Cowichan Valley Pet and Home Sitting
At Tinkle Time, Exceptional Care of your Pets and Home is our Business
We currently offer professional, experienced and insured overnight in-home pet sitting, daily pet and farm animal check-ins and house sitting in the following communities:
Mill Bay
Cobble Hill
Shawnigan Lake
Cowichan Bay
Duncan
Lake Cowichan
If you are in a community not listed but would like to request services, please inquire as we may be able to help case by case
Overnight In-Home Pet Sitting
For all Overnight In-Home Pet Sitting Services:
We include 20 minutes of home and/or yard care per day – $5/additional 15 minutes per day
The sitter is always in the home overnight
Check-in on day one of care is after 12pm | Check-out on the last day of care is 12pm
We charge a half day fee if we are requested up to an additional 5 hours of care on either side of 12pm | We charge a full day fee if we are requested beyond 5 hours on either side of 12pm
‘Time Limit’ service is when your pets will not be left alone longer than 5 consecutive hours during the day – Starts at +$10 per night
We understand each household is unique and different. Contact us to get a personalized quote!
Benefits of Overnight In-Home Pet Sitting Services:
It is less stressful for pets and their owners to have them stay in their own secure environment
We follow your pets regular routines (i.e. walks, pee breaks, feeding times)
Your pets medical needs can be attended to
Your home is being occupied in case of an emergency and to prevent theft
Less risk of parasite or illness exposure and undesirable interactions with other dogs
You do not have to impose on family, friends or neighbours to care for your pets
Unlike boarding facilities, the care is customized to your pets specific needs
Additional Charges May Apply for:
Pets who require extra exercise, attention or medical care
Dogs with behavioral issues such as separation anxiety or aggression
Puppies who are not housebroken or crate trained and require constant attention
Travel fees depending on location
Packages and Rates
Overnight In-Home Dog Sitting
Guarantees pets will not be left alone longer than 6-9 consecutive hours during the day
Service includes one dog and one small pet or equivalent
- Base
Rate - $60
- Additional
Dogs - +$15
- Additional
Small Pets - +$5
- Additional Farm
Animals - $10+ (varies)
- Medication
Administration - +$3.50
- Time Limit
(5hr guarantee)* - +$10
- Holiday
Rate - +$15
Overnight Care for Cats, Small and Farm Animals
Cats and Small Animals will not be left alone longer than 8-9 consecutive hours during the day
Service includes two small pets or equivalent
*If Time Limit is requested to be less than 5 hours, it is an additional $10 per hour i.e. 4 hour guarantee = +$20/night, 3 hour guarantee = +$30/night, 2 hour guarantee = +$40/night
Daily Check-Ins For Your Pets and Home
Daily Timed Check-In Options for your Home, Cat, Dog, Critter and/or Farm Animals
For all Home, Cat, Critter, Dog and and/or Farm Animal Check-Ins:
We offer 20 to 90 minute daily check in options for just your home or a combination of your home and animals
Check-ins can be morning, afternoon, or evening and the sitter’s arrival will be within a two hour time range i.e. arrival between 9am and 11am
May include feeding animals, changing litter, potty breaks and walks for dogs, watering plants, mowing lawns, checking mail and more
Customizable care based on yours and your pets specific needs
Additional dogs will be charged a fee of $5/dog for 20-25 minute visits and $10/dog for 30-90 minute visits
*Please note daily check-in services for dogs is limited, please inquire
Durations and Rates
A Variety of Times Available to Meet your Specific Needs
Before booking, please consider the amount of time it takes to care for your home, pets and animals. This is to be fair for everyone and discussed in detail at the meet and greet.
* 20 minutes generally includes a maximum of 2 pets or equivalent (i.e. 2 cats or 20 minutes of watering while tending to flock of chickens)
*25 minutes generally includes 3 pets or equivalent (i.e. 3 cats or 25 minutes of watering while tending to a flock of chickens)
FAQ
Why should I choose Tinkle Time over other available options?
Because we offer:
- Over 8 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 payment options
I’m new, how does this work?
- Once you submit your request for daily check-ins or overnight care through the portal, we will send out a meet and greet to you and sitter
- 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. Preferably through the client portal.
- 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, the deposit is required and we will send a detailed confirmation of your booking
What is overnight in-home pet sitting and what is included?
- Our subcontractor pet sitters stay in your home while you are away and 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
- Our per night fees are on a 24 hour period. We can be flexible when our sitters arrive and depart to meet your specific travel and pet care requirements
What is a daily check-in and what is included?
- Our subcontractor pet sitters come to visit your home at your requested frequency and treat your home as you would in a respectful and professional manner
- Our check in sitters provide security and care for both your pets and home, maintain your pets routines (walks, potty breaks, feeding schedules, medications etc), and, of course, provide your pets with the care, love and attention they deserve
- Once you’ve discussed the preferred arrival time at the meet and greet, the sitter will provide a two hour range of approximate arrival. For example, if you would like the sitter to come at 9am, they may provide an arrival window between 8am and 10am
Can you tell me about the 6 - 9 hour guarantee? What does the 5 hour ‘Time Limit’ mean?
- Many of our sitters have other jobs as pet sitting is not a full time income earner
- Sitters are often in the home more than the 6 – 9 consecutive hour guarantee especially on their days off or for those who do not have ‘regular’ jobs
- We do our best to match you with the sitter who best suits your needs and time requirements
- The 5 hour ‘Time Limit’ guarantee limits the amount of time your pet is left alone during the day to a maximum duration of 5 consecutive hours. This means the sitter will check in on your pets during the day to break up the duration of time left alone. Time limits can be customized for puppies and special needs cases
How far in advance do I need to book?
- As soon as travel plans are solidified! Summer, long weekends and holidays are our busiest times!
What are considered Holidays at Tinkle Time?
- Holidays include New Years Day, Family Day, Easter Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Labour Day, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Eve
How do I book?
- Our robust online booking platform! This program allows you to book online your convenience.
- New Clients: https://www.timetopet.com/portal/tinkletimepetservices/create-account
- Existing Clients: https://www.timetopet.com/portal/tinkletimepetservices
- Email [email protected]
- Phone 403-763-2838
Do I get to meet the pet sitter?
- Absolutely! We offer 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 overnight pet and home sitting 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?
- In home pet sitting allows for your pet to do what they’re used to! As such, freedom or crate, the choice is yours when the care is in your home
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?
- Since care is one on one, pets do not have to be vaccinated for in-home pet sitting services
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) if the sitter is permitted to have 1 to 3 guests. 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 50% deposit is taken following your free meet and greet to secure the booking and the remainder is due the day of your departure
- E transfer to [email protected]
- Credit Card
What is your cancellation policy?
- 30+ days cancellation notice = 100% refund or credit, 15 to 29 days cancellation notice = 50% refund or credit, 0-14 days cancellation notice = 0% refund or credit
- Clients may cancel through the client portal or by contacting us
Should I tip?
- Tips are appreciated; however, not expected! Cash tips are always preferred by our sitters but can also be added to credit card or e transfer payments
Cowichan Valley Pet and Home Sitting
Contact Us
Email: [email protected] | Phone: 1-403-763-2838 | Client Portal: New Clients or Existing Clients