Frequently Asked Questions

Pricing depends on the service type, dates/length, and the level of support required. Overnight in-home care is priced per night; administrative and household support are typically hourly or scoped as a project. Once I review your inquiry, I’ll confirm availability and provide clear pricing up front—no surprises.

I maintain current background checks (Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check), available upon request. I’m also in the process of securing business insurance tailored to in-home pet and household care. Currently, services are delivered personally by me (no subcontractors).

My calendar can book up quickly, especially when I’m supporting regular clients—so I recommend reaching out as soon as you know your timing. For ongoing support, extended stays, or larger projects, 2–4 weeks’ notice is ideal. Short-notice requests may still be possible depending on availability and scope.

I offer three core areas of support: (1) overnight in-home pet and household care, (2) administrative assistance (remote or in-person), and (3) light household support as an add-on. If you’re not sure what fits, reach out—I’ll help you choose the best setup.

Click “Inquire” at the top of the site and share a few quick details about your needs, dates, and location. Once submitted, I’ll review your inquiry (typically within 24 hours) and follow up to confirm availability, ask any clarifying questions, and outline next steps.

Administrative Assistance is high-trust, executive-style support—follow-ups, coordination, drafting communications, digital organization, research, and practical help navigating today’s online systems. We’ll shape a plan that fits you, whether you need a one-time hand or ongoing support. If something is more involved, we’ll scope it clearly as a project.

A House Reset is typically offered as an add-on to overnight care or ongoing administrative support. It’s light home help (tidying, linens, kitchen reset, quick straighten), not deep cleaning. It focuses on high-impact areas like the kitchen, main living space, laundry, and light organizing to bring things back to tidy, functional, and calm.

Examples include:

• Kitchen reset: dishes, counters cleared, quick wipe-down, floors spot-cleaned

• Laundry reset: start/finish a load, fold, put away, set up next load

• Main-area reset: declutter surfaces, straighten cushions/throws, quick vacuum/sweep

• Bathroom refresh: quick wipe-down of sink/counter, mirror, toilet touch-up

• Entryway reset: shoes/coats organized, quick tidy so the home feels settled

Paws & Pats is dedicated, in-home care delivered personally by me—so your pets stay in their own environment, keep their routines, and avoid the stress that can come with boarding or rotating sitters. You’ll receive clear communication, consistent updates, and a home that’s cared for with thoughtful attention.

I bring hands-on experience as a former vet assistant, years supporting rescue cats and kittens (including board-level volunteer experience), and extensive real-world client care with dogs and daily routines. My goal is to be the sitter you and your pet feel comfortable with long-term—reliable, familiar, and easy to trust.

Overnight Pet Care is in-home care in your pet’s own environment. It includes evening routines (feeding, walks/toilet breaks for dogs, affection, meds as instructed), an overnight presence, and morning routines—so things stay familiar and consistent.

For dogs, a mid-day 30-minute check-in and walk is included, and additional check-ins can be added. Overnight Care is not 24/7 constant supervision unless specifically arranged. If your pet needs continuous supervision, note that in your inquiry and we’ll discuss the best option.

I’m comfortable supporting established medical routines as directed by you and your veterinarian. This can include oral medications (pills or liquids), topical care, and—when prescribed—insulin/injections and sub-Q fluids (once you’ve shown me your routine and supplies are provided). I also provide gentle comfort support (like light massage or mobility assistance) if your pet enjoys it.

Important note: I don’t diagnose, change doses, or make medical decisions. If anything changes, I’ll contact you right away and follow your direction and your vet’s guidance.

Yes. Household-only overnight care (no pets) is available. Please see the Services section for details and starting rates or inquire for a quote based on dates and scope.

Before your booking, we’ll agree on an emergency plan—including your vet details, emergency contacts, and how you’d like decisions handled—so I can respond the way you’re most comfortable with. If something feels urgent, I act quickly, arrange care at your preferred clinic (or the nearest emergency vet), and keep you updated throughout.

We’ll agree on an update rhythm that fits your preferences. Typically, I send a quick morning video update with your pet(s), and an evening photo/video montage from moments captured throughout the day. If you prefer fewer (or different types of) updates, we’ll set a structure that feels right for you.

Yes. We’ll start with a quick call or video call, then schedule a meet & greet to review routines, confirm it’s a good fit, and make sure your pet is comfortable—ideally before any payment is exchanged. For short-notice bookings, a deposit may be needed to hold dates, with the meet & greet arranged as soon as possible.

Yes—extended in-home care is available based on fit and availability. For stays longer than two weeks, I recommend booking well in advance. Please inquire for a quote, and I’ll confirm availability and pricing based on your dates and care needs.

Occasionally—based on availability and fit. “Last-minute” is typically under one week’s notice. I don’t usually take bookings under five days, though a weekend may be possible. Last-minute and short stays are priced at a premium, since they require schedule changes and extra planning.

To reserve your dates, a 20% deposit is required and is non-refundable. With 7+ days’ notice, I’m happy to reschedule once (subject to availability) or refund any payments minus the deposit. For cancellations within 7 days, the deposit is retained and any additional payments are handled based on whether I’m able to rebook the dates.

If I ever need to cancel unexpectedly, you’ll receive a full refund (including your deposit). If you’d like, I can also help coordinate alternate care.

Yes—this is a common approach for professional, in-home pet/house care. A deposit reserves your dates, and the 7-day final payment confirms the booking so I can plan my schedule around your pet’s routine and avoid last-minute gaps that are hard to rebook.

If you have a unique situation, I’m happy to discuss options where it makes sense—especially for long-term regular clients.

I accept e-Transfer and cash.

For overnight pet & household care, a 20% deposit reserves your dates, and the remaining balance is due 7 days before service begins.

For standalone administrative support, home support, or special projects, payment is due at the time of service (or as outlined in our intake/agreement).