Frequently Asked Questions
We care for all animals—furry, feathery, scaly, or aquatic! Our pet sitters have experience with a wide variety of animals and temperaments. Let us know your pet’s needs, and we will match you with the perfect sitter.
What is live-in pet sitting?A professional sitter stays in your home, providing companionship, routine care, and security. Pets stay on their regular schedule for meals, walks, and medication, minimizing stress. Sitters maintain your home with care and respect, while completing daily tasks like cooking and cleaning. This premium service offers personalized attention for your pets and keeps your home safe.
Do you do check-ins?Yes, we offer check-ins for cats and exotic pets as a budget-friendly alternative to live-in care. We also provide check-ins for dogs when someone is staying overnight but needs a midday visit. Check-ins are available 1-2 times per day for 30 minutes or more.
How far in advance should I book?While we can often accommodate last-minute inquiries, live-in care typically books 3-4 months in advance, especially during our Peak Period Dates. Check-ins are easier to schedule with shorter notice. Please book as early as possible, especially during our peak periods.
Are your pet sitters police-checked and bonded?Yes, our pet sitters are bonded under our insurance policy with Intact Insurance, and each must undergo a thorough vetting process, including obtaining a Police Certificate of Investigation (PCI). We have a thorough vetting, hiring and training process, which ensures we only work with trusted, qualified professionals.
How do you ensure high-quality sitters?We select only the best sitters through a rigorous vetting process, ensuring a professional, trustworthy team. Once onboard, our sitters receive continuous support for every booking:
☑️ Accountability – Our Subcontractor Relations Manager keeps communication clear and schedules seamless.
☑️ 24/7 Support – Our management team is always available to handle any issues or emergencies.
☑️ Resources & Oversight – With strong leadership, structured processes, and expert guidance, we guarantee reliable, high-quality care for your pets.
At Assured Home and Pet Care, we prioritize safety, professionalism, and your peace of mind.
What does a "subcontractor" pet sitter mean? Assured Home and Pet Care acts as an agency, matching our approved pet sitters with clients based on their specific needs. When a booking request is made, we send out the details to our network of approved pet sitters, allowing them to bid on bookings that align with their availability. With almost 15 years’ experience, we expertly match the right pet sitters to each client, ensuring the best fit for the job. What are your rates?Rates vary based on animal type, requested services, and travel requirements. Please refer to our Services page for detailed information or contact us for a quote.
Should we tip?Tipping is optional, but typical industry tips range from 10-20% of the total booking fee.
Where does the pet sitter sleep? Do we need to provide groceries?Your pet sitter will stay in your home, using the designated sleeping area you prefer. While they may use basic items like condiments, spices, and perishable foods, they generally provide their own meals. For longer live-in bookings, we kindly request adequate fridge and freezer space for the sitter’s food, to ensure comfort during their stay.
What is your Meet & Greet process?We offer a Meet & Greet at your home, typically within a couple of weeks of your booking, to ensure all details are fresh and clear. If you prefer to meet the sitter before confirming your booking, we are happy to arrange an initial meeting for your peace of mind. Should a second meeting be necessary closer to your booking dates, a $30 fee will apply to compensate the sitter for additional time and travel. If you require a different sitter for future bookings, we will schedule a meeting to ensure a smooth transition.
What is your guest policy for the pet sitters?As a lifestyle agency, we have found allowing guests during your pet sitter’s stay increases the ability to maintain a normal daily routine, which in turn provides more time to spend with your pets. Our pet sitters respect your home as their own, with a limit of three additional people allowed at any time, never for "sleepovers." Many sitters have long-term partners who may stay, but this is always pre-approved by the client. This ensures the best care for your pets while keeping a comfortable, familiar environment.
Do your pet sitters offer cleaning services?Our live-in care fee includes maintaining your home as it was when you left, though we are not professional cleaners. We recommend continuing with your regular cleaning service, or we can offer discounted rates through our partner cleaners. For short overnight stays, our fee covers general tidying of areas used by the pet sitter, and for check-in and day sitting services, we will maintain pet areas, such as food bowls and litter.
What type of outdoor care do you do?Our basic care includes 15 minutes per day for snow removal and de-icing during winter, and for watering plants and gardens during summer. For longer stays (7+ days), 15 minutes of lawn mowing is also included. Additional time for outdoor tasks can be added if needed. Please note, outdoor care during check-ins counts toward the booked time, reducing indoor pet care. We recommend booking a longer visit if additional outdoor care is required.
Do you care for plants too?We water plants, but our sitters are primarily focused on pet care, so plant health is not guaranteed.
Will the pet sitter send us updates while we are away?Yes, we provide daily updates for check-ins and every other day for live-in care. If you prefer more frequent updates, let us know and we will accommodate.
Will the pet sitter walk my dog(s)?Our basic live-in care includes 1.5 hours of walking per day, with the option to add more time if needed.
Do your pet sitters administer medications?Yes, our sitters can administer medications, including insulin injections and sub-Q fluids. There is a $5/day charge per pet requiring medication, with additional fees for time-sensitive administrations.
