected comes up, you’ll be contacted right away with a clear update on what’s going on and the next steps.
If veterinary care is needed, I will follow your preferred vet instructions whenever possible, or take your pet to the nearest trusted clinic if immediate attention is required. Every situation is handled calmly and thoughtfully, with your pet’s wellbeing at the center of every decision.
You can travel knowing there’s a plan in place, even for the unexpected.
Dog Walking
What happens during a dog walk?
Every walk is customized to your dog. Some dogs prefer a brisk walk, while others enjoy a slower “sniffari.” We adjust the pace, monitor body language, and provide enrichment to make sure your dog gets both physical exercise and mental stimulation.
Are walks private or group walks?
All walks are one-on-one. This allows us to focus fully on your dog’s needs, behavior, and comfort level without the added stress of group dynamics.
How long are your dog walks?
Our standard walks are 30 minutes, giving your dog enough time for exercise, enrichment, and a proper break during the day.
Do you walk dogs in bad weather?
Your dog’s safety always comes first. In extreme weather, we may modify the visit into a potty and play session instead of a full walk. Weather-related cancellations are always flexible.
What if my dog is nervous or reactive?
We specialize in reading body language and adjusting in real time. Walks are tailored to avoid known triggers and create a safe, low-stress experience for your dog.
Will I receive updates after each walk?
Yes. After every visit, you’ll receive a detailed report with notes, photos, and updates through our Time To Pet app.
Vacation Care (Pet Sitting)
What is vacation care?
Vacation care allows your pet to stay in the comfort of their own home while you’re away. We provide scheduled visits to maintain their routine, reduce stress, and keep them safe and cared for.
How many visits per day do you recommend?
Most dogs benefit from 3 visits per day, while cats typically require 1–2 visits. We’ll recommend a schedule based on your pet’s needs.
Do you care for cats?
Yes. We provide in-home care for cats, including feeding, litter box maintenance, enrichment, and monitoring their wellbeing while you’re away.
Can you administer medication?
Yes. We can administer most medications, including injections, at no additional charge.
What if my pet has anxiety while I’m away?
We use a Fear Free approach to minimize stress and keep your pet comfortable. By maintaining their routine and environment, most pets feel much more relaxed compared to being boarded elsewhere.
Will I receive updates while I’m away?
Absolutely. You’ll receive regular updates with photos and notes so you always know how your pet is doing.
Dog Boarding
What is in-home dog boarding?
In-home boarding means your dog stays in a real home—not a facility. This provides a calmer, more comfortable environment that feels more like home.
How is your boarding different from a kennel?
Traditional facilities often care for many dogs at once. We only board a maximum of two dogs at a time, creating a quiet, low-stress environment with personalized attention.
How many dogs do you board at one time?
We limit boarding to just two dogs at a time to ensure each dog receives focused care and attention.
What is a typical day like during boarding?
Each day is tailored to the dogs staying with us. This includes enrichment activities, rest time, and maintaining their normal routine as closely as possible.
What dogs are a good fit for boarding?
Dogs that are social, comfortable in a home environment, and crate trained tend to do best. A meet and greet helps determine if it’s the right fit.
Do you require crate training?
Yes. Dogs must be crate trained for safety and comfort when needed.
Can I bring my dog’s food and belongings?
Absolutely. We require you to bring your dog’s food, leash, collar/harness, and medications. You can bring their treats if you want, or we can give them treats while they are here. We have toys, bedding, and food/water bowls.
Are dogs allowed on furniture?
We follow your home rules. If your dog is allowed on furniture at home, they’re welcome here too.
Will I receive updates during boarding?
Yes. You’ll receive daily updates with photos and notes so you can relax knowing your dog is doing well.
What vaccinations are required?
All dogs must be up to date on Rabies, Distemper (DHPP), Bordetella, Leptospirosis, and Canine Influenza.
Do you require a meet and greet for boarding?
Yes. This ensures your dog is a good fit and helps them feel more comfortable before their stay. Also, we need to see if our dogs will get along with your dogs.
Safety & Policies
What happens in an emergency?
In the event of an emergency, we will contact you immediately and seek veterinary care if needed. Your pet’s safety is always our top priority.
How do you handle fearful or stressed pets?
We follow Fear Free principles, focusing on reducing stress and adjusting our approach based on your pet’s comfort level.
How do I book services?
All services are booked through the Time to Pet app after your meet and greet. This keeps everything organized and ensures clear communication.
What is your cancellation policy?
We ask for at least 24 hours’ notice for dog walking visits or schedule changes. This allows us to adjust our schedule and offer that time to another client.
For vacation care services, we require a minimum of 7 days’ notice for cancellations. Cancellations made with less than 7 days’ notice will incur a 50% cancellation fee, as those time slots are reserved in advance and are often difficult to rebook.
Weather-related cancellations are always handled with flexibility. In some cases, visits may be modified to a shorter potty and play visit instead of a full walk to keep your dog safe.
For full details, including boarding policies and specific scenarios, please visit our full policy page.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking as early as possible, especially for holidays and peak travel times, as availability is limited.