Everything below is what I'd tell you at the meet-and-greet anyway — feeding, medication, holidays, last-minute requests and what happens when plans change.
How do feeding instructions work?+
You write them down once and I follow them exactly. At the meet-and-greet we go over brand, portion size, feeding times, treats, food storage, water bowls and any allergies or food sensitivities. I never switch food or add treats without your okay, and I send a photo after each meal so you can see the bowl.
Can you handle medication?+
Yes. I'm trained in oral, topical and injected medication, including insulin and subcutaneous fluids, and I'm First Aid and CPR certified for cats and dogs. Bring meds in their original labelled containers with written dosage and timing. I log every dose with the time it was given, and I'll text you if a pet refuses or spits out a dose.
What happens in a veterinary emergency?+
I call you first. If you're unreachable and it's urgent, I take your pet to the vet you list on your care sheet (or the nearest emergency clinic) and keep calling until we connect. You'll be asked at the meet-and-greet to leave your vet's name, an emergency contact and a spending limit so nothing waits on paperwork.
What are your holiday rules?+
Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day carry a $20/night surcharge. Holiday dates fill early, so I ask for holiday bookings at least three weeks ahead and confirm them with a signed care sheet.
Do you take last-minute bookings?+
When my calendar allows, yes. Anything booked within 24–48 hours of the start date carries a $15 flat last-minute fee. New clients booked last-minute still need a quick meet-and-greet, even a short one, before I take the keys.
What if my plans change?+
Just tell me as early as you can. Cancel or reschedule more than 7 days out and there's no charge at all. Inside 7 days, I hold your deposit as credit toward a future booking. Inside 48 hours, or an early return once a stay has begun, is billed at 50% of the remaining visits — that time was held for you and turned away from other clients. Extending a trip is free if I'm still open; if I'm not, I'll help you find cover.
Do I need a meet-and-greet first?+
Yes, and it's free. It takes 20–30 minutes at your home so your pet meets me on their own turf, and we cover keys or codes, feeding, medication, house rules, alarm systems and where everything lives. Book one on the meet-and-greet page.
How do keys, codes and house access work?+
Codes, lockboxes and garage keypads are preferred. If you hand over a physical key, I sign for it, keep it tagged with a code (never your name or address) and return it at the end of the stay or hold it for repeat bookings if you ask me to.
When and how do I pay?+
I invoice after the stay ends, payable by Venmo, Cash App or Zelle within 3 days. Holiday and week-plus bookings take a 25% deposit to hold the dates. Booking direct means no app service fees on top of the rate you see.
What if you get sick or your car breaks down?+
I'll tell you immediately and arrange a vetted backup sitter you've approved, or help you find boarding if you'd rather. Your pets are never left without a plan.