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Frequently asked questions

Have a question about my house or pet sitting services? You’ll find the most common questions I get asked with answers below.

If your question isn’t listed, please visit my contact page or book a free 15-minute call with me to discuss your requirements.

What areas do you cover for pet & house sitting?

I’m based in Leeds and work across Yorkshire, but I also travel for sits throughout the UK.

If you’re outside Yorkshire, just let me know your location and dates and I’ll confirm availability.

In some cases, I may ask for a small contribution towards travel costs over 50 miles. I will also consider pet sits abroad if travel costs are covered.

What types of pets do you look after?

I care for dogs, cats, and small animals, including rabbits, hamsters, and birds. If you have other pets, feel free to ask.

I’ll always let you know honestly if I can meet their needs.

Do you offer overnight dog or cat sitting?

Yes. I specialise in overnight and longer-term pet sitting. This means your pets stay in their own home, following their usual routine, which helps them feel comfortable and relaxed while you’re away.

How does the booking process work?

Once I receive your enquiry, I will respond within 24 hours. If you have given WhatsApp permissions, you may also receive a short video introduction so you can get to know me and my services.

We will then arrange a quick chat by phone, WhatsApp or Google Meet to talk through your requirements and dates. After that, I will share a short questionnaire to learn more about your pets, home and routines. You can complete this in your own time, or we can go through it together if you prefer.

I will then arrange a meet and greet with you and your pet, depending on location. Once the details are agreed, I will confirm the sit and create a personalised contract. When the contract is agreed, I will send it along with an invoice for the deposit.

Payment is split into two parts, with half due at the start of the sit and the remaining half when you return.

Will you look after my home?

Yes - I’ll treat your own as if it were my own.

While caring for your pets, I also keep your home secure and can water plants, collect post and maintain routines you’d like me to follow.

I can provide my own towels and bedding if preferred, or I’ll make sure all bedding is stripped and washed before you arrive home (depending on your arrival time).

I do not smoke or drink and will never invite someone into your home without your explicit approval beforehand.

Can you give my pet medication?

I am happy to give tablets with food or by mouth if your pet is calm. Please provide clear instructions with timings. I am not qualified to give injections or advanced medical care.

How much notice do you need to book?

I recommend booking at least a few months in advance, especially for busy holiday periods. Last-minute requests may be possible, but always check my calendar to avoid disappointment.

I will only consider Christmas and New Year sits within 5 miles from Thorner, Leeds as I prefer to spend Christmas with my family.

How much does house and / or pet sitting cost?

My pricing is based on the first pet being the largest animal, for example, a dog with an additional cat.

Because every pet sit is unique and sometimes has extra requirements, the standard rates are listed below as a guide.

If any additional charges apply, these will always be explained clearly in advance when we discuss your sit.

Cat Sitting

My standard pricing is £40 per 24 hours for cat sits with an additional £5 per cat. This includes regular playtime, keeping to their feeding schedule, cleaning litter trays and brushing (if required).

Dog Sitting

I charge £60 per 24 hours, with an additional £10 per day for each additional dog and £5 per cat.

This includes two half-hour walks per day or as required. Additional walking or exercise is an additional charge.

There may be additional charges for larger dogs or dogs that need special attention or dogs that cannot be left alone at any point (please see next question for more details)

Small Pets

There will be no charge for caring for small pets such as rabbits or guinea pigs (depending on the number) when in the same household as a dog and/or a cat. I am also happy to feed your fish or chickens with no additional charge.

House Sitting

For house sits, I charge £40 per 24 hours. This includes watering your plants, being home for deliveries, and regularly turning on heating and hot water during colder months to ensure your pipes don’t freeze.

Travel Costs

I may request a small contribution to travel on sits over 50 miles. If I am already in said location, the travel costs will be shared between both sits.

Bank Holidays

I charge twice my usual rate on bank holidays.

Will you stay in my home 24 hours a day?

I will stay in your home the majority of the time; however, there may be periods where I will leave to go to the supermarket, run errands or explore the local area.

I will always ask you how often you typically leave your pet alone beforehand.

For anxious or sick pets who require 24/7 in-house care, then additional charges apply. These can be discussed in our call.

Do you offer drop-in feeds or a dog walking service?

I specialise in pet sitting; however, if I am in your location, I may be able to pop in and feed / spend time with your pet on an ad hoc basis. Please book a 15-minute call with me or send a message to discuss.

Regular drop-ins and dog walking is not possible, however, as my location can change week to week.

What's included in a house sit?

House sits include keeping your home safe and secure, watering plants, collecting deliveries, opening and closing curtains and turning on heating and hot water in colder months to prevent pipes from freezing.

How will you receive communication from me?

I do have dyslexia and find WhatsApp messaging/calling to be the easiest and most convenient form of communication when arranging a pet or house sit.

However, if you prefer not to use it, it’s not a problem. Simply use my contact form to send me a message and I’ll reply via email.

When booking a 15-minute chat, these will typically be done over Google Meet or WhatsApp calling.

When sending me a message for the first time, you may receive a video from me explaining my services in more detail. Invoices and contracts are also sent via WhatsApp. If you would like to stop receiving WhatsApp messages from me, simply message ‘stop’ at any time.

If you agree to join my email list, I promise to never spam you and you’ll hear from me once a month at the most - unless it relates to an upcoming sit.

Covers the whole of the UK

Fully insured

DBS checked

Free meet & greet

The booking process

First time booking with me? Here’s what you can expect when booking me for a pet sit.

A graphical representation of the full booking process

How do I book a pet sit?

I aim to make booking simple and flexible. Choose the option that suits you best.

Request a pet sit online

Already checked my calendar and have dates in mind? Let's chat!

Simply send a booking request with a few details about you, your pets and required pet sitting dates and I’ll reply within 24 hours.

Opens a short form which is sent to me directly.

Book a call with me

First time booking? Or does your pet have special requirements?

Book a free 15 minute call with me over Google Meet or WhatsApp to have a chat about your pets, home and requirements.

Opens a calendar to book your preferred date & time.

Message me on WhatsApp

Prefer texting to video calls? Send me a message on WhatsApp instead.

Send the word 'pet enquiry' with your message to +44 7368 638287 or click below to open a chat. I'll get back to you within 24 hours.

Opens a new message to me in WhatsApp (if installed)

My preferred method of communication is through WhatsApp due to dyslexia.

Don’t have WhatsApp? Not a problem, you can still send me a message from my contact page.

When sending me a message for the first time, you may receive an automated message from me to say hi with a short video about my services in more detail.

You can stop these messages at any time - I won't be offended!

Sarah Chilvers House & Pet Sitting Logo

Hi, I’m Sarah! A UK-wide pet sitter based in Leeds. I specialise in overnight and long-term sits for dogs, cats and small pets. Ready to book a pet sit in your home? Get in touch.

Let's Chat

Message or call me on WhatsApp

07368 638287

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