1. What time will you visit my pets?

• • In general, due to the number of visit that the sitters perform each day, specific visit times cannot be guaranteed. Two visits per day are scheduled approximately 7am – Noon for AM visits and 4pm – 11pm for PM visits. Once a day visits are approximately timed twenty four (24) hours apart. For instance if your sitter visited your pet at 3PM on their first visit, then they will try and stick to that same timeframe of between 12 -3pm the next day so that your pet visits take place within a 24hr timeframe.  In the case of time-sensitive medication issues, or if your pet(s) are on a certain set schedule, let us know and we will try to accommodate to the best of our ability.

2. What supplies should I have on hand?

• •  Adequate supplies should be on hand for the period of time you will be away (food, litter, pocket pet bedding, bird cage lining, litter bags, cleaning supplies, fresh greens for your bunnies etc.) If supplies run out, we will purchase additional supplies and bill you accordingly.

3. Will you visit my cat every other day instead of daily?

• • No. For safety, insurance and humane reasons, Flying Duchess will only provide daily visits for cats. Cats are very good at hiding illnesses and sometimes require immediate medical attention by the time it is apparent that they are unwell. Cats also have quite a knack for getting into odd predicaments that require human help to get out of – we have arrived to a few surprises over the years. We don’t think it is too much to ask to have your cat visited every 24 hours to ensure it is healthy and has access to fresh food and water and some human company every day while you are away.

4. Can I have someone share pet sitting responsibilities?

• • The insurance carried by Flying Duchess Pet Sitters cannot cover the presence of visitors (ie. neighbors / family members) or other caregivers not covered under our insurance. In the interest of our safety and that of your pet(s), we request that you either contract solely with us or choose another person to care for your pet(s).  Any exception to this policy must be discussed and approved in advance.

5. What happens if my pet becomes injured or ill?

• • We are dedicated to excellent care of your pet and have a 24 hr. vet on call. Most of our sitters are Pet First Aid certified so that they can respond effectively during an emergency. We also carry your pet’s veterinary contact information during our rounds so that help is always within reach.
  • During the initial consultation we collect details of any prior or current health issues, allergies or injuries that your pet has. If your pet shows signs of illness or injury while you are away, we will contact you and/or your veterinarian for direction. If your pet needs more immediate care than your vet can provide, we will transport your pet to the VEC the 24hr Veterinary Emergency Clinic.
  • Flying Duchess makes every effort to contact pet owners and receive instructions before we take an animal in for medical care. However, in emergency situations or when the owner cannot be reached, we will act accordingly and in the best interest of your pet’s health and safety. Flying Duchess is not responsible for costs incurred from veterinary visits. Additional time spent providing necessary care is billed at a rate of $25.00 per hour.

6. What happens if my pet sitter becomes injured or ill?

• • There is always a back up Flying Duchess pet sitter available who is trained and aware of your specific needs. Rest assured your pet will be taken care of even if your pet sitter becomes ill or injured.

7. If I get a confirmation, and need to adjust the dates of service or services being delivered, what should I do?

• • You can email the changes to us. We will make the adjustments in our system and send you and updated confirmation. As sitter availability changes on an ongoing basis your original booking so that you can re-book the new dates/visits.

8. Will I be able to have the same sitter each time I book?

• • We will strive to keep your pet sitter the same each time you travel, however during the busy season (Summer, Christmas and the long weekends) we do tend to get fully booked, and your sitter may sometimes have scheduling conflicts as well. And don’t forget, they do go on holiday too.
  • The assigned back up sitter will have all the information on file and your regular sitter will provide your back up sitter with any additional information as well, so that your pet’s care is transitioned smoothly and seamlessly.

9. Should I do anything upon my return?

• • We ask that you call Flying Duchess at 1 855 FLY DUCH (1 855 359-3824)to confirm your return home. This notification process prevents us from worrying about your pet(s), as well as scheduling additional visits to check on your pets to ensure their safety and billing you for the extra visits.

10. Do you sit Rabbits, Birds, Chinchilla’s etc.?

• • Yes we do! We would love to sit your exotic pet. Our pet sitters come with a plethora of past experiences in caring for all types of animals, with all types of needs, both medical and emotional. We have experience with Parrots, Love-birds, Budgies, Cockatoos, Rabbits, Ferrets, Fancy Rats, Chinchilla’s, Fish, Geckos, Snakes and Turtles.

11. My cat is really sweet with me but she doesn’t like new people.  Will she be okay?

• • The single most important thing for us is that your cat feels safe, confident and in control of her visits. You would be astonished at how quickly the cat who “always hides under the bed” pokes her nose out when she realizes that we are patiently playing with their feather toys, waiting for them to come out on their own accord and say “Hello”.
  • Lots of kitties just need time and space when making a new friend so we don’t rush them. We wait for their permission before we pet them and we listen to twitches in the tail or turns of the ear that speak volumes in the cat world. We can’t even count the number of clients who start with “You’ll never see her,” only to be delighted when we email the first picture of their kitty curiously peeking around a corner at a long line of string, forgetting to be shy in the middle of a good game of pounce. And what more can we say… just as our closing email tag line states: we are famous for winning over the more finickiest of felines and we have a knack for charming your furred, feathered and finned!