Frequently Asked Questions

Submit our Free Meet & Greet Request with details about your pets, location, schedule, and care needs.We’ll review everything and follow up with next steps.

Yes. Your first Meet & Greet is complimentary and usually takes about 30–45 minutes.

We meet your pets and learn about their:routinemedicationspersonalityhandling preferenceshome accessemergency needsYou can also ask questions before care begins.

We currently accept new clients primarily in:Ballston / Virginia Square — 22203Clarendon / Courthouse — 22201Rosslyn — 22209, limited availabilityYour exact address determines availability.

We usually respond within 24 hours during office hours.Requests for busy dates or more involved care may take a little longer to review.

We’ll guide you through the required forms in Time To Pet.These may include your Service Agreement, emergency veterinary authorization, home-access information, and any care-specific waivers.

PS4C provides:Dog WalkingCat SittingIn-Home Pet SittingSpecialized Pet CareOvernight SittingApproved Grooming Add-OnsEmergency veterinary transport may also be provided when authorized.

Rates depend on the service, visit length, location, and your pet’s care needs.See our Services & Pricing page for current rates.

No. If your pets’ care can be safely completed within the scheduled visit, they may be included together.More involved households may need a longer visit.

Yes, when the medication and routine have been reviewed and approved.Support depends on the medication, your pet’s needs, visit length, and caregiver training.

No.We specialize in in-home care, so your pets can stay in their familiar environment and routine.

Routine pet taxi service is not a standard offering.Emergency veterinary transport may be provided when necessary and authorized.

Yes.Tips are appreciated, but never required.

Use Time To Pet for service requests, changes, and cancellations.Your request is confirmed once PS4C approves it.

We recommend:Regular visits — 5–7 days aheadHoliday periods — 2–4 weeks aheadBooking early gives you the best chance of getting your preferred dates.

Sometimes.We’ll do our best when space is available, but same-day visits are not guaranteed.

6:30 AM–10:00 AM10:00 AM–12:00 PM12:00 PM–3:00 PM3:00 PM–5:00 PM5:00 PM–8:00 PM8:00 PM–10:00 PM (extended to 11:30 PM during holidays)

Usually, visits are scheduled within an arrival window.Exact timing may be approved when your pet has a documented medical or behavioral need that requires a strict schedule.

Visit length depends on your pet’s routine and the service booked.Visits longer than 60 minutes generally require multiple bookings.

Yes.You’ll receive a Time To Pet visit report with care notes, photos, and important updates.

Cats must receive at least one visit every day while under PS4C care.We do not offer every-other-day cat sitting.

Dogs must receive care at least every 12 hours.Some dogs may need more frequent visits depending on age, health, or routine.

Yes, depending on the care needed.We may support established mobility, recovery, chronic-care, and other specialized routines.More complex cases are reviewed individually.

Potentially, yes.We use Fear Free® and low-stress handling and give pets time and space to feel comfortable.Please tell us about known triggers, fear, reactivity, aggression, or resource guarding before care begins.

Possibly.Please disclose any bite history so we can review your pet’s behavior, triggers, management plan, and caregiver safety before care begins.

We’ll document what we observe and try to contact you or your emergency contact.If urgent veterinary care is needed and authorized, PS4C may transport your pet and seek treatment.

Your signed Veterinary Release may allow PS4C to obtain emergency care on your behalf if you or your emergency contact cannot be reached.You remain responsible for veterinary expenses.

No.We can observe changes, communicate concerns, and help your pet get veterinary care when needed.Diagnosis and treatment decisions belong to a licensed veterinarian.

Your pets are cared for by PS4C’s in-house team, including the owners and trained Pet Care Specialists.Assignments are based on your pet’s needs, availability, and scheduling.

Not always.We aim for consistency, but another trained team member may occasionally provide care.Your pet’s instructions stay documented in Time To Pet.

No.PS4C Pet Care Specialists are W-2 employees, not sitters sourced through an open marketplace.

Caregivers complete structured onboarding, shadow visits, independent-visit clearance, and continuing education.This helps them learn PS4C’s care, communication, and safety standards before working independently.

Yes.Caregivers follow documented safety and emergency procedures and receive ongoing emergency-preparedness training.

Yes.Additional introductions may be arranged when appropriate, especially for pets that need more time to become comfortable with someone new.

No.We do not combine dogs from different client households.Dogs from the same household may be walked together when safe and appropriate.

PS4C does not provide continuous all-day care.We can help you plan multiple visits or eligible overnight care when available.

Use Time To Pet for routine care and service communication.This keeps important updates and instructions in one place.

Depending on your setup, approved access may include:keyslockboxessmart locksdoor codesbuilding fobsconcierge access

Let your concierge or building staff know PS4C will be visiting.Make sure we are approved to enter and that any required fob, key, registration, or visitor instructions are ready before you leave.

Test your key, code, fob, smart lock, or concierge access before care begins.A reliable backup access method is helpful when possible.

We’ll check your instructions and available backup access.If a client-provided key, code, lock, or building-access issue prevents entry, the visit may still be charged and additional access fees may apply.

Yes.Please give us current instructions for cameras, alarms, security systems, and building access before care begins.

Before you leave:confirm your visitsupdate your Time To Pet profileupdate emergency and veterinary informationleave enough food and medicationmake supplies easy to find

Payments are made through Time To Pet using:credit or debit cardACH bank transfer

Payment is due within 3 days after your final visit.

Standard cancellation fees include:Same-day after 6:30 AM — $50Day-before after 9:00 PM — $25Overnight under 72 hours — $120Extended bookings have separate rules.

Yes.Eligible loyalty tiers may receive certain cancellation waivers or reduced fees.

Cancel any remaining visits through Time To Pet as soon as possible.Visits that remain scheduled may still be charged.

Yes, but please tell us in advance.Shared care may require a signed waiver so everyone is clear about feeding, medications, access, and responsibilities.

PS4C may pause service if third-party access or conflicting instructions create a safety risk for your pet, home, or caregiver.

Visits may be delayed, shortened, adjusted, or rescheduled when conditions are unsafe.Your pet’s safety and caregiver safety come first.

Overnight care is scheduled from 11:30 PM to 6:30 AM.

No.Overnight care provides an in-home caregiver presence during the scheduled period, but not continuous awake monitoring.

No.Daytime visits are scheduled separately based on your pet’s routine.

No.Availability depends on staffing, location, scheduling, and your pet’s care needs.

No.PS4C does not provide full-service grooming or haircuts.

Possible options include:nail trimsear cleaningsanitary trimsanal gland careAvailability depends on your pet’s comfort, safe handling, visit time, advance approval, and any required waiver.