Frequently Asked Questions
What to Know Before Getting Started
How do I get started?
Start with a free 30-minute call. We’ll talk through your pet, their routine, and what you need. By the end you’ll know if it’s a good fit — and so will I. No forms, no commitment. Use the button at the bottom of this page to book.
What happens if you're sick or have an emergency?
I maintain a small network of trusted, vetted colleagues for genuine emergencies. If something comes up, I’ll contact you as soon as I know and either coordinate coverage or help you find an alternative. I’ve built my business around reliability – this is part of that.
Do you offer meet & greets or consultations?
Yes. Before care begins, I visit your home to meet your pet in person and go over their full routine. It’s $50 and takes about 30 minutes — and it’s where we make sure everything is set up to go smoothly from day one.
What are your hours?
Are you available for weekends and holidays?
Yes. Weekend and holiday care is available by appointment and is scheduled in advance, especially for travel and vacation care.
Do you offer boarding?
Due to my own animals and their temperaments, I do not offer boarding. The Pet Bestie specializes in 1:1, individualized dog walks, in-home pet sitting, and limited overnight care.
Do you accept last-minute or emergency requests?
Availability varies, and last-minute requests are not guaranteed. Submitting an inquiry or giving me a call is the best way to check.
How far in advance should I reach out for care?
As soon as you know you need care. Recurring dog walking spots are limited and fill up quickly — especially heading into summer and around major holidays. For one-time or travel care, at least 1-2 weeks notice is ideal.
What does a typical visit look like?
Every visit is built around what your specific pet needs, but the basics are consistent: I arrive within the scheduled window, follow the routine we set up during the consultation, and send a detailed update through the Time to Pet app when I’m done. For dogs that includes feeding, potty breaks, and a walk or playtime. For cats it’s feeding, fresh water, litter, and real interaction — not just a check-in. If anything seems off during a visit, you’ll hear about it.
How do you access my home?
Most clients use a lockbox, which I recommend as the simplest and most secure option. You control the code, nothing is floating around with someone else, and there’s no coordination needed for key handoffs. We’ll confirm your setup during the consultation.
Do you walk dogs privately or with other dogs?
All walks are private and one-on-one. Your dog is never grouped with unfamiliar dogs. That’s part of how I keep walks structured, safe, and actually individualized to your dog.
Do you work with anxious, reactive, or medically complex pets?
Yes. Many of my clients have pets with behavioral quirks, medical needs, or anxiety. I work at a calm, patient pace and pay close attention to what each animal needs to feel settled. Any medical conditions, behavioral history, or known triggers should be shared during our initial call — the more I know upfront, the better the care.
Do you administer medication?
I do! Medication administration should be discussed during the consultation in depth so that I can make sure that your pet is comfortable with me, and their medical routine stays on track.
How do updates work during care?
Are you insured and bonded?
Yes. Insured and bonded through Pet Sitters Associates, and certified in pet first aid and CPR through the American Red Cross.
Do you offer ongoing or recurring care?
Yes. Recurring dog walking and regular cat drop-ins are the core of what I do. We’ll talk through scheduling, frequency, and what works for your routine during the initial call and consultation.
Kim was superb to work with and took amazing care of my kittens.
Peace of mind is hard to find and I was constantly relaxed and enjoy my trip knowing my cats were in safe hands. She also left my home sparkling clean!
– Nicole E.
My Policies
Booking & Payment
- A signed agreement and required forms are needed to confirm care.
- A deposit is required to reserve dates.
- Remaining balances are due before services begin.
- Services may be paused or discontinued if invoices are not paid on time.
Cancellations & Changes
- Cancellations and schedule changes are subject to notice requirements.
- Deposits are non-refundable within the stated cancellation window.
- Full details are provided in the cancellation policy during booking.
Consultations & Fit
- A consultation is required before care begins.
- The Pet Bestie may decline or discontinue care if a pet or environment is not a safe or appropriate fit.
Safety & Behavior
- Clients must disclose medical conditions, behavioral concerns, bite history, or escape risks.
- Care may be modified or stopped immediately if safety becomes a concern.
Emergencies
- Emergency veterinary care may be authorized if a pet requires urgent attention.
- Clients are responsible for all associated costs.
Photos & Updates
- Photos are used for care updates.
- Marketing use requires separate consent.