FAQ

Why should I hire a Professional Pet Sitter?

Professional pet sitters are just what the description implies – professional.  While having neighbors, friends or family care for your pets or even dropping them off at a boarding facility may seem like a logical choice, professional pet sitters do this for a living and have the experience necessary to care for your animals all while keeping them in the best possible environment - their home.  This person is licensed and insured so you're covered if the smallest vase breaks in your house to the unthinkable of someone on the outside getting hurt by your pet.  You also have the benefit of using the same person year round instead of multiple people when they have spare time.  

A professional pet sitter:

• Is trained and experienced in working with all types of pet personalities and will know how to tailor your pet’s care.
• Knows how to spot and avoid potentially dangerous situations, and can react quickly and effectively when necessary.
• Is trained and experienced in administering medications.
• Knows how to tell if your pet needs veterinary attention.
• Can be relied on to fulfill all of your care requests on time, each and every time.
• Provides your pet lots of one-on-one attention. You won’t have to worry about your best friend being forgotten or alone for days without contact. A pet sitter’s job is to treat your pet like you do. It’s about keeping your animals happy and healthy - and giving you updates and peace of mind. 

What benefits are there to using a pet sitter instead of a boarding facility?

• Routines won’t change - Pets love their routine. It’s comfortable and a known. Mealtime, playtime and walks. Hugs and love to boot. Sticking to these schedules makes your pet feel comfortable. You being away from them is stressful enough. When a routine is changed it can stress your pet even more.
• Familiar Environment - Your pet would much prefer being home in their environment. Sights, sounds and smells of home keep your pets feeling secure. They can sleep in their own bed, play with their own toys and walk around without the chaos of being in an environment full of strange animals.  
• Security - For your pet as well as your home. Seeking out home care for your pet is an excellent security system.  While you're away your house won't look vacant - someone will turn on lights, make their presence known and keep your pet company.  It keeps your pet safe from danger and prevents possible vandalism and break-ins while you’re away.  Also, if a pipe bursts or some other home problem occurs, your pet sitter can notify someone of the matter, possibly saving you thousands of dollars.
• Illness - Taking your pet to stay at a daycare/kennel causes stress levels to rise, which makes it easier to catch colds or illnesses spread by other dogs. Diseases can be easily spread in kennel environments. It’s not worth the risk.
• Convenience - You don't have to schedule a drop off or wait to till the next day to pick up your best friend.  They'll be there to greet you as soon as you get home. 

Are you insured?

Yes, That Pet Sitter Girl is a licensed and insured professional.

How many years experience do you have?

I grew up on a farm, showed horses all over the country and haven't spent one day of my life without being surrounded by animals.  I also provided pet sitting for family and friends as a hobby before making this my full time interest.  I can safely say I have over 20 years experience working with animals.

why did you get into pet sitting?

After many years of sitting inside an office all day, I finally made the decision to take a leap and do what I love - being active all day, meeting new people who feel they can put their trust in me and having clients that are tail waggin' happy to see me.  Love of animals + a lifetime of experience with pets + a strong marketing and financial background to happily run and promote my business + want of an active work lifestyle = That Pet Sitter Girl.     

what does "enriching your pet's life" mean to you?

Simply put, I want to add value to your pet's every day life.  One of the main reasons I started pet sitting full time was to have an active work life and fully enjoy what I do all day.  That makes me a much healthier and happier version of my old indoor office self.  I have this mentality towards animals too.  A pet that has regular exercise/care/interaction is going to be a much healthier and happier pet with all around more positive behavior on a day to day basis.  Life is busy, some days the last thing on your mind is taking your dog for an extra long walk or playing with your cat long enough to get their heart rate up.  That is where I want to help a little more than a traditional pet sitter would.  I try to make it as encouraging as possible to get consistent activity going for your pet, which would create a stronger/healthier/happier best friend for you.

what type of animals do you care for?

I have the most experience with dogs, cats, and horses.  I can also care for small or exotic animals such as ferrets, rabbits, gerbils, hamsters, reptiles, amphibians, birds, fish, goats, sheep, chickens, and other farm animals.

What services do you offer and what are the rates?

Pet sitting, dog walking, kitty exercise, midday drop-ins, overnight stays, vacation visits and more.  Rates are customized for your needs and for more details please check out my Services → page.

do you offer boarding at your home?

No, our cats would not welcome any change in their routine with a strange animal in their home.  If you're interested in your pet having supervision all night I do offer Overnight Stays → at your home. 

What should i expect at the initial consultation?

This is a time for me to meet you and your pet family!  I will meet your pets, tour their area, and review what services you need -  feeding instructions, routines, location of supplies/food/medications and any special needs or requests (bring in mail, indoor plant watering, alternating lights and blinds, etc.). I will collect the key and will look forward to seeing your wonderful pet family again soon!

What do you do while at my house?

Read about what to expect during Pet Sitting → visits.

what areas do you service?

West Melbourne, Indialantic and parts of Melbourne for no extra charge.  Please check out my Service Area → page for more detail.

what forms of payment do you accept?

Cash or checks made payable to "That Pet Sitter Girl, LLC."  If there is enough interest I can set up a debit/credit card payment processor on my website.

How do i get started?

Contact Me → and we'll discuss your personalized needs.  Using the online submission form is the best form of contact, that way I have most of the details to give an accurate answer. 

who are those two beautiful dogs in your pictures?

Ok, that probably isn't a question you had - but I can't pass up an opportunity to talk about our furry family!  Chief, the extra large, all black Lab/Newfoundland/Chow mix is 120 pounds of love. Bruce, a Heinz 57 mix, is his older brother and what he lacks in size compared to Chief he makes up for in smarts.  There is no toy or bone that doesn't end up being Bruce's by the days end.  Both are 100% rescue and fill our day with such antics that I swear we get a taste of what it's like to have human children.  We also have two pretty awesome cats - I tried to include them and do a little indoor photo shoot but needless to say it didn't go well.