Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. I will take care of birds, guinea pigs, horses, rats, rabbits, fish, chickens, sheep, pigs, cows, goats and horses. I take very detailed notes on all your pets, so even unusual pets that I have not previously cared for will get the best care possible. I have looked after a snake but am reluctant to do so! Sorry! I will not provide this service to dangerous/aggressive pets, households where my safety may be at risk or if I am concerned for the animals’ welfare due to its living conditions.

Yes, we are pet owners and pet lovers. We have two dogs – a Shepherd cross and a Staffy cross, several cats and a sheep (who isn’t quite sure whether she is a dog, cat or sheep!) and cats. For 14 years, I was a member of the Unweaned Kitten Rescue Network Inc and fostered kittens from as young as 7 hours old. Currently, I am a member of All Breed Canine Rescue Inc and often have a foster dog at home. We will treat your pet(s) with the same care and love as we do our own.

Yes, especially for the holiday periods. Ideally, I would like at least a week’s notice for all bookings. The earlier the better, so you can get the service you need.

My free initial consultation is needed to give you an opportunity to meet me and for me to meet you and your pets. This consultation usually runs about an hour, and will give me time to discuss your pet’s individual needs, go through all the required paperwork that include information about your home and pets, design a plan to suit your requirements as well as tour your home and schedule your service.

This visit is a vital first step in gaining your pets trust and familiarising myself with your pet’s daily routine. Please be sure to call far enough in advance to schedule your consultation.

As many times as you request – this will be discussed at the initial consultation. I aim to keep as close to your pet(s) normal routine as possible. Visit hours are between 7.00am – 6.00pm – 7 days a week but can be varied (please ask). I provide a 20-30 minute visit.

Yes. I do offer overnight pet sitting and home stays. However, overnights and home stays cost more and I would need to check my availability before committing to any dates and find out as much as possible about your specific requirements. This type of visit is only needed for new puppies, kittens, or individual animals that may suffer from separation anxiety.

No. All pet sitting is carried out in the owner’s home.

Yes. I have had experience giving medication. The instructions on how the medication is to be given will be collected during the initial consultation. There is no extra charge for this service, unless they are injections and need to be made at precise times of the day.

Check my Holiday Preparation Page.

You should be able to tell from your pet and its’ health, the empty cans of food in the bin, your pile of mail and perhaps from neighbours who may have seen me.

I will make a trip to buy any essential item if it runs out while I am caring for your pets, however, you will be charged for the item, as well as a $10 service fee. If you are going to be away for an extended period of time and your pet(s) eat fresh food, then we will make arrangements about the purchase of this food.

During our initial consultation, I will collect the details of how you can be contacted or who should be contacted in case of any emergency. The contact details of your pets’ vet will also be taken in case a vet’s service is required. If your pets are sick, I will contact you or your authorised person to inform you what has happened. If I cannot contact you or an authorised person, I will take your pet to your nominated vet clinic. If for some reason, your vet is unavailable, I will use my own vets. Any vet fees will be passed onto you.

If you are unavoidably delayed or even decide to extend your holiday, notify me as soon as possible so I am able to continue your pet’s care. Any additional visits will be added to the agreed fee.

I understand that sometimes things don’t go as planned, so generally I do not have a cancellation policy. However, as much notice as possible should be given, especially at Christmas and Easter so that other potential clients don’t miss out. See here for the actual terms.

Keys are normally picked up during the initial consultation. However, if I can adequately care for your pets from outside your home with side gate access only, then a house key will not be required. I do recommend that a lock is put on any side gate(s) so that your pet(s) are not accidentally let out. Your key will be stored securely. It will be coded, and kept away from your personal details. I will make arrangements with you, during our initial consultation, about the return of your keys. I prefer to return them in person rather than leave them for you. There are two main reasons for this – the first is obviously the security of your home and, the second is that if you are delayed for any reason I will still be able to feed your pets.

Yes, if you request it. Many regular clients already do this. Each key is placed on a key ring and individually marked (never with your name or address) and stored securely.

Yes, all information is strictly kept confidential. Your information will never be given to a third party for any reason. I will be the only person to have access to your file.

I have been police checked and hold a current Blue Card.

I will be the only person caring for your animals and in your home while you are away.

In the event of ill health, I will continue to care for your home and pets in the best way that I can. If hospitalisation is required then I will provide alternative suitable cover for your home and pets at no extra cost to you.

No, all rates are by time only and almost all tasks are included. However, if you have an unusually large number of animals then my rate will be negotiated.

Yes, the public holidays are Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years’ Day, Australia Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Monday, Anzac Day, Labour Day and Queen’s Birthday. A $10 surcharge applies on these public holidays.

I will advise you the amount payable when the reservation is made and payment arrangements will be discussed. A deposit of $25 is required prior to service commencing, with balance due within 7 days of end of service. An invoice will be left indicating the amount left owing. You will be issued with a receipt.

I accept cash, direct deposit, money orders or cheques.

View the “Areas Covered” page.