Why should a pet owner use a pet Pet Care Professional instead of day care?

Many veterinarians and pet experts believe that keeping pets in their familiar surroundings helps to alleviate the stress imposed when their owners have to leave home. Pets are then also able to maintain their diet and exercise routine, and enjoy the personal attention provided by a pet Pet Care Professional. This also eliminates the trauma of being transported and minimizes their exposure to illnesses of other animals. We offer Peace of Mind with regular updates, photos, and direct communication, you can feel confident knowing your pet is safe, happy and has professional care in their own space.

How does a client go about getting started?

The quickest way to get started is to visit our website at www.stg-katesk9-staging.kinsta.cloud and click on Sign Up. Then we can get started with a Meet ‘n Greet and evaluation to see if we are a good fit!

Will you provide “gate-keeping” services even if someone doesn’t have a pet?

Of course! We have many clients who contract Kate’s K9 Pet Care to visit their homes while they travel to do all of those things. This gives them peace of mind that their home is safe by professionals while they are out of town. So, no, you do not have to have a pet to use Kate’s K9 Pet Care. Even if you take your pet(s) with you on vacation, we can still watch over your home.

What time do the Pet Care Professionals make their rounds and how long do they stay?

Our Pet Care Professionals can visit your home up to 4 times per day. – The “Early Morning” time slot is between 6 & 9 AM. – The “Morning” time slot is between 9 & 12 PM. – The “Afternoon” time slot is between 12 & 3 PM. – The “Late Afternoon” time slot is between 3 & 6 PM. – The “Evening” time slot is between 6 & 9 PM. No longer than 12 hours ever goes in between visits. For example, if your pooch were visited at 8pm, the Pet Care Professional would arrive to your home no later than 8am the following morning.

What is the Meet ‘n Greet Evaluation?

The Meet ‘n Greet Evaluation is a visit that allows the client to get to know our company and services. A temperament test is also performed and a time to ask any questions that you may have! During this visit the evaluation team will walk you through the process of how everything works, and evaluate your dog and ask you temperament questions, and answer any questions you have.

So, after a client has completed the Meet ‘n Greet evaluation meeting, can they schedule service anytime?

After the Meet ‘n Greet, you will receive an email that grants you access to our app. Once you have your account set up on the app along with a method of payment, you can schedule services!

Can the clients schedule directly through the sitter?

No! For the safety of our client’s pets all visits MUST be scheduled through the our app. We use a high-tech scheduling program, which ensures that “no pet is left behind.” Our Pet Care Professionals are not authorized to perform services for clients that are not through our system.

How do you accept Payment?

We accept all major credit cards and ACH from your bank account through our app.

So you don’t accept checks? Can clients leave cash?

No we traditionally do not accept checks unless checks are mailed to our office address for payment. Kate’s K9 Pet Care is not liable for any lost checks. Tips / Gratuity should be submitted through the payment on the app. This ensures that the Pet Care Professional securely receives the gratuity. Your Pet Care Professional receives 100% of the gratuity through the system.

Are there extra costs for services rendered on a holiday?

Yes, we follow all federal holidays: New Years Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day, Labor Day, Independence Day, Indigenous People’s Day, Easter, Juneteenth, Martin Luther King Day, Thanksgiving Day Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve. There is a $15 surcharge plus the standard charge for the service being provided on these dates.

How about last minute requests?

We’re more than happy to schedule pet care for last-minute needs, however we cannot guarantee that a sitter is going to be available on short notice, (though 99% of the time it really isn’t a problem). There is a same day (24 hour) charge for any service that is requested within 24 hours of needing the service performed.

What is Kate’s K9 Pet Care’s Cancellation Policy

We understand that you can have a busy and ever-changing schedule. We have a 24 hour cancellation policy. Only services that are scheduled within 24 hours of the cancellation request will be charged.

What happen if a client’s primary Pet Care Professional is not available for the full pet sitting request?

You are assigned a dedicated team with Pet Care Professionals that know your information. If your primary is not available, then another member of your team will provide service for you. This ensures that no matter what, your pet(s) are taken care of by someone familiar with your pet(s), regardless of availability or emergency. If the client feels more comfortable meeting the different Pet Care Professionals on their dedicated team, we can schedule an additional Meet ‘n Greet. The cost of this meeting is $25, which covers the Pet Care Professional’s time and expense for driving over to the client’s home.

Do you care for pets that have aggression issues?

If the pet has aggressively bit someone in the past then unfortunately we cannot provide service due to a liability issue. If the pet is skittish and maybe just growls, then we will be happy to work with the client to see if a pet care plan can be designed that works. Our Meet ‘n Greet evaluation team will interview the client and the pet to determine if this is possible. If additional visits are necessary to socialize the pet with our Pet Care Professionals, then the client needs to be present at all visits and pay the normal service fee until socialized. If at any time our Pet Care Professionals or pet owner feels that it is unsafe to perform a service, we will reserve the right to discontinue service without notice.

Do you administer medication?

Yes, we will administer medication. Our Pet Care Professionals are trained on providing oral and topical medication treatment. Please let us know if your pet(s) require any other additional medication methods.

How do the Pet Care Professionals discipline the pets?

Kate’s K9 Pet Care believes in positive reinforcement and training. This is for the safety of your pets and our Pet Care Professionals. We will never hit, spank, slap, yank the leash, yell or shock your pet. If there is a disciplinary problem, i.e. toilet training issues, running away, etc, we will communicate with our clients of the incident(s) and work together towards a solution.

What happens if a pet becomes ill and the client is out of town or unable to leave work?

If we suspect that something is wrong with a pet, we will call you at the emergency phone numbers we have on file. If the client believes the veterinarian should see the pet, we will transport him to the veterinarian’s office or nearest animal hospital depending on the severity for examination and treatment. In the event we cannot reach the client, we will decide if the veterinarian or animal hospital should see your pet. If necessary, we will take your pet for treatment. You will be billed for any extra time we spend for these services.

Are you bonded and insured?

Absolutely! Kate’s K9 Pet Care takes the care of your home and pets as its top priority! We are happy to provide our clients with proof of insurance and our bond.

How are you different from other pet sitting and dog walking services?

At Kate’s K9 Pet Care, we don’t just pet sit or walk dogs- we build lasting relationships. Every client is part of the Kate’s K9 Pet Care family. Here’s what makes us stand out: Personalized Care - We tailor every visit to your pet’s unique personality, routine, and needs; Whether it’s belly rubs, playtime, or medication, we treat your pet like family. Reliable & Flexible Scheduling - Real-time updates and GPS tracking so you know exactly when your pet was cared for; Easy online booking and flexible time slots to fit your schedule. Experienced & Certified - Our team is trained in pet first aid and behavior, so your pet is in safe hands; We specialize in senior pets, puppies, and pets with special needs. Local & Community-Focused - We’re not a big corporate app—we’re your neighbors; Supporting us means supporting a small business that gives back to the local animal community. Daily Updates & Photos - You’ll receive adorable photos and notes after every visit, so you never miss a moment.

How do you handle keys or access into the homes?

We have a few options for access. The main method is to use a lockbox. Kate’s K9 Pet Care can supply one for $30 which is cheaper than at a hardware store. Other methods of access are garage codes, keypad on doors, a concierge desk and more. Kate’s K9 Pet Care does not hold onto your keys for security reasons.

What kind of results can clients expect when signing up for Kate’s K9 Pet Care?

Peace of mind! Our clients can travel, work or leave their homes for whatever reason, guilt-free because they know that their pets and their homes are in the best possible hands. Their pets are going to receive best in class care; they’re going to be relaxed, comfortable, and exercised. Their houses are going to be safe guarded and kept tidy and neat. They are going to have happy and healthy pets.

Frequently asked questions

Answers before you reach out.

Choosing care

What we do, and where.

What services do you offer?

Dog walking, cat sitting, Almost Overnight Care, small animal care, pet taxi and pet supply delivery, all at or from your home. See services & rates.

Why in-home care instead of boarding or daycare?

Your pets stay in familiar surroundings and keep their own food and routine, with personal attention from a caregiver who knows them.

Which pets do you care for?

Dogs, cats and many small animals, including rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds, reptiles and fish. Tell us about your pets and we’ll confirm the right plan.

Can you check on my home if I don't have pets?

Yes. We can bring in mail and packages, take out trash and rotate lights and curtains while you travel.

Where do you provide service?

Communities across Northern Virginia and Southern Maryland. See the service area for towns and ZIP codes.

Getting started

From request to first visit.

How do I get started?

Send a request with two times for a Meet & Greet. We’ll confirm one with you.

What is the Meet & Greet?

A complimentary visit at your home where we meet you and your pets, review routines and home access, and make sure we’re a good fit.

When can I schedule services?

After the Meet & Greet, you’ll get an email invite to Time To Pet. Once your account and payment method are set up and approved, you can request services.

Can I meet the rest of my care team?

Yes. An additional Meet & Greet with other members of your team is $25 to cover their time and travel.

Do you care for pets with aggression issues?

We can’t serve pets who have bitten someone. If your pet is nervous or growls, we’ll work with you at the Meet & Greet to see whether a care plan can work.

During visits

What to expect day to day.

When do caregivers arrive?

Within the arrival window you choose: 6–9 AM, 9 AM–12 PM, 12–3 PM, 3–6 PM or 6–9 PM. We can visit up to 4 times a day, and in multi-visit plans no more than 12 hours pass between visits.

Who will care for my pet?

A dedicated team with a primary Pet Care Professional. If your primary isn’t available, another team member who knows your pet’s information steps in.

Do you give medication?

Yes. Caregivers are trained to give oral and topical medication. Let us know if your pet needs anything else.

How do you handle behavior?

With positive reinforcement only. We never hit, yell, yank the leash or use shock. We’ll tell you about any issues and work on a solution together.

What if my pet gets sick while I'm away?

We call your emergency contacts. If you want your pet seen, we’ll take them to your vet or the nearest animal hospital. If we can’t reach you, we’ll decide whether a vet visit is needed. Extra time is billed.

How do you get into my home?

With a door code, garage code or lockbox, entered privately in Time To Pet. We don’t hold physical keys.

Account & policies

Billing, fees and changes.

Can I book directly with my sitter?

No. For your pet’s safety, all visits are scheduled in Time To Pet so no visit is missed.

How do I pay?

Through Time To Pet with a card on file. From January 1, 2027, the card is charged automatically on the 1st of each month for the previous month’s services.

How do tips work?

Tips are added in the app so your caregiver receives them securely. From January 1, 2027, a 20% gratuity is added automatically. Contact us to choose a different percentage.

What is your cancellation policy?

We need 24 hours’ notice. Services cancelled within 24 hours of the visit are charged.

Are there holiday or last-minute fees?

Yes. Holidays carry a $15 surcharge per service. Requests made within 24 hours include a same-day charge.

Are you licensed, bonded and insured?

Yes. We’re happy to provide proof of insurance and our bond on request.

Still have a question?

Call, email or send a message. Existing clients can message us in Time To Pet.

Contact us

Get Started