F A Q s
About Our Services
What makes Wags to Wiggles different from other pet care providers?
At Wags to Wiggles, we provide relationship-based care rooted in trust, consistency, and a deep understanding of each pet's individual needs. We go beyond basic visits by prioritizing communication, health monitoring, and emotional wellbeing every step of the way.
Wags to Wiggles is trained in pet first aid and CPR, with extensive experience working with various behavioral needs and temperaments, plus the ability to administer medications and monitor for health changes. We limit the number of clients we serve to ensure every household receives full attention. Whether it's a midday walk or extended travel care, your pets and home are treated with the same care and respect you'd want for your own.
What services do you offer?
We specialize in midday, in-home care for dogs and cats — including walks (K9 Tinkle Time), drop-in visits (Curated Care for canines or Cat Calls for felines), and small-group socialization outings for dogs (Canine Social Club). If you're looking for reliable, relationship-based pet care, check out our full service descriptions here.
Which areas do you serve?
We serve a focused area to ensure timely, attentive care. Our primary service area includes Summit, Berkeley Heights, and New Providence, as well as bordering neighborhoods of nearby towns.
If you're in a neighboring area and unsure whether we can serve you, please submit a New Client Inquiry Form — we're happy to let you know if your location works.
Do you offer in-home boarding or keep pets at your house?
No. We only offer in-home care at your residence to reduce stress and maintain routine.
Do you offer overnight stays?
We focus on daytime care, but we collaborate with a trusted overnight pet sitter when clients need round-the-clock coverage. We're happy to discuss whether daytime services alone would work for your pet, or connect you for overnight care if needed.
Getting Started
How do I request services?
To get started, simply fill out our New Client Inquiry Form— it only takes a few minutes! Once we receive your submission, a member of the Wags to Wiggles team will contact you via email within 1–2 business days to go over your needs and the next steps. This may include scheduling a virtual consultation, followed by a mandatory Initial Care Consultation to make sure we're the right fit.
Returning clients can request services through our separate booking platform once onboarding is complete.
Do you require a Initial Care Consultation?
Yes — we require a complimentary Initial Care Consultation before confirming new service bookings. This visit helps us get to know you and your pet(s), review routines, confirm access, and ensure we're a great fit.
Initial Care Consultations are typically scheduled once your intake form is complete and you're ready to move forward with services. For safety and consistency, we must meet every pet we'll be caring for prior to our first visit.
Our Getting Started Process
We've designed our onboarding process to be simple and stress-free, ensuring both you and your pet feel completely comfortable before we begin services.
1
Initial Inquiry & Compatibility Check
Submit our New Client Inquiry Form with details about your pet's personality, needs, and your service requirements. We'll contact you within 1–2 business days for a brief pre-service consultation via video call.
What happens: We'll discuss your pet's specific needs, confirm service availability, schedule your Initial Care Consultation, and ensure we're the right fit for your family.
2
Complimentary Initial Care Consultation Visit
We'll visit your home for a FREE in-person Initial Care Consultation session. This allows your pet to get comfortable with us while we learn about their routines, favorite spots, and unique personality traits.
What to expect: A relaxed 30-45 minute visit where we'll meet your pet, review care instructions, collect any access information, and answer all your questions.
3
Account Setup & Service Scheduling
If everyone feels great after the Initial Care Consultation, we'll send you an invite to create your profile in our Precise Petcare system. You'll complete your pet's profile and sign our service agreement.
Final steps: Complete your online profile, sign consent forms, confirm your service start date, and you're all set to schedule your first visit!
Booking & Scheduling
Can I schedule recurring visits?
Absolutely—recurring clients are the heart of our business! Regular visits allow us to develop a deep understanding of your pet's unique personality and needs, maintain consistency in their care and enrichment, and provide you with true peace of mind.
Our recurring clients receive priority booking for high-demand periods like holidays and vacation care, ensuring your pet's routine remains uninterrupted when you need it most.
If you value consistent, relationship-based care and want a partner who truly knows your pet, you've found the right place.
Can I book you for just one visit?
Our services are built around consistency and relationship-building—both for pets and for creating reliable care partnerships. While we focus primarily on recurring clients, we occasionally accept one-time bookings when our schedule allows.
Please keep in mind that our thorough onboarding process (including detailed messaging and an in-person Initial Care Consultation, plus a video consultation for new clients) represents a significant time investment. This makes one-off visits less practical, particularly for pets who need extra time to adjust to new caregivers or have specific care requirements.
One-time visits work best for confident, social pets who adapt easily to new people and routines. If you're seeking more comprehensive, ongoing care, please see the question above!
How far in advance should I book?
We love working with proactive pet parents — booking early ensures we can provide the best possible care for your pets. Booking timelines vary depending on whether you're new or an established client, and whether it’s a regular day or peak season.
Do you accept last-minute bookings?
In rare cases, yes — but only for established clients, and only when our schedule allows. Additional fees apply.
That said, our care model is built on consistency and preparation. Advance booking ensures we can give your pet our full attention and maintain the quality standards that set Wags to Wiggles apart. We encourage clients to plan ahead whenever possible.
What holidays are considered peak times?
Peak times typically include major holidays and long weekends when travel demand is high. These include:
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Easter & Spring Break
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving
- Winter Holidays through New Year’s
Pet Care Specifics
Do you care for pets with behavioral challenges or special medical needs?
Yes, we do care for pets with behavioral concerns or special needs. We understand that every animal is an individual, and we’re committed to providing compassionate, respectful care tailored to their unique requirements. For pets with significant behavioral challenges—especially those involving fear, anxiety, or aggression—we believe it’s important to work in partnership with credentialed trainers or certified animal behaviorists who have the appropriate education and experience to ensure the best outcomes. If your pet has a specific behavior plan or history, we’re happy to collaborate with your behavior professional to maintain consistency and support your pet’s progress while in our care.
Similarly, we are unable to accommodate pets who require around-the-clock care or constant supervision. This level of support is best provided by licensed facilities or professionals equipped for intensive care. Our services are designed for pets who can rest comfortably and safely between scheduled visits.
Can you administer medications to pets?
Yes, we’re experienced with oral meds and topical treatments, but do not administer injectables at this time. We'll confirm your pet’s needs during the Initial Care Consultation.
Do you walk dogs in all weather?
Safety is always our top priority. We do our best to maintain scheduled walks in a variety of weather conditions — including light rain, cold, and heat — with reasonable adjustments as needed.
In cases of severe weather (such as storms, extreme heat, poor air quality, or icy conditions), walks may be shortened, rescheduled, or substituted with indoor enrichment. We’ll always keep you informed and make decisions with your pet’s wellbeing in mind.
For emergency weather events that make it unsafe or impossible to reach your home, we have protocols in place — including a required local Emergency Guardian — to ensure pets stay safe and cared for.
Safety & Credentials
Are you insured and bonded?
Yes — Wags to Wiggles is fully insured and bonded through Pet Sitters Associates. Our coverage includes general liability, bonding, and broadened property damage protection to give you peace of mind while your pets and home are in our care.
Are you trained in pet first aid or CPR?
Yes. We’re certified in Pet First Aid & CPR through the American Red Cross, and we continually learn through animal shelter medical team experience.
What happens in an emergency or severe weather event?
Your pet’s safety is always a top priority. If an urgent situation arises, we take reasonable steps to act in your pet’s best interest.
We’ll make every effort to contact you and your designated Emergency Guardian. If no one is reachable, we may seek veterinary care — starting with your preferred clinic if possible, or the nearest available facility.
Clients are financially responsible for all emergency-related expenses. Any decisions regarding care will be made using sound discretion in alignment with veterinary recommendations and the circumstances at hand.
In the event of weather-related or widespread emergencies, we follow established safety protocols and will reach out to Emergency Guardians if access to your home becomes unsafe or restricted.
Logistics & Policies
How do you handle keys and home access?
To ensure reliable service, we require independent access to your home through a key, lockbox, or secure entry code — provided before your first scheduled visit. Entry methods that depend on someone being home or available by phone (such as needing to call or buzz in) unfortunately can’t be accommodated.
If your access method relies on power or technology (like smart locks or electronic gates), a backup method — such as a physical key or alternative entry — is required in case of outages. For peace of mind and reliability, we strongly recommend using a lockbox.
Key exchange: Keys can be exchanged during your Initial Care Consultation or at the start of your first booked service at no additional charge. If you prefer a separate trip for key exchange outside of these times, a Key Concierge fee applies.
What is your payment policy?
Payment is due in advance of service. Once your booking is confirmed, you'll receive an invoice through our secure online platform.
Payment deadlines vary based on service type and season (for example, holiday bookings require earlier payment). Complete payment terms are provided in the W2W Client Service Agreement, which all clients review and sign during onboarding.
What is your cancellation policy?
We understand that plans change. We offer refunds or credits depending on the timing of your cancellation. Details are outlined in the W2W Client Service Agreement, which all clients review and sign during onboarding.
Can I tip my sitter?
Yes — tips are never expected but always appreciated. If you'd like to show extra thanks for exceptional care, you're welcome to add a gratuity through the booking platform or directly.
