Your Questions, Answered: Pet-Obsessed Care Starts Here

Learn how our local team provides professional, enrichment-first care for pets, and peace of mind for their people. Thoughtful answers about our Fear Free philosophy, enrichment-focused visits, and the people caring for your pets.

Safety, Training, & Care Philosophy

  • At Sploot Pet Concierge, your pet’s emotional and physical safety comes first. We use positive reinforcement–based handling and gentle, respectful interactions that honor each pet’s comfort level and consent.

    We do not use physical punishment, intimidation, or fear-based tools. That means no hitting, yelling, grabbing, forcing, or equipment designed to cause pain or distress. Our goal is to help pets feel safe, understood, and supported — even when they’re nervous, shy, or having an off day.

  • Fear Free care means we actively work to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress during every interaction. Our team is trained to recognize subtle stress signals and adjust our approach accordingly — slowing down, giving space, or changing the plan when needed.

    This philosophy is especially important for:

    • Cats and small animals

    • Senior pets

    • Rescue pets

    • Pets who are shy, anxious, or sensitive to change

    We’re proud to align our care standards with Fear Free Pets principles.

  • Yes. Sploot Pet Concierge is fully insured and bonded through Pet Sitter Associates. This protects your pets, your home, and our team, and reflects our commitment to operating as a professional, accountable business, not an informal or casual service.

  • Safety is built into our systems and our daily routines. This includes:

    • Detailed client and pet profiles

    • Clear care instructions and emergency contacts

    • Consistent caregivers whenever possible

    • Secure entry and exit procedures

    • Ongoing communication and visit updates

    We don’t rush visits or push pets beyond their comfort zone. If something doesn’t feel safe or appropriate, we pause and reassess.

  • You’re in the right place. Many Sploot clients come to us because their pets need a more thoughtful approach.

    We move at your pet’s pace, respect boundaries, and focus on building trust over time. Some days that means active play or enrichment; other days it means quiet companionship. Both are valuable forms of care.

  • We do not use aversive tools or punishment-based corrections. Instead, we focus on:

    • Preventing stress and overstimulation

    • Redirecting behavior when appropriate

    • Supporting routines that help pets feel secure

    Our role isn’t to “fix” pets, it’s to care for them in a way that supports their wellbeing while you’re away.

  • If something unexpected happens, whether it’s a health concern, a behavior change, or an environmental issue, we communicate promptly and clearly.

    You’ll never be left wondering what happened. We believe transparency and calm communication are essential parts of safe, trustworthy care.

OOur Team & Professional Standards

  • Your pet will be cared for by a trained member of the Sploot Pet Concierge team. We intentionally match caregivers based on your pet’s needs, personality, and routine, not availability alone.

    Whenever possible, we prioritize consistent caregivers, so your pet can build familiarity and trust over time.

  • Sploot Pet Concierge works with fairly compensated W-2 employees, not independent contractors.

    This allows us to:

    • Provide consistent training and care standards

    • Support our team with ongoing education

    • Maintain accountability and clear communication

    • Offer a higher level of reliability for clients

  • Our team receives training in:

    • Fear Free–informed handling and observation

    • Positive reinforcement principles

    • Species-specific care (dogs, cats, and small animals)

    • Safety protocols and professional standards

    Training doesn’t stop after onboarding, we emphasize continued learning and thoughtful, reflective care. We utilize training from the professional organizations we belong to.

  • Whenever possible, yes. We believe consistency matters, especially for pets who are sensitive to change.

    If a schedule change or coverage is ever needed, we communicate clearly and ensure any backup caregiver has access to your pet’s care notes, preferences, and routines.

  • Because we operate as a local business with an employed team, we’re able to:

    • Set and uphold clear care standards

    • Support caregivers with guidance and oversight

    • Respond quickly if questions or concerns arise

    You’re not booking through a platform, you’re working directly with a team that knows you, your pet, and your community.

  • Rather than matching you with individual profiles, Sploot Pet Concierge provides relationship-based care through a coordinated team.

    That means:

    • Intentional caregiver matching

    • Ongoing communication and support

    • Consistent expectations and care philosophy

    • A local business that stands behind every visit

    Many families come to us while looking for a more personal, professional alternative to Rover.

Scheduling, Visits, and Communication

  • We schedule visits using time blocks, rather than exact appointment times. This allows our team to account for travel time, weather, traffic, and the unique needs of each pet while still providing reliable care.

    If your pet requires medication or care at a specific time, please let us know. We’ll work with you to determine the best scheduling option.

  • During extreme weather common to Wisconsin, your pet’s safety — and our team’s safety — always come first.

    During inclement weather such as extreme cold, heat, storms, or hazardous road conditions, we assess conditions carefully and adjust visits as needed. This may include:

    • Modifying walk length or route

    • Focusing on indoor enrichment instead of outdoor activity

    • Adjusting visit timing for safety

    If conditions require changes, we communicate clearly so you know what to expect and how your pet is being cared for.

    We plan ahead whenever possible and make thoughtful, pet-centered decisions rather than pushing through unsafe conditions.

  • Visit length depends on the service you book. Each visit is designed to allow enough time for care, enrichment, and observation — not rushed, in-and-out stops.

    We’re happy to talk through which visit length is the best fit for your pet’s needs.

  • Yes. You’ll receive clear visit updates after each visit, including notes about how your pet is doing and any important observations.

    Communication is a core part of our care. You’ll never be left wondering how a visit went.

  • If something unexpected comes up — such as a health concern, a behavior change, or a home-related issue — we contact you promptly.

    We prioritize transparent, timely communication, so you can make informed decisions without unnecessary stress.

  • Yes. We understand that plans change. Schedule requests and updates can be submitted through our scheduling system, and we’ll confirm availability as quickly as possible.

    We appreciate as much notice as you can provide, especially during busy periods.

  • If coverage is needed, we’ll assign a trained backup caregiver who has access to your pet’s care notes, preferences, and routines.

    We communicate in advance whenever possible and prioritize continuity and safety.

  • We follow secure, clearly documented entry and exit procedures. Access details are kept confidential and shared only with team members assigned to your care.

    Your home and your pet’s safety are treated with equal importance.

Services: What We Offer And Don’t

  • We offer in-home pet care designed to support your pet’s routine, comfort, and wellbeing while you’re away.

    Our services include:

    • Enrichment dog walks

    • Pet sitting visits

    • Cat care

    • Small animal care (rabbits & guinea pigs)

    • Enrichment-focused visits tailored to your pet

    • Dog Training

    • Bird care

    If you’re unsure which service is the best fit, we’re happy to help you decide.

  • Overnight and extended care availability varies. We’re happy to discuss your needs and determine whether a customized care plan is the right fit for your pet.

  • No. We believe most pets are happiest and least stressed when they can remain in their own home.

    In-home care allows us to maintain routines, reduce exposure to unfamiliar environments, and support emotional comfort, especially for cats, seniors, and sensitive pets.

  • Yes, we can administer many common medications as part of our visits.

    Please let us know:

    • The type of medication

    • How it’s given

    • Any special timing requirements

    This helps us ensure care is safe, comfortable, and within our scope of service.

  • Ellen offers training appointments.

    We do not provide formal training or behavior modification during pet sitting visits.

    However, we do follow positive reinforcement and Fear Free principles and can reinforce existing routines and skills.

  • Many pets with medical or special needs do well with Sploot Pet’s thoughtful, individualized approach.

    We’ll review care requirements together to ensure they’re a good fit for our services and that your pet receives appropriate support.

  • Yes. To ensure safety and consistency, we do not offer:

    • Boarding or kennel-based care

    • Punishment-based handling or aversive tools

    • Care that requires medical procedures beyond our scope

    • Major snow removal or lawn care.

    Clear boundaries allow us to provide high-quality, reliable care within our expertise.

Your pet is waiting.

Every new client starts with a meet & greet — a chance to learn your pet’s routine before care begins. No pressure. Just a good first hello.

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