What to expect

First Steps

You get in touch with me and we arrange a time for a meet greet to determine if this is a good fit. Live-in care can be for single animal homes up to a variety of animals in multi-pet households  - dogs, cats, small animals in cages, etc. 

Meet and Greet 

I come to your home to meet you and your pets. This visit is free and takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Typically I ask you to walk me through a regular routine day in their life… What time do your pets usually wake up? Do they go outside right away? When are their meal times and how much are they fed? Does their food require special preparation? Any medications? How often do they get walked? When do you clean the litter boxes? Favorite toys? Special routines? How long can they be left alone for? Are there any behaviors you are trying to encourage or discourage and how do you reward them? Treats? 

Additionally, I’ll collect vet information and we’ll decide on an ‘emergency’ plan together should your pet experience a medical issue.

Your home: I also ask about your home. Where can I sleep? Where do the animals sleep? Plants to water? Mail collection and packages? Anything specific I need to know? Is there a leaky pipe you want me to keep an eye on? A nosy neighbor? Parking requirements? Areas of the home that are not to be used? Etc. 

Your trip: We’ll discuss your trip. Where are you going? Will you have cell phone reception? What day and time do you leave and return? 

After all of this information is collected, you can take time to think about it, or we can move on to booking. Here’s what you can expect next.

Booking

We will determine start and end dates and times, payment, waiver, and keys/access. A deposit is required to secure your dates.

Start and end dates and times

For example: If you leave on February 12th at 10am and return on February 19th by 9pm then I will plan to arrive/leave a few hours after you to “move in” or “move out”. 

Payment

The cost of live-in service is $100 per day for the first pet + $10 per additional pet + a possible travel charge outside of SLC.

I take a deposit of 50% of the total amount to secure your dates. The remaining amount will be paid on move-in day. See cancellation policy for more information payment. 

Example

Ex: Feb 12-19th is 8 days. If you had 1 dog and 1 cat, the price would be $110/day x 8 days = $880. $440 would be the deposit collected to book your dates, and the remaining $440 would be due on February 12th. 

Keys/Access

I’ll need a key or access codes to garage/doors etc. Alternatively, a separate trip can be arranged to pick up keys. Your key will be stored with information that cannot be used to identify your home/address/names on it in a locked safe in my home. 

Waiver

I’ll have you fill out some basic information (name, address, contact info, etc.), acknowledge that you understand the service being provided, that your pets are up to date on vaccinations, that I will do all within my power to ensure the safety of your animals and home but certain events are out of my control, vet information, medical plan, emergency contact information, etc. 

ie) If you have outdoor cats, you must acknowledge that I cannot be responsible for their return to the house or what happens to them while they’re outdoors, etc. 

ie) If you regularly take your dog to the dog park and wish for me to do the same, I will do everything in my power to keep them in a safe environment, but I cannot be responsible if they are injured by another pet/owner there or if they injure someone

We will also go over some policies/best practices that I enforce (for example: unless you give the OK, we typically don’t socialize with other dogs on walks. Even if your pets are friendly, it is hard to predict the behavior of unknown animals and its best practice to stay away to avoid incidents). 

We will also discuss the emergency plan for your pets should they become sick or have an injury and you may need to contact your vet to give me permission to bring your pet to the vet for treatment.

Move-in day 

On move-in day I’ll check in when I’ve arrived and settled so you know we’re all set. You enjoy your vacation with total peace of mind! 

What does a day in the life look like?

If it’s a weekday, I’ll be working from your home. I’ll wake up with enough time to do your pets morning routines - breakfast, walks, socializing, or whatever is needed, and get ready for work. Like a typical work day, I’ll get up and take breaks and interact with your pets frequently. If they like to snuggle at your feet on on your lap, they’ll likely do the same with me! Breaks on the couch? Sounds great! Lunchtime walks? For sure. Your pet will be happy to have someone around! 

Some nights, I’ll be home the entire evening relaxing, reading a book, working on hobbies, etc and I won’t leave the house… other nights, I may go out for dinner or to an event, or home to visit my husband, play in my volleyball league, meet up with colleagues etc. Regular stuff any human would do! 

Weekends - maybe I’ll go play some pickleball in the morning, or ski for a few hours (never gone for longer than agreed on), or meet a friend for lunch, or go home for a few hours, or visit family etc. Again, regular human stuff! Just like you would do!

This makes for the same “come-and-go” routine they’re likely used to with you! As discussed at the meet and greet, your pets will never be left alone for more than the discussed amount of time (based on their separation anxiety, food/medication requirements, bathroom needs etc). 

Your Home, Kitchen, and Other Areas

It is expected that I’ll be able to use your kitchen equipment to cook for myself. I always do my own groceries but I do ask that it’s OK to use some of your kitchen items like condiments, salt, or other pantry basics. Many clients are OK if I use some of the food they have available (not alcohol), but if anything is “off-limits” then that will be discussed and is not a problem. 

I do not drink alcohol and will not consume your alcohol, or any alcohol, while staying in your home. I do not use drugs. 

If there are areas of the home you don’t want me to use, just let me know! Also, you’ll let me know which bedroom/shower/bathrooms to use. I’m thankful when clients are OK with me using their home gym areas/workout equipment, hot tubs/saunas, theater areas, backyard areas, etc. but it’s not a must. Whatever you’re comfortable with, you will decide. 

Ultimately, I’m not there to judge your home or it’s cleanliness - do not concern yourself with this. I am there to focus on your pets and maintain your home.

Updates

We’ll keep in touch frequently while you’re gone. I’ll provide photos and updates of your pets, inform you of anything unusual, and keep up on any discussed tasks. You will have total peace of mind. Please let me know if you will not have access to cell phone service or internet while you are away.

Move-out day 

On move out day, I’ll tidy up, throw bed sheets and towels in the wash if you’d like, and your home will be in the same condition or better than you left it. Depending on when you’re expecting to be home, I’ll leave a few hours before. I ask that you check in with me when you’ve arrived home to complete ‘transfer of care’ back to you. If you are delayed for any reason, just let me know and I can go back for a visit, or add extra days if necessary. 

FAQ

Do you have visitors over?

My husband Travis is a dedicated medical student at the U and he is often very busy studying and shadowing! Most clients are OK with me having him over (he’s an animal lover himself!). We may cook dinner together, or watch a movie, or take your dogs for a walk, etc. This helps us enjoy time together while I’m away, living at your home. It is 100% at your discretion if you are OK with him being in your home with me, and this will be discussed and agreed on. Other visitors will not be in your home without your permission. 

What if my dog/cat is very shy or timid?

Every pet has their own unique needs and some may need more time than others to trust new people. I’ve worked with many shy, timid, and difficult dog personalities over the years and find that with patience (and using a reward they enjoy) I can win any animal over. 

In fact, it feels so good for me to know that I’ve been able to win the affections of a timid or anxious dog or cat because then I know they will be happier and less stressed while you are away. I can pay attention to their needs and behavior and help them feel most comfortable. 

If your pet is aggressive, overly protective, or highly reactive, this service may not be a good fit. I reserve the right to decline providing a service if I do not feel comfortable with the pets or living environment. 

Are there any animals you won’t care for?

I have experience with all kinds of animals - dogs, cats, fish, chickens, pigs, small animals in cages, etc. If you feel comfortable explaining how to properly care for them, and I agree with providing their care, then we can work it out together. 

Cancellation Policy

Things happen! Sometimes vacation plans need to change. Here’s what to expect.

A deposit (50%) is collected to secure the booking. 

If you need to cancel 3+ days before the move-in date, I will refund 50% of the deposit (25% of the total amount). 

If you cancel less than 3 days before or on move-in day, no refund of the deposit will be available, but you will not pay the remaining amount.

If I begin service on move-in day and you return early, no refund of the deposit, but there may be a partial refund of the remaining amount depending on the circumstances.