FAQ’S
Onsite Pet Care Carers come to you and care for your animals in the comfort of your own homes. Some pets are not happy to go to catteries or kennels, for these pets staying home is the best option.
Who comes to my home and cares for my animals?
Onsite Carers are professional, experienced and caring, we are animal owners and love getting to know the personalities of our ‘fur clients’. Christie Reeves-Tate is the owner of Onsite and has a small but wonderful team along side of her. Gael, Chris, Bec, Jasmin and Elise bring with them a wealth of knowledge from vet nursing, to dog training, animal first aid and other relevent experience.
I’d like to know more about the owner of Onsite Pet Care Services.
Onsite is owned and operated by Christie Reeves-Tate who has 3 Jack Russell crosses and two cats, all five animals have been rescued from animal shelters. Christie is a qualified dog training instructor who ONLY practices positive reinforcement training, with a background in animal welfare and animal management. She has certificates and qualifications in all of these areas. Christie has undertaken the Box Hill Institute / Department of Primary Industries course that allows her to microchip cats and dogs. She instructs the dog Training component of the Animal Technology Diploma at Victorian University in Werribee and is also the tutor for Cengage Education. She has her training and assesment certificate with VU and regularly updates her skills by attending courses such as pet first aid, pet dog training conferences etc. Christie can be found taking puppy classes at Yarraville Village Animal Hospital and running Dog Training @ Hairy Hounds, as well as walking her fur family at Cruikshank Park.
What sorts of pets don’t like to go to catteries or boarding establishments?
Many cats hate leaving their property, for those pets, staying at home is the best way to keep them happy, for dog/cat aggressive dogs staying in someone else’s home or in a kennel may not be suitable. Dogs and cats that are geriatric, or blind or deaf they may prefer to be amongst their own smells, ensuring they continue to feel safe.
But isn’t this cattery your competition?
We know and trust Belinda Neville, owner and carer of Belinda’s Cosy Cat Cottages and we highly recommend her, she has cared for our own cats and we would not hesitate in recommending her, as previously stated, some cats prefer to stay at home and some cats prefer to be cared for at a cattery, we’re just grateful that we have someone that we trust that we can recommend.
But my animals need medicating
Onsite Carers will visit you and your family at your convenience and discuss every need that your animal has. We ensure your companion animal trusts us and feels comfortable with us. If we believe we can not give your animal the care they need and deserve we will recommend a cattery, kennel or carer for them. Our top priority is the welfare and happiness of your animal.
My dog needs insulin every 12 hours, would you be prepared to take on the job?
It depends. We wont take on any jobs until we meet the owners and the pets and ensure you’re happy with us and that we believe we are able to take on the responsibility. We have administered insulin on many occasions to both dogs and cats. We understand though that it is a massive responsibility and need to ensure the animal trusts us and is comfortable with us. Because the animal needs to be injected every 12 hours there will be an extra charge as the hours are outside normal hours.
Your fees are similar to many kennels, why should I choose Onsite?
We are experienced carers and we are also experienced in the animal industry. Our background includes Animal Welfare, Positive dog training, Dog Grooming, Animal First Aid, Vet Nursing and Animal Management experience as well as Companion Animal Bereavement experience. Knowing that your carer is experienced, registered and insured will give you peace of mind when we care for your animals. We play with your animals, feed and water them, cuddle and brush them, medicate if they are unwell, we can administer any flea or worm treatment, we will do our best to stick to your animals routines, we will change litter and clean up dog droppings in the yard. Along with all of these services we maintain your homes security. We bring in your mail and junk mail; we will bring in your bins, water your indoor plants and vegie gardens, open and close gates etc. So not only do we care for your animals but we care for your home as well. Having your mail held or redirected can be costly and does not stop junk mail or incorrectly addressed mail from ending up in your letter box, our complete service is sure to please.
Whats the best price you can do for me?
Like many people when asked this question about providing a professional, responsible, qualified, experience service we can become offended. You dont go to your doctor, lawyer, dentist, chiropractor or vet and ask them what their best price is. Please understand that this is a business and although it is our love and we are very passionate about it, just like anyone else we have to ensure the ‘bills are paid’.
How do I know who will come to my home?
Onsite Pet Care Services is owned and operated by Christie Reeves-Tate. We do not hire contractors or students to look after your companion animals, and on your initial visit you will meet Christie or Gael. All staff members supply Police checks. We will supply you with our police checks, insurance certificate and references. The staff that Christie employs have all supplied references and are personally known by Christie, she has the utmost trust in her staff as she understands the importance of safety and privacy when dealing with your pets and homes.
What forms do I have to complete? Can I have these ready before my meet and greet?
The forms below can be completed prior to your meet and greet. Your carer will simply go through the forms with you to ensure all relevant information has been supplied and is clear.
Terms & Conditions – Carers Copy
carerstermsconditions1102007.pdf
Terms & Conditions – Client Copy
clienttermsconditions1102007.pdf
What areas do you service?
We service Yarraville, Seddon, Williamstown, Newport, Spotswood, Footscray, West Footscray, Kensington, North Melbourne, Altona, Sunshine, Ascot Vale, Flemington, Albert Park, Port Melbourne and Middle Park – if your surrounding suburb was not mentioned please call for quote or referral.
I only have a fish & a bird; do I have to pay the full fee?
Many of our clients are business people regularly traveling overseas or interstate and have birds or fish. We have a short (15 minute) visit that allows us to bring in the mail, junk mail and bins, adjust the curtains, blinds or drapes, open and close the gate, turn a light on or off, turn music on or off, feed the birds and fish and water the plants.
I want my dog walked as well as a visit, can you provide this?
Of course, we understand that every animal is unique and we’re more than happy to work around your animals needs and ensure an individual service is provided.
We can walk your dog for any amount of time you require. Whilst walking your dog we will only allow him off-leash if you have agreed that he is allowed and ONLY when we trust that his recall is excellent. We ALWAYS follow council by-laws and will not allow him off leash in an on-leash area and will always collect and dispose of his dog droppings in a responsible manner. We also only use PURELY POSITIVE methods, we believe there is always a safe, reliable, effective way of walking your dog that does not include harsh or aversive methods. We can walk in the morning and visit in the evening or vice-versa, many clients have working dogs that require 2 walks/runs per day, as said above we can cater to your needs.
I have a deep chested dog, do you understand what Bloat is?
Absolutely. AND we understand that dogs should not be run on a full stomach, that dogs should not be fed within a minimum of 30 minutes (or 2 hours for deep chested dogs) of exercise and that small meals a few times a day will help reduce the risks of bloat. If you have a deep chested dog (Dane, Doberman, Weimeraner, Grey hound) we will be more than happy to devise a plan for your special needs.
I am interested in In-house dog training, what does this involve?
Christie is a positive dog trainer, and has been training for approximately 5 years now. She specialises in puppies but has a love for dogs of all ages. We come to your home after sending you a Family and Pet Questionnaire to complete and help you sort out any issues that you’re having with your dogs.
I’d like my dogs to go to a group class.
We have commenced dog training classes at Hairy Hounds in Williamstown. Feel free to call for further details or email for class times info@dogtrainingathairyhounds.com.au
I heard that you will put a tag on my animal, what is this for and what information do you give to the public?
Below you will find an example of what your animals tag looks like. We place this on your animal in the case that they become lost whilst you are away. You are more than welcome to leave this tag on your pet at all times (and we encourage it, your pet can never have too much ID) just in case he does become lost when you’re out for the day/evening. In this case we will do our best to help the persons that have found your pet return him home to you. We wont give out your personal details (unless you give us permission to do so) instead we will contact you and have you contact the finder.
My dog is a Staffy and suffers from separation anxiety; can you walk him without a visit?
Most definitely. We are Onsite Pet Minding & DOG WALKING Services. Many of our clients only want their dogs walked. They’re busy people with hectic lifestyles that understand the needs of their animals. Not all animals are happy to be left at home when mum or dad are at work, we can visit and break up their day, we can play in their own back yard (ball/water in a shell/brush/cuddle etc) or we can take them for a swim, a run or a walk. Lots of dogs get lonely and with our busy work schedules becoming more and more hectic Onsite Pet minding & Dog walking is ideal.
It’s going to be 42 degrees tomorrow, what do you do when I have a regular walk scheduled?
There are a few options. We can walk very early in the morning or late at night**, we can reschedule the walk or we can visit your dog and play with him inside your home or out in the shade and in a paddle pool. For those dogs that require company this is often the best option. We will NEVER walk your dog in the boiling hot sun.(** Walking late at night – this depends on the suburb and is subject to availability)
My dog is a pug, do you understand the importance of not walking him at certain temperatures?
ABSOLUTELY!. We know that short nosed dogs (Pek, Pug, Boston Terrier, French Bulldog) are all prone to heat stroke and heat stress. We wont walk them in the heat and know that owners of these breeds will understand if we make the decision that it is too hot to walk short nosed breeds (or any dog for that matter). We also can bring along ice* on hot days for their drinking water.
(* when possible)
My dog is in quarantine in Spotswood, she is due to get out when I am on a business trip will you collect her for me? Can you visit her that week whilst I am away?
Of course. We would need to organise for you to ensure all the paper work has Onsites details on it and that the authorities understand we will be releasing her and then we can take it from there. Quarantine has unusual visitng hours but we would make sure that we spent as many scheduled visits as you would like with her.
Do you walk dogs from different families together?
It depends. We will NEVER walk your dog with another dog unless we have first assessed that he is suitable to be walked with another dog. Our service is unique in that we spend the entire 30 minutes, 45 minutes, hour, 2 hours or play time with YOUR dog; this ensures individual attentions and allows us to assess their temperament better.
Do my dogs have to be trained?
Trained dogs make our job easier but alot of our clients are not trained. If this is the case we can adapt a training program with you if you like, we can recommend and liaise with your positive dog trainer to ensure methods are consistent. Onsite Pet Minding recommend that only positive methods of training.
I have a last minute business meeting interstate are you happy to provide visits/walks for me last minute?
Many of our clients have called us last minute – we understand that last minute trips happen when we least expect them, infact many of our clients are flight attendants who are called away with only an hours notice. We will be more than happy to visit your animals in these circumstances. Owners should be aware though that their animals may not be visited at the exact times they request for last minute walks/visits.
I am going away for a couple of weeks/months do you email me with updates?
Not only will we email you with regular updates but we will email you photos of your animals having fun with us. This is inclusive in our fee and we encourage you to keep in touch with us if this suits your trip.
I am selling my home / having a rental inspection, can you take my dog for more than an hour?
Of course, we can accommodate any situation or emergency, we can take your dog to the beach or a special park or basically anywhere you like. We can organise a package that suits your situation.
What happens if there is an accident or my pet becomes unwell, will you use my vet?
We will always endeavour to use your preferred vet, if however it is closed we will take him to the nearest emergency hospital (WAEC – Werribee, AAE – Essendon or Bundoora) and we will contact you or your emergency contact (depending on who you have previously advised to contact).
I’m not sure my pet will cope at home, how will I know?
When we come to meet you we will help you assess the situation. Only you know your companion animal, no one knows them better than you. We will go through some questions and if we believe that your animal would be happier in a home environment with constant care we will recommend a company or cattery/kennel for you.
I have a restricted breed dog or declared dangerous dog, will you walk him?
We understand that all dogs need exercise and attention. We will visit you and meet with your dog. If we believe your dog will be safe in our care we will design a walking program for him. We will always ensure he is wearing his restricted breed collar and muzzle and that he is kept on the lead. We will find walking paths or tracks that ensure we come into minimal contact with other people or dogs and will always ensure we secure the dog to his enclosure at the end of the visit. With an Animal Control back ground we understand the importance of following council by-laws and ensuring your dog is securely confined.
What happens if my dog or cat gets collected by the Ranger and I am away on holidays?
When you leave your companion animal in our care we ask that you sign a permission form that allows us to release him from impoundment. If your animal is impounded we will take the form with us to the shelter/pound and release your animal. We recommend that you update your animal’s microchip, Council and NPR details with Onsite’s phone number in the case that they get out. We will supply all dogs (and cats if requested) that are left for more than a couple of days with an Onsite tag which has our phone numbers – we can be contacted 24 hours per day.
How do I get my dog, who is used to a very set routine ready for my trip away?
Rather than feed him at 6pm every day, start delivering his meal later or earlier. Purchase a couple of knew home alone toys and ensure he knows how to play with them. Change your own routine a little so that each change is a small change rather than a huge change all at once.
Possum – April 07
Is there a way to minimise stress whilst I am away?
Birds, cats and dogs all seem to respond well to having a radio or television on. We can alternate between TV and radio if you like (this will help with security as well). Having the neighbour pop their head over the fence and say hello (only if they like the neighbour) getting a trusted friend to visit every now and again for extra company and to break up the animals day can also help. Ensure your pets bedding is clean but still has his own smell or your own smell on it. Pre-purchase their dinner to ensure they get the same food – this will help stop any stomach upsets with a change of dinner, buy treats that you know your pet likes that we can scatter throughout the yard or hide in the house. Ensure there is enough kitty litter to last the duration of your trip just incase we can’t locate that brand, cats often hate sudden change in their litter. Schedule an extra visit every now and again or schedule a group play session (if he is dog friendly) to ensure he doesn’t get bored and uses his energy.
What type of vehicle do you take my animals out in?
The Onsite Van is fitted for your pet’s safety and comfort. We have toys and treats, poo bags, water bowls, fresh water, extra leads and a first aid kit all ready if a need arises. These articles are secured to ensure your pets safety. We have a crate that is fully secured which is decked with comfortable bedding which is changed daily for hygiene and safety.
Onsite Pet Care Van
There are quite a few Pet Minding Services out there these days, why should we choose you?
Because we are professional (this is not a hobby), experienced and respected in the industry. We are Registered & Insured, police checked and we can provide references. We are animal owners ourselves and understand the importance of welfare and the importance of providing an individualised service. We ONLY use positive methods, we provide a complete service and we’re flexible and come recommended by many pet stores, dog trainers, groomers and vets in the area.
Are you members of CASPA?
We are proud members of CASPA (Companion Animals Service Providers Association of Victoria).
Who are CASPA?
Formed in 2003, CASPA became the umbrella organisation for businesses in the dog walking and pet minding sector. CASPA was formed by dedicated professionals with a desire to create a common voice with industry, councils and the community. Its founding members and committee have over 20 years combined experience in animal care. CASPA aims to work to educate members as well as the public regarding pet care and responsible ownership. The contribution which CASPA members make to animal management is significant but often little known or understood. We seek to improve this understanding-lifting the profile of these professionals, their knowledge and standards of care which they provide and thus improving the well being of companion animals throughout our city.
Izzy – April 07
What methods of payment do you accept?
We accept cheque, money orders, direct deposit or cash, sorry, no credit.
So I like what I have heard so far, what do I do to organise a No Obligation, Free visit?
You can call us on -
9315 1241 or 0403 060 716Or email us at onsitepets@optusnet.com.au.
