Frequently Asked Questions

---

At Home Away From Home Pet Service, LLC, we provide a stress-free, personalized alternative to traditional kennels, redefining pet care with in-home pet sitting services. Unlike conventional boarding facilities, where pets often spend extended periods in kennels with limited human interaction, our approach ensures your pet enjoys a warm, home-like environment filled with comfort, companionship, and care.

With in-home dog boarding and doggy daycare, your fur baby stays in your trusted pet sitter’s home, where they can enjoy personalized attention, cozy spaces, and a familiar routine. Whether it’s sleeping in bed, making new friends, playing in the yard, or snuggling on the couch, we prioritize less kennel time and more snuggle time—because we believe every pet deserves to feel at home, even when you’re away.

Unlike traditional kennels that charge extra for walks, one-on-one playtime, or bedtime treats, we include these enriching experiences at no additional cost. Our services are designed to be flexible, allowing you to choose the most convenient drop off and pick up times, or take advantage of our pet taxi service for added convenience.

In addition to boarding and daycare, we offer a variety of other services to ensure your pet’s needs are met at all times. Our drop-in visits provide your pet with the care and companionship they deserve during your absence, whether it’s for feeding, bathroom breaks, or simply a little playtime. These visits are customized to your pet’s routine, ensuring consistency and comfort.

For dogs in need of more exercise and adventure, our dog walking services include personalized walks tailored to your pup's energy level and needs. From leisurely strolls to more energetic outings, we ensure your dog gets the physical and mental stimulation they crave.

Our homestays service takes personalized care to the next level. Your dedicated sitter stays in your home, providing attentive care and ensuring your fur baby feels safe and secure in their familiar surroundings. Whether it’s maintaining their daily routine, offering extra affection, or providing companionship, our sitters ensure your pet is comfortable and well-cared-for while you're away. 

We also offer adventure walks for dogs who love to explore the great outdoors. These walks are designed to offer a more dynamic experience, combining exercise with mental stimulation, and are perfect for high-energy dogs who enjoy a bit more adventure.

With customized care, flexible scheduling, and a true home-away-from-home experience, we give pet parents peace of mind knowing their furry family members are receiving the best possible care in a loving, familiar setting. Whether it's through drop-in visits, dog walking, homestays, or boarding, we’re here to provide the ultimate care for your fur babies, ensuring they’re happy, healthy, and well-loved while you’re away.

At Home Away From Home Pet Service, LLC, your pet’s safety and well-being are our top priorities.  Our experienced pet sitters utilize comprehensive safety measures to provide a secure, comfortable, and stress-free environment for every pet in our care. 

Our Commitment to Safety:

• Certified Care:  Our professional pet sitters are certified in pet care, first aid, and CPR, and are thoroughly background checked to ensure the highest level of trust and safety for your pet. 
• Thorough Preparation: We carefully review and follow your care instructions during every booking.
• Secure Environment: We take extra precautions when entering and exiting to prevent escapes.
• Hydration & Nutrition: Fresh water is always available, especially after walks and playtime.
• Safe Mealtime Practices:
  • Dogs are fed separately to prevent food aggression.
  • All meals and treats are closely monitored to avoid choking hazards.
  • We strictly follow dietary restrictions and feeding guidelines.
  • We ensure dogs rest before and after meals to reduce the risk of bloat.
• Outdoor Safety: 
  • We carefully supervise all outdoor playtime to monitor your pet’s well-being and ensure a positive experience.
  • We take extra care during hot or cold temperatures, adjusting outdoor playtime as necessary to prioritize your pet’s comfort and safety.
• Crate Safety: We do not leave toys in crates to prevent choking hazards when pets are left alone.
• Positive Reinforcement: We never use force, yelling, or punishment—only positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior.

Walk Safety

Our professional pet sitters are committed to providing safe and enjoyable walks for your pet. To ensure the highest safety standards, we adhere to the following guidelines:

• Proper Equipment: We only use well-fitted, high-quality walking gear to ensure safety and comfort during walks.
• Temperature Awareness: Before walking, we check pavement temperatures and adjust walking schedules based on weather conditions to avoid injury.
• Controlled Walks: To ensure your pet’s safety, we prevent interactions with other dogs during neighborhood walks.
•  Limited Group Size: For safety and individual attention, we limit each dog walk to a maximum of two dogs per pet sitter.

Pet Taxi Safety

Your pet's safety is our top priority during transportation. We take all necessary precautions to ensure a secure and comfortable ride for your furry friend. Our pet taxi service includes the following safety measures:

• Pet Seatbelts: We utilize specially designed pet seatbelts to keep your pet securely in place during transit, reducing the risk of injury in the event of sudden stops or accidents.
• Crate Use: For added safety, we can also use crates that are appropriately sized for your pet, ensuring they are safely contained throughout the ride.
• Driver Training: Our pet sitters are properly licensed and insured, ensuring they follow all best practices for a smooth, secure ride.
• No Unattended Pets: For your pet’s well-being, they are never left unattended in vehicles during transport.

Respecting Your Pet’s Comfort Level

We understand that every pet is unique and not all animals enjoy excessive attention. Our sitters carefully observe body language to ensure pets feel comfortable and respected. If your pet is nervous or prefers minimal interaction, we are happy to sit quietly with them and provide a reassuring presence without forcing engagement.

Emergency Preparedness

• Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a veterinary notification form via email. While optional, this form helps protect your pet in case of an emergency. If completed, we ask that you provide a copy to both Home Away From Home Pet Service and your preferred veterinary clinic.
• In case of an emergency, we will transport your pet to a veterinarian. While we prioritize your preferred vet, we may need to visit the nearest 24-hour emergency clinic based on availability and the severity of the situation.
• If we have any concerns about your pet, we will contact you immediately. If we cannot reach you, we will contact your emergency contact.

By choosing Home Away From Home Pet Service, LLC, you can rest assured that your fur baby will receive the highest level of safety, care, and compassion at all times.

We are a fully insured and bonded professional pet sitting company dedicated to providing exceptional care for your pets. With over 8 years of experience in the pet service industry, we have developed an extensive understanding of the unique needs of pets and their owners. Our mission is to exceed your expectations by offering a personalized, loving approach to pet care.

We take pride in hiring only the most responsible and compassionate pet care professionals, which is why all of our pet sitters undergo thorough Acutraq background checks. In addition, our team is fully insured, bonded, and certified in pet care, first aid, and CPR to ensure your pet receives the highest standard of care. We utilize positive reinforcement training techniques to create a safe and supportive environment for your pet. To learn more about our dedicated team, visit the Our Sitters page under the About tab.

We offer complimentary meet n greets to ensure you feel confident in your choice of pet sitter, giving you the chance to meet them and see how well they connect with your furry family member. Throughout your pet’s stay, we keep you informed with regular updates and photos, so you can fully enjoy your time away without worry. Your peace of mind is our priority, and we’re committed to making sure you feel completely comfortable leaving your pet in our care. 

At Home Away From Home Pet Service, pet sitting is much more than just a job—it’s a genuine passion we hold dear. When you choose us, you’re not just entrusting us with your pet, you’re inviting us into your family’s circle, and we take that responsibility to heart. We believe every pet deserves the kind of love, attention, and care that we would give our own, and it’s this deep commitment that drives us to always go above and beyond for your fur baby.

For existing clients who have already completed a meet n greet with their pet sitter, we can often accommodate short-notice booking requests, subject to availability. However, providing as much advance notice as possible increases the likelihood that we will have availability and can confirm your request.

For new clients requesting boarding, daycare, or homestay services, a meet n greet is required before your booking start date. While meet n greets for drop-in visits, dog walking, and pet taxi services are not always required, they are strongly encouraged. To ensure we find the best possible match for you and your pet, we recommend scheduling a meet n greet at least four (4) days before your requested start date.

A meet n greet is a vital 10–30-minute introduction between you, your pet, and your pet sitter. Before payment is completed, we ensure that this meeting takes place to guarantee that we are the perfect fit for both you and your pet.

For dog boarding and doggy daycare services, the meet n greet will take place at your pet sitter’s home, where your dog can explore the space and meet their new caregiver. For dog walking, drop-in visits, homestay, and pet taxi services, your pet sitter will come to your home to meet you and your pet. While meet n greets for dog walking, drop-in visits, and pet taxi services are not always required, they are highly encouraged to establish a strong rapport and ensure peace of mind for both you and your pet.

A meet n greet is an essential step in ensuring a successful and positive experience for both you and your pet. This meeting provides you with the opportunity to get to know your pet sitter, discuss your pet’s specific needs, and assess the environment where your pet will be staying. It allows you to make an informed decision, ensuring that you feel comfortable and confident in the care your pet will receive.

For your pet, the meet n greet is equally important. It provides them with a chance to meet their new pet sitter in a low-pressure setting, which can help alleviate any anxiety and foster a sense of trust. Your pet sitter will have the opportunity to observe your pet’s behavior, understand their likes and dislikes, and become familiar with their unique needs, routines, and preferences. This early interaction also allows your sitter to notice any behaviors or challenges that may require a different approach, they can also recommend whether another Home Away From Home sitter may be a better fit or if a different service type might be more suitable for your pet. 

To schedule your meet n greet, simply follow the steps on our Book Now page.

• Food
• Leash
• Collar with tags
• Harness (if applicable)

Please consult with your pet sitter regarding any necessary items such as bowls, toys, treats, crates, or bedding. They may already have these essentials available for your pet's use. 

Our experienced pet care professionals are proficient in administering medication and will adhere to your pet’s specific medication schedule. If your pet requires a special diet, simply provide the food, and your pet sitter will follow your detailed care instructions to ensure your pet’s needs are met with the utmost care and attention. 

Unlike many traditional boarding facilities that charge extra for basic activities like walks, one-on-one playtime, and bedtime snacks, we believe in providing a fully enriched experience for your pet without any additional costs.

Our comprehensive services include everything your fur baby needs to stay active, engaged, and content. From playtime with other dogs to invigorating walks and games of fetch, your pet will have plenty of opportunities for both physical and mental stimulation. We also treat your dog to special moments like enjoying pup cups, relaxing snuggles on the couch, and even the chance to splash around in kiddie pools during those warm summer days.

We understand the importance of enrichment for your dog’s well-being, which is why our dog sitters use a variety of engaging toys such as snuffle mats, Toppls, puzzle toys, and Kongs to keep your dog entertained and mentally sharp. Your fur baby will receive all the pampering, attention, and love they deserve, along with plenty of treats, playtime, belly rubs, and of course, endless kisses. At Home Away From Home Pet Service, we make sure your pet’s stay is as joyful, fulfilling, and fun as possible.

At Home Away From Home, we prioritize your pet’s comfort and strive to maintain their usual routine, ensuring they feel right at home. If your dog enjoys curling up in bed with you, rest assured, they’ll be snuggled up in bed with their dog sitter. For dogs who prefer the cozy security of their crate, we’ll make sure they have a peaceful night’s sleep in one. This is just one of the many ways we provide personalized, attentive care tailored to your pet's individual needs and preferences. 

We charge a $35 per hour no call/no show fee for clients who arrive more than 15 minutes early or late for their scheduled drop-off or pick-up time without prior communication with their pet sitter. These scheduled times help pet sitters plan both their personal and professional commitments, including drop-in visits, dog walks, and pet taxis outside of their homes. To avoid this fee, please notify your sitter in advance of any changes to your arrival time and receive confirmation that they can accommodate the adjustment. Simply letting your sitter know that you are on your way does not provide enough clarity, as they do not know your starting location or estimated travel time. Clear communication is essential, so if you will be more than 15 minutes early or late, you must explicitly inform your sitter and receive their confirmation to avoid the no call/no show fee. If you are more than an hour late for your scheduled boarding or daycare drop-off without notifying your pet sitter, your booking will be canceled and deemed non-refundable. Additionally, a $35 no-call/no-show fee will be charged. 

This policy is in place to respect and support our pet sitters' well-being. While they are passionate about caring for animals, it is important to recognize that providing in-home pet care does not mean they forfeit privacy in their own space. We kindly ask that you respect your pet sitter’s time, schedule, and home. Your cooperation helps create a positive and balanced experience for both your pet sitter and the pets they lovingly care for. Thank you for your understanding and support!

We understand that some pets feel most at ease in the comfort of their own home, which is why we offer tailored in-home pet sitting services to suit your pet’s needs. Our drop-in visit and dog walking services are designed to keep your pet comfortable, active, and engaged in their familiar environment. Additionally, our homestays service offers the convenience of an overnight or daytime pet sitter, ensuring your pet receives personalized care while remaining in their own home, so you and your fur baby can enjoy peace of mind without having to leave the house.

For clients utilizing our boarding and daycare services, we offer convenient pet taxi services to and from your pet sitter's home. This allows your dog to be safely picked up and dropped off, ensuring you can maintain your schedule without any added stress. Additionally, we provide reliable and secure pet taxi services throughout the Sioux Falls area for many other various needs, whether it’s transporting your dog to the groomer, your cat to the vet, or any other destination. Let our professional pet sitters handle the transportation, so you can focus on enjoying your time away while we care for your pet with the utmost attention and safety. 

At Home Away From Home Pet Service, we provide a variety of homestay options to ensure your pet gets the ideal care, whether you're away for just a day or an extended period.

Here's what you can expect during your pet’s homestay:

Standard Homestay Service Details

• One flat 24-hour rate, even for multi-pet households
• Minimum overnight care from 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM
• One midday 30-minute drop-in visit between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM
• One supper-time 30-minute drop-in visit between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM
• Overnight and drop-in visit times can be adjusted to accommodate both your schedule and your pet sitter’s, as long as both parties agree 
• You can customize your service by adding extra drop-in visits, dog walks, or extending overnight care hours (additional fees apply) 

Extended Standard Homestay Service Details

• One flat 24-hour rate, even for multi-pet households
• Minimum overnight care from 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM
• One midday 60-minute drop-in visit between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM
• One supper-time 60-minute drop-in visit between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM
• Overnight and drop-in visit times can be adjusted to accommodate both your schedule and your pet sitter’s, as long as both parties agree 
• You can customize your service by adding extra drop-in visits, dog walks, or extending overnight care hours (additional fees apply) 

Overnight Homestay Service Details

• One flat nightly rate, even for multi-pet households
• Minimum overnight care from 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM
• Overnight times can be adjusted to accommodate both your schedule and your pet sitter’s, as long as both parties agree 
• For added flexibility, you can customize your overnight homestay by booking additional overnight care hours as needed (additional fees apply)

Daytime Homestay Service Details

• One flat hourly rate, even for multi-pet households
• Minimum booking requirement of 3 hours
• For added convenience, you can customize your daytime homestay to provide extra care on specific days as needed

Customized Care & Feeding

• Follow all feeding instructions, dietary requirements, and food restrictions 
• Monitor your pet's appetite and eating habits to identify any changes in health or behavior
• Ensure fresh water is always available, especially after walks and outdoor play
• Administer medications as directed, including pills, injections, subcutaneous fluids, and inhalation treatments
• Careful monitoring during treat and feeding time to prevent choking and ensure safety
• Ensure proper rest before and after meals to reduce the risk of bloat 

Health, Safety & Comfort

• Supervised potty breaks and play sessions to maintain safety
• Cautious monitoring of outdoor activities, especially during extreme temperatures
• Daily exercise and activities to keep your pet engaged and active
• Consistent routines to provide comfort and reduce stress 
• Litter box maintenance and clean-up according to your instructions 
• Clean-up of any accidents promptly 
• Home and property surveillance to ensure your home is safe and secure
• Plant watering to keep your greenery healthy

Personalized Attention & Communication

• Tailored care designed to meet you and your pet’s unique needs
• One-on-one attention, plenty of cuddles, and lots of love from your pet sitter
• Positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior
• Option to add dog bath, adventure hike, and pet taxi services (additional fees apply)
• Collection of mail and packages as needed
• Management of trash and recycling during your absence 
• Daily photos and written updates to keep you connected and informed 

We are committed to ensuring that both you and your fur baby feel as comfortable as possible during your time away, and we are happy to accommodate any additional requests to meet your pet’s needs. 

At Home Away From Home Pet Service, we take pride in providing personalized care to all of our clients, regardless of the service. Your pet’s well-being and comfort are our top priorities, and we are committed to following your specific instructions to ensure their needs are met.

With our services, you can expect us to:

• Fill food and water bowls as needed
• Administer medications, including pills, injections, subcutaneous fluids, and inhalation treatments, in accordance with your instructions
• Provide supervised potty breaks
• Clean up any accidents promptly
• Follow your litterbox care instructions
• Offer engaging playtime
• Take your dog on walks
• Send photos and written updates after each visit
• Bring in your mail and packages
• Optional dog bath service
• Follow all care instructions as outlined

Your pet's well-being is our top priority. If you have any additional care instructions, please let us know—we are always happy to accommodate!

Dog Walks: During a dog walk, the primary focus is on providing your dog with outdoor exercise, allowing them to stretch their legs, explore, and relieve themselves. These walks are designed to provide both physical activity and mental stimulation for your dog. We provide walks for up to two dogs at a time to ensure each pet receives the attention, control, and care they deserve. For households with more than two dogs, clients have two options: you can either split your booking time to allow all dogs to be walked separately in pairs, or add an additional sitter to your booking for an added fee so all dogs can be walked at the same time. 

Drop-In Visits: Drop-in visits are tailored to meet the specific needs of your pet, whether they are dogs, cats, rabbits, fish, or other animals. During these visits, the majority of the time is spent on feeding, administering medications, providing potty breaks, socializing, and offering attention to your pet. Each drop-in visit is customized to ensure the comfort and well-being of your pet while you’re away. The base price for our drop-in visits include up to 4 pets. Any additional pets will be charged an extra fee per visit.

Adventure Walks: Our adventure walks are two-hour excursions designed to take your dog to dog-friendly locations around the area, allowing them to explore new sights, sounds, and smells in a safe and controlled environment. You have the option to have your dog walked on a standard leash, long-line leash, or off-leash for more freedom to explore.

Enhance your pet's stay with our premium add-on services designed to keep them happy, healthy, and refreshed.

Pet Taxi: Our reliable and friendly pet taxi service is available throughout the Sioux Falls area, offering safe, stress-free transportation for your fur baby. Whether it’s a trip to the groomer, the vet, or transportation to and from your pet sitter’s home for in-home doggy daycare or dog boarding, we ensure your pet travels safely and comfortably. 

Dog Baths: Treat your pup to a refreshing spa experience with our standard dog baths, designed to leave them feeling fresh, clean, and pampered with a gentle shampoo, conditioning treatment, and cozy towel dry. 

Adventure Walks: Treat your dog to an exciting, energy-packed two-hour outing that promotes exercise and mental stimulation. We explore local trails, parks, and scenic routes, providing a fun and enriching experience. For safety and quality, we limit each adventure walk to a maximum of two dogs.

To ensure the health and safety of all pets in our care, we require up-to-date vaccination records for each pet prior to the start of their booking. Please email or text us a clear image of your pet’s vaccination records. If current vaccination records are not provided by the booking start date, the reservation will be canceled, and our cancellation policy will apply.

All new vaccinations should be given a minimum of one week prior to your bookings start date. 

Required Vaccinations:

• Dogs (including puppies four months and older): Rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella
  • Strongly Recommended: Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) and Leptospirosis

• Cats: Rabies
  • Strongly Recommended: Feline Leukemia Virus (FELV) and Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (FVRCP)

While spaying or neutering your dog is not required, we strongly encourage it for the well-being and safety of all pets in our care.

Please note that we do not offer boarding or daycare services for female dogs in heat.

We proudly serve Sioux Falls and the surrounding areas. Our sitters travel up to a 30-minute radius from their homes to provide drop-in visit, dog walking, homestay, pet taxi, and adventure walk services. We happily welcome out-of-town boarding or daycare clients, provided we can schedule a meet n greet before the start of your booking. 

Service hours are outlined in the "Before You Book" section on each individual service page. These are our standard hours, but please keep in mind that availability may vary depending on the assigned pet sitter, as some sitters offer longer or shorter hours. We will assign the pet sitter who best matches your schedule and your pet’s needs. You can visit the Our Pet Sitters page under the About tab to view each sitter’s specific hours. If your schedule falls outside of our regular availability, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs. 

Our rates are determined by the type of service and time frame required. You can find the detailed rates for each service under the Rates tab at the top of the page.

Once you have completed a meet n greet with your pet sitter,  you may complete your payment at any time using the link provided in your confirmation email. Full payment is required at least seven (7) days prior to the start of your booking.

• If payment is not completed by the due date, the card on file will be charged automatically.

• For bookings made less than seven (7) days before the start date, the card on file will be charged at the time of booking confirmation.

• Our cancellation policy will apply once payment has been processed. 

If you need to modify your booking dates or times, please notify your pet sitter as soon as possible.

Please visit the Book Now page for detailed booking instructions. 

We understand that plans can change, and we strive to be as fair and accommodating as possible while ensuring availability for all clients. Our cancellation policy is as follows:

• Cancellations made at least 72 hours before the scheduled start time will receive a full refund.

• Cancellations made within 72 hours will receive a 50% refund on the first seven (7) canceled days and a 100% refund for any remaining days.

• Last-minute cancellations do not allow sufficient time to fill the open spot. Canceling at least three (3) days in advance gives us the opportunity to accommodate another client.

• If you are more than an hour late for your scheduled boarding or daycare drop-off without notifying your pet sitter, your booking will be canceled and deemed non-refundable. Additionally, a $35 no-call/no-show fee will be charged. 

• If your pet sitter arrives at your home for a scheduled service and you have not informed them that the service is no longer needed, the full booking amount will be nonrefundable. 

Weather-Related Cancellations

• Winter storms are typically forecasted in advance. If you are concerned about inclement weather affecting your ability to reach your pet sitter, we recommend canceling ahead of time to avoid cancellation fees.

• If extreme temperatures or hazardous weather prevent safe dog walking conditions, your pet sitter will perform a drop-in visit instead.

• If extreme temperatures or hazardous weather prevent safe adventure walk conditions, you will have the option to have your sitter perform an extended drop-in visit at your home instead or reschedule the adventure walk.

• If severe weather prevents your pet sitter from reaching your home, they will contact you, and you will receive a full refund for any uncompleted services.

Personal or Illness-Related Cancellations

• While we understand that unexpected circumstances arise, a 72-hour notice is required for cancellations. This allows us to attempt to fill the open spot. Cancellations with less than 72 hours' notice make it difficult to accommodate other clients.

• If your pet sitter becomes too ill to provide care, we will notify you immediately and arrange for another Home Away From Home sitter. If a suitable replacement is unavailable, you will receive a full refund for any uncompleted services.

By following this policy, we can continue to provide exceptional care and availability for all our valued clients.

Holiday rates will be in effect during the following holidays, including their corresponding weekends: 

• Easter
• Memorial Day
• Fourth of July
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving
• Christmas 
• New Years

Discounts for multi-pet households are available and detailed in the rates section of each service page. Additionally, we offer a variety of discount codes, which are listed below. Simply enter your preferred code at checkout to apply the discount. We also run frequent promotions, so be sure to follow us on social media for the latest updates and promotional offers. 

All Services:  

• New clients booking their first service will receive a 10% discount. 
  • Code: FIRSTTIMEBOOKING

• When the individual you referred completes their first booking, you will receive a 10% discount on your next booking. 
  • Code: REFERAFRIEND 

Dog Boarding: 

• When you book boarding bookings over one week long you will receive a 10% discount.
  • Code: BOARDING10

Doggy Daycare:

• When you book 10 daycares in one month you will receive a 10% discount.
  • Code: DAYCARE10

Homestays: 

• When you book homestay bookings over five days long you will receive a 10% discount.
  • Code: HOMESTAY10

Drop-In Visits:

• When you book 10 drop-in visits in one month you will receive a 10% discount.
  • Code: DROPINS10 

Dog Walking:

• When you book 10 walks in one month you will receive a 10% discount.
  • Code: WALKS10 

Pet Taxi:

• When you book 10 pet taxis in one month you will receive a 10% discount.
  • Code: PETTAXI10

Adventure Walks: 

• When you book 10 adventure walks in one month you will receive a 10% discount.
  • Code: ADVENTUREWALK10