FAQ

What does a professional pet sitter do?
Instead of boarding your pet, I come to your home and care for your pets there. I can cuddle with your cats, play with your dog, give your chickens fresh greens. Your pets get to stay in their favorite place: your home. Each day your pets will get fresh food, a clean water bowl, and lots of love and praise.

There are added security benefits to having someone come to your home. I like to make it looked like somebody is home: I open or close curtains or blinds, rotate lights, pick up mail, flyers, packages and newspapers. I take out your garbage and recycling, and bring the cans back.

I also offer optional daily updates via text or email to let you know how your pets are doing and anything else that’s going on at your home.

What kind of animals do you care for?
Cats, dogs, chickens, fish, reptiles… pretty much any pets. If you love them, I will too when you're away. 

I ask that cats be kept indoor-only while I'm sitting.

I have chickens plus other pets. What kind of visit should I get?
A Standard Visit will cover it. If you only have chickens, I have a lower rate for that.

Who are you?
I'm a resident of Sellwood/Westmoreland who loves animals. I've been in the neighborhood for 12 years. I love our neighborhood and the community. I'm very conscientious, clean & responsible, so I make a great pet and home sitter.

Do you respect my privacy in my home?
Yes. I only visit in the ‘formal’ or ‘public’ rooms of your house, such as the living room or kitchen. I always stay out of bedrooms unless specifically directed, i.e. your cat sleeps on your bed, or you want me to turn on a light in there.

Why should I hire a pet sitter, when I can ask a friend, neighbor or relative to do it?
If you have friends willing to help, by all means utilize them. I’m a professional sitter, which means I’m insured and bonded, so if anything happened, I’m held responsible. Plus I'll spend the allotted amount of play time with your pet each visit. And I never got offended if you ask me to pet sit several times a year.

What does bonded and insured mean?
I am insured for pet sitting to cover accidental damage, lost or injured pet, pet transport, lost key coverage and more. I am also bonded, which covers theft. In case anything happens, we're all covered.

How many visits a day should I get?
For dogs, I recommend a minimum of two visits per day. Most people request two or three, depending on your dog's needs and temperament.
For cats and other animals, one to two visits per day is average, usually based on their dining schedule.

How long is each visit?
Standard visit: 30 minutes
Extended visit: 45 minutes
Express visit: 15 minutes 
Shy cat visit: 15 minutes
I never leave before the allotted time, and often stay a little longer. 

Do you administer medication to pets?
I can administer medication in the form of pills, drops or ointments, with veterinary instructions.

What do you do in case of an emergency?
It depends on the type of emergency. If a serious emergency occurs with your pets, I will contact your vet and transport if necessary. I’ll also contact you immediately.

If there is an emergency with your home, I’ll call you, and/or your emergency contact to figure out our best options.

If something was to happen to me, I have a backup sitter that can take over.

How am I billed and when is it due?
I’ll leave an invoice at my last visit. We can make an appointment after you come home to exchange keys and payment. I request payment within 7 days of my last visit to your pets.

Can I contact you when I am away?
Of course, please feel free to text, email or call.

How do I get started with Sellwood Pet Sitting?
Contact me (phone, email) and I can arrange a time to come to your home and meet you and your pets. We’ll discuss your pet and house care needs, when you’ll need me, how many visits per day. If you’d like to hire me, we fill out my Service Agreement, a Pet Profile and the Veterinarian Release form and you give me your keys.

I recommend that you contact me as soon as you know about your trip so I can fit you into my schedule.