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Protocols & Emergency Preparedness

Certified. Compassionate. Ready for Anything.

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When you choose Pet Sitting 4 Comfort® (PS4C), you’re choosing trusted professionals trained to handle any situation with skill, empathy, and preparedness. From medical monitoring to extreme weather response, we follow industry-aligned protocols that keep your pets and home safe.

Safety You Can Trust

We follow nationally recognized standards and in-house protocols shaped by real-world experience and continuous learning.

 

Certifications & Affiliations

  • Fear Free® Certified

  • PetTech® First Aid & CPR Trained

  • PSI & NAPPS aligned training

 

Your Signed Onboarding Documents Guide Our Actions:

  • Service Agreement

  • Veterinary Release Form

  • Home Access Authorization

  • Policies & Procedures Manual

Emergency Preparedness Model

Based on FEMA’s 4-Phase Framework:
Mitigation | Preparedness | Response | Recovery

 

Mitigation: Reducing Risk

  • All pets must have visible ID (tag, collar, or microchip)

  • We check homes for loose wires, open gates, toxins, and hazards

  • Emergency decals or signage used when appropriate

  • Profiles in Time To Pet must be current

 

Preparedness: Planning Ahead

  • CPR & First Aid certified staff

  • First aid kits and pet safety supplies at every visit

  • Emergency contacts & vet info stored securely

  • Internal drills and refreshers throughout the year

  • Ongoing education in Fear Free®, PACCC, and emergency response

Pet Health & Medical Emergency Protocols

We monitor for subtle and urgent signs of distress—especially for pets with chronic or medical needs.

 

General Head-to-Tail Health Checks

  • Ears: Odor, redness, discharge

  • Eyes: Discharge, irritation

  • Mouth: Gum color, breath, tartar

  • Skin: Flakes, bald spots, parasites

  • Behavior: Appetite, energy, mobility

  • Paws/Nails: Cleanliness, cracks, length

 

Condition-Specific Protocols

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

  • Monitor water intake, urine output, appetite

  • Provide fluids, renal diet, and check for signs of dehydration

 

Cystitis & UTIs

  • Monitor for straining, frequency, blood in urine

  • Ensure clean litter box, administer meds, encourage hydration

 

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

  • Feed prescribed diet

  • Monitor stool, hydration, and comfort

 

Diabetes

  • Administer insulin as prescribed

  • Monitor meals, water intake, and hypoglycemia signs

 

Immunocompromised Pets (e.g., FIV)

  • Sanitize environment, reduce stress

  • Watch for recurring infections or coat changes

Emergency Response Protocol

If a Pet is Ill, Injured, or Unresponsive:

  • Assess Airway–Breathing–Circulation

  • Administer CPR or Heimlich maneuver if needed

  • Clean and bandage wounds

  • Monitor vitals and transport if necessary

  • Contact the vet and client immediately

  • Document everything in Time To Pet

 

Veterinary Emergencies Include:

  • Choking or poisoning

  • Collapse, seizures, or heatstroke

  • Lacerations or severe limping

  • Respiratory distress or high fever

Climate & Environmental Response

Power or HVAC Failures

  • Assess indoor temps for comfort and safety

  • Notify client immediately

  • Apply cooling/warming protocols (cold towels, fans, blankets)

  • Relocate pet if indoor temps exceed safety thresholds

    • Hot weather: Above 85°F

    • Cold weather: Below 60°F

 

Fire, Gas, or Security Emergencies

  • Evacuate pets

  • Contact emergency services

  • Notify the client

  • Document all actions and follow up with details

Behavior & Situational Protocols

Anxious Pets

  • Use Fear Free methods and positive reinforcement

  • Short, calm visits with detailed notes

  • Respect space—especially for hiding cats

 

Dog Fights or Bites During Walks

  • Safely separate dogs

  • Apply first aid if needed

  • Contact client and vet as appropriate

 

Destructive Behavior

  • Redirect with toys or mental enrichment

  • Update clients with behavior notes and recommendations

 

Lost Pet Protocol

  • Immediate search

  • Contact local shelters and authorities

  • Notify client and share updates regularly

Inclement Weather & Natural Events

We prioritize safety during:

  • Extreme Heat or Cold (exercise modifications, gear, hydration)

  • Flooding or Snow/Ice Conditions (visit rescheduling or delays)

  • Severe Storms (early or adjusted visits, backup contacts used)

Pet Taxi & Transport Support

Within Arlington & Surrounding Areas

  • We contact your vet, transport safely, wait if needed, and provide a full report

  • Emergency transport beyond 10 miles or with wait time is handled with client approval

Communication Protocols

Office Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Service Hours: 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM (extended to 11:30 PM during holidays)

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Urgent updates during visits: Sent in real time via Time To Pet

 

Reports Include:

  • Arrival/departure

  • Tasks completed

  • Appetite, bowel movements, behavior

  • Medication notes & health observations

 

We also include “Extra Notes” when needed and respond quickly to concerned clients with empathy and facts.

Why Clients Trust PS4C

  • Trusted in Arlington since 2016

  • Family-owned, no outside contractors

  • Pet First Aid/CPR and Fear Free certified

  • Real-time updates through secure portal

  • Focused on transparency, communication, and accountability

How You Can Help

  • Keep your Time To Pet profile current

  • Test all lockboxes, keys, and smart locks

  • Share vet info, feeding routines, and emergency contacts

  • Sign all onboarding documents before service

  • Let us know of recent HVAC, security, or plumbing issues

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