F.A.Q. - Tinkle Time

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
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.
Incorporated business with insurance
Sitters provide clear criminal background checks
Credit card and etransfer payment options

What is in-home pet sitting and what is included?

Our subcontractor pet sitters stay in your home, while you are away and they will live in your home as you would, in a respectful and professional manner
An in-home sitter provides security and care for both your pets and home, maintains your pets routines (walks, potty breaks, feeding schedules, medications, etc), and, of course, provides your pets with the care, love and attention they deserve

I’m new, how does this work?

Once you submit your request, 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 is a good fit
Following the meeting, please confirm through the client portal that you would like to book OR if you’d like to request an alternate sitter
Once confirmed, a deposit is required and we will send a detailed confirmation of your booking

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 so 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 during the day may not be the overnight sitter scheduled for your stay

How far in advance do I need to book?

Do I get to meet the pet sitter?

Absolutely !
We offer a complimentary meet and greet with a sitter prior to your departure to ensure everyone is comfortable with one another

Will my pet(s) be alone overnight?

Absolutely not !
With our pet sitting and boarding services, the sitter will always be with your pets through the night

Are you insured?

Yes ! In addition to our pet sitters clear criminal background checks, we are insured by ProFur

Is my dog crated all day?

Absolutely not ! Crates are not provided by the sitter.
In home pet sitting allows for your pet to do what they’re used to, the choice is yours when the care is in your home
If your pet is crated for any reason (ie: grocery shopping, overnight, etc) the crate must be provided.
Otherwise your pet(s) will have free reign as you allow
Crates are not provided in our boarders home, if your dog is crated overnight, please provide their crate for their stay

What if I have multiple pets ?

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
Boarding and Packwalks : Yes, your dog must be up-to-date on all vaccines (DHPP, Rabies, Bordetella)

Will the sitter have other people in the home?

Unless approved by the client, no guests are permitted !
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 said, they will NOT stay the night !

Does the sitter provide updates?

Yes ! Using the Time To Pet app.
Clients and sitters can be in regular contact and share regular updates and photos !
Please download the app to your phone if you book with us.

When is payment due and how do I pay?

A 25% deposit (up to $200) is required following your free meet and greet to secure the booking
The remainder is due PRIOR to your departure
Payments can be made by Credit Card in the client portal or by etransfer to [email protected]

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 is your cancellation policy?

Clients must cancel through the client portal
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 25% fee (up to a max of $200)
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

What are considered Holidays at Tinkle Time?

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.

How many dogs are boarded at a time?