Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Yes. One complimentary first pre-sit visit is included for new clients.

Any additional pre-sit visits beyond the first complimentary visit are charged at the regular visit rate.

If time is available before your departure and you would like to meet your assigned pet sitter, a regular pet-sitting visit will be scheduled and charged. These meetings are limited to 30 minutes maximum.

Karla’s Pet Care strives for continuity for the benefit of both pets and sitters. However, in cases of emergencies, illness, days off, or unforeseen circumstances, we may send a replacement pet sitter.

All team members are background checked and trained in Karla’s Pet Care standards before caring for pets independently.

If you request to meet a replacement or covering sitter, that meeting will be charged as a regular visit.

We do our best to accommodate last-minute requests for existing clients, though same-day availability can’t always be guaranteed. A $20 late-scheduling fee applies to bookings made with less than 48 hours’ notice. The surest way to be covered is to book early, especially around holidays and summer.

We serve Elk Grove, California exclusively, covering ZIP codes 95757, 95758, and 95624. Keeping our focus on Elk Grove means familiar routes, faster scheduling, and dependable, neighborhood-based care.

Yes. Karla’s Pet Care is fully bonded and insured, our team is covered by workers’ compensation, and every team member is background-checked before their first visit. We’ve cared for Elk Grove families since 2004 and treat your home and pets with the respect they deserve.

Yes. Karla’s Pet Care is led by a former Registered Veterinary Technician, and our team is trained to administer medications at home. Insulin injections are $5 each and subcutaneous (Sub-Q) fluids are $25 per session for cooperative dogs and cats, given exactly as your veterinarian directs. We also handle oral, topical, and specialty medications.

We care for dogs, cats, and pocket pets, and we welcome reptiles too. Every visit is tailored to your pet’s routine and needs. If you have a less common companion, just ask… we’re happy to talk through whether we’re the right fit.

You’ll get photos and detailed notes after every visit through our Time To Pet portal, so you always know how your pet is doing. Our sitters are trained employees of Karla’s Pet Care, not gig-app contractors, background-checked and covered by workers’ compensation. And because we work as a team, there’s always backup if your regular sitter is unavailable.

A visit includes feeding and fresh water, potty breaks and yard time, a walk or playtime, basic medication reminders, litter scooping, and photo updates. We’ll also bring in mail and packages, take trash to the curb, and water plants on request, plus provide a lived-in presence that helps keep your home secure.

Yes, we care for reptiles and pocket pets in addition to dogs and cats. Care is always tailored to the specific animal, so reach out with your pet’s details and we’ll let you know exactly how we can help.

With in-home pet sitting, your pet stays in their own home on their normal routine while we come to them. With boarding, your pet is dropped off at a facility with other animals. In-home care means less stress, no exposure to illness from other pets, and one-on-one attention… especially good for anxious pets, seniors, and pets on medication.

Create your account in our Time To Pet client portal, add your pets and details, and request a meet-and-greet. New clients get one complimentary pre-sit visit so you and your pet can meet your sitter. There is a 3-visit minimum for first-time clients. After that, booking future visits takes just a minute.

Yes. Every member of the Karla’s Pet Care team is a background-checked, trained employee of the company, not an independent contractor, vetted before caring for your pets on their own. The business is bonded and insured and carries workers’ compensation, so you have both peace of mind and protection while you’re away.

Yes. Your assigned sitter is trained by the owner/trainer of Karla’s Pet Care. All sitters are trained on company pet care standards before caring for pets without supervision.

If your original sitter is unavailable due to illness, emergencies, or other unforeseen issues, Karla’s Pet Care reserves the right to send a trained replacement sitter so your pet’s care continues uninterrupted.

If your pet becomes sick or injured while in our care:

• The sitter will take necessary measures, including first aid when appropriate
• For serious issues, your pet will be transported to your specified veterinarian
• If your veterinarian is unavailable, the sitter may use an emergency clinic at their
  discretion

Yes. By signing the client agreement, you grant Karla’s Pet Care permission to seek veterinary treatment when needed. This authorization applies to all current and future services.

The pet owner is fully responsible for:

• Veterinary diagnosis and treatment
• Medical supplies
• Grooming or boarding related to medical care
• Emergency transportation or special service fees

All payments or reimbursements are due within 14 days of the incident.

Yes. You authorize Karla’s Pet Care and your primary veterinarian to share medical records with emergency clinics if needed.

If a pet escapes, the sitter will do everything humanly possible to retrieve them and will contact the pet owner immediately for further instructions if retrieval is not possible.

If your home becomes unsafe or unfit for your pet to stay in, Karla’s Pet Care may relocate your pet to an appropriate pre-determined facility or one chosen at our discretion.

Any home-related operations or emergencies should be specified before pet sitting begins. If not specified, issues will be handled at the sitter’s discretion, with or without contacting the pet owner.

Karla’s Pet Care is not responsible for emergencies that occur when a sitter is not physically present.

Yes. Adjustments may be made at the sitter’s discretion or according to pre-specified settings agreed upon with the pet owner.

You have two options:

1. Purchase a lockbox from Karla’s Pet Care for $20
2. Provide your own lockbox

We will bring it on the first visit, place it where you choose, and provide you with the necessary codes.

You must enter the location and code in your client portal under the alarm section before visits can begin.

If lockboxes, coded locks, or hidden keys are not used, Karla’s Pet Care requires:

• Two working keys to the home
• A $15 fee if we need to make a second key

Keys are securely stored at the Karla’s Pet Care office.

Alternative arrangements (keys under mats, unlocked doors, keys with neighbors) are strongly discouraged. If used, all liability is negated for Karla’s Pet Care.

If a locksmith is required due to faulty locks, missing keys, or garage/access failures, the client is responsible for all costs. You authorize Karla’s Pet Care to employ a locksmith on your behalf if needed.

The full balance is due on the first visit via:

• Client portal (credit or debit card)
• Check payable to Karla’s Pet Care, LLC
• Cash

Regular dog-walking clients are invoiced every two weeks, with payment due on the last date of service on the invoice.

Yes:

• $10 fee at 14 days late
• Additional $20 at 30 days late
• Additional $10 every 14 days thereafter

• 48 hours’ notice is required for non-holiday reservations
• 7 days’ notice is required for holiday reservations
• Cancellations must be submitted by 8:00 PM to avoid fees

If canceled with proper notice, you will receive a full credit or refund. Refunds are issued within 30 days using the original payment method.

• Less than 48 hours (or 7 days for holidays): 50% of the invoice is charged
• Cancellations after services begin or early returns: 100% of the invoice is due

If a sitter arrives and no cancellation was received, the full visit fee is charged.

You must notify the office by 7:00 PM the night before to avoid charges.

Yes. A $5 flat holiday fee per visit applies during Thanksgiving week and December 18–January 3.

• 7 days’ notice is required for a full refund
• Less than 7 days: 50% of invoice due
• Reservations booked with less than 7 days’ notice and then canceled are charged 100%

Yes. Updates can be sent via email or text. Let us know your preference.

All communication must go through the Karla’s Pet Care Time to Pet Portal. Sitters’ personal phone numbers are not shared.