A meet & greet is a time for all the pets and people involved to meet one another. This is required before any service can be booked. This allows the owners to see how their pets respond to this new person and provides a safe way for the pet to meet a new person while their own people are present. They also get to know the scent of their sitter. The biggest priority of any sit is that the pets are safe and feel as comfortable as possible.

This is also a great time to do a walk through of the pets routine, show where supplies are kept, and learn the nuances of a home. People also get a vibe check from one another to determine their comfort levels. You are letting a new person into your home while you are gone, and to take care of your furry family members. It is important that you and the sitter both feel safe and comfortable.

Waiting until after the Meet & Greet is over before each party decides is completely normal and expected. In some instances both parties may be comfortable & confident to book right then and there, but it is not required. Taking time to think of questions or to decide is encouraged.

Even if we have worked together before, if you have new pets, a new place, or it has been a while then a review style meet & greet is also encouraged. Change and time can impact our pets in big ways, even if the changes seem minor to us humans.

Many households have multiple pets and various combos. It is great when animals have other animals for companionship, it really can enrich their lives.

I do sit for multiple pet households. I do have a 4-dog & 6-cat max. Puppies & constant care pets is 2 max (total). While I love them all, I won't commit to giving more care and attention that is possible. This is more their safety so their needs are met and also for my own.

Each additional pet (per type) is added at a significantly reduced rate. For example 2 dogs and 2 cats. The first cat and first dog would each be the full regular rate. The additional cat and additional dog would each be at the reduced rate. Currently those additional reduced pet rates are $19/cat & $30/dog. They are subject to change, but you would see your total in the portal prior to sending me a booking request.

If you do have a larger household and with more animals than my max, I can potentially contract with a colleague so that all the animals' needs are met and there is enough love to go around. If you have a more unique circumstance just ask.

I do not charge extra for putting food out for neighborhood cats if it is something you already do. If you are in the process, or refilling a birdfeeder if it is a normal weekly chore.

I once saw a meme about people who don't have children that read: "Pets are the new kids, and plants are the new pets." It made me chuckle. If you have plants that are also like babies to you that is Fantastic. I do provide light watering services for indoor/outdoor plants alike. If it is light (takes up little time, has some direction) I consider it a regular part of household chores like cleaning my dishes or taking out the trash. If you have an indoor rainforest, a patio managerie, or lush garden that needs particular care, I will offer the service as an upcharge on a case-by-case basis... as long as the time needed for that upkeep would not interfere with caring for your pets. If you have a gardener & lawncare providers, don't cancel their services while you are away.

For those who only have plants or a garden to care for while you are away, I would be more than happy to provide care. While I do have a bit of a green thumb and have tended my own gardens in the past, it is not my profession and there are a lot of qualified folks out there who specialize in the plant world. I can simply follow instructions well, and give attention and care.

I am clean & tidy. That is how I live. I will clean up after myself and the pets. I will clean pet messes (they happen), excessive fur shedding, their bowls, toys, sleeping/eating areas, play areas etc. You will not come home to my dishes or mess of any sorts. You will return to your home as you left it. As per your preference on my last day (if a sit and not drop-in) I will either launder, or remake a bed with fresh sheets.

I will provide regular chores like mail retrieval, bringing in packages (if you have a sensitive package due please let me know in advance), putting out the trash/recycling from the house or barrels to curb on trash day.

If you require deeper house cleaning services during the sit for whatever reason (perhaps you have a gathering planned right when you return) I can provide some things for an additional fee if you choose and it does not interfere with pet care. You can also hire outside services if needed.

Any service professionals other than myself who will be on the premises or within the household during the sit need to be disclosed in advance and with as much notice as possible. This includes cleaning staff, maintenence and repair techs, or anyone with a key. This is for the safety of your pets as well as myself. A dog biting a repair man, or a cat bolting outside because uncle Arnie came to drop off his famous banana bread while I am taking a shower for instance, is not ok and poses safety risks all around. If these things need to happen, knowing in advance means I can be proactive and plan. Neither pets nor sitters like surprises. I will not allow any service professionals in if they are not disclosed in advance for the safety of your pets, your home, and myself.

Plans can definitely change even if we think they are solid. It happens to all of us sometimes. If you know your plans aren't firm enough to book yet, let me know as far in advance as possible. I do keep a tentative calendar, and try to check with those who are penciled in prior to booking a sit request. So if I have you soft-penciled-in on my personal calendar, and another client checks to see if I am available wanting to book those dates, I will double-check with you first. At that time you can either confirm and book my services, or I will have to state that I am available to the other client. I don't need a 2 second reply, but something in a reasonable amount of time. I don't hold empty space for long, and do value my time, as do the pets I care for. Being penciled-in is not a guarantee.

My best suggestion would be to book in advance as much as possible, and to inform of any changes to your plans that impact the sit as soon as possible. Any complete cancellations more than a week in advance are refunded 100%. Any full cancellations a week or less are subject to a partial refund/fee. You can learn more about my Cancelation Policy here. I am human, and know the world is full of fun surprises like family loss, natural disasters, airline industry disruptions that make the news, and hey even global pandemics. If something major happens, please just communicate.

If I need to cancel a service, it would be ONLY be for a major reason. I value my time and my work, but I also value yours and the well-being of your pets. I will always give as much notice as possible and attempt to refer you to another quality sitter. Refunding is obvious, but also needs to be said.

This uncertainty is more than understandable. Our homes are our sacred safe places. Our pets are our family. Trusting someone to care for them can be nerve wracking and take courage. Taking some chances in life doesn't always feel easy. Sometimes we have had not great past experiences.

I can say the following truths that might help ease your mind or help you make a choice:

• You will miss your pets and they will miss you. You will worry about them. They are precious to you.

• Some pets can travel, and can travel some places with varying degrees of ease. Some cannot. Some travel is not practical for our pets.

• You can find some freedom in doing the things you need or want to do with pet sitting.

• You will be greeted home with love from them upon return. (Disclaimer: Some cats may need a little time to come around. The cold shoulder can be very real, but they will still be happy you are back.)

• They feel safe and comfortable with you and in their own home. When you remove one of those, they still have the other.

• I honor your communication of your pets needs, the needs they express, and keep open communication with you check-in and sharing updates & pictures as often as you would like while you are away.

• I have over 2 decades of experience caring for a variety of animals. I have learned that all their needs can vary greatly.

• On every sit I treat each pet & home like my own, with love & care. I value the sanctity of home, and the love that pets bring to our lives.

• I am certified in pet first-aid & cpr. My pet sitting business is insured to care for your pet. I also have a dishonestly coverage similar to a bond in that coverage. I know I am trustworthy and have the best interest of your pet & home in mind. You do not know this, and that type of trust is earned through experience & time. This is one small way prior to providing service that I can offer some assurance.

Booking a meet & greet is not an obligation to book with me. It is a time for the pet(s) and humans to get to know one another a bit. It is a time to share needs, and get a feel for one another to see if we will be a good matchup for services needed. If I don't feel I can adequately and safely provide services to meet your and your pet's needs, I will tell you and also make some recommendations that could. If you are not comfortable & confident that is more than OK.

A Legacy client is someone who I have worked with in the past who knew me personally, or helped me to get up and running in my new SoCal community. If someone suggested me to you, just let me know who it was. I honor these early relationships who helped me to find my way to this profession with discounted services. Their trust & support means the world.

For anyone who is a legacy client, your direct referrals will also receive a discounted legacy rate. The rate extends 1 generation only. It may change over time but will always be less than the regular rate. Holiday rate percentage increases may still apply.

Even if you don't qualify for the legacy rate (You don't see it as a booking option) you may still qualify for a first sit promotion if you are a new client. I do occasionally run promotions. As a new client if you did not find me through a legacy client or promotion, simply ask if I have any running that you may qualify for. I love to share my love for animals and will always honor any I have running.

Direct referrals of any kind (referral must be communicated and a current/former client) receive a 10% discount on their first service. If applied after booking it will show as a credit on your account.

That is fantastic! There are many out there to choose from, and many qualified sitter in a market place setting to shop around. They can be a great way to shop around for rates, get specialized care needs met, and find what you are looking for. I too use them, and have a Rover profile. If you are more comfortable or would prefer to use it and still book with me here is a link to my profile and you can also find links among my socials. Rover Profile I have however moved away from using other platforms to simplify scheduling.