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1. Why should I hire a sitter for my cats or other pets and what do pet sitters actually do?

Most cat owners know that the majority of cats adjust better to their owners absence, and experience less stress and anxiety, when they remain in their own safe and comfortable home environments.  We make this possible by bringing our professional pet sitting services, specializing in cat care, directly into your home.  Visits generally last 30 minutes or less, but can also be scheduled for up to 60 minutes.  During these visits we play with your cats, dogs, or other pets, give them lots of personal attention, feed them and give them plenty of fresh water, clean their litter boxes or take them out as needed, walk them, etc.  We can give them a good brushing, trim their nails (if they are friendly and willing) and even administer certain medications as needed.  We even offer tooth-brushing (cats only) if the pet is docile enough!  We can also take care of your other small critters including fish, birds, hamsters, gerbils, etc.  If requested, we will be happy to send you an occasional email update to let you know how your cats or other pets are doing while you are away.  That said, in-home cat care is not only the choice of most cat owners, but it also seems to be the "cat-preferred"  method as well.  A professional cat sitter provides peace of mind for everyone!  As for dogs, we basically offer the same sitting services, but instead of cleaning a litter box, we take your dogs out for bathroom time and play time, and we also offer dog walking services.  We are bringing back the "Pet Taxi" service soon as needed... more info to follow!

2. What are the advantages for my cats and other pets?

As mentioned above, the biggest advantage for your cats would be reduced stress and anxiety.  Your feline friends stay in their own comfortable and secure environments where all the sights, sounds and scents are familiar.  Another big advantage for your cats is receiving consistent diet and exercise.  Customary diet and exercise routines are followed closely and without interruption.  With a cat sitter there is no "travel trauma".  Traveling in a vehicle to a boarding facility, kennel, or even to a friend or family member's home usually upsets and frightens cats, causing them great distress.  Another major advantage, for both you and your cats, is reduced health concerns.  With a cat sitter, there is minimal exposure to injury or illness from other animals, as your cats are usually confined to the safety of your home and away from other any other animals.  By far, the most important advantage for your cats is the care and personal attention they will receive while you are away!  Much can be said for dogs and other animals as well.  All animals under the care of Greg Daniels Pet Sitting receive the highest quality of care and you can be sure your pets are being kept safe, healthy and happy in your absence!

3. What are the advantages for me?

There are many.  For example, you won't be inconvenienced by having to transport your pets anywhere.  You also won't have to impose on a friend, neighbor or relative to care for your pets, but instead can rely on a cat care professional and pet sitter that will put your pets needs first.  Your home is also made more secure by the crime-deterrent services provided by most pet sitters, including Greg Daniels Pet Sitting.  And of course there is the all important peace of mind.  While you are away, you can feel confident that your pets are in capable, caring hands.  And, in addition to all of those advantages, most pet sitters also provide additional home services while caring for your pets, such as watering your plants and bringing in the mail and newspapers.

4. How do I prepare my home and pets for a pet sitting service?

Preparation can make a big difference in how smoothly things go for your pets when a sitter comes to visit.  Here are just a few basic tips:

  • Always leave a phone number for emergencies and an email address for less urgent matters. 
  • If inside services are requested, please provide a house key in addition to garage door openers, whenever possible.  Don't forget to leave any door or alarm codes if necessary.   
  • If you have new keys made, please try them out first to make sure they work.
  • Please leave clean food dishes, water bowls and utensils before leaving town.
  • Provide extra food, litter and other supplies just in case you're not able to return as planned.
  • Please adjust the thermostat to keep the house comfortable for the cats or other pets AND the sitter during your absence. In warm weather, a closed-up house can get dangerously hot in a short time.
  • Leave a list of phone numbers in case the pet sitter needs to contact service or maintenance companies while you are away; i.e., plumber, electrician, cleaning service, yard maintenance, pool service, etc.
  • Leave the telephone number for your preferred veterinarian and/or local animal hospital, in case of emergency!
  • Let us know of any household areas that are off-limits to your pets or to the pet sitter. Please secure access to those areas before leaving home.
  • It is also helpful to both you and the sitter to clean out the refrigerator to avoid smelly food spoilage, to wash the dishes in the sink to prevent ants, flies or other pests, and to make sure your trash cans inside your home do not contain food waste or any other smelly items.  If you take these few extra steps before you leave, you will be really glad you did when you return home! 

    • 5. What can I do to help my pet sitter take the best care of my pets?

    You can help your pet sitter be a better friend to your pets by helping to make sure there are no problems while you are away.  Planning and preparation ensure that things will go in your absence.  First, you should let the sitter know about any health problems your pets may have.  Also, you need to provide your sitter with written verification that your pets are up to date on their vaccinations and booster shots.  It is also helpful to make a list of your pets favorite hiding places.  This helps prevent sitters from any unnecessary worrying if your pets are not in plain sight, and they can be located quickly if not seen at first glance.  Also, it is wise to provide your own preferred method of flea control, even if your pets are currently flea free.  Fleas multiply rapidly and can become a problem very quickly.

    6. What does a house sitter do?

    House sitters generally keep an eye on your home while you are away or on vacation.  Like pet sitting, visits are usually 30 or 60 minutes, but they can last all-day or even overnight.  Greg Daniels Pet Sitting currently does not offer all-day or overnight visits.  Home care services may include mail and/or newspaper pick up, watering plants, placing trash and recycling bins outside for pickup, switching lights on/off, watering your yard and/or outdoor plants and more.  You can rest-assured while you are away that your home is being well taken care of and you will find it exactly they way you prefer upon your return home.