Registration Fee

A one-time, non-refundable $25 registration fee includes the new client Meet and Greet, a lockbox for you to keep, and access to the Time to Pet scheduling portal.

During the Meet and Greet, you’ll meet your primary sitter, who will get to know you and your pets. We’ll learn your pet and home care routine, find the best place for your lockbox, and collect a back-up key for the office. Please have two keys ready at this meeting.

Interview-only meetings (no services scheduled at time of consultation): All new and potential clients pay the one-time registration fee. The fee is non-refundable even if you choose not to use our services. We encourage potential clients to read our testimonials and reviews, and to call us with any questions about your needs.

Drop-Bys: Many clients prefer that the sitter stop by before each vacation to review instructions, meet new pets, or walk through any changes in the home. We’re happy to do this. Drop-by visits are scheduled as a regular visit (see rates). Alternatively, you can update your profile online, or we can review instructions by phone or email at no charge.

Keys and Home Access

Clients must provide two functional keys to TPS at the initial Meet and Greet. TPS retains one key at the office, and one key remains in the lockbox at your home. Keys are identified by your first name, last initial, a pet name, and a password-protected ID number.

For the safety of your pets, garage codes alone are not an acceptable substitute for a physical house key as the primary means of entry. Keyless door entry codes or e-fobs may be accepted in place of one key, but we still require a back up key to be retained at the office. 

If TPS must engage a locksmith to enter your home because a lock is malfunctioning or because you did not provide functioning keys, you will be responsible for all locksmith costs and any additional visit charges.

Cancellations

Regular (non-holiday) visits may be cancelled without charge by 7:00 a.m. on the day of the visit. Visits not cancelled by this deadline will be charged the regular visit fee. Cancellations during holiday periods are subject to holiday cancellation terms, which are posted in the scheduling portal at the time of booking.

Minimum Number of Visits

For the health and welfare of your pets during overnight and multi-day service periods, TPS requires the following minimum visit frequencies:

• Cats: At least one visit per day.
• Dogs without a doggie door: At least three visits per day.

These minimums apply to overnight and vacation service periods only and are not intended to govern single-day visits. Clients who believe their situation warrants an exception should call the office at 208-484-2969 prior to scheduling.

Scheduling

We prefer that clients schedule visits through the Time to Pet portal. You can also call the office at 208-484-2969 and we’ll help you. You’ll receive an email confirmation and invoice — please review visit dates and times and let us know of any discrepancy. Paper invoices are available for those without internet access.

All scheduling must go through the portal or the office. Contacting your pet sitter directly for scheduling or any other business purpose is not permitted. Your sitter will redirect any such requests to the office.

Payment

Payment is due the day after returning home after each scheduled service period. Cash, check, or credit card are all accepted. Clients who pay by credit card may do so through the online scheduling portal.Cash, check, and credit card are all accepted. Credit card payments can be made through the Time to Pet client portal.

Holiday Rates

Holiday rates apply during certain holidays and high-demand periods throughout the year. Current holiday rates are posted in the Time to Pet scheduling portal and are included on your appointment confirmation at the time of booking. By scheduling a service during a holiday period, you agree to the applicable holiday rate. Visit our Services page or log in to the portal to view current rates.

Pet Product Pick-Up Fee

If your pet’s food or other necessary supplies run out during a service period, your sitter may purchase replacements on your behalf. A $10 pick-up fee will apply in addition to the cost of the items, and you will be reimbursed for all such costs upon your return.

Return Home Verification

For the well-being of your pets, please send a message through the Time to Pet portal to let us know you’ve made it home safely.

Photo Updates

After each visit, your sitter will send you photo updates through the Time to Pet portal so you can see how your pets are doing. These photos are shared only with you through your private portal account and are not used for any other purpose without your permission.

Tips for a Good Experience

• Avoid elective veterinary procedures (such as vaccinations, spay/neuter, or dental cleanings) within two weeks before your time away. If there is a reaction, we may not be there to help, which could put your pet in a dangerous situation.
• Update and verify all pet instructions and emergency contact information before you leave. Phone numbers change — make sure yours are current.
• Confirm that your lockbox works and contains a functioning house key before you depart.
• Let your neighbors know we’ll be visiting while you’re away. Feel free to share our phone number with them.
• Keep your pet’s food consistent for at least two weeks before your time away, and make sure there’s enough food on hand for the full service period. (One exception: perishable foods like fresh produce or live insects for reptiles.)
• Trip itineraries are helpful but not required. If you provide one, please include hotel names and phone numbers.