Why should I use ellen the critter sitter?
Ellen The Critter Sitter is experienced, flexible, reliable, trustworthy, very loving and I offer a wide variety of services for many different types of animals, hooved, pawed, feathered and scaled. I provide both owners and critters with the best service possible. My goal is to provide your critter/s with a safe and stress-free environment in your absence. ​
What areas does ellen the critter sitter cover?
I cover Dewey, Prescott Valley, Prescott, Williamson Valley and Chino Valley. If your location is 18+ miles outside of my current location, I will add a surcharge of $5 per visit/overnighter to cover my fuel costs. Many pet sitters won't travel more than 5 miles outside of their location.
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how can i schedule visits?
After your initial meet and greet, you will be set up in the Time To Pet client portal where you can request visits directly through that app.
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Will my pet be walked every day?
Yes, if that is what we have agreed on.​
how will i know that you came by to take care of my pet?
I update you daily with messages and pics via the Time To Pet client portal. You can always check in with me via the client portal if you are concerned about your pet while you are away. And, I am only a phone call away.​
How much experience does ellen the critter have?
I have had a wide variety of animals since I was a baby. I also worked for a vet for two years in my late teens as an apprentice. I have looked after dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, goats, birds, fish, and reptiles of all shapes and sizes. I have a passion to care for your critters, large and small. I have been pet sitting since 2012.
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Do you have references?
Yes, I have a customer testimonial page on this website. I can gladly provide additional references upon request. Most of my business is from happy client referrals.​
How much time will you to spend with my pet?
I offer a wide variety of services. Please visit My Service page to view detailed descriptions of every service I offer. But do know, they will get plenty of love, attention, belly rubs and playtime.​
are you able to visit my pet more than once a day?
Yes, I can visit your dog up to 3 times a day, and your cat or other small animal up to 2 times a day. When more than one visit is required, I only request that you give me at least a 2-hour timeframe in which the visit can take place. If your location is 18+ miles outside of my current location, I need to add a surcharge of $5 per visit to cover my fuel costs. Many pet sitters won't travel more than 5 miles outside of their location.
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Do you charge an extra fee for holidays?
I do add on to my normal fees for the following: Independence Day, Thanksgiving Eve, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. All services must be requested in advance. All pet sitting visits (drop-in or overnight) over a holiday are subject to the following holiday fees on top of the base rate for the service.
Drop-in Visits: +$15/per visit
Overnight Visit: +$50/per holiday
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what if I need to reschedule my pet/s' services and/or the days and times they take place?
I make it a priority to be as available as possible to provide the services that are best for both you and your pet. If you need to change your pet/s' services simply contact me and I will try to accommodate you to the best of my ability and availability.​
Do you offer dog boarding?
Sorry, I do not. I have four pets of my own at home and they would not be happy.​
Do you offer a free meet and greet?
Absolutely! It is a requirement for me to meet pets and their owners before starting service. We need to make sure we're a good fit for each other. These meetings give me an opportunity to get to know you and your pets and discuss any specific needs of your critter or household. I'll also review my policies and procedures with you and bring along any additional paperwork. You'll then understand how I operate and what to expect from me as your pet care provider.
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what can i expect at the meet and greet?
We'll take a look at everything I will be responsible for and go through a checklist that includes items such as:
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Favorite toys
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Where to put scooped litter and/or poop bags
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Plant watering instructions
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Mailbox instructions
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Trash instructions
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Food & Water dish location
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Extra food location
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Meal prep instructions
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Medical concerns & Medication instructions
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Going over your pet/s' usual routine
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Any other details concerning your visits
Does my pet need to be vaccinated?
Yes, my pet sitting insurance requires that all pets be fully vaccinated. ​
Do you not accept certain breeds or sit aggressive dogs?
I accept all breeds and have no breed discrimination. I will not, however, accept human aggressive dogs, as the safety of myself and others is obviously important. All new clients are required to complete a preliminary meet and greet/behavior consultation with me. Animal reactive dogs are accepted if they do not fight amongst themselves but I can not walk them. No pet with a reported animal or human bite history will be accepted.
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i may need someone to drop in my home while I’m away - should I let you know?
Yes, please let me know if someone will be in the house or on your property during my visits.
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Does my pet need to be spayed or neutered?
No, that is a personal choice. If your unaltered female is in heat, they will not be walked but I will give them lots of playtime. Spaying and neutering is an important step in providing your pet with a healthy and less stressful life, and can greatly improve their behavior. I encourage owners to spay or neuter their animals.
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what is your cancellation policy?
Forty-eight hour notice is required when canceling a drop-in visit. If service is canceled with less than a 48 hour notice, a $25.00 cancellation fee will be incurred. A seven day cancellation notice is required for extended overnight stays or a 50% fee will apply. Please understand that I have set this time aside for you and I may have turned down other bookings. I may give partial returns under certain circumstances. Please be understanding of this policy.
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What are your accepted payment methods?
I gladly accept cash, check or Zelle® for the full amount of the scheduled service, due upon my first day of service.