Colchester Pet Sitter

What’s the difference between pet sitting and boarding?
Pet sitting means I care for your pets in your home, so they can stay in familiar surroundings and stick to their usual routine. Boarding means pets stay in the carer’s home. I’m fully insured to provide overnight pet sitting, but I’m not licensed for boarding animals in my own home. If you are considering using a boarder, always check they are licensed with the local council.

Do you stay in my home all the time?
I stay overnight and spend plenty of meaningful time with your pets. Mondays to Fridays, I need to leave the house to attend to regular clients, so pets must be comfortable being left for up to four hours at a time. I will never leave a pet alone for longer than this. Evenings and weekends I tend to be around most of the time, so they’ll get plenty of time with me! This is something we’ll always talk through clearly at the meet and greet.

Do you have people round my house?
No. I respect your home and your privacy. I don’t have visitors at your property unless you have given express permission and won’t invite anyone you don’t know into your home.

What does overnight pet sitting include?
I move into your home for the duration of the sit and look after both your pets and your house. I bring my own food and essentials, keep things tidy, and follow any routines or instructions we’ve agreed in advance. The aim is for your pets’ day-to-day life to feel as normal as possible while you’re away.

Can other people I know visit the house while you’re sitting?
Planned visits from service providers such as cleaners or gardeners are usually fine, as long as they’re discussed at the meet and greet and timings are agreed in advance. Friends or family members popping in, either planned or unannounced, aren’t appropriate during a sit. This is important for my privacy, your pet’s consistency and insurance reasons. If someone were to access the property while I wasn’t there and something happened, my insurance wouldn’t cover that.

What about cameras or home security systems?
Home security systems and cameras are absolutely fine. For internal cameras, I usually agree with clients that these are switched off while I’m present in the house. I’m always happy to let you know when I’m heading out so internal cameras can be turned back on remotely while I’m not there.

How far in advance should I book pet sitting?
Pet sitting is especially popular between May and September. During these months, I generally prioritise longer sits of a week or more, booked well in advance, to support people planning holidays. Shorter sits may still be possible, but I don’t usually book these peak months far ahead for short stays. August can often get booked up for the following year before the previous year has ended!

Is a meet and greet required before booking?
Yes. All pet sitting bookings are subject to a meet and greet. This gives us both the chance to make sure I can meet your pet’s needs and that the arrangement feels like a good fit on both sides. I always reserve the right to decline a sit if I don’t feel it’s suitable.

Does my dog have to be vaccinated?
No. Vaccinations remain a personal choice of the owner. However, it’s important to note, my insurance excludes cover for distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis and parvovirus if a dog is not vaccinated against these illnesses and becomes unwell with them in my care. Please do also familiarise yourself with my kennel cough policy which includes details on post-vaccine waiting periods.

How do deposits and payments work?
A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking. The remaining balance is due four weeks before the start of the sit.

Do you offer pet sitting on bank holidays?
Yes, but bank holiday sits are charged at double time.

Do you offer discounts?
No. I understand that overnight pet sitting can feel like a significant cost, but in reality, when that price is spread across the many hours I’m actively with your pet and responsible for their care and your home, the amount I’m earning per hour is very modest. My prices are set based on the level of care provided, my experience and the time involved in delivering a personal, professional service that many clients choose to return to again and again.

Will I get updates while I’m away?
Yes, of course! I send regular updates, including photos and videos, so you can see how your pets are doing and relax knowing they’re happy and settled.