Frequently Asked Questions
🐾 GENERAL QUESTIONS
What is Pet PAL LA?
Pet PAL LA is a mobile veterinary nursing service based in Los Angeles. We provide in-home medical care and supportive services for pets, including medication administration, subcutaneous fluids, blood pressure monitoring, and pet sitting.
What pets do you work with?
We specialize in dogs and cats but can also provide care for exotics, including, but not limited to, rabbits, reptiles, amphibians, domesticated birds (from chickens and ducks to exotic parrots) and pocket pets like rats, hamsters, guinea pigs and gerbils. Our founder also has extensive experience with horses and barn management.
Do you replace my regular veterinarian?
No. We work under your vet’s guidance to carry out prescribed treatments at home. We do not diagnose illnesses or prescribe treatments or medications.
Do you travel to all parts of Los Angeles?
We are based in Toluca Lake and our service area is a 5 by 7 mile oval radius based at Riverside Dr and Vineland Ave. We focus on the North Hollywood/Studio City/Burbank/Sherman Oaks areas but frequently visit Woodland Hills, Topanga, Glendale, Westwood, Beverly Hills and other parts of LA with pets that need our help. Service inquiries will never be refused based on your location, but travel fees may apply if you are outside our home base.
📋 SERVICE POLICIES
How do I book an appointment?
Start by submitting an inquiry at our contact page. Please be as detailed as possible. You will recieve a reply with an estimate within 24-48 hours. Once you approve it and sign the service agreement, we’ll confirm your appointment and send you an invoice for your deposit. If the request is less than 3 days in advance, payment will be needed in full to confirm.
How far in advance should I schedule?
Ideally, at least 3-4 business days in advance. Same-day or next-day requests may incur an urgent care/same day fee and require full payment upfront.
Why do same day requests have an extra fee?
A same day visit may require the adjustment of other clients that have booked ahead of time and a change to the travel route set for the day. We may need to make several changes to fit in a same day request, but we always do our best to fit in every request, even the last minute ones.
Do you charge for cancellations?
Yes. Appointments canceled with less than 48 hours’ notice will be charged a cancelation fee and visits canceled less than 24 hours in advance will be charged in full. Pet sitting reservations have a separate cancelation policy outlined in our service contract sent with your estimate.
Is a deposit required?
Yes. We require a 50% deposit to reserve most appointments. Appointments booked within 72 hours must be paid in full at time of booking. Pet sitting reservations require a 50% deposit at time of booking and payment in full 48 hours prior to departure.
Do you charge extra for weekends or holidays?
Yes. Visits scheduled outside of our service hours will incur an additional fee. Since dogs don't care about Sunday's and cats don't care about Christmas (except maybe tinsel) we will not refuse care soley due to it being a Saturday evening, but we value our staff and everyone must have time to rest. Every services request recieves a written estimate and after hour fees will be clearly listed when they apply. Some clients may choose a different time or day for the service, but many of our services, like insulin administration, must happen, regardless of the day of the year, or time of day.
💉 MEDICAL SERVICES
What kind of medical services do you offer?
We provide in-home blood pressure readings, subcutaneous fluid administration, medication injections, pilling, bandage changes, insulin injections, and more — as prescribed by your vet.
Can you help with aggressive or fearful pets?
We will do our best, but we may discontinue service if safety for your pet or our team becomes a concern. We’re experienced with low-stress handling and can often work around fear-based behavior but sometimes it is best to reschedule the visit for a better day or after anxiety meds have been prescribed by your veterinarian.
Can you administer vaccines to my pet?
NO, Pet PAL LA does not administer routine vaccinations. Please contact your vet for this service.
Do I have to be home for your to give my pet subcutaneous fluids or other medications?
No, you do not need to be home for us to provide medical care to your pet. Once secure access is arranged, we can come while you are away at work or travel so as not to disrupt your day.
Can you do blood pressure checks in my home?
Yes, in-home blood pressure checks are one of our most impactful services, helping your veterinarian create custom treatment plans with the accurate data we collect.
Will you show me how to give fluids or shots?
Yes. We offer instructional sessions for pet parents who want to learn safe and effective home care techniques for administration of subcutaneous fluids, insulin administration, B12 shots and oral meds. We can also teach pet parents how to trim nails, use a feeding tube, do bladder expressions and collect a blood glucose reading. If you want to learn, we are will support you.
I think my pet ate something toxic. Can you help?
No, please call ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. They will charge you a fee for the call.
My pet was just diagnosed with diabetes. I am overwhelmed and can't do the injections. Can you help?
Yes! We can come to your home and give the insulin for you until you are ready to take over, or if choose, we can be there for you and your pet every day. We can also collect blood glucose readings to send to your vet and teach you how to use a glucometer.
Do you offer in-home blood glucose curves?
Yes, Pet PAL LA can do a full blood glucose curve on your pet in the comfort of your home. After all the data is collected, a detailed summary will be sent to your veterinarian for interpretation. Please contact us to plan this service as it is usually a full day service with 4-7 visits depending on your veterinarians request.
My pet needs bloodwork but they hate going to the vet. Can you draw blood?
Yes, we can collect blood from your pet at home and deliver it to your vet. Your veterinarian must approve this and you must pay for the laboratory fees at your vet hospital before the collection is scheduled. These visits take a few days to schedule, so please call us to arrange the details.
My pet received a new diagnosis and medications, but I am very confused about the findings. I've tried to reach my vet for more details but they haven't gotten back to me yet. Can you help me?
Yes, we understand that getting your veterinarian on the phone can sometimes be very challenging. We can schedule a phone consultation (15 mins or 50 minutes) to review your pet's records and go over your questions as best as possible. Complex diseases and situations may need to be sent back to your doctor for clarification, but we will inform you ahead of time if that applies to your case. Please send an inquiry for a consultation estimate.
My pet is not acting himself and I am worried. I called my vet and they said to go to the emergency room but I am not sure if that is needed. Do I need to take them to the vet or emergency room?
If you suspect that your pet needs medical care, please go to your closest vet or urgent care/emergency vet hospital. If you would like help trying to triage if your pet is in need of immediate care or if it is something than can wait until morning, we can schedule a phone consultation, but please note, the call may still end with " Please load your pet in the car now." Usually a 15 minute phone consultation ($30) is more than sufficient to separate a true emergency from something that can wait until your regular vet is available.
Do you perform in-home euthanasia?
No, but we can refer you to trusted mobile veterinarians who do, and we offer respectful post-euthanasia transport and aftercare options.
🏠 PET SITTING, OVERNIGHT CARE
Do you offer overnight stays?
Yes, we offer in-home overnight pet sitting in your home. Overnight care is from 7pm-7am for up to 3 pets. For more than 3 pets, additional fees will apply. Our team member will stay with your pets through the night and they will only leave for a short dinner break each evening.
Do you offer drop-in pet sitting visits?
Yes, we provide feeding, medication, litter cleaning, potty breaks, walks and basic companionship during each visit. We offer 30, 60, and 90 minute visits or we can make a custom plan for your pet.
Can I book multiple visits per day?
Yes. Depending on availability, we can visit once or multiple times a day during your absence.
My dog hates to be alone, will you stay with them all day?
We can arrange to stay with your pet most of the day, depending on availability, but our staff must be allowed to leave the premises for meal breaks and rest. Should your pet have a medical condition that requires constant supervision, please contact us directly to discuss your needs.
Will you provide updates during pet sitting and medical visits?
Yes, we will send updates and photos during our visits to give you peace of mind that all is well.
I have a friend or family member staying with my pet, but they cannot give the meds. Can you come give the medications?
Yes, but a waiver must be signed regarding the liability of having multiple people in your home while you are away.
🚗 PET TRANSPORTATION
Do you offer pet transportation?
Yes. We offer local pet transport within Los Angeles for veterinary appointments, grooming, airport drop-offs/pickups, or aftercare needs.
Can you stay with my pet during their vet visit?
Yes, if arranged in advance. We can escort your pet to the appointment, remain present to communicate with the vet, and return your pet home safely. Additional hourly charges may apply for wait time.
I cannot catch my cat, can you help me?
Yes, depending on the situation, we can catch your cat and put them in a carrier for you. Please contact us to review your needs.
My pet passed away at home, can you help?
Yes. We offer respectful and discreet transport of deceased pets to cremation facilities or your veterinarian of choice. We understand the sensitivity of this service and handle it with the utmost care. Our vehicles are unmarked to ensure your privacy during this hard time.
Can I ride along with my pet during transport?
No. For insurance and liability reasons, we do not allow human passengers in our vehicles.
Is the transport vehicle climate-controlled and safe?
Yes. All transport is done in climate-controlled vehicles. Small pets must be in carriers and large dogs must have a way to secure them to the seatbelt or ride in a crate.
What types of pets can you transport?
We can transport dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and small exotics. We do not currently offer transport for large animals like goats or livestock or for reptiles or fish that require a large volume of water during transport.
Do you offer emergency transportation?
Pet PAL LA is not an ambulance service, nor do we have oxygen for transport. We will do our best to assist you with urgent pet transport but if your pet is in distress, take them directly to the nearest emergency hospital.
🧾 BUSINESS & STAFFING
Who is a part of a the Pet PAL LA Team?
Pet PAL LA contracts only experienced veterinary nurses, technicians or assistants. All Pet PAL LA team members have formal academic education in veterinary medicine and years of in-clinc experience. Many of our nurses work full time at local vet clinics and specialty hospitals and visit our clients on their days off.
Are your staff background-checked?
Yes. Anyone representing Pet PAL LA has been screened, trained, and vetted.
Can I request the same nurse each time?
We do our best to keep care consistent and will honor requests when availability allows.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Pet PAL LA is fully insured for in-home pet care and professional services.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Zelle, Venmo, credit/debit cards, and bank transfer. Payment instructions are provided after estimate approval.
Are you contracted with my vet hospital?
Pet PAL LA is not contracted with any one veterinary hospital. We are an independent company providing service to pets all over Los Angeles.
Do you provide invoices or receipts?
Yes. You’ll receive digital copies of your estimate, invoice, and any reports or summaries associated with care.
Will my pet insurance cover visits from Pet PAL LA?
Maybe. Every insurance company has its own policy and you must submit your invoice to your insurance to find out. Our estimates can be submitted for pre-approval with some companies before you commit to a visit.
Can I tip my Pet PAL?
Tips are not expected but always appreciated. You may tip your PAL directly with cash or on your invoice.