Frequently Asked Questions...
Q- How does pet sitting work?
A- Pet sitting allows your pet to stay home while you're away cared for by us, experienced pet care professionals. We come to your home at prearranged times and lavish your pets with care and attention. The process begins by you contacting us to discuss your and your pet's needs; is it a "Play & Potty" visit they need during your work day, or "Extended Care" visits during your vacation? We'll then set up a free initial visit so we can meet you and your pets, giving you an opportunity to demonstrate their routines and our responsibilities. We'll pick up the key at this time and begin pet sitting precisely on the pre-determined date. While you're away, you're welcome to call as often as you like for updates, or we can email you progress reports complete with photos. When you return home, your pets will tell you how happy they were with C&M, as will our "Welcome Home!" letter.
Q- Are you fully insured and bonded?
A- Yes. We have general liability insurance specifically designed for pet sitters which covers a broad range of situations that could arise affecting your home and pet. Our Pet Sitter Dishonesty Bond works by assuring clients payment for stolen items while making us responsible for paying that money back to our bonding company.
Q- What do the pet sitting visits cost?
A- Generally, fees range from $15-$20+ per visit. We base our fees on a number of factors including number of pets, type of pets, type of care involved, and our travel distance. Instead of listing prices for all the different situations we encounter, we prefer talking with you first to get a good idea of what's involved in providing the best care we can for your pets. Only then can we tailor the fees according to your specific situation.
Q- How long does each visit last?
A- We allow at least a half hour for each Extended Care visit, and 15 minutes for each discounted Play & Potty visit (dogs) or Feed and Scoop (only cats) visits. The actual amount of time we spend at each home is based on the individual needs of your pet(s). Some pets enjoy lots of attention or require extra care, and we’re happy to oblige them. However some prefer to be left alone and we allow them the space they desire, and not cause any undue stress. If your pet(s) require extra time outside of the average visit, we can happily allow for it.
Q- How long in advance should I schedule pet sitting visits?
A- We understand that some circumstances do not allow people to give lots of advanced notice, and we pride ourselves in accommodating last minute plans. Two weeks is usually sufficient notice under normal circumstances. Holidays book up faster. As much advanced notice as possible is always appreciated.
Q- Is it always the same person coming to my house each time?
A- It is always Chris or Missy, often both, coming to your home.
Q- What happens if my pet gets sick or injured while I am away?
A- Chris is a Registered Veterinary Technician and has been working with animals for over 18 years. Missy is an experienced veterinary assistant and has been working with animals for over 13 years. We are both experienced in first aid and assessing emergencies. However we are not veterinarians and cannot diagnose or initiate treatment to animals. With your permission, in the event of an emergency we will bring your pet to your veterinarian or, if they are not available, Veterinary Surgical & Diagnostic Specialists (a 24-hour emergency hospital in Millstone near the Jackson Outlets) for veterinary care. You can be assured that we will provide excellent supportive care for any sick or injured animal in our care.
Q- What do you do with the keys to keep them secure while in your possession?
A- Each key is encoded with a specific word or words unique to your pet (code names) that are meaningless to other people. Keys are never labeled with your name or address, your pet’s name, or any of your private information. They are locked in our car between visits during the day, and locked in our house at night. If you would like us to hang on to your key between visits they will be locked in a safe in our home.
Q- What are Star Clients, and why do they get a discount?A- Pet sitting is a seasonal business. Star Clients are those who make it possible for us to stay in business year round. As a way of saying “Thank You” we offer them a discount. Preferred status is acquired by use of our services at least five days out of each month, year round.
Q- Do you ever take care of pets in your home? 
A- Though there have been circumstances when we have allowed dogs in our home due to very serious illness or extremely advanced age when they would not have survived a kennel or prolonged stay in their home, we prefer not to do so. We have a busy home with 3 children, a very aged cat and senior dog. Most pets prefer the comfort and quiet of their usual surroundings, rather than a busy, noisy, unfamiliar house. Any animal kept in our home may also be subject to being “alone” if most of our time spent out pet sitting.