Question 1

I’ve never hired a pet sitter or dog walker before, how does this all work?

Accepted Answer

It can definitely be overwhelming when first getting started, especially knowing you will have to trust someone else to care for your pets.
 
We try to do everything we can to make this transition as easy as possible for you. You can start by creating an account here.(https://www.timetopet.com/portal/pawsitivepetcare/create-account) Once we confirm you reside in our service area, we'll be in touch to schedule your Meet & Greet. From there, the process is seamless. Everything can be done through our convenient online/mobile app provided by Time to Pet.
 
Our priority as a professional pet care provider is to allow you to either get to work on time, enjoy your much-needed vacation, or focus on your business trip, knowing that your beloved pets are in loving capable hands, and you can have total peace of mind. Ahhhhh. ☺️

Question 2

Are you insured?

Accepted Answer

Great question! Yes, we are insured and bonded through Pet Sitters Associates. We are happy to provide a copy of our insurance certificate upon request.

Question 3

What is the Time to Pet client portal?

Accepted Answer

All service requests, modifications, and cancellations are to be made through the client portal on the Time to Pet app or website.

We highly recommend downloading the Time to Pet app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

You can also access the client portal through the website at https://www.timetopet.com/portal/login (https://www.timetopet.com/portal/login)

Your login credentials are the same for the app and website.

The client portal allows you to easily update client details, pet profiles, view/send messages, request services, pay invoices, and much more. Everything is all in one place!

If you don’t remember you login credentials, just let us know and we’ll send you another welcome email with the activation link to your account.

For further assistance, here are some Help Links to get you familiar with the client portal.
 • How to use the Online Portal: 
	https://help.timetopet.com/collection/7-client-portal (https://help.timetopet.com/collection/7-client-portal)
 •  How to use the App: 
	https://help.timetopet.com/collection/149-client-application (https://help.timetopet.com/collection/149-client-application)

Question 4

How far in advance should I schedule services?

Accepted Answer

We typically get booked about 2-3 months in advance for overnight pet sitting. Holidays tend to get booked much further in advance. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s are the most popular times of year and can sometimes get booked 9-12 months in advance.
 
Other busy times for the pet sitting industry are spring break, summer, and Memorial Day weekend.
 
As much notice as possible is always appreciated and recommended, but we understand that life happens and sometimes last minute requests are necessary. We certainly cannot promise we'll be able to cover those requests; however, we will always do our best to accommodate you.
 
As for dog walking services, if you’re interested in regularly occurring dog walks, we can sit down and figure out the best schedule to accommodate your pets’ needs. If you need just occasional dog walk or potty break for your pup, often 2-5 days notice is all you need.

Question 5

Will you be able to provide care for my senior or special needs pet?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! In fact, seniors and special needs pets are the ones that hold an extra special place in our hearts! The majority of our clientele have older or special needs pets.
 
We've cared for pets with dementia, renal failure, congestive heart failure, seizures, diabetes, as well as pet who are blind, deaf, and paralyzed.
 
We can administer oral medication, insulin injections, subcutaneous fluids, liquid that is syringed into the mouth, ear and eye drops, transdermal medicines, ointments, etc. We've also assisted pets with slings/harnesses to help them to walk if they were non-ambulatory or semi-ambulatory. We can also assist with expressing your pet's bladder.
 
We've spent countless hours staying up all night, rocking a dog to sleep with Sundowner’s Syndrome, slept on the floor next to an anxiety-ridden dog due to the loud thunder storm, helped a dog remain calm during the barrage of fireworks during the Fourth of July, and so much more. And we wouldn't change a thing.
 
Your pets’ care and comfort are our number one priority.

Question 6

What do you do if there is an emergency? How are finances handled if an emergency occurs?

Accepted Answer

Accidents/sickness can happen while pet parents are away. In such an event, we will call the pet parent immediately to advise of the situation. If the pet parent is traveling somewhere with limited cell reception or is traveling internationally, we ask clients to provide their hotel contact information throughout the trip so we can call or leave a message directly.
 
Additionally, we ask for emergency contact information to help us make any decisions in case the pet parent cannot be reached. 
 
We ask that pet parents make arrangements with their vet should veterinary care be needed during this time. Just about all vets require either a written or verbal authorization giving your pet sitter permission to have your pet treated.
 
As for financial responsibility, please call your vet to ask what their procedure is in such a situation. Some animal hospitals require a credit card to be kept on file with them.

Question 7

Why should I hire a professional pet sitter? Isn’t the college student, who lives down the street and loves pets, good enough?

Accepted Answer

It’s understandable that price is often a concern for pet parents. A professional pet sitter will typically cost more than a hobby pet sitter. However, a client of ours once said, “Cheap can sometimes be very expensive.” 
 
Professional Pet Sitters:

• Carry their own liability insurance and bonding policy
 • Use a service contract that protects both the pet sitter and the client 
 • Are well-equipped to handle emergencies and usually certified in pet CPR and first aid
 • Have pet care training and/or Certified Professional Pet Sitter (CPPS®) designation 
 • Continue professional and educational development
 • Can administer a variety of medications: pills, injections, and subcutaneous fluids
 • Are members of professional pet sitting organizations such as Pet Sitters International or National Association of Professional Pet Sitters
 • Offer proof of a clear criminal history
 • Prioritize your pets and home security above all else while in their care
 • Live and breathe pet care!
 
Hobbyists:
 
"Hobbyists” may have good intentions and truly love pets. However, many sign up on a listing service or online pet sitter marketplace like Rover or Wag, which may have liability insurance that is quite limited and offers surprisingly little coverage.
 
Typically, hobbyists aren't in it for the long haul and therefore don't pursue continued education, know how to administer a variety of medications, or how to respond in cases of emergencies and pet safety like a professional pet sitter would. There are typically no policies in place in case of changed plans, cancellations, and are therefore not as reliable as a professional pet sitter.

Question 8

What can I do, as a pet parent, to ensure a good pet sitting experience for my pet and the pet sitter?

Accepted Answer

The Time to Pet app allows pet parents to ensure their pet's profile is up-to-date with current feeding instructions, any medications or supplements needed, as well as any medical conditions. These can all change frequently, so we kindly ask pet parents to regularly double-check that everything is current, particularly before leaving on vacation.

Having all items easily accessible and clearly labeled will help every visit go smoothly. Items such as:

• Food
 • Medications
 • Supplements
 • Treats
 • Leash/Collar
 • Poop bags

FAQ