A: The short answer: Yes, you really do! A Meet & Greet is like a friendly first date for all the pets and people involved. It’s required before any service can be booked. Think of it as a chance for your pet to check me out, sniff me over, and see if I pass their test! After all, pets are experts in “vibe checks,” and this is their chance to meet their new sitter while you’re there to supervise.

It’s not just about the pets, though. It’s also a perfect opportunity for you to show me your pet’s daily routine, where the food, treats, and toys are kept, and go over any little quirks. (You know, like the door that only opens if you jiggle it just right.) Plus, we humans get to do our own vibe check. You’re letting someone new into your home and trusting them with your furry family, so it’s super important that we both feel safe and comfortable.

After the Meet & Greet, it’s totally normal to take a little time to think things over. No pressure to book on the spot! In fact, taking time to reflect, ask questions, or just process everything is highly encouraged. Of course, if both sides feel comfortable and confident right away, we can totally book on the spot too.

Even if we’ve worked together before, if you’ve moved or added a new furball to the family, a “refresher” Meet & Greet is always a good idea. Pets can be sensitive to changes – even the small ones we don’t notice – and we want to make sure everyone feels their best.

From the first message to follow-up after your trip, our goal is to ensure both you and your pet feel cared for and at ease. Here’s how the process works:

1. Initial Contact: When you reach out, I’ll contact your preferred method to arrange a meet & greet. I will also send you an email link to create your pet parent and pet profiles in our Time to Pet Portal. This is where you’ll provide all the important details about your pet’s needs, routines, and any special instructions.

2. Meet & Greet: After confirming availability, we’ll schedule a meet and greet. This gives you and your pet the chance to meet the sitter in person, and we’ll go over any final details about your pet’s care and home routines.

3. Sending/Confirming a Sit Request: You’ll then use the Time to Pet Portal to officially send or confirm a sit request. Everything from scheduling to reviewing the sit details will happen in the portal for easy communication.

4. Pet Sitting: During the sit, we’ll follow your pet’s routine to the letter, making sure they get all the love and care they need. Expect regular updates and photos sent through the portal, so you’ll always know your pet is in good hands.

5. Payment: Payment for the services is securely handled through the Time to Pet Portal once the sit is confirmed, ensuring a smooth, stress-free process.

6. Completion & Follow-Up: After your return, we’ll check in via the portal to make sure everything went perfectly. If you need to book again or adjust anything for future sits, it’s all easily managed right in the portal!

A: Great question! Many households have a whole cast of furry (or feathered) characters, and having animal companions can really enrich their lives. So yes, I do sit for multiple pet households – I just have a few limits to keep everyone safe and happy.

Here’s the scoop: I have a 4-dog and 6-cat max. If you’ve got puppies or pets that need constant care, the limit is 2 total. Why? Because while I love them all, I won’t commit to more than I can reasonably handle. It’s important that each pet gets the attention they deserve – for their safety and well-being, and for my sanity!

For those with multiple pets, I offer a significantly reduced rate for each additional pet of the same type. For example, if you have 2 dogs and 2 cats, the first cat and dog would be at the regular rate, but the second cat and dog would be at the reduced rate. Currently, those rates are $19 per extra cat and $30 per extra dog, but don’t worry – you’ll see the full breakdown in the portal before confirming your booking.

If you have more pets than my max allows, don’t fret! I can potentially bring in a trusted colleague so we can tag-team and make sure every furry friend is well taken care of. Just let me know your situation, and we’ll work it out together.

Oh, and by the way, there’s no extra charge for little things like putting food out for your friendly neighborhood cats or refilling a bird feeder if it’s part of your regular routine. I’m happy to help!

A: I once saw a meme that said, "Pets are the new kids, and plants are the new pets," and it honestly made me laugh out loud. If your plants are like your babies, I get it – and that’s fantastic! I’m happy to provide light watering services for your indoor or outdoor plants. As long as it’s light (think quick watering with a bit of direction), I see it as part of the regular household chores, like washing dishes or taking out the trash.

However, if you’ve got an indoor rainforest, a patio menagerie, or a lush garden that requires particular attention, we’ll treat that as an upcharge on a case-by-case basis. I’m happy to care for your green friends as long as it doesn’t interfere with giving your pets the attention they need.

One thing though: if you have a gardener or lawn care provider, please don’t cancel their services while you’re away – I’m good with plants, but I’m not ready to take on an entire landscaping project!

And for those of you who have only plants or gardens to care for while you’re away (I have had clients who have lost pets and need a vacation/have also house sat), I’m more than happy to help. While I do have a bit of a green thumb and love tending to my own garden, it’s not my profession. I’m here to follow your instructions, give them attention, and make sure they’re well-cared for until you’re back!

A: I like to keep things clean and tidy – that’s just how I live. You can expect me to clean up after myself and the pets while I’m in your home. I’ll take care of pet messes (because, hey, they happen), clean up excessive fur, wash their bowls, tidy up their toys, and make sure their sleeping and play areas are just as nice as they found them. You’ll never come home to my dirty dishes or any mess – I promise, your home will be just as you left it!

On my last day (if I’m staying overnight and not doing drop-ins), I’ll even launder or remake the bed with fresh sheets, depending on your preference.

In addition to the basics, I also handle things like retrieving the mail, bringing in packages (and if you’re expecting something special, just let me know), and taking out the trash or recycling on collection day.

If you need deeper house cleaning during the sit (maybe you’ve got a gathering planned right after your trip), I can help with some extra cleaning for an additional fee, as long as it doesn’t interfere with taking care of your pets. Or, you can hire outside services to keep things sparkling!

One thing to note: If any service professionals (like cleaning staff, maintenance, or repair techs) will be in or around the house while I’m there, please let me know in advance. This is for the safety of your pets and myself. We definitely don’t want a situation where your dog tries to greet the repairman with more enthusiasm than he’s ready for or your cat dashes outside because Uncle Arnie came by with banana bread while I was in the shower. No one likes surprises – least of all pets and sitters!

If I don’t know about a visitor ahead of time, I won’t allow them in. This is all about keeping your pets, your home, and myself safe. This is all covered in the Service Contract when you book with me.

A: Ah, yes – the wonderful world of changing plans! We’ve all been there. If your plans aren’t set in stone yet, just let me know as early as possible. I keep a tentative calendar, and if you’re “penciled in,” I’ll always check with you before booking someone else. If another client wants to book those dates, I’ll give you a heads-up so you can either confirm or pass. I won’t need an answer within two seconds, but something within a reasonable amount of time would be great! Just remember, being penciled-in isn’t a guarantee, and I value both my time and the pets I care for.

To keep things smooth, it’s always best to book in advance and let me know of any changes to your plans as soon as they happen. Here’s the deal with cancellations:

• If you cancel more than a week in advance, you’ll get a 100% refund.

• If you cancel within a week of the sit, there may be a partial refund or a fee involved. (You can check out my full Cancellation Policy here for the nitty-gritty details.)

I’m also human, and I know life throws some wild curveballs – things like family emergencies, natural disasters, airline hiccups (we’ve all seen those news stories!), and yes, even the occasional global pandemic. If something big happens, just communicate, and we’ll work it out together.

If I ever need to cancel a service (which would only happen for something major), I’ll give you as much notice as possible and do my best to refer you to another trusted sitter. And yes, a refund is obvious, but it still needs to be said!

A: First of all, let me just say – I get it. Feeling uncertain is completely natural. Our homes are our safe havens, and our pets are our family. Trusting someone new with both can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve had not-so-great experiences in the past. But here are a few truths that might help ease your mind:

• You will miss your pets, and they will miss you too. It’s totally normal to worry about them – after all, they’re your world!

• Some pets handle travel well, others...not so much. And let’s face it, some trips just aren’t practical for pets. That’s where pet sitting comes in.

• Pet sitting gives you the freedom to do the things you need or want to do, while knowing your pets are safe at home.

• The best part? You’ll be greeted with love when you return! (Disclaimer: Some cats may give you the cold shoulder at first – the silent treatment is real – but deep down, they’ll be happy you’re back!)

Pets feel safest when they’re in their own home, surrounded by familiar things. While they’ll miss you, they’ll still have their cozy space, and I’ll be there to make sure they feel loved and cared for.

Here’s what I can promise: I respect your communication about your pet’s needs, and I’ll keep an open line of communication with you while you’re away. Regular updates, check-ins, and photos are all part of the service – as frequent as you’d like!

With over two decades of experience, I’ve learned that every pet is different, and their needs can vary greatly. I’m also certified in pet first aid and CPR, and my business is fully insured to care for your pets and home. I even have dishonesty coverage, like a bond, to give you a little extra peace of mind. While I know I’m trustworthy, I understand that trust is something you need to feel, and that takes time and experience.

Booking a Meet & Greet doesn’t mean you’re obligated to book me. It’s just a relaxed way for us – pets and humans – to get to know each other. It’s a chance to share needs, get a feel for things, and see if we’re a good match. If I feel I can’t meet your pet’s needs adequately, I’ll be honest and even suggest alternatives. And if you’re not feeling 100% comfortable or confident, that’s totally okay – no pressure at all.

A: A Legacy Client is someone who knew me personally or worked with me when I was first getting started in my new SoCal community. If you were referred by someone who helped me find my way into this profession, just let me know who it was! I offer discounted services to honor those early relationships, because their trust and support means the world to me.

If you’re a Legacy Client, your direct referrals also receive a discounted Legacy rate. This discount extends to one generation of referrals (so, your direct referral), and while the rate may change over time, it will always be less than the regular rate. Keep in mind, holiday rates may still apply, as those percentage increases are standard.

If you’re a new client and don’t see the Legacy rate as a booking option, don’t worry! You may still qualify for a first-sit promotion. I run promotions from time to time, and if you didn’t find me through a Legacy Client or referral, feel free to ask if there’s a promotion you qualify for. I love sharing my passion for animals and will always honor any active promotions!

Lastly, direct referrals of any kind (from a current or former client) will receive a 10% discount on their first service. If the discount is applied after booking, it’ll appear as a credit on your account.

A: That’s fantastic! There are so many pet care apps out there, and they can be a great way to find the right fit for your pet’s needs. With these platforms, you can shop around for rates, check out reviews, and find sitters who specialize in exactly what you’re looking for. (Some employers even offer reimbursement as a benefit.) I totally get why some people prefer using them!

I also have a Rover profile, so if you’re more comfortable booking through Rover, that’s completely fine. You can find a link to my profile here, or check my social media for links as well. That said, I’ve mostly moved away from using other platforms to simplify my scheduling process, but Rover is still an option if that’s your preference.

At the end of the day, I want you and your pets to feel comfortable with the booking process, so whether it’s through Rover or directly, I’m here to help!

I aim to make payments easy and secure using the Time to Pet Portal with Stripe as our trusted payment processor. Your financial information is protected with advanced encryption, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience.

Here’s how it works:

• First-time bookings: Payment is prepaid at the time of booking confirmation.

• Repeat clients: For those booking well in advance, payment will process 3 days before the sit starts on the card you have on file.

While we prefer credit or debit cards, if you’d like to pay cash in advance, we can add a credit to your profile for future services. Similarly, if you prefer to use Venmo or CashApp, we can arrange that in the same way as cash.

Please note, checks of any kind are not accepted.

It's important to ensure payment is completed before the sit begins. If it hasn’t been, the sit will be cancelled in accordance with the service contract. I completely understand that errors happen, so please communicate any issues as soon as they arise, and I’ll do my best to help you navigate the process.

Ah, the tipping dilemma! Let me clear things up for you: tipping is never expected. I set my own rates to reflect the quality of care I provide, so your pets are getting all the love and attention they deserve – no strings (or tips) attached. Whether it’s belly rubs, playtime, or extra snuggles, your fur babies get the best care simply because I love animals, not because I’m hoping for a tip!

That said, if you absolutely feel the need to tip (because, hey, I get it – you love your pets that much), you can. Tips are accepted for exceptional service, but seriously, they are never, NEVER expected.

Now, if you’ve used third-party services or apps like Rover, you might be more familiar with tipping because those platforms take a percentage of the cut. In those cases, 100% of the tip goes directly to the sitter. But whether it's through an app or with me, we all set our own rates, and there’s zero social obligation to tip. You should never feel pressured!

If you happen to see a tip prompt during checkout (because payment processors change their settings sometimes), please don’t feel obligated. I mean it! Your pet’s happiness is the only thing that matters.