Pet sitting in the Upper North Shore

We will discuss visit frequency during your meet-and-greet, based on your pet’s routine, needs and personality.  Most indoor-only dogs benefit from a minimum of three visits per day (morning, afternoon and evening), while most cats are comfortable with one to two visits daily. We strongly recommend considering live-in or overnight care where possible, as it provides the highest level of comfort, safety and consistency for both your pets and home.  Every schedule is confirmed in writing so everything is clear before you travel.

We offer live-in and/or overnight care, ensuring your pet receives round-the-clock attention and companionship in the comfort of their own home. This includes feeding, walking, playtime and maintaining their usual routines. Live-in daytime care is available for special cases but very limited.

All pets are susceptible to changes around them. The fewer changes for them, the better! Keeping your pets in their own environment eases their time away from you. Many of our pet-sitting clients require our services several times a year, which means their pets get to know their sitters. It’s like seeing old friends again!  We always make sure dogs get a great first impression of us during our meet-and-greet. That way, the next time they see our team member, they’ll be eager to spend time together.

We do not offer boarding services, as our focus is on personalized, in-home care so your pets remain comfortable and stress-free in their familiar environment. This approach allows us to maintain their regular routines and offer the one-on-one attention they deserve.

Yes, we’ll book a free meet-and-greet consultation, which will give the sitter time to learn about your pets, fill out paperwork, take notes about your home and required tasks, and collect keys from you. Please schedule your meet-and-greet in advance during peak seasons like Easter and Christmas, as April, December and January fill up fast.

Yes, all our pet sitters are insured for liability. Their coverage includes care, custody and control of the pet. We can provide proof of coverage, or a phone number you can call to verify they are currently insured. Additionally, all of our sitters have gone through a police check.

Our pet sitters hold a Pet Sitter Certification, demonstrating their professional training, knowledge and commitment to providing the highest standard of care for your pets. This ensures they are equipped with the skills needed to handle various needs, from feeding and walking to managing emergencies. All of our pet sitters also have a Pet First Aid Certification.

We require a tested key at the meet-and-greet that we can take with us. If you do not have one available, the fee for us to return to pick up a key is $30.  We strongly recommend having a lockbox on your property with a backup key. We do not accept garage door openers to access your home.

Yes, we work as a team! If one of our pet sitters cannot take care of the pets, another pet sitter will step in. Our doggy clients usually know two or three team members.

Yes, usually the same pet sitter will start and finish the pet sitting job. If another team member needs to jump in, we will let you know before the service begins.

No one outside The Gentle Dog Co. will be allowed to visit your home. Only another team member could visit the dogs to feed them or take them out for a walk in case your pet sitter is out.

Absolutely! Your peace of mind is very important to us. We’ll create a chat group on Whatsapp with you, the pet sitter and the managers. If your pet’s name is “Brady”, the chat group will be called “Team Brady” and the pet sitter or any other team member caring for them will post photos/videos and a note daily or every second day.