Tinkle Time F.A.Q.
Why should I choose Tinkle Time over other available options?
Because we offer:
- Over 10 years in professional pet care experience
- Incorporated business with insurance
- Sitters provide clear criminal background checks
- Reliable, consistent and professional care from our pet sitters and our management team
- A team of sitters ! We almost always will have back up for your requests.
- Credit card and etransfer payment options
Are you insured?
- Yes !
- In addition to our pet sitters clear criminal background checks, we are insured by ProFur.
I’m new, how does this work?
- First step would be to create an account with us !
- You can message us in the portal or submit your request through the portal
- We will send out a meet and greet to you and one of our Tinkle Time Team Members
- You and the sitter arrange a date/time to meet at your home to go over care instructions and ensure it’s a good fit
- Following the meeting, please confirm through the portal you would like to book OR if you’d like to request an alternate sitter
- Once the request is confirmed, we will send a detailed confirmation of your booking
What is pet sitting and what is included?
- While you’re away, your pet sitter will stay in your home, will live in your home as you would, in a respectful and professional manner
- This provides security and care for both your pet(s) and home
- It maintains your pet(s) routines (walks, pee breaks, feeding schedules, medications, etc), and, of course;
- Provides your pet(s) with all the care, love and attention they deserve !
Do I get to meet the pet sitter?
- Absolutely !
- We offer a complimentary 30 min meet and greet with every sitter, prior to your departure, to ensure everyone is comfortable with one another
Will my pet(s) be alone overnight?
- Absolutely not !
- With our overnight services, the sitter will always be with your pets throughout the night.
How long will my pet be left alone during the day?
- Many of our sitters have other jobs as pet sitting is not a full time income earning position
- If you have a pet who requires additional attention during the day, please inform us at the time of booking.
- We can try to customize a plan for you i.e. add a midday break or less consecutive hours they are left alone
- The sitter who will check-in on your pet(s) during the day may not be the overnight sitter scheduled for your stay
How far in advance do I need to book?
- We advise to book any service with a minimum of 48 hrs notice
- Or as soon as travel plans are solidified !
- Summer, long weekends and holidays are peak times !
What if I have multiple pets ?
- No problem ! We offer discounted rates for additional pets on most services !
Is my dog crated all day?
- Absolutely not !
- Crates are not provided by the sitters.
- PET SITTING: allows your pet to do what they’re used to, the choice is yours when the care is in your home.
- BOARDING: every sitter’s home is set up differently, please message us for more information.
- If your pet is crated for any reason (grocery shopping, overnight, it’s their safe space, etc) then the crate must be provided.
- Otherwise your pet(s) will have free reign
Does the sitter walk my dog?
- Our intake form on the client portal requests information regarding your pets routine and we then match the best fit sitter to meet these lifestyle requirements.
- If you have a highly active pet, let us know at the time of booking so we can plan accordingly and determine if extra charges apply
Do my pets need to be vaccinated?
Pet Sitting and Check-ins:
- Since care is one on one, pets do not have to be vaccinated, but it is recommended
Boarding and Trekkers:
- Yes, your dog(s) must be up-to-date on all vaccines (DHPP, Rabies, Bordetella)
Will the sitter have other people in my home?
- No guests are permitted, unless approved by the client !
- With this in mind, it is appreciated (especially during longer stays, or the holidays) if the sitter is permitted to have 1 guest or 2.
- That being said, guest(s) will NOT stay the night !
Does the sitter provide updates?
- Yes !
- Clients and sitters can be in regular contact and share updates and photos !
- We recommend downloading and using the ‘Time To Pet’ app.
How many dogs are boarded at a time?
- Some of our boarding homes may host up to 5 families at a time during regular season.
- During peak periods (i.e. Holidays) there may be a few extra guests.
When is payment due and how do I pay?
Payments can be made by Credit Card in the portal or by sending an etransfer to [email protected]
- OVERNIGHTS (pet sitting + boarding)
– Full payment is due PRIOR to your departure
▸You may pay in full upon receiving the confirmation
OR
▸Provide a 50% deposit upon receiving the confirmation
▸and pay the remainder prior to your departure - CHECK-INS
– Full payment is due upon receiving the confirmation - TREKKERS
– Full payment is due at the end of each month - GROOMING
– A $30 non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your appointment
– Remaining payment is due at the end of your appointment date
Should I tip?
- Tips are appreciated; however, not expected !
- Cash tips are always preferred by our sitters, but can also be added to the invoice.
What happens in case of emergency?
- In the unlikely event of an emergency, we will always try to contact you first
- If the situation is serious enough to warrant a vet visit and especially if we are unable to reach you, please ensure you update your file at your vet to give the pet sitter permission to treat your pet. This permission could be critical to timely care for your pet. Please provide your vet with your credit card number and dollar limit as well. If you do not want to provide the pet sitter with this permission, please ensure you have an emergency contact on your pets vet file for this.
What is your cancellation policy?
Clients must cancel through the client portal
- OVERNIGHTS (pet sitting + boarding)
– Cancellations prior to 2 weeks of the start date will be fully refunded
– Cancellations within 2 weeks of the start date are subject to a 50% fee (up to a max of $300)
– Booking changes within 2 weeks of the start date are subject to a one day full rate penalty
– Booking changes or cancellations while in progress will not be refunded or credited
– If the booking is paid in full prior to any changes – a credit will be offered, no refunds will be provided - CHECK-INS
– Minimum 48 hours prior to the scheduled check-ins or a cancellation fee for full service cost will apply
– Rescheduled check-ins must be applied to another date within the same month
WHILE YOU’RE ON VACATION:
– Cancellations prior to 2 weeks of the start date will be fully refunded
– Cancellations within 2 weeks of the start date are subject to a 50% fee (up to a max of $300) - TREKKERS
– Minimum 48 hours prior to the scheduled walk
– Rescheduled appointments must be applied to another date within the same month
– Cancellations within 48 hours will be charged a cancellation fee for full service cost - GROOMING
– Minimum 48 hours notice: the non-refundable deposit will be forfeited
– If a cancellation is requested within 48 hours, a cancellation fee of up to 100% of services may apply
– Please inquire about rescheduling your appointment instead
What are considered Holidays at Tinkle Time?
- New Year’s Day
- Family Day
- Good Friday
- Easter Sunday
- Easter Monday
- Victoria Day
- Canada Day
- Heritage Day
- Labour Day
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
- Thanksgiving Day
- Remembrance Day
- Christmas Eve
- Christmas Day
- Boxing Day
- New Year’s Eve
