FAQs - SITE-366

Scheduling, Payments & Cancellations

How do I schedule cat visits or home checks?
Scheduling is easy! After completing an application and Meet & Greet, schedule visits through the "Time to Pet" app, accessible via phone or our website. (Or call us to schedule visit, if you prefer.) Payment is required to reserve your dates. Feel free to enter specific instructions in the app as needed.

Is a Meet & Greet necessary to book home checks or cat visits?
Yes, a Meet & Greet is mandatory for both services to ensure comfort and familiarity for all parties. During this meeting, please show us the locations of necessary items like alarms, food, and litter boxes.

If I return home early, will I still be charged for the full amount?
You'll receive a full refund for all unused visits, minus any applicable charges as listed here:

If possible, notify us at least 3 days in advance of your early (or late) return to avoid an additional charge.
If you forget to notify us of an early return or notify us on the same day as a scheduled visit, you'll be charged for that day's visit.

If my trip is longer than expected, can you visit my cats for extra days?
Yes, we're happy to extend services. Just inform us at least 3 days in advance to avoid a convenience fee.

Is my credit card information kept secure when using Time to Pet?
Time to Pet never stores or logs your credit card information, except for the last four digits. Time to Pet uses a payment processor that securely manages all credit card details, ensuring the highest level of security and limiting liability for both Time to Pet and you.

Cat Visits and Home Checks

How many visits per day do my cats need?

Kittens (6-12 months old) require 2-3 visits per day for healthy development, including play and cuddle time.
Adult cats need 1-3 visits per day based on their social needs and mealtime preferences.
Timid cats may only need 1 visit per day.
More social cats benefit from 2-3 visits or one extended visit per day.

My cat doesn't need a visit every single day. Is that okay?
For the health and safety of your cat, we require daily visits. This ensures we can monitor their well-being closely and maintain a clean environment.

My cat is aggressive. Can you still care for him?
We prioritize the safety of our sitters and other pets, so we're unable to care for cats that might bite, scratch, or attack. We appreciate your understanding.

Cat Health and Vaccinations

What if my cat gets sick or injured while we’re away?
We will immediately notify you of any health concerns. For urgent situations, we’ll take your cat to the vet. For non-urgent cases, we will consult you before seeking veterinary care. Please inform us of any pre-existing conditions or typical accidents to watch for.

What vaccinations do you require and how often?

Rabies: Initial vaccine at 1 year, then a booster every 3 years.
FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus): Initial vaccine at 6-12 weeks, booster 4 weeks later, another at 1 year, then every 3 years.
FVRCP 3-in-1 (Rhinotracheitis/Herpesvirus, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia): Initial vaccine at 6-12 weeks, booster 4 weeks later, another 1 year later, then every 3 years.

Do you administer cat medications?
We can administer oral medications if your cat accepts them willingly. We do not provide injections or essential life-saving medications. For cats that require such treatments, we recommend arranging for a vet or a vet tech to provide care in your absence.

Safety and Home Security

Can other people be in the house during your visit?
To ensure the safety of our sitters, we kindly request that no other individuals are present in the house during our visits.

Can I trust my cat sitter (or home checker) in my home?
Absolutely! Our sitters are bonded, insured, and undergo strict background checks. You'll meet your sitter beforehand to establish a personal connection. We prioritize your home and cat's safety by:

Training sitters to recognize potential hazards.
Sending daily photo updates.
Maintaining discretion with no uniforms or car signs.

You can trust us to responsibly care for your home and cat.

How do you handle house keys?

Most commonly, clients provide us with two copies of house keys; one is securely stored, and the other is used for visits.
Or you can use a real estate lockbox for key storage.
Keys are labeled discreetly, so if they get lost, your name and address are not visible.
If you have a door with an entry code, inform us of any changes to the code.
Key pick-up and drop-off service are available for a fee.

What's your emergency plan for natural disasters?
In emergencies such as fires or earthquakes, our priority is the safety of your cats and home. Our emergency plan:

Immediate contact with you to discuss urgent measures.
Evacuation of your cats by our sitters or contacting authorities if access is not possible.
Shelter your cats in our homes (or an animal shelter as a last resort) until it’s safe.
Ensure your cats are settled once conditions stabilize.
Help locate contractors to make repairs if owners are out of town long-term.

The Difference We Deliver

Why not choose a cheaper sitter?

Opting for a less expensive pet sitter might save money initially, but quality care is crucial for your cat’s well-being. Here's why we stand out:

Exclusive care for cats ensures less stress from dog scents and reduces cross-species diseases.
Cat expertise, which means we recognize subtle signs of physical and emotional needs and can help cats feel calm and comfortable.
Bonded, insured, and background-checked: Our sitters undergo thorough screening to provide security and peace of mind.
Reliable, passionate sitters: We carefully select reliable sitters who are passionate about cats.

Choosing Smitten Kitten means superior care and peace of mind for cats and homes.