How Pet Sitting Works at The House Kat Pet Services
- Kat Frizzell
- Aug 15
- 19 min read
Welcome! Whether you're traveling, working long hours, or simply need an extra helping hand, I strive to make the process simple and stress-free for both you and your pets.
Unlike boarding facilities, your pets remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own home while receiving professional care from a Certified Professional Pet Sitter.
This guide explains exactly what to expect from your first inquiry through your final visit.
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Step 1: Complimentary Phone Consultation
Getting started is easy!
If you feel comfortable moving forward with a phone consultation, please schedule yours here: https://calendly.com/thehousekatpetservices/phone-video-consultation.
Alternatively, you can reach out by text (402-522-6778) or email (kat@thkpetservices.com).
You'll need to answer a few questions about your location, the type of pet(s) you have, the care you're looking for, and when you'll need services to determine whether we're a good fit.
Because I provide personalized care and limit the number of clients I serve, availability is limited. Once we’ve had a phone conversation and it sounds like I’m the right pet care professional for you, we’ll move on to Step 2.
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Step 2: Meet & Greet in your home
If, after our phone consultation, it sounds like we may be a good fit, I'll send you a link to schedule your 45-minute Meet & Greet in your home.
The Meet & Greet is an important part of becoming a client. It gives us the opportunity to meet in person, get to know your pets and their routines, and make sure I can safely and appropriately provide the care you're requesting.
🎥 Want to learn more before we meet? Watch a virtual introduction to get to know more about me and my pet care process!
🐾 Meet & Greet Details
🕒 Duration: 45 minutes
🏡 Location: In Your Home
💲 Price: $25 USD
You will be able to select a time that works best for you.
What’s Included
During this visit, we’ll:
✔️ Discuss your pets' personalities, routines, and individual care needs.
✔️ Review feeding instructions, medications, exercise, enrichment, and any special accommodations.
✔️ Locate food, litter, leashes, medications, cleaning supplies, and other items I'll need during visits.
✔️ Review how I'll access your home and where keys, codes, or other access information are kept.
✔️ Discuss emergency contacts, your veterinarian, and what you'd like me to do if something unexpected happens.
✔️ Walk you through Time to Pet, the platform I use for scheduling, communication, pet records, invoices, and visit report cards.
Helpful Information to Review Before Booking
Click a service button for pricing and details.
Click to review policies and FAQs.
If you have any questions before scheduling, don’t hesitate to reach out.
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Step 3: Create Your Client Account
Once we've scheduled your Meet & Greet, you'll have the opportunity to create your Time To Pet client account before we meet. Time To Pet is the secure platform I use to manage your pet's information, scheduling, communication, invoices, and visit reports.
Before Your Meet & Greet
If you create your account before our Meet & Greet, you'll receive an activation email with instructions for setting up your account and choosing a password.
If you haven't created your account before the Meet & Greet, that's okay. I'll send you an activation email afterward so you can complete the setup.
Completing Your Account
Once you activate your account, you'll be able to:
Create a profile for each pet in your household and add photos.
Enter important pet information, including care instructions and other details I need to know.
Sign required agreements and review important policies.
Add your payment method securely to your account.
Add emergency contacts and veterinarian information.
Upload vaccination records when applicable.
Request pet care services using the Schedule button.
View your upcoming and previous services.
View invoices and make payments.
Message me securely through Time To Pet.
Receive detailed visit report cards after your services.
Download the Time To Pet app for convenient access from your phone.
After Your Meet & Greet
During our Meet & Greet, we'll discuss your upcoming pet care needs and I'll provide an estimate for your first service.
Your Time To Pet account is not approved simply because you created it. After our Meet & Greet, I'll review everything we've discussed and, if we've determined that we're a good fit, I'll approve your account.
Once your account gets the green light, pet profiles are set up, and agreements are signed, you'll be all set to officially request services through Time To Pet!
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Step 4: Requesting and Booking Services
Once your Time To Pet account has been approved, you'll be able to request services whenever you need pet care.
Starting September 1, 2026, the booking process will work like this:
Submit your service request and pay the required retainer. Your retainer is required when you submit your request and is applied toward your scheduled services.
I'll review your request based on my availability, your pets' needs, and any other applicable scheduling considerations.
I'll approve the schedule if I can accommodate your request.
You'll receive a confirmation once your services have been approved.
Please note: Submitting a service request does not guarantee that I can accommodate it. Your request must be reviewed and approved by me before your services are confirmed.
Once everything is confirmed, you can relax knowing your pets' care is on the schedule. You'll be able to view your upcoming visits in Time To Pet and receive detailed report cards after each visit.
What If I Can't Approve Your Request?
Although uncommon, there may be times when I’m unable to approve a service request because of scheduling availability or because the request does not align with The House Kat Pet Services' policies.
If this happens, your full retainer will be credited to your Time To Pet account. You can use that credit toward future services.
Because your request was not approved, you may also request a full refund instead of keeping the credit on your account.
Please keep in mind that submitting a service request does not guarantee availability. Your services are not officially booked until I have reviewed and approved your request and you have received a confirmation from The House Kat Pet Services.
Additional Billing Information
There may occasionally be situations where purchases are reasonably necessary to provide satisfactory care for your pets. By using The House Kat Pet Services, the Pet Guardian authorizes me to make necessary purchases, including but not limited to pet food, litter, or emergency supplies, and agrees to reimburse The House Kat Pet Services for those expenses and any applicable service fees.
Your invoices will remain available in Time To Pet for your records and can be viewed at any time.
If you have questions about a request, invoice, retainer, account credit, or other billing matter, please contact The House Kat Pet Services. I'm happy to help clarify anything before it becomes a question mark with whiskers.
Need Help?
If you have questions about setting up your account or requesting services, I'm happy to help. You can reach me at 402-522-6778.
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Step 5: Payment & Retainers
Retainer
Starting September 1, 2026, a 100% retainer is required when you submit a service request through Time To Pet.
Your retainer reserves your requested services while I review your request. Once I approve your schedule, your services will be confirmed automatically.
Your retainer is applied directly to your invoice, so no additional payment is due unless your services are changed or additional charges are added after approval.
Please remember that submitting a request does not guarantee availability. Your services are not confirmed until I have reviewed and approved your request.
Accepted Forms of Payment
Preferred Payment Method
The easiest way to pay is through Time To Pet, which securely processes payments through Stripe. You can pay using:
ACH bank transfer
Credit card
Debit card
Gift Cards
The House Kat Pet Services gift cards are also available for purchase and can be redeemed toward all services.
Alternative Prepayment Methods
If you prefer to prepay outside of Time To Pet, I also accept:
Venmo: @TheHouseKat
Cash App: $KatSitsPets
PayPal
Stripe
Square
If you prepay using an alternative payment method, please make sure the payment is associated with the appropriate service request so I can apply it correctly to your account.
Additional Charges
Your retainer covers the services included in your approved request. If your services are modified after approval or additional expenses are reasonably necessary to provide care, additional charges may apply.
Invoices remain available in Time To Pet for your records, and you can view your payment history and account information at any time.
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Step 6: Cancellation, Rescheduling & Holiday Policy
When you book pet care with The House Kat Pet Services, I reserve that time specifically for your pets. Because that time is held for your reservation, I may have to turn away other clients who need care during the same period.
For that reason, cancellation and rescheduling fees are based on how much notice you provide.
How to Cancel or Reschedule
All cancellations and schedule changes must be submitted through Time To Pet using a Schedule Change Request.
The applicable cancellation fee depends on the type of service and how much notice you provide.
Daily or Weekly Drop-In Visits & Dog Walks
Less than 24 hours' notice: 100% cancellation fee
2–7 days' notice: 50% cancellation fee
8 or more days' notice: 25% cancellation fee
Single or Two-Visit Cat Sitting, Dog Walks, Travel Sitting & Other Pet Services
Less than 48 hours' notice: 100% cancellation fee
3–7 days' notice: 50% cancellation fee
8 or more days' notice: 25% cancellation fee
Holidays & Extended Bookings
For holiday reservations or extended bookings of 3 or more days for dog or cat sitting, travel sitting, and other pet sitting services:
Less than 14 days' notice: 100% cancellation fee
15–29 days' notice: 50% cancellation fee
30 or more days' notice: 25% cancellation fee
Any remaining balance after the applicable cancellation fee will remain as a credit on your Time To Pet account to use toward future services.
Failure to provide the required notice will result in forfeiture of the applicable portion of your retainer.
Rescheduling
If your plans change, you may be able to reschedule your appointments within the same booking period and for the same services, provided I have availability. When eligible, rescheduling can be done without an additional fee.
Changes to dates outside the original booking period, or changes to the type or quantity of services requested, are treated as a cancellation and new booking and are subject to the cancellation policy above.
Cancellations That Are Not Eligible for a Fee Waiver
Cancellation fees apply regardless of the reason for cancellation, including:
Illness, including COVID-19
Travel delays or interruptions
Weather
Changes in personal plans
Other unexpected circumstances
Because your reservation prevents me from accepting other clients during that time, I cannot waive cancellation fees based on these circumstances.
If I arrive for a scheduled service and cannot access your home or provide care because of client error or lack of communication, the full service amount remains due.
What Happens If I Have to Cancel?
Occasionally, I may need to cancel services because of illness, an emergency, or unsafe weather conditions.
If The House Kat Pet Services cancels your services, your account will receive a 100% credit toward future services.
If you prefer not to keep the credit because I canceled your services, you may request a full refund instead.
Holiday Reservations
Holiday reservations require a 100% non-refundable retainer and are subject to an additional holiday surcharge.
$15 per visit:
Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
$10 per visit:
New Year's Eve
New Year's Day
Easter
Memorial Day
Independence Day (July 4)
Labor Day
Holiday availability is limited, so I strongly recommend requesting holiday services as early as possible.
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Step 7: Before Your First Visit
A little preparation before you leave helps make your pets' care as smooth and stress-free as possible. Before your first scheduled visit, please take a few minutes to make sure the information in Time To Pet is current and that I have everything I need.
Departure & Return Times
Please provide your departure and return dates and times in Time To Pet.
This is especially important when you're traveling. Knowing when you expect to leave and return helps me make sure your service schedule accurately reflects the time your pets will be home without you.
If your travel plans change, please update me as soon as possible.
Update Your Time To Pet Profile
Please review your Time To Pet account before each trip and update any information that has changed.
Be sure to check:
Your current pets and their information
Feeding instructions
Medication instructions
Access instructions
Emergency contacts
Veterinarian information
Any new routines or special care needs
Any other information I should know before your departure
Keeping this information current helps me provide consistent care and ensures I have the information I need when you're away.
Review the Cancellation Policy
Before your trip, please make sure you're familiar with the cancellation and rescheduling policy.
Cancellation and schedule change requests must be submitted in writing through Time To Pet. Notice requirements vary depending on the type of service, so please review the full Cancellation, Rescheduling & Holiday Policy for details.
In general:
Daily or weekly drop-in visits and dog walks require 24 hours' notice to avoid a 100% cancellation fee.
Single or two-visit cat sitting, dog walks, travel sitting, and other pet services require 48 hours' notice.
Holiday reservations and extended bookings of 3 or more days require 14 days' notice.
Cancellation fees are not waived because of illness, travel interruptions, weather, or other personal circumstances.
Holiday bookings have additional fees and require a 100% non-refundable retainer.
Third-Party Access
Please let me know about anyone else who may need access to your home during your reservation, including:
Their name
Contact information
Their relationship to you
When they are expected to be there
Why they need access, if relevant
This could include family members, friends, house cleaners, contractors, dog walkers, maintenance workers, or anyone else who may enter the property while you're away.
Knowing who is authorized to access your home helps me keep your pets and property secure and prevents confusion when I arrive for a scheduled visit.
One Last Check Before You Leave
Before heading out, make sure I can access your home, your pets have everything they need, and the information in Time To Pet is up to date.
Then you can head out knowing I've got the pet-care portion of the trip covered.
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Step 8: During Your Visits
Once you're away, your pets' care begins. My goal is to provide consistent, personalized care that follows the routines and instructions given in your Time to Pet account profiles.
Each visit is focused on your pets, their needs, and their comfort.
What Happens During a Visit?
The specific care provided depends on the service you've booked and your pets' individual needs. Depending on your instructions, a visit may include:
Feeding meals according to your pets' normal schedule
Refreshing food and water
Administering approved medications
Scooping litter boxes and cleaning pet-related messes
Dog walks at your dog's pace
Playtime and enrichment
Individual attention, affection, and companionship
Letting dogs outside for potty breaks
Checking on the overall wellbeing and behavior of your pets
Bringing in mail and packages when requested
Adjusting lights or blinds as needed
Taking out pet-related trash
Basic home security checks
Other agreed-upon pet-care tasks
I don't simply stop by, complete a checklist, and leave. I pay attention to how your pets are doing and look for anything that may be different from their normal behavior.
Visit Report Cards
After each visit, you'll receive a detailed Time To Pet report card.
Your report may include:
A summary of what we did during the visit
Feeding and medication updates
Potty information
Notes about your pets' behavior or mood
Any concerns I noticed
Photos from the visit
Arrival and departure information
These reports allow you to stay connected with your pets while you're away without needing to wonder what they're up to.
What If Something Isn't Right?
If I notice something unusual or concerning during a visit, I'll contact you and follow the emergency instructions we established during your Meet & Greet.
This could include changes in appetite, behavior, bathroom habits, mobility, or anything else that makes me concerned about your pet's wellbeing.
If veterinary care becomes necessary, I'll follow your emergency instructions and contact the appropriate emergency contact or veterinarian.
Communication While You're Away
You can communicate with me through Time To Pet during your reservation. Keeping communication in one place helps ensure that important information about your pets and their care is documented and easy to reference.
If your plans change while you're away, such as a delayed flight or an unexpected change to your return time, please let me know as soon as possible.
Your Pets' Comfort Comes First
Every pet is different. Some want playtime and attention. Some want a walk around the neighborhood. Some want to sit beside me and supervise the entire operation from the couch. Others would prefer that I respectfully admire them from several feet away.
I follow your pets' individual personalities and comfort levels rather than forcing interaction. The goal is to keep their normal routines as consistent as possible while you're away and make sure they feel safe, comfortable, and cared for in their own home.
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Step 9: After Your Trip
Eventually, every trip comes to an end and you get to come home to your pets. Until then, I'll continue following their care instructions and keeping you updated through Time To Pet.
Let Me Know When You're Home
Once you've returned home, please send me a quick message through Time To Pet to let me know you've arrived safely and are back with your pets.
This is especially important if your return time has changed from what you originally provided.
Review Your Visit Reports
All of your visit report cards will remain available in Time To Pet for you to review.
You can look back at:
Visit notes
Photos
Feeding and medication updates
Potty information
Behavior or health observations
Arrival and departure information
GPS Location
Your pet's care history also provides a useful record that can help maintain consistency during future visits.
Need Something Different Next Time?
If your pets' routines, medications, feeding instructions, household information, or emergency contacts have changed, please update your Time To Pet profile before your next booking.
You can also message me through Time To Pet with anything you'd like me to know about future visits.
Ready to Book Again?
When you know you'll need pet care again, simply submit a new service request through the Schedule button in Time To Pet.
Remember, submitting a request does not guarantee availability. I'll review your request, and once it's approved, your services will be confirmed automatically.
A little planning goes a long way, especially for holidays and other busy travel periods. If you already know your next trip dates, go ahead and submit your request early. My availability is limited, and popular dates can fill quickly.
Thank You for Trusting Me With Your Pets
Leaving your pets behind isn't always easy. My job is to make the pet-care part of being away one less thing you have to worry about.
Whether this was your first booking or you're already a regular, I appreciate the opportunity to care for your pets and look forward to seeing them again.
Enjoyed Your Experience?
If you were happy with the care your pets received, I'd love to hear about your experience! A Google review helps other pet parents find professional, reliable pet care and gives them a better idea of what it's like to work with The House Kat Pet Services.
Whether you share what your pets thought of their visits, how the communication went, or simply why you feel comfortable trusting me with your pets and your home, your feedback is genuinely appreciated.
Have a few minutes? Please consider leaving a Google review. Your words can make a big difference to a small, local business.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Here are answers to some of the questions I hear most often from new and prospective clients.
Getting Started
How do I become a client?
The process begins with a phone consultation. We'll talk about your pets, where you're located, the type of care you need, and your schedule to determine whether The House Kat Pet Services is a good fit.
If we're a good match, I'll send you a link to schedule a $25, 45-minute Meet & Greet in your home. After the Meet & Greet, if everything is a good fit, I'll approve your Time To Pet account and you'll be able to request services.
Can I skip the phone consultation and book a Meet & Greet?
No. The phone consultation comes first. Because I provide personalized care and limit the number of clients I serve, I want to make sure your needs and my services are a good fit before scheduling an in-home Meet & Greet.
Can I just book services through Time To Pet?
Only after you've completed the new-client process and your Time To Pet account has been approved. Creating an account does not automatically make you a client.
Once we've completed your phone consultation and Meet & Greet and determined that we're a good fit, I'll approve your account and you'll be able to request services.
Scheduling & Availability
How far in advance should I book?
As far in advance as possible, especially for holidays and extended trips. My availability is limited because The House Kat Pet Services is a full-time, solo operation, and popular dates can fill well in advance.
Submitting your request early gives you the best chance of getting the dates and times you need.
Does submitting a service request mean I'm booked?
No. A service request is a request for care, not a confirmed reservation.
Starting September 1, 2026, you'll submit your request and pay the required 100% retainer through Time To Pet. I'll then review your request based on availability, your pets' needs, and my policies. If I can accommodate the request, I'll approve it and your services will be confirmed automatically.
What happens if you can't approve my request?
Although uncommon, I may be unable to approve a request because of scheduling availability or because the request doesn't align with my policies.
If that happens, your full retainer will be credited to your Time To Pet account. Because your request was not approved, you may instead request a full refund.
Can I request last-minute care?
You are welcome to ask, but last-minute requests are subject to availability. I cannot guarantee that I will be able to accommodate them, particularly during holidays or other high-demand periods.
Time To Pet
What is Time To Pet?
Time To Pet is the secure platform I use to manage your pet care. It keeps your scheduling, pet information, care instructions, communication, invoices, payments, agreements, and visit reports organized in one place.
You'll also receive detailed report cards after your visits, including updates and photos. Visits are GPS and time tracked.
What can I do through Time To Pet?
You can:
Request services
View your upcoming schedule
Update your pets' information and care instructions
Add emergency contacts
Upload applicable records
Review invoices
Make payments
Communicate with me
Review visit report cards
View previous services
Access your client agreements and other important documents
What if I need to change something about my reservation?
Submit a Schedule Change Request through Time To Pet. Changes are subject to availability and the applicable cancellation or rescheduling policy.
Services
What services do you offer?
The House Kat Pet Services provides professional in-home cat sitting, dog walking, drop-in visits, and travel sitting, including overnight care. Additional services are available depending on your pets' needs.
Please visit the Services & Pricing section of the website for current services, pricing, and details.
Do you board pets?
No. I provide care in your pets' own home. Keeping pets in their familiar environment allows them to maintain their normal routines while you're away.
Why do you provide in-home care?
Staying home allows pets to remain in familiar surroundings, maintain their normal feeding and exercise routines, and avoid the stress of travel and unfamiliar environments.
Do you care for pets with medical needs?
Some medical and special-care needs can be accommodated, depending on the pet and the care required. We'll discuss your pet's specific needs during the phone consultation and Meet & Greet to determine whether I can safely provide the requested care.
Not every medical, behavioral, or special-needs situation is appropriate for in-home pet sitting, and I will always prioritize your pet's safety.
Payment & Retainers
When do I pay for my services?
Starting September 1, 2026, a 100% retainer is required when you submit your service request through Time To Pet.
Once your request is approved, your services are automatically confirmed and the retainer is applied to your invoice.
What payment methods do you accept?
The preferred payment method is through Time To Pet using Stripe. You can pay by ACH, credit card, or debit card.
Gift cards may also be purchased and redeemed toward services. Alternative prepayment options include Venmo, Cash App, PayPal, Stripe, and Square.
What happens if I modify my services after they're approved?
Your original retainer is applied to your invoice. If your services are modified after approval and the changes result in additional charges, you'll be responsible for the additional balance.
Cancellations & Rescheduling
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellation requirements depend on the type of service and how much notice you provide. All cancellations and schedule changes must be submitted through Time To Pet.
Because I reserve time specifically for your pets and may turn away other requests during your reservation, cancellation fees apply when the required notice isn't provided.
Please review the full Cancellation, Rescheduling & Holiday Policy for the notice requirements that apply to your specific services.
Can I reschedule instead of canceling?
Possibly. Appointments may be rescheduled within the same booking period and for the same services, subject to availability, without an additional fee.
Changes outside the original booking dates or changes to the type or quantity of services are treated as a cancellation and new booking.
What if I'm sick or my travel plans change?
Cancellation fees are not waived because of illness, COVID-19, travel delays or interruptions, weather, or other personal circumstances.
I understand that plans sometimes change, but the time reserved for your pets cannot always be filled by another client on short notice.
Holiday Care
Do you have a holiday surcharge?
Yes. Holiday reservations have additional fees because demand is significantly higher during these periods.
Holiday surcharges currently apply to Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day.
Holiday reservations also require a 100% non-refundable retainer.
How early should I request holiday care?
As early as possible. Holiday availability is limited and popular dates can fill quickly.
During Your Visits
What will I receive after each visit?
You'll receive a detailed Time To Pet report card after each visit. Reports may include notes, photos, videos, feeding and watering updates, walk information, potty updates, and anything unusual or important that I observed.
Will you contact me if something seems wrong with my pet?
Yes. If I notice something unusual or concerning, I'll contact you and follow the emergency instructions established for your pets.
For significant medical emergencies, I'll follow your veterinary release and emergency-care instructions.
Can I communicate with you while I'm away?
Yes. Time To Pet is the preferred way to communicate about your pets and your current reservation. Keeping important information in one place helps ensure that care instructions and updates are documented and easy to reference.
Safety & Requirements
Are you insured?
Yes. The House Kat Pet Services is bonded and insured by Business Insurers of the Carolinas. The business is also a registered LLC.
Are you certified?
Yes. I hold professional pet-care certifications, including Certified Professional Pet Sitter credentials, Pet CPR & First Aid certification, and Fear Free certification.
Do you require vaccinations?
Rabies vaccination requirements apply to eligible pets. Please review the Rabies Vaccination Policy and discuss any special circumstances during your consultation.
What happens if you cannot get into my home?
It is the client's responsibility to provide accurate and reliable access instructions. If I arrive for a scheduled service and cannot access the home or provide care because of client error or lack of communication, the full service amount remains due.
Service Area
Where do you provide services?
The House Kat Pet Services serves portions of the Omaha area. Your exact location and any applicable travel fee will be discussed during the initial contact process.
Please check the Service Area Map before scheduling your phone consultation.
Do you travel outside your normal service area?
Possibly, depending on location and scheduling. Additional travel fees may apply. Your location is one of the first things I'll ask about when you contact me so I can determine whether your home is within my service area.
Communication
What are your office hours?
The House Kat Pet Services is available by appointment based on scheduling availability. Current office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM. The office is closed on weekends and federal holidays.
You can reach me at 402-522-6778 or kat@thkpetservices.com. Responses outside office hours may be delayed unless your pets are currently under my care.
What if I have a question that isn't answered here?
Please reach out! You can contact me at 402-522-6778 or kat@thkpetservices.com.
I'd rather answer a question before your booking than have you sitting at the airport wondering whether your cat's sitter knows where the spare litter is.
Still Have Questions?
The policies and FAQs on this page are designed to give you a clear picture of how The House Kat Pet Services works before you become a client.
For complete details, please review the applicable client agreements, policies, and FAQs before requesting services.
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