Below are some of the questions I am most often asked about my in-home pet sitting services.   If you have a question that isn’t answered here, please feel free to get in touch by phone or email.

Q.   Do you offer a meet and greet?

A.   Yes. A meet and greet is an essential part of my cat sitting and specialist dog sitting service and helps ensure Rowan’s House is the right fit for both you and your pets. 

The meeting allows:

• You to meet me in person and decide whether you would feel comfortable having me care for your pets and your home
• Your pets to become familiar with me in their own environment, helping to reduce anxiety when I arrive for their care, particularly if you have already left

There is no obligation to book following a meet and greet.   My priority is to ensure everyone feels comfortable and confident before any care takes place.

Meet and greets are free of charge within Essex.   For appointments in Kent, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Sussex, a fee of £10 applies, payable in advance.

Q.   Do you walk dogs off the lead?

A.   No.   For safety and insurance reasons, dogs are never walked off the lead while in my care. The only exception is exercise on your own private, fully enclosed land or within a secure enclosed dog park, with your prior agreement.     This policy is non-negotiable and is in place to protect your dog at all times.

Q.   Do you offer dog walking as a standalone service?

A.   No.   Rowan’s House does not offer dog walking as a standalone service.   Dogs are walked as part of a house sit where appropriate for their age, health, and needs.    My focus is on calm, in-home pet sitting rather than high-volume or walking-only services.

Q.   Why should I trust you with my pets and my home?

A.   I understand that trusting someone with your pets and your home is a significant decision.   I provide calm, attentive care and treat every animal and property with the same respect and consideration I would give my own.

Rowan’s House is fully insured for both your home and your pets.   I am trained in holistic animal care, animal herbalism, and canine and feline first aid, with ongoing professional development in canine behaviour and pet bereavement.    I intentionally work with a small number of clients at a time to ensure each pet receives unhurried, consistent care.

Q.   Do you look after elderly, anxious, or pets with medical needs or physical issues?

A.   Yes.   I specialise in caring for elderly pets, anxious or sensitive animals, animal with visual or physical impairments, and pets requiring medication.    In-home pet sitting allows pets to remain in their familiar surroundings, which often helps reduce stress and maintain routine.

Q.   Do you take on all dogs?

A.   Rowan’s House is best suited to dogs who benefit from calm, knowledgeable handling rather than high-energy or high-volume care.    I am always happy to discuss your dog’s individual needs to ensure we are the right fit.    This helps ensure the best experience for both you and your pet.

Q.   Do you offer cat sitting and care for multi-pet households?

A.   Yes.   I regularly provide cat sitting, including care for indoor-only cats, senior cats, and multi-cat households.    I also care for homes with a mixture of pets, tailoring my visits to suit each individual animal’s needs and routine.

Q.   Do I pay before or after the service?

A.   A non-refundable deposit of 30% is required at the time of booking to secure your dates.  The balance is due no less than 30 days prior to the start date.

Q.   What happens if I need to cancel my booking?

A.   The cancellation policy for Rowan’s House pet sitting services is as follows:

Cancellation up to 30 days prior to the service start date: non-refundable deposit.

Cancellation 29-14 days prior to the service start date: refund minus a 50% cancellation fee.

Cancellation 13-7 days prior to the service start date: refund minus a 75% cancellation fee.

Cancellation 7 days prior to the service start date: no refund given.

This policy reflects the fact that other bookings may have been declined and it may not be possible to rebook the dates at short notice.

Changes to dates can be made where availability allows and are subject to an administration charge of 15% of the total booking value.

Q.   What happens during bad weather?

A.   Your pet’s safety always comes first.   In light rain, walks will usually continue as normal.   During severe weather, very hot conditions, or unsafe conditions, outdoor walks may be shortened or replaced with indoor play, enrichment, and companionship at your property.   During summer months, walks are planned for cooler times of day where appropriate.

Q.   Does my dog need to wear an ID tag?

A.   Yes. By UK law, all dogs must wear a collar with an ID tag displaying the owner’s name and contact number, even if they are microchipped.

If your dog does not have a suitable tag at the start of a house sit, I can supply one at a cost of £7 each, which will be added to your invoice.

Q.   How far do you travel?

A.   Rowan’s House is based in Rochford, Essex, but I provides in-home pet sitting services throughout Essex, Sussex, Suffolk, Norfolk and Kent on a regular basis.    I am happy to travel further if requested, so please get in touch to discuss this.

Q.   Is Rowan’s House the right fit for me?

A.   Rowan’s House is ideal for pet owners looking for experienced, calm, in-home pet care, particularly for cats and specialist dogs.  

If you are unsure whether Rowan’s House is the right fit for you and your pets, I am always happy to have an initial conversation.