Critter Sitters Faq's & Fees

Why should I use a Critter Sitter?
Psychological research shows that animals are most comfortable in a familiar environment. Many veterinarians recommend that pets stay at home when their owners are away so that they maintain their regular diet, which avoids digestive problems, and sleep and play in their accustomed places, with familiar smells and sights. In addition, there's no risk of acquiring diseases or parasites from other animals in a kennel.

What services does Critter Sitters provide?
Your sitter will visit your home each day, feeding your pet the food you choose, providing fresh water, exercise, accident and litter box clean-up, and medication or emergency care, if necessary. But, most of all, your sitter will play with your pet — providing the needed bright spot in the day while you're away. Your sitter will have the name of your veterinarian and will arrange for care should your pet become ill. All Critter Sitters are familiar with the veterinary emergency clinics in the area. Most sitters are trained to give pills and liquid medications, and many can give subcutaneous injections for diabetic and epileptic animals.

You sitter will also water your plants, take in mail and newspapers, alternate lights, and open and close draperies and blinds.

Who are the sitters?
All Critter Sitters are mature, responsible adults ranging in age from 25 to 70. Some have other jobs; some don't. They are screened extensively, carefully trained, experienced in caring for animals — and love them! Critter Sitters show their devotion to animals not only by diligently providing services to you but also by working many hours for metro Atlanta humane societies and other animal welfare organizations. And, of course, many of them have numerous animals of their own!

When you become a new customer of Critter Sitters, your sitter will come to your home for an "interview" — to meet your pets, become familiar with your home, and discuss all pertinent information about your pet's needs. Because we know from experience that customer and pets like the same "familiar face", you will always have the same sitter unless you move elsewhere in Atlanta. If your sitter isn't available, a fully trained substitute or another of our 100 regular sitters will always be there.

How do I know that I can trust Critter Sitters with my pet and my home?
All sitters are rigorously screened by the company and are bonded and insured. If you would like references, they will be glad to provide names of several customers. On an average day, we are responsible for more than 500 pets, and our sitters are trained to be security conscious. All keys are coded. None of our vehicles carry signs or insignia, which helps to prevent people from knowing you're not home. Sitters are familiar with alarm systems and work with them often. Anything related to the security and safety of both your home and your pet will be discussed when your sitter visits for the first time.

What time do the sitters come and how long do they stay?
The number and location of customers change daily, so we can't always guarantee a specific time. We try to be consistent with your pet's routine because, like people, animals like regularity in their lives. Daily visits will be at approximately the same time each day, and twice daily visits will be between 11 and 13 hours apart. Some pets require more than twice daily service, which we are happy to provide. The length of each visit depends mainly on your pets' needs for play and socializing.

How much does a Critter Sitter cost?
Our schedule of fees is listed below. These rates are competitive with any alternative for one pet, and for two or more pets, a Critter Sitter is a real bargain!

Cats $19 per visit ($2 each additional cat)
Dogs $19 per visit ($3 each additional dog)

Fees for horses, kennels, catteries and aviaries are negotiable. Other pets are subject to cat rates. Charges for additional pets apply only when care is provided. For example, when a dog receives care twice a day and a cat in the same household receives care on only one visit, the fees will be $21 for the first visit and $19 for the second visit. If we care for both the dog and cat on both visits the fees would be $21 for each visit.

How do I make arrangements for a Critter Sitter?
Use our on-line form to make a request. Online requests will be confirmed by phone.

Or you can call us at 404-377-5475. We have a 24-hour-a-day voice-mail system in operation 365 days a year. We'll always do our best to accommodate you. Please help us provide the best possible service by providing us as much notice as possible. Regular customers often call weeks in advance, especially during busy holiday seasons.

Call us at (404) 377-5475 for more information!