Question 1

What types of animals do you care for?

Accepted Answer

At Ocala Pet Sitting, our specialty lies in caring for cats. However, we possess expertise in taking care of other animals as well, including birds, parrots, and a diverse range of small animals such as gerbils, guinea pigs, sugar gliders, reptiles, chameleons, turtles, and even snakes!

Moreover, we offer mid-day drop-in visits for dogs and puppies as well.

Question 2

What happens at a pet sitting visit?

Accepted Answer

Upon arriving at your home, our sitter will first conduct a preliminary check of the exterior before entering your home slowly and carefully, taking necessary precautions to prevent any pets from rushing out. Your sitter will then greet all the pets in your home and ensure everything looks in place.

Feeding will be done as per your instructions, and water bowls will be washed and refilled. We understand that pets have their preferences, and your pets will be given the opportunity to eat in the way that’s comfortable for them, either with company or alone.

Our sitter will attend to cleaning litter boxes and other pet areas, keeping an eye out for anything unusual. Following this, it's time for cuddles, playtime, listening to soft music, or simply sitting quietly with your pets.

As the visit draws to a close, our sitter will make sure everything is properly put away and locked up before leaving. To keep you informed, your sitter will send you a journal with notes and pictures at the end of each visit.

Question 3

Can you visit my cat (or small critter) every other day?

Accepted Answer

At Ocala Pet Sitting, our topmost priority is the safety and well-being of your pets when you are away. Cats, in particular, can get into mischief and trouble when left alone for extended periods of time. Therefore, we ensure to check on them at least once every 24 hours, to ensure they are happy and healthy.
In the past, we have encountered several instances where our daily check-ins have proven to be life-saving for the cats, including:
A cat turning on the bathtub and causing a flood, which our sitter arrived just in time to prevent it from overflowing.
A cat getting tangled in the mini-blinds and panicking, requiring our immediate intervention.
A cat getting caught in a plastic bag and requiring assistance.
Cats knocking over their water bowl and being without water until our sitter arrived.
A bursted water hose causing flooding, which our sitter noticed and took swift action to prevent further damage.
A cat getting stuck in a bedroom, which the client was unaware of before leaving.
A normally friendly cat going missing, which required a team effort to locate the cat in distress and provide immediate medical attention.
These incidents highlight the importance of regular check-ins, and we are committed to ensuring your pets receive the care and attention they deserve, even in your absence.

Question 4

How do you deal with shy cats?

Accepted Answer

At Ocala Pet Sitting, we understand that some cats can be very timid and nervous around new people. That's why we take a gentle approach when entering the home, allowing the cat to come to us on their own terms. Our sitters will softly call out and observe from a distance, avoiding any actions that may startle or scare the cat. We find that with patience and a calm presence, even the shyest cats will warm up to their sitter in time. However, for cats that require extra time and care, we offer a KittyCam Rental service to ensure they receive the care they need.

Question 5

How do you deal with aggressive pets?

Accepted Answer

This is where experience and having a new client consultation comes in. We take our time getting to know your pets and not pushing their boundaries. If a pet is aggressive to begin with, then we recommend a trainer before you hire a pet sitter. In cases where a pet becomes aggressive unexpectedly, we put distance between us and the situation as fast as possible and contact the owner. In a worst case scenario a client may have to arrange for their backup contact to take over care. Having a plan for these situations is the best any of us can do.

Question 6

Do you administer medications?

Accepted Answer

If your cat is friendly and very tolerant of being given their medication, then yes we can.  We want all of our interactions with them to be positive because cats have very long memories. We ask that you have a plan for separating their meds (if mixed in their food) from other pets in the home. 
We also require one or more test visits before you leave out of town. We’ll ask you to leave the home while we do a visit and administer meds, then we’ll report back to you how it went without the pressure of you already being out of town. Test visits gets everyone comfortable with the routine.

Question 7

Do you offer overnight stays?

Accepted Answer

We offer a premium Live-In stay with Shannon, which is full-time live-in care of your pets. 
And we offer an “Almost Overnight” package that many of our clients absolutely love.

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