Frequently asked questions

To sign up with Melissa's Mutt Hutt, please click our Client Registration Form button above, download the document, and fill it out all necessary information about your pet(s) and your home. Next, call us at 310-546-0021, or email us at melissa@melissasmutthutt.com to set up a mandatory in-home consultation. If you are a guest in a hotel, the Concierge can assist you in printing out these documents and making an appointment.

Q. Why Use Melissa's Mutt Hutt Pet Services?

Our professionals will visit your home to feed, care for, and play with your pet. Melissa's Mutt Hutt is bonded, has over a million dollars of commercial liability insurance coverage, and will provide references. You are not inconvenienced, having to transport your pet. You will no longer need to impose on a friend, family member or neighbor, who may sometimes forget your pet. Your pet does not require shots, or to be caged. Additionally, your home is made more secure by crime deterrent measures provided by our pet caregivers. You may utilize other special services, such as dog walking, pet transportation, administering medications and grooming services.

Q. What are the Advantages for my Pet?

Your pet remains in his or her own safe, secure environment, where all the sights, smells, and sounds are familiar. Your pet will follow his or her customary diet, exercise routine and medical treatments. Your pet is not exposed to illnesses or parasites from other animals. Your pet is not traumatized by travel in a car or unfamiliar environment. Your pet receives love and personal attention while the owner is away, including brushing and cuddling. Under the covers pets? That's no problem with Melissa's Mutt Hutt!

Q. What does the initial "consultation" entail and why is there a charge?

When you schedule your consultation with Melissa's Mutt Hutt, we will arrange a visit to your home for an initial "interview" to meet your pet, become familiar with your home/routine, and discuss all pertinent information about your pet's needs for an hour. We charge a $20.00 Registration Fee at sign up (see Pricing), which includes the initial interview account encryption and key pick up. Your key is kept in a safe. If you travel on a regular basis, or require regular dog walks, visits or pet sits, we suggest you leave a set of your keys with us at all times.

Q: What types of animals do you provide care for?

A: We most commonly provide care for dogs, cats, birds, fish & rabbits as long as they do not pose a danger to us, are neutered and have no history of agression towards other animals or people. If you have other types of pets please ask for details. The only animals we absolutely don't handle are tarantulas (as I am terrified of those hairy little spiders!)

Q. What exactly is In-Home Pet Sitting?

A: In home pet sitting is available from 8:00 pm to 8:00 am or 6:30pm-9:00am. Your Mutt Hutter clocks into our offices from your home upon arrival and departure. This service includes a morning and evening neighborhood walks (dogs), feeding, administration of medication, (if required) playtime, brushing and discretionary services (i.e. bones, toys, treats and cookies!) requested per prior interview. Also included is, plant watering, mail and newspaper pick-up, trash management, and rotation of lights.

Q: What are pet visits?

Pet Visits are at least 45 minutes in length. We're finished when your pet has been cared for properly. All pets have different needs. Upon arrival and departure your Mutt Hutter clocks in with our offices from your home phone and your visit can include a walk (dogs), feeding, litter scooping and litter replacement, brushing, medication administration, attention, affection, exercise and a diary of what happened while we were with your pet. For cats, we have a minimum of 1 visit a day if you are traveling (sorry no every-other-day visits) and the rest is up to you. Multiple visits in a day are usually spaced 4-8 hours apart. When we initially meet with you, we'll work out the best schedule and customize a solution based on your pet’s individual needs.

Q. What are private or semi private dog walking?

Many of our competitors offer cheaper group walks with up to 10 dogs of different sizes and temperament, and just take them to the dog park, sit down and read a book or listen to music. We do not. We believe proper supervision and exercise are highly compromised in these situations, so our walks are real walks, with no more than 3 dogs in a group with the dogs being of similar size and temperament. You can elect to have your walks 100% private for an additional charge. 2.5-hour hikes for a real treat are available to Runyon Canyon, Topanga Canyon and the beach!

Q: Where do you provide service?

We currently offer service in Woodland Hills, Tarzana, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, North Hollywood, Hollywood, West Hollywood, West LA, Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, Venice, Playa Del Rey, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach Redondo Beach and their neighboring communities.

Q: What credentials does Melissa's Mutt Hutt have?

Melissa's Mutt Hutt is licensed, bonded and insured for over $1 million dollars with Travelers Insurance, and Pet CPR certified through the Red Cross. We hire only pet professionals who have been extensively screened though ADP. We wear uniforms, have a vigorous training program and do random drug screening. We have copies of this documentation available for viewing. Additionally, we have hundreds of referrals.

Q: Do you care for our pets in your home?

Yes! Boarding can be done on a case-by-case basis for potty trained, non-aggressive dogs less than 35 pounds. We pick up your pet, their bedding, food and treats, bring them to our pet-safe homes, and return them to you. Included is a daily journal, as well as all the other benefits as a traditional in-home pet sit.

Q: What do I need to provide for my sitter's overnight stay or visit?

While we're staying overnight we think of it as becoming a temporary member of your family. We ask that you provide a comfortable and clean place for us to sleep, food for your pets, waste bags, leads and replacement litter if you have kitties.

Q: What if my property or pet is damaged while I am gone?

Melissa's Mutt Hutt is only liable for claims arising from negligence or willful misconduct. Due to the extreme unpredictability of animals, we cannot accept responsibility for unusual mishaps (i.e., biting, furniture damage, etc.). Also, if your pets have access to the outside, we are not responsible for injury, disappearance, or fines. All of Melissa's Mutt Hutt Staff and our Mutt Hutters covered by our $1 million bonding and insurance policies for which we have never had a claim.

Q: Is the information I provide The Mutt Hutt with kept confidential?

Yes! We do not disclose client information of any kind to third parties. The Mutt Hutt and accessed/utilized only in such a manner as to be able to fulfill our assignment obligations protect all client information. We have no problems signing non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements. We have many celebrity clients and respect all of our clients privacy.

Q: How much notice do you need?

We appreciate as much notice as possible. Overnight pet sitting availability is particularly limited, especially during the holidays and summer months. Although we try to fulfill every order for service, we are often not able to accommodate last-minute requests.

Q: What if my pet becomes ill or injured?

In the unlikely event that a pet in our care sustains a life-threatening illness or serious injury, we will immediately obtain care from a licensed veterinary professional in order to stabilize the condition until such time that you can decide the appropriate course of action. We will attempt to go to the veterinarian you have noted in your client consultation form if at all possible, and call you from the waiting room. We work with over 160 veterinarians offices in Los Angeles. The client must reimburse any fees incurred by the Mutt Hutt.

Q. Do you administer medication to pets?

We will administer medication - pills, drops, injections and subcutaneous fluids at a small additional charge based on our ability to refer a Mutt Hutter to you who is experienced in administering your pet's particular type of medication. We will not administer medication to any animal that poses a danger to us.

Q. What happens when it rains?

Hey, this is LA and it rarely rains very heavily, so we will generally work in the rain. A very heavy rainfall may slow or stop us, but we will most often be able to make up the work later in the same day or later that week. When it rains we still show, up, and allow your pet to relieve themselves, then exercise them a little outside and the spend the rest of the time exercising them indoors.

Q. Can I be assured of the same Mutt Hutter each time?

We definitely prefer to offer your visits and pet sits to the same pet professional each time, however if your Mutt Hutter is not available for some reason, a fully informed substitute from our staff will always be available for back up. The more notice you give us; the more likely you can have your regular Mutt Hutter. The same Mutt Hutter will do all daily scheduled walks. If your Mutt Hutter is ill, or injured, Melissa or Nea (our Office Manager) will complete the work.

Q. How does your Mutt Hutter get access to my home?

A. After registration has been completed and before you depart, we need you to make a duplicate of your home key and leave behind the signed service agreement. We will not abuse or make additional copies of your keys or enter any time other than the assigned and booked appointments. Upon your return, the key will be returned, or if you prefer, we will keep your key in our safe for future visits.

Q. Do we sell Dog Walking booklets?

Yes, we do sell dog-walking booklets in increments of 20 and up at a discounted rate. (please inquire by telephone or e-mail). However, you must be on a regular 3 time weekly schedule, and provide at least 24 hours notice for any cancellations or you will still be charged. Dog Walking booklets are NON REFUNDABLE and are paid in advance of walks. You will have the same Mutt Hutter each day.

Q. How am I billed, and when is it due?

A. We require 50% of the fee paid at time of booking, with the balance due upon completion of service. Keep in mind that you may also purchase "books" of 20 walks and up to take advantage of lower rates. Future visits are then credited against your total visits purchased.

Q. May I give my Mutt Hutter a gratuity?

Absolutely. You may give gratuities directly to your Mutt Hutter, or if you prefer you may pay it to the company. 100% of gratuities go directly to the designated Mutt Hutter.

Q. Do you work on holidays?

Melissa's Mutt Hutt works on the following holidays with a surcharge of: New Years Eve, New Years Day, Presidents Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

Q. Is it possible to get one-time-only service?

Sure! One-time-only or short-term service may be easily arranged most times of the year, and is often the case for Hotel Clients.

Q. Do you offer any sort of satisfaction guarantee?

You want to know that your pet will be cared for in the way you specify, and we will guarantee it every time! If you are not 100% satisfied with the service that was provided, we will be happy to address your concerns and provide your next visit for free. We believe in lasting client relationships, and our service is only complete when you have returned home and are completely satisfied.