Frequently Asked Questions
What pets do you take care of?
I only take care of cats at this time. If you have a dog and are able to set up alternative care for them, I will happily care for your cat!
When are you available?
I am available 365 days/year. This includes major holidays.
For drop-ins, I am available between 9AM-8PM, but do 8-8:30AM drop-ins for cats who have timed medication such as insulin injections. Clients are given a 2-hour window for drop-in visits to account for last minute changes in my schedule such as traffic, issues with previous client drop-ins, and emergency situations.
House sitting hours are dependent on the agreement between the client and sitter.
What areas do you serve?
I serve the city of Ottawa. If you're unsure of whether I service your home, feel free to reach out with your address.
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I do not service areas outside of the main city including Kanata, Barrhaven, Orleans, Nepean, or Gatineau.
What are your rates?
My rates have a starting point for each service and are subject to additional charges. Please see my individual service pages to learn more.
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Additional rates include:
- Additional cats (charged per cat)
- Winter holiday rate
- Extended care for house sitting
How do I book services for my cat?
Please start by filling out the contact form through my website, or contact me via text, WhatsApp or email. You will be asked to fill out an intake form to gather all of the important information about you, your cat and the booking. If I feel as though we may be a good fit, we will book a meet and greet, which is a chance for me to meet you, your cat, and get to know more about their routine and care. Should I believe I will be able to meet your and your cat's needs, we will go ahead and confirm the booking!
This process allows both of us to make sure I am able to meet your cat's needs as well as your expectations for your cat's care.
What is a meet and greet?
I conduct meet and greets before confirming bookings with new clients. This allows me to go through your cat's care with you, learn their routines and your set up, and to meet your cat in a comfortable place where you are there to guide the greeting. It gives your cat a chance to get used to my scent to decrease the risk of adverse responses to my coming by alone for the first time. It also provides us the opportunity to assess whether I'm able to meet you and your cat's expectations and needs before agreeing to move forward.
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A meet and greet does not guarantee a booked service.
Does my cat really need daily drop-in visits? What if I have one than one cat - won't they keep each other company? What if my cat doesn't like strangers?
Cats are social creatures, even if they're not a fan of strangers, and deserve the human interaction to whatever amount they're interested in. Without the consistency of daily visits, the insecurity they may feel when I visit them infrequently can lead to stress reactions and the inability to form a connection between myself and your cat. The chance to play and interact every day also helps get their energy out, and ensure the transition from the visits to returning to their usual schedule is virtually seamless.
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For timid cats or those who aren't a fan of strangers, daily visits are still required. Even if they don't come out to say hello, they deserve to be cared for as if they welcomed my company. If they do not come out, I will do my best to find them to make sure they're not showing signs of illness and will do a thorough check around the house for any urine, feces or vomit that may indicate a health issue.
While there is no assumption that an emergency or complication from the care services provided will occur, the unexpected can happen without any signs. Without daily visits, I'm unable to monitor and notice any signs of trouble that can be tended to immediately to prevent the escalation of any potential medical issues.
Do you take cats into your home?
I do not offer boarding services. In my experience, cats do not do well being removed from their environment especially during times of separation from their owners. This is why I only offer in-home services to my clients.
Are you able to give medications?
Yes! I'm able to administer pills/tablets, liquid medications, topical treatments and injectable medications including insulin. I'm happy to work with you to meet your cat's medical needs.
What is your payment policy? What forms of payment do you accept?
I only accept e-transfer payments.
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Payments are due 7 days before the start of the service. You will receive an invoice in the app, or sent to you via text or email before the payment deadline.
Will you provide any updates while I'm away?
I provide ongoing updates through the Walkies pet sitting app. By downloading the client app or opting for email notifications, you will receive photo and written logs to keep you aware of what we've gotten up to and how your cat is doing.
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Drop-in visits will include a visit summary.
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House sitting will include a live link sent via email or live service in the app for you to check on throughout your trip.
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I will get in contact with you directly if I have any concerns or questions during the booking.