FAQ Cat Sitter Services
- Q: What is included in a cat sitter visit?
A: Each visit is one half hour. The cat sitter will feed the cat per your instructions, clean and refresh the water dish, and scoop and refresh the kitty litter. The remaining time is spent playing with or snuggling with the kitties, depending on their personalities.
- Q: Do you offer anything other than half-hour cat sitter visits?
A: We do not offer anything shorter than one half hour, but we do offer longer visits. We also offer overnight visits in 10 and 12 hour increments. In the near future, we will offer private boarding in hosted family homes.
- Q: How early should I book cat sitter?
A: In most cases, about a week is fine. We can also often find last-minute sitters if you are suddenly called out of town. Of course, the shorter the notice, the less likely it is you will be able to reserve your favorite cat sitter. Also, holidays fill up fast, so book early to reserve a spot! More time is also needed for special-needs cats and cats with medication
- Q: Who does the cat sitting for The Pet Maven? Will it be you?
A: The Pet Maven has a network of over 35 sitters in locations throughout New York City, including Manhattan, and parts of Queens and Brooklyn.
- Q: Will I get to meet the cat sitter ahead of time?
A: Yes! You will certainly be able to meet and interview the cat sitter ahead of time, to make sure it's a good fit!
- Q: Do your sitters have references that I can call?
A: We've got you covered! All Pet Maven sitters go through several levels of screening, including an in-person interview. We also check both business and cat-sitting-related references before inviting sitters to join our team! Please call the office if you have additional questions.
- Q: Will the cat sitter live in my neighborhood?
A: We do our best to select sitters who live and/or work very near to the cats they care for. There are cases where your sitter might live in another neighborhood, especially during busy times, or in cases where your cat requires medication. Please let us know if it is important to you that your sitter live nearby, and we will do our best to accommodate.
- Q: Can I choose when the cat sitter will visit?
A: Unless there is medication involved, The Pet Maven cannot guarantee an exact visit time. Our sitters have busy schedules, and many rely on public transportation, so we ask they be permitted a certain amount of flexibility. We can offer visit time windows:
• Morning is 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Afternoon is 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Evening is 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Q: Can your sitters administer medication?
A: Most of our sitters can administer medications to cats. Our areas of experience range from liquid oral medication and pills, to topical medicines, to insulin and subcutaneous fluids. Please let us know about any medications when booking your cat sitting dates.
- Q: Do you charge for medication administration?
A: Most medications are $5 per visit; subcutaneous fluids are $8. A more involved medication regimen may involve additional fees. Please let us know the full extent of your pet's routine when booking so we can quote an accurate price.
- Q: Do you have special holiday or weekend rates?
A: Our standard cat-sitting rates stay the same, 365 days a year, although we do encourage people to tip their sitters, especially during the holidays!
- Q: Do you offer discounts for extended trips?
A: We do not offer discounts for extended trips: each visit requires the same time commitment and quality of care, and we don't want to short change our cat sitters!
- Q: What areas do you service?
A: We service Manhattan, and nearby neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Queens.
- Q: When do the visits occur?
A: Most visits occur between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., depending on an individual sitter's schedule.
- Q: Why do I need to give you so much information just to schedule an interview with the cat sitter?
A: Most visits occur between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., depending on an individual sitter's schedule.
- Q: Can I request the same cat sitter each time I travel?
A: Of course! We will always try to accommodate specific sitter requests, although sometimes it is not possible due to scheduling conflicts.
- Q: How do I schedule cat sitting when I need it in the future?
A: Please schedule cat sitting through the office; email or phone. If time is short, and you want to make sure your favorite sitter is available, you may cc the sitter with your request.
- Q: What if my dates change?
A: If your travel dates change, simply send an email to the office and your cat sitter so we can make the appropriate changes to the schedule.
- Q. What if I need to cancel?
A: If you need to cancel cat sitting or overnight services, you must call the office or send an email. Cancellation charges may apply during the major Federal holidays if we do not receive advance notice.
- Q: How are your sitters vetted?
A: We interview all our sitters in person, and do thorough professional and cat-related reference checks. We also do regular follow-ups with clients to make sure our high standards are being maintained.
- Q: Can I check on my cat while I am away?
A: Of course! We understand what it's like to leave our furry friends behind when we travel. Just ask your sitter, and he or she will be happy to send updates via text or email. Many sitters even have smart phones, and can send photos!
- Q. Are you insured and bonded?
A: The Pet Maven is fully insured and bonded through Business Insurers of the Carolinas