Q: Can PETRAX be accessed by multiple computers?

A: Yes and no. PETRAX is not designed to operate in multi-user mode. It uses a single database file to store all its information for your company so it can only be updated from one terminal at a time. It can, however, be viewed from multiple computers that have PETRAX installed, file sharing enabled and are networked. This works well in large services where one person does the data entry and the others just want to "read only" to see schedules and client information.

Q: Can PETRAX support remote access?

A: Not at this time. PETRAX is designed as stand alone, shrink-wrapped software, designed to be installed and run on one computer (multiple installation permission is available as described above). You maintain full control of, responsibility for, and access to your data at all times since it is stored only on your PC. PETRAX has robust email capabilities and can easily and quickly send notes, invoices, work orders, invoices and confirmations as attachments to staff and clients. Amendments to any information in PETRAX may be made only on the terminal housing the data, a security benefit for you and your clients.

Q: Can my invoices display my company logo?

A: Yes. After importing your logo file into PETRAX, it will then print on invoices and client confirmation reports. The logo does *not* appear on documents intended for Representatives (Work Orders, payable reports, schedules, etc.) or "internal" reports like ledger reports or client lists at this time.

Q: What kind of client information can PETRAX store?

A: A brief overview, but certainly not exhaustive or all inclusive.

Client: 2 names, mailing/physical/business addresses, home/cell/pager/business phone numbers with descriptors. Emergency, trusted neighbor, and inclement weather contacts with names, locations and multiple phone numbers.

Home: Trash, litterbox, fuse box, cleaning and pet supply locations. Checklist of usual home care duties. Directions and mileage to the home for each sitter.

Pet Care: Food, medication, and exercise directives. Medical and behavioral history, description, and a free form notes area.

Reservation Information: For each reservation, any detailed instructions and client contact information.

Overview: Free form fields for general pet care routine information, home care instructions not covered elsewhere and a private notes sections for viewing only.

Q: Can PETRAX synch with my PDA?

A: PETRAX does not synchronize with PDAs directly. PETRAX does provide the ability to export client and visit information to a text file in a format that can be imported into Microsoft Outlook. When information that is exported, PETRAX Clients are imported as Outlook "Contacts", and PETRAX visit information is imported as Outlook "Appointments". Once PETRAX data is in Outlook, there are third-party tools that synchronize Microsoft Outlook data with Palm-based or Windows-based PDAs. With this solution, there are limitations: Only Client and Appointment data can be exported, and PETRAX does not offer a way to import information that is changed on the PDA back into the PETRAX database.

Q: Is PETRAX a Microsoft Access Application?

A: No. PETRAX is not built using the Microsoft Access development environment, its forms, etc. PETRAX does, however, use the Microsoft JET database engine which is the same database engine that Microsoft Access uses. Because of this fact, you can open the PETRAX database file using Microsoft Access because it's of the same format.

Q: Why is PETRAX so expensive?

A: Actually, it's not. Manually managing your pet sitting service and staff and piecing together several programs to handle various portions of your business are time-consuming and increase the potential for costly mistakes. PETRAX is the result of four people's hard work for four years that saves its users an unbelievable amount of time and stress; two things our users find invaluable and precious. PETRAX is priced below its competitors, costs what only a few months of "renting" an internet-based product costs, and is thousands less than most industry-specific, customized software. PETRAX is guaranteed to streamline your business and cut your office time, freeing you to manage and grow your business, enhancing your bottom line, and paying for itself in no time.

Q: Can I pay my staff with PETRAX?

A: Absolutely. Each Representative has a table where you select a pay rate (percentage or flat rate) for each service your company offers; meaning that each rep can be paid differently and each service can be compensated differently. Payables can be generated by dates of the visits you wish to compensate staff for or for completed orders. Amendments can be made to the default compensation for things like partial payment. Tips are automatically added to the compensation report, and bonuses can be given for an order or a client.

Q: How do I communicate with my staff?

A: Schedules, work orders, and invoices can be emailed directly from PETRAX as .PDF attachments or may be printed for pickup by staff. PETRAX keeps its own address book so staff and clients may be emailed directly from the program if you desire.

Q: What is included when I purchase PETRAX?

A: When you purchase PETRAX, we activate your trial version with a permanent registration code so all information you have entered will be kept. We include one year of our maintenance program at no cost to you which includes free technical support and all updates and upgrades at no additional cost. We are continually expanding PETRAX's functionality so this is a huge bonus! After the first year, our maintenance program is $79 per year. You will also have unlimited access to the on-line help manual included in PETRAX.

Q: How can I contact Ten Dog Development?

A: Support is available by email with Ten Dog Development. There are three toddlers and two preschoolers, 2 full time jobs with software companies and one bustling pet sitting service among the crew here in addition to PETRAX. Our availability during civilized hours is unpredictable which is difficult at times, however, it is our "time in the trenches" from which PETRAX has sprung and why its so perfect for pet sitters; we are pet sitters. If it is a dire emergency, we make every effort to reach you by phone however.

Q: How do I request a free trial of PETRAX?

A: Just choose 'trial version' from the Home page of the website. You can then either download the trial or request a CD be mailed to you.

Q: What happens when I request a trial of PETRAX?

A: If you download the software you will receive an email that contains a registration key and instructions for entering that key. The trial will not work without the key. If you requested a CD be mailed, you will receive an email with a registration key and instructions on how to enter the key. The key's expiration date is based on the day you download or requested the CD, with mail service taken into account. If you decide to purchase, you will be emailed a permanent registration key code to input, all your information already entered remains and you may continue using the software as before.

Q: Can I import data from my existing program?

A: Our programmers are happy to offer this as a custom service for a one-time charge of $99. Your data will be manipulated manually and copied into PETRAX, including client, pet and veterinarian information. Generally, form letters, financials and scheduling cannot be imported into PETRAX.

Q: Can PETRAX export data to Quickbooks?

A: Not at this time. This is an extremely labor-intensive process and we have thus far chosen to focus on expanding PETRAX's feature set. Quickbooks and PETRAX are always changing so an interface isn't easy to create or maintain. PETRAX does include a checkbook ledger that allows you to categorize expenses and incomes and print them in reports by payee, date, number, category, etc... It is more than sufficiently detailed for my accountant to complete my taxes for my pet sitting service but if you are used to Quickbooks, it is likely not sufficient. PETRAX does fully create, track and pay invoices and our pay reps functionality is awesome.