How do I sign up for services?

Please fill out the New Client Intake form. Once we receive the form we will give you a call to answer questions and set up the Meet and Greet. We are open to last minute requests and will try to accommodate you and your kitty's needs, but please be advised a minimum 5 days before your first visit is advisable.

How are Meet and Greets completed?

Meet and Greets are done via Phone or Zoom meeting with one of our experienced Managers. They will help complete your profile, offer suggestions on visit types and answer all of your questions.

Do I get to meet my sitter?

Unfortunately you will not get to meet your sitter(s) in advance. Many of our sitters work for us full time and have regularly scheduled shifts and days off. We train and oversee all of our sitters to give the same exceptional care to all of the kitties they visit. Unlike asking a friend or working with a smaller sitting company that would need to cancel your visit if a sitter has an illness or emergency, Austin Cat Sitters will quickly reassign a sitter to ensure your visits are completed. Our sitters are experienced cat folks and have Manager support continuously every single day. Everyone at Austin Cat Sitters passes a thorough background check before joining us.

Why is it you do not board cats?

In our experience boarding cats can be very stressful for them. Cats tend to do better in environments that they know with the freedom to roam when they want to. Our goal is to provide a service that keeps cats happy, healthy, and safe in their own homes.

Should I request a 20, 40, or 60 minute visit?

Our visits are customizable based on your cats needs. Our scheduling allows for flexibility in type and number of visits your cat needs. We do recommend that if you have a kitten or very active cat selecting either two 20 Minute Meows or a 40/60 Minute Meow visit. We try our best to entertain active cats so they can get energy out appropriately. As each situation is unique, our Manager can help guide you during your zoom Meet and Greet.

How do I know my visit was complete?

Our sitters are all equipped with an app (Time to Pet) that assists them in completing the visit. Upon arrival the sitter will start the timer for the visit. Food, water, litter, and any other requests will be completed first then the sitter will use the remaining time to give your kitty attention. As part of the service, the sitter will use the app to write a short description of your visit (End of visit report) during the last few minutes they are at our home. A check list will be completed and lots of photos added to the email. The sitter will then send the email (via the app).

From this email you will be able to review the information and verify the time spent at your home. You can respond directly to the email (or private message a Manager) and all conversations will be stored for future reference for you and the sitters.

How many people are on your team?

Austin Cat Sitters employs approximately 30 people at any one time, including several Managers and an Operations Manager. For busy holidays we have a number of former sitters who return so we can boost our capacity and serve everyone possible. Several of our team (and all Managers) work full-time and receive benefits.

EVERYONE at Austin Cat Sitters is background checked, insured, trained and receive monthly reading on cat related articles. We hold team meetings at least twice a year for training and other feline team building experiences. You can find information about our team on "The Team" page.

Will I have the same sitter visit while I am gone?

It all depends. If you have am and pm visits then no (we don’t ask our team to work all day or do split shifts). The majority of sitters work with us 3 day per week that fit into the rest of their lives (college, parenting, other jobs etc) so if you are gone for more than 3 days, you will most likely have at least a couple of sitters. However, all of our sitters are trained in the Austin Cat Sitters process and protocols and so you will receive a consistent visit experience. You are able to see which sitter is visiting your cat via our scheduling system.

What happens if my cat gets sick while I am away?

Our sitters are trained to follow certain protocol in assessing a sick or injured cat and all of our Managers are first aid and CPR trained. It is the clients responsibility to notify us ahead of time of any concerns. In the instance that the cat needs immediate medical care, the sitter (once discussed with a Manager) will bring your cat to the closest emergency veterinary clinic and a Manager will contact you as soon as possible. You will need to contact the Vet clinic to give them your credit card information. Generally emergency clinics insist upon a human staying the entire time. In this case, Austin Cat Sitters may invoice you for the sitters time needing to be there.

If your cat's need of medical attention is not immediate, our Manager will attempt to contact you prior to any other action and afford you the time to set up a visit with your vet. We can transport and pick up your kitty for these visits.

How do you access my house?

Austin Cat Sitters does NOT take possession of they keys to your home (ever and under no circumstances). Keys can be stored in a lockbox or other key holding container. We have a variety of lockboxes for sale (please ask a Manager during your meet and greet) or you can of course buy your own online or from a hardware store.

We are not responsible for lockboxes that have been removed by apartment complexes. Please check with your complex management prior to setting out a box. If you have any questions please contact us.

Can I reserve a specific time for my cat's visit?

We do not reserve specific times for visits unless there is a specific medical need (and we still need a 2 hour window of flexibility). We offer blocks of times in which your cat's visit will be completed. Mornings 7AM-11AM, Once A Days 7AM-8PM, and Evenings 4PM-8PM.