WHAT IS A PET SITTER?

A Pet Sitter is a contracted service provider who takes care of a pet in its own home.

WHAT IS A VACATION HOME?

Some of our professional Pet sitters can welcome your pet into their homes while your gone on vacation. Dogs or cats we set up our homes to make your pet feel at home with us. Not all pets are suited for a vacation home so please ensure you answer all our questions with honesty to ensure its a goo fit.

What to I pack for my pet when they are staying at a vacation home?

Cats: your cats will have a separate room in our home with scratching posts and toys! Please bring their beds, blankets, dishes, litter box, medication (if needed) and food. If they have a Favourite toy feel free to pack that too.

Dogs: Please make sure to bring your pets food and any medication they made need at the time of drop off. In addition treats (especially if your pet has allergies) Please pack their, bed, toys and dishes.

Is my pet suited to stay at a vacation home?

Pets that are destructive, reactive or have severe separation anxiety are not suitable for vacation homes and a pet sitter will be assigned to stay in your home while you are away.

What are your drop off times?

We are very flexible on times drop offs and picks up must be one between 8:00am-7:30pm

Once a time has been agreed on for pick up and drop off, $10 for every 15 minutes late will be added to your bill after 15 minutes of waiting.

HOW MANY TIMES A DAY SHOULD MY PET SITTER VISIT DURING A VACATION?

The frequency of visits is something you will negotiate with your pet sitter once the pet sitter interviews the situation and determines your needs and wishes. For cats we recommend twice a day.

Most indoor only dogs will require a minimum of 3 visits per day (at least morning, afternoon, and evening).    

Most clients choose once per day, or twice per day for cats.  Some sitters will consider every other day visits for cats.  Every other day visits are not recommended for large male cats because of potential health problems.

HOW LONG IS A VISIT FOR PET CHECK IN?

Each sitter determines what length of visits they will offer (such as 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, etc).  Homes with multiple pets will often require longer visits than homes with only one animal. We have a minimum 30 minute visit x2 a day unless a request is asked by customer.

CAN A PET SITTER STAY AT MY HOME ALL DAY OR OVERNIGHT?

Some pet sitters do offer live-in and/or overnight care.

Live-in daytime care is less common, because most pet sitters have pet sits and daytime walks they need to do for other clients all throughout each day.  So the availability of this type of service may be very limited.

However, if a pet sitter is to stay at your home while you are away, the customer only provides internet/WIFI access and allowed access to fridge to store pet sitters food while they are at your home, Our pet sitters provide air mattress, bedding, food, etc. During the consultation the customer and pet sitter can go over any additional details.

WHAT IS DAILY/DAYTIME DOG WALKING?

Daytime dog walking is pet sitting on a weekly, ongoing basis.  A daytime dog walker is usually hired to walk or visit dogs that need a regular break during the busy work day.

A dog walker may be scheduled for daily visits or just a few days week, often once or twice a day depending on your work schedule and the needs of the animals.

The most common dog walking visits are scheduled for somewhere between 30 and 60 minutes.

DO I MEET THE SITTER BEFORE SERVICE?

Yes, for most sitters an initial consultation is required before your service can be provided.  This consultation will give the sitter time to learn about your pets, fill out paperwork, take notes about your home and required tasks, and collect keys from you.

Many sitters offer the first consultation for free, or will credit any consultation fee to your first visit.

If you would like a follow-up consultation at a later date, be aware that there might be an additional fee for this.

Please be sure to call far enough in advance to schedule your consultation. 

SHOULD MY PET SITTER BE INSURED? 

You should definitely select a pet sitter who is insured for liability.  It is important that their coverage includes care, custody, and control of the pet.  Pet sitters can provide proof of coverage, or a phone number you can call to verify they are currently insured.

IS IT SAFE TO HAVE A 'STRANGER' IN MY HOME?

We know that having a new pet sitter in your home for the first time can be nerve-racking. 

Here are some tips to help you find a reliable pet sitter that would like to build a trusting relationship with your family.

TIPS

• The pet sitter should be insured for liability, including care, custody, and control of the pet.

• The sitter should provide contact information for references upon request. Do be sure to contact the references.

• Check with vets, groomers, pet stores, and other area pet businesses to learn more about the reputation of your chosen pet sitting business.

• Be sure that the sitter provides a copy of the legal terms of your contract, including cancellation policy and other terms.

• Be sure that you fully understand the pricing of your service. Ask what services are included with the rate quoted.

OTHER FACTORS TO CONSIDER

• What kind of pet education and/or certification does the sitter have?

• Does the sitter know pet first aid?

• Did the sitter ask many questions during the consultation, and did he write down all of the answers carefully?

• Is the sitter a member of professional organizations, such as pet sitting associations, humane organizations, or other pet care groups?

• Does the sitter have a backup plan in case of a personal emergency?

• Is the sitter a full time sitter, or do they have limited availability due to another job or school?

• Does the sitter have the proper licensing for their area (in some areas a business license or kennel license for boarding may or may not be required).

• Does the sitter talk positively about other sitters in the area, and seem informed about the industry and other pet care providers

FINAL QUESTIONS TO DISCUSS WITH THE SITTER

• Will you have the same sitter serving your home the entire time you are away?

• Will the sitter be allowed to bring anyone with them to the sits?

• Does the sitter ever bring children to visits?

• How often will the sitter leave a note for you logging how the trip is going?

• Do the sitter's available time periods fit your pet needs?

• How will your key be stored or returned?

• Has the sitter cared for your type of pet in the past?

• Does the sitter accept multiple payment methods (cash, check, money order, etc)