217-553-5148 YouGoPetSitting_yahoo.com
What we do is Pet Sitting...What we provide is Peace of Mind.
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Our Mission
What Do We Do?
Our Staff
You Go Pet Sitting's mission is to provide the customer with the finest Pet Sitting / Pet Care available and to provide peace of mind when we care for pets in the owner's absence. We exist to actively support the local shelter community. When we adhere to this maxim, everything else will fall into place. Our services will exceed the expectations of our customers.
Pet sitting while you are on vacation means we come to your home a specified number of times each day and feed, water, administer medications and play with or cuddle your pets.
We care about your pets and property!
When you allow a pet sitter into your home you give them access to your most precious possessions. Because of this we run background checks on all of our employees. We use employees, not independent contractors so that we can always guarantee who will be servicing your pets.
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Meet Our Clients
"I just want to give thanks to You Go Pet Sitting. As a "single mom" parent (who unfortunately works a lot) to a young energetic dog- I am very grateful to have the service of Joni and her staff. It gives me peace of mind that someone cares about my dog as much as me! Joni is always available by phone or email and has gone the extra mile for me."
Resources
We want to assist you in finding quality information about pet ownership.
We constantly scan pet related articles so that we can share the most current information with you. We also work with other pet service companies and compile a list on this website to make it easy to find a product or service when you need it.
Shelters
You Go Pet Sitting supports local Shelters by donating a portion of each "sit" to a designated shelter each month. Shelters provide a safe haven for neglected, abused, and abandoned pets. We, in Central Illinois, are lucky to have several no-kill shelters in the area that work hard to serve pets in this area.
About You Go Pet Sitting
You Go Pet Sitting is owned and operated by Joni Grant a long time resident of Springfield, Illinois. An avid dog and cat lover, she has 2 dogs, Jack and Tinker and 2 cats, Kitty and Kat. We take care of your pets just as if they were our own!
You Go Pet Sitting was founded in 2009 when I saw a need in Springfield for a professional pet sitting company. Having been a corporate executive who often traveled and worked long hours, I knew how much I depended on my pet sitter. Our pets aren't just "pets", they are members or our families. Worrying about them can take the fun out of any vacation or trip.
Having had our daughter's dog and family pet live to a ripe old age of 15 1/2, I also new that some pets just can't tolerate boarding and I'm sure folks do what we did when Brownie was elderly. We stayed home. He would not have tolerated boarding in the last few years of his life and he needed someone responsible to check on him frequently as he had taken to falling on occasion.
Pet Sitting isn't a replacement for boarding, it is simply an alternative for your pet. Our tag line, "What we do is pet sitting....What we provide is peace of mind", is what we're all about. We will call or email you daily with the status of your pet(s) if that is what you need for a restful vacation. We take the worry planning around a kennel's hours of operation, worrying about your pet's happiness or wondering how long they will be mad at you when you get home. Vacations should be worry and stress free and knowing your pets are in their home environment, and are being loved and cared for can help make that happen.
Our goal is also to make multi-pet households easy to arrange care for. We take care of homes with dogs, cats, hampsters, ferrets and any other furry or scaled creature you may have. The only pets we won't provide service for are those that are aggressive or exotics. No lions, tigers, bears, or monkeys.
Playtime, dog walking, feeding, and litterbox cleaning are just a few of the services we offer. We'll also bring in your mail, turn lights off and on and water your plants. You 'll have a report card when you arrive home detailing each visit, what we did and the status of your pets. We will check your doors and windows at each visit and make sure your home is safe and secure and immediately notify you if anything is amiss.
We also offer daily dog walking or backyard playtime as well as lots of pets, cuddles and hugs. Imagine coming home from work to a pet who has had some exercise!
What's included?
What do you do?
Free initial consultation!
Daily Services
Dog walking for leash trained dogs
Backyard playtime for dogs with fenced yard
Imagine coming home to a pet who has already had their daily walk or being able to go out with friends for a while after work because someone else has let the dog out.
Vacation Services
House Sitting with no pets means we water plants, bring in mail and newspaper, rotate lights and do whatever you request to make sure your house looks lived in while you are gone.
We do pet transportation to the vet or groomer so you can save that vacation time for an actual vacation.
What else should I know?
Minimums
Visits are structured around your preferences and can include either either walks or playtime outside for dogs and exercise for cats who love to play. We will follow the directions you provide to determine how you would like us to interact with your pet(s).
Daily Dog Walks
Dog walking can be once a day for however many days a week you choose.
We have daily or weekly rates. Our daily visit can either be a walk or some fetch in the backyard if that's your preference.
Vacation Sits
We follow your instructions for feeding, provide fresh water at each visit, administer medications as instructed and provide love and companionship for your pet while you are gone.
Pet Transportation
Your pets will travel in pet crates when traveling in our care. We will drop off and pick up your pet from the groomer or stay with your pet at the vet.
Every visit is personalized to your needs. Our basic services are:
Medications dispensed - including insulin injections
Petting, cuddling and hugging
Exercise or playtime
Feeding & Watering
Daily litter box cleaning
Plant watering
Pick up mail & newspaper
Lights on and off
Verify home is secure
How much do you charge?
For 3 or fewer pets:
$16 - $20 per visit depending on # of visits
For more than 3 pets:
$19.20 - $24 per visit depending on # of visits.
10% discount for vacations 3-5 days. 20 % discount for vacations longer than 5 days.
$75 / week for daily dog walking M-F 1 visit per day
Transportation services to Vet or Groomer - $25 charge, $6.25 per 15 minutes after the first hour.
Call for more info. Please note, we do not have add-on charges. These are our base prices and include all services above.
Success stories from our clients
"I want to thank you and your staff for the wonderful pet sitting you did for Emma while my husband and I were out of town. Not having to deal with the hassle of taking her to the kennel for one night was AWESOME! and since I was leaving to go on a business trip--my spouse was one happy man that he just came home and there was the dog sleeping in her chair--not having to deal with picking up on a Monday and all that--thanks again and look forward to doing business with you--and Emma the Dilemma says thanks too!"
"Thank you so much. You did a great job this weekend. It is a HUGE weight lifted off my shoulders knowing that someone who actually cares is looking after my dogs. I will be contacting you next time we have to leave town!! "
It's great to know I can leave my shy cat in his comfortable home and his needs will be met. Thank you!
"We were so happy to receive daily e-mails on how our babys were doing! We were able to really enjoy ourselves without feeling guilty."
For the privacy of our clients and pets we do not identify either by name. However, we will glady provide references upon request.
Joni Grant
Hi, I'm Joni and I'm the owner of You Go Pet Sitting. I retired from a corporate job to live my dream and spend my day with pets of all shapes and sizes. I grew up just south of Springfield and have lived in Springfield proper since 1990. I'm dedicated to providing the highest level of pet sitting services and to supporting our local shelter community. Although I "only" have dogs and cats now, as a young pup I spent a lot of time caring for and showing horses. We also had a cow, sheep, goats, and a burro. Life was never boring at our house!
Kate has a BS from Southern Illinois University (Carbondale), MLS, Bradley University (Peoria), and additional post graduate hours and business education. She has had a successful business career and is now actively retired. Her interests include dogs, cats, church, missions, racquetball and reading. Kate actively volunteers for Animal Rescue Transport and for Benld Adopt-a-Pet, has contributed countless hours to APL. She and two of her six dogs have been to obedience class; she enjoys with her own pets and those loved by others. Her husband and she have resided in Rochester's countryside for 15 years.
Dave Taylor
I'm David Taylor I grew up in rural Pawnee Il. I graduated from Lincoln Land Community College with an Associates Degree in Elementary Education. I have been around and cared for dogs, cats, horses, reptiles, and fresh, and saltwater fish my entire life. I currently have two dogs Mac a black lab and Maggie a black lab mix. Mac is a registered therapy dog, and actively competes in K9 agility as well as AKC rally obedience. Maggie is still a puppy, but is learning fast from her big brother. I also have two cats George and Gracie, and two birds a Nanday Conure, Piper, and a cockatiel Huey. Two saltwater tanks, a fresh water tank and a 500+ gallon out door pond.
Kate Hein
Links to other Pet Service Providers
The YouGo Yarn
Apr 10
Jan 10
Oct 09
Dog Trainer: Joe Blankenship
Healthy Food and Treats for Dogs and Cats from the Green Gourmutt
We've Got the Scoop!
Feb 10
Nov 09
May 10
Crafty Dog Design
Keep your pets healthy from the inside out with the PetHealth line of advanced supplements and grooming products. Joni Grant is your Market America distirbutor for all things pet.
Gizzy Lu's
Notes from the Rainbow Bridge
Dec 09
Mar 10
June 10
Petfinder.com
Cheryl Kelly Photography
Links to Pet Related Articles & Websites
Pet Poison Helpline
A Hypoallergic dog - Really?
Canine Influenza - A Growing Problem
Cats Get Heartworm Disease too.
The Golden Years: A Little More Care Goes A Long Way for Senior Dogs and Cats
Three Minutes a Day Can Protect your Pet
Animal Wellness Magazine
Red Cross Disaster Preparedness Guide for Pet Owners
ASPCA Pet Care Information
Pet Columns of U of I
Birds Need Social Interaction Too
Dogs Deserve Better
If there is a subject you'd like covered in the YouGo Yarn, please let me know!
Fan us on Facebook where you'll see updated articles as they are released and information on current events in support of our local shelters. Special pricing and seasonal offers will also be posted on our Facebook page.
Feel free to follow the links below for local shelters. Please check their event pages often for new information and happenings in our community.
Forever Home Feline Ranch
Animal Protective League
We are committed to caring for sick, injured, abused and abandoned dogs and cats ... and finding the best possible permanent homes for them. There are several different links on different pages which will aid you in learning more about our awesome adoptable animals ...
Illinois Humane
The Forever Home Feline Ranch is an organization that hopes to end euthanasia as a means to control cat populations. While we offer cat adoptions of some of our animals, we really are a sanctuary where some cats will live out their natural lives. We also help people to keep their companion pets at home by offering a Pet Food Program and Veterinarian Assistance Program. We are currently in the process of raising money to purchase property. Until the property is purchased, the Ranch uses fosters to take in cats. We have a dedicated group of fosters who not only care for the cats, but also bring the adoptable ones to off-site adoptions. So far this year, we have re-homed 16 beautiful cats. Even more amazing is that most of these cats were adults! The Forever Home Feline Ranch wants to make central Illinois a no-kill community
Please join our growing family of concerned animal advocates. We are successfully reaching out to many community members who care deeply about animals. They are stepping forward, and lending their skills and resources to this important cause. We are very excited about our new focus, and very truly hope to hear from you
Benld Adopt A Pet
In 1983, Lorraine and Marvin Little saw the need to help abandoned animals in their community. Working from their own residence, they took in strays and found homes for them. The couple couldn't bear to see the animals euthanized when they weren't claimed or adopted, so they took their life savings and built the original building and eight runs for dogs 26 years ago.
Midwest Mastiff Rescue
Pending 501(c)3 corp. Midwest Mastiff Rescue, Inc. exists to place stray, abandoned or displaced Mastiffs into approved adoptive homes. We not only accept Mastiffs that can no longer be kept by their owners but we also have taken in Mastiffs that were abandoned in a house to die or that have been found living outside chained to a tree and in dire need of immediate veterinary care. Some organizations will only accept "adoptable Mastiffs" but we are here to help the ones that need our help the most.
Please feel free to browse our products. When selecting an image for your order, please keep in mind that the image on the tile will only be as good as the image you send us. Also consider the shape of the tile or cutting board as you think about the image you would like us to use. For the 6X6 tile (square), a centered image works best. We have partnered with Durafuze.com to provide you with a high quality product that will last a lifetime if cared for properly. Please review the Tile FAQ if you have questions.
This is a personalized 6X8 inch ceramic tile highlighed by a beautiful cherry frame. The frame allows for hanging either horizontally or vertically. It's the perfect way to display your tile for a lifetime of enjoyment. This price includes personalization of your tile with your digital photo.
$30.00 plus Shipping & Handling
Beautiful premium pecan finish 6 X 8 Box with top personalized with your digital image of your favorite pet, person or landscape. Uses and images for this box are limited only by your imagination. Remember that this is a rectangular box so select your image carefully. These wood boxes include an inset hinge and lined interior. This price includes personalization of your tile with your digital photo.
$50.00 plus Shipping & Handling
6 X 6 Box with top personalized with your own digital image of your favorite pet, person or landscape. Uses and images for this box are limited only by your imagination. Remember that this is a square box so select your image carefully. An image with a center subject is most appropriate for this box. These wood boxes include an inset hinge and lined interior. This price includes personalization of your tile with your digital photo.
$35.00 plus Shipping & Handling
6 X 8 Box with top personalized with your own digital image of your favorite pet, person or landscape. Uses and images for this box are limited only by your imagination. Remember that this is a rectangular box so select your image carefully. These wood boxes include an inset hinge and lined interior. This price includes personalization of your tile with your digital photo.
$40.00 + Shipping & Handling
This is an actual cutting board, personalized with your digital image. You can use it in the kitchen or use with stand and proudly display a 12 X 15 image of your pet, family or artwork you select! Because of the finish on the cutting board, your photo will not be as sharp as the original picture. This cutting board will be a treasure that will last a lifetime! Stand is included in purchase price. The two silver points at the bottom of the cutting board are part of the stand and are not defects.
$45.00 plus Shipping & Handling
Ordering Tile Products
To order a personalized tile Product:
1. First select your product after reviewing those available on the www.yougopetsitting.com website:
If you will be providing your own photo, skip to # 3. If you want to select a photo to use from the photo gallery, follow the steps in #2.
2.Go to www.durafuze.com.
On the left side of the home page, click on Login
Your username = yougopetsitting_yahoo.com
Your password = grant
On the left menu, click on photo galleries.
Browse the art available and when youve found the picture you want to use.
Write down the item number. ___________________
3. Send an email with the following information to yougopetsitting_yahoo.com:
Name
Address
Phone
Best time to contact you
Tile product selected
Attach your digital image to the email or type the # of the artwork you've selected from DuraFuze. w
We will email back to you an invoice and estimated delivery date.
Tile FAQ
What is the process used to transfer the photograph to the tile?
Sublimation is the transformation from solid to gas without transforming into a liquid. Digital images are placed into transfer paper then heat-pressed into a blank tile. This produces permanent images on the tile.
How do I clean the tiles?
Use non abrasive cleaners only, such as soft-scrub or glass cleaner. Don't use strong chemical cleaners. The matte finish tiles are more scratch resistant than the glossy tiles. Handle your tiles with care and they will last for years.
How long will the image last on the tile?
Just like a photo, the image will last indefinitely if cared for properly. Placed in direct sunlight the image will fade over time.
Do I have to use my own image?
No, you may go to www.durafuze.com and follow the login instructions in the How to Order PDF. There is a great selection of images on the Durafuze site for you to select from.
Will the printed tiles look exactly like the original photograph?
We cannot guarantee that the tile will match the photo, color for color exactly. There will not be a discernable difference between the photo and the tile in most cases. In other words, a black dog will be black and green grass will be green.
How long does it take after I place the order?
We guarantee shipping within 3 weeks of the date the order is placed. We can deliver in as little as a week but guarantee 3 weeks.
You may contact us by email, snail mail, phone or on Facebook.
217-553-5148
You Go Pet Sitting
2109 Stonehenge
Springfield, Illinois 62702
Bonded and Insured
Copyright © 2009 All rights Reserved
Coverage can be verified by calling 800-962-4611
