Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

For new clients who want to understand how the process works.

What is Time to Pet?

Time to Pet is the secure online platform we use to keep everything organized - from your pet’s care notes and visit updates to invoices and scheduling. It’s also where you’ll receive photo updates and report cards after each visit.

What does Time to Pet have to do with Harness Pet Care?

Harness Pet Care uses Time to Pet to manage bookings, securely store care instructions, and communicate with clients. When you become a client, you’ll receive your own login to message us directly, update your pet’s information, or request services with just a few clicks.

What is a Meet & Greet?

A Meet & Greet is our first in-person visit — a relaxed chance for everyone to meet and make sure it’s a good fit. We’ll meet your pets, review routines, test access, and go over care details. Most visits take about 30–45 minutes and are complimentary for new clients.

Can I meet my sitter before booking?

Yes! The Meet & Greet is designed for exactly that. You’ll meet the person caring for your pets, walk through routines, and get a sense of comfort before moving forward with care.

What areas do you serve?

We serve clients within our established service radius from Ferndale/Hazel Park area. If you’re just outside that area, feel free to ask - we can often accommodate with an added travel fee depending on distance and availability.

Scheduling & Cancellations

For understanding booking, rescheduling, and cancellations.

What happens if I need to cancel services?

Cancellations are handled gently but fairly to protect both your time and ours.

For house sitting or full-day care, the refund or credit depends on how much notice you are able give. Please view our Reservation & Cancellation Policy for more information.

Drop-ins and dog walks may be canceled with 24 hours’ notice for a full refund. Just message us in Time to Pet and we’ll take care of it.

What if my trip gets extended or my plans change while I’m away?

We understand things happen, flights get delayed, plans shift. Just send us a message in Time to Pet as soon as possible. We’ll make every effort to adjust coverage and care times so your pets remain safe and cared for until you’re home.

Do you charge extra on holidays?

Yes, holiday surcharges ensure sitters are available during high-demand dates:

  • $50/night for overnight sits

  • $20/visit for drop-ins and walks

For more information please view our Payments & Fees Policy.

Do you offer recurring or monthly plans?

Yes! For clients who book drop-ins or walks regularly, we offer monthly plans at discounted rates. These include flexibility for rescheduling within the same month. You can find details on our Services & Rates page.

Care & Safety

For those wanting to understand how we handle pets, emergencies, and home access.

What kind of animals do you look after?

We care for dogs, cats, and small animals (like rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, and fish). If you have a unique pet, reach out, we’ll let you know if it’s something we can accommodate safely.

What happens at a pet sitting visit?

Each visit is tailored to your pet’s normal routine - feeding, walks or playtime, fresh water, and cleanup. You’ll receive a photo and visit summary in Time to Pet so you know how your pets are doing while you’re away.

What do you do in case of an emergency?

If something urgent ever happens, we act quickly, communicate clearly, and always put your pet’s safety first.

Here’s what happens step-by-step:

  1. We contact you first.

  2. If you’re unavailable, we’ll reach out to your designated emergency contact.

  3. If needed, we’ll transport your pet to their regular veterinarian or the nearest emergency clinic using your signed Veterinary Release Form.

  4. You’ll be updated throughout — as soon as it’s safe and practical to do so.

To make sure there’s no delay in care, your Veterinary Release Form lets you set a spending limit that we’re authorized to approve on your behalf if you can’t be reached.

If no amount is specified, our policy defaults to an authorization of up to $250, charged to your card on file. You’re welcome to set this limit higher or lower when you complete the form - it’s entirely up to your comfort level.

Are you insured?

Yes, we’re fully insured through Pet Sitters Associates, a nationally recognized provider for professional pet care businesses. This helps protect both you and your pets in the rare event of an accident or emergency.

How do you offer home security?

Your home’s safety is a top priority. We:

  • Double-check all doors, gates, and locks at each visit.

  • Use a secure lockbox with a physical backup key on-site, even if you use a code or garage entry.

  • Store keys and codes using internal tags with no personal identifiers.

  • Adjust lights or blinds when requested to make your home appear lived-in.

Everything is designed to quietly keep your pets safe and your home secure.

What access methods do you accept?

Clients may use a key, smart lock code, or garage opener as their primary entry method. Regardless of the main access type, one physical backup key must be stored in a secure on-site lockbox. This prevents lockouts and ensures we can still care for your pets if batteries die or power is lost.

Services & Offerings

For understanding what we provide and how it fits different needs.

Do you offer overnight or 24-hour care?

Yes, on a limited basis - our Overnight House Sitting includes roughly 10 PM–7 AM care plus a midday visit. For pets who shouldn’t be left alone for long, we can add extra drop-ins or discuss limited constant care availability.

Can I book you for house-sitting without pets?

Yes! Non-pet house sitting is available for clients who simply want a responsible presence in their home.

Can you give medications?

Yes - we can administer oral or topical medications at no extra charge. Please provide clear instructions and all necessary supplies.

Can you water plants or bring in mail while you’re here?

Yes - we’re happy to include small household tasks like watering indoor plants, collecting mail, or adjusting lights as part of your visit.

What kind of services do you offer?

We offer:

  • Overnight Pet Sitting (in your home)

  • Daytime Drop-In Sits

  • Individual Drop-Ins & Walks (30- or 60-minute visits)

  • Yard Clean-Up (weekly or one-time)

  • Non-Pet House Sitting

See our Services & Rates page for full details and pricing.

Payments

For practical details about how billing and commitments work.

How do payments work?

Payments are made through Time to Pet at the time of booking to officially reserve your spot. This helps us keep our schedule reliable and ensures your pets have guaranteed care when you need it.

You’ll receive an invoice once your booking is confirmed and can pay securely online by card. Established clients with ongoing services may request monthly invoicing for convenience.

Do you require a deposit?

Some holiday or extended bookings may require a 50% deposit at the time of confirmation. For all other services, payment in full is due when booking is approved.

If your plans change, refunds or credits are issued according to our posted cancellation policy - no surprise fees, just simple transparency.

Are tips accepted?

Absolutely. Gratuities are always appreciated but never expected.
100% of tips go directly to your sitter as a thank-you for their care and commitment.