Frequently Asked Questions.

We understand that trust is paramount when it comes to caring for your pets and entering your home. Our team consists of approximately 40 independent contractors, each of whom undergoes comprehensive criminal background checks. Sitters generally work no more than 10–12 miles from their home, so they’re part of your local community.

We partner with SentryLink, a leading background screening provider, to perform detailed criminal history checks — going beyond a simple database search to include driving offenses, national criminal records, and sex offender registries. Every independent contractor undergoes this thorough vetting before working with clients.

Your satisfaction and your pet’s wellbeing are our top priorities. If you have any concerns, contact us as soon as possible and we’ll address them promptly and professionally. We back every visit with our 100% money-back guarantee — single-visit claims within 2 days, ongoing concerns within 5 days of your last scheduled visit.

Our selection process includes a thorough application review, multi-stage interviews (including a Google Meet call), comprehensive criminal background checks, reference checks, and shadowing with experienced sitters before new team members work independently. We look for people who are experienced, transparent, gentle with animals, and genuinely love what they do — the standard Scritches is known for.

If you’re passionate about animals and providing exceptional pet care, we’d love to hear from you. Visit our Join the Team page for current opportunities, requirements, and the application process.

We proudly serve Surprise, Goodyear, Peoria, Glendale, Avondale, Buckeye, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, and Gilbert — and we’re continuously expanding. Don’t see your neighborhood listed? Contact us — we may still be able to help.

Yes, absolutely — every new client gets a free Meet & Greet before their first scheduled visit. This lets you meet your assigned sitter, review your pet’s routine and any special instructions, and ask questions. No payment is taken until after your Meet & Greet, once you’re fully satisfied.

We care for dogs, cats, and small animals including rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, tortoises, and birds, plus exotic pets like reptiles and amphibians. We can also offer basic ranch care for horses, goats, and the occasional alpaca — limited to feeding, cleaning out, and refreshing water. If your pet type isn’t listed, contact us to discuss your specific requirements.

We accept debit and credit card payments through our secure client portal integration. We no longer accept checks.

We understand plans change, so we don’t have a cancellation policy or charge cancellation fees. We just ask that you communicate any schedule changes as soon as possible so we can adjust accordingly. Note: new clients booking within 48 hours may be asked for a refundable $50 deposit, returned once service begins — this isn’t a cancellation fee, just a booking safeguard for brand-new accounts.

Yes — we call this a Sleepover. Our standard Sleepover runs 7pm through 7am ($120). For pets needing more attention, our Extended Sleepover adds a 2-hour midday visit ($170), and our VIP Live-In provides 7pm–7am plus 10am–4pm coverage ($235). See our Dog Sitting or Cat Sitting pages for full details.

Yes — you’ll receive regular updates during every visit, including photos, videos, or written reports depending on your preferred communication method. Open communication is core to how we work.

We assign a Primary sitter to your account, who you’ll meet at your free Meet & Greet, and we aim to have them handle as many of your visits as possible so your pet stays familiar with their caregiver. If your Primary is unavailable, a carefully selected Secondary sitter fills in to maintain continuity. If you’d prefer a different sitter for any reason, we’ll work with you.

Rates vary by visit length, service type, and any special requirements like medication administration. Full pricing is available on our Services page, and every price is clearly shown when you submit a schedule request — no surprises. We charge one flat fee regardless of how many pets you have; you pay for your sitter’s time, not per animal.

We recommend booking as far ahead as possible, especially during peak seasons and holidays — ideally at least a week or two, and several weeks to months ahead for major holidays. We do our best to accommodate last-minute requests too.

We have a clear protocol: we’ll immediately contact you to assess the situation, and if necessary, transport your pet to your designated vet or the nearest emergency clinic. We keep your vet’s contact details on file and will keep you updated throughout, working closely with the veterinary team until your pet is safe.

Yes — all sitters and walkers are fully insured and bonded, covering property damage and any injuries or accidents involving your pets while in our care, plus bonding for financial protection against theft or loss. We use and recommend Pet Sitters Associates for our insurance and bonding requirements.

The best way is through your client profile, where you can detail medication schedules, feeding instructions, walking routes, and any behavioral quirks. We review these carefully and also discuss them in detail at your Meet & Greet.

Yes — our team has varying levels of skill and experience with medication administration, specialized feeding, mobility support, and behavioral challenges. Many of our sitters have veterinary technician backgrounds or years of animal care experience. We gather detailed information about your pet’s needs and medical history at your Meet & Greet to ensure we’re fully prepared.

It depends on your dog’s breed, age, energy level, and health. Most dogs benefit from at least one walk daily, with many thriving on two or three. Aim for a minimum of 20–30 minutes of daily exercise — high-energy breeds often need more, sometimes 1–2 hours. Puppies need shorter, more frequent walks; senior dogs typically need less strenuous outings. Always consider your dog’s individual needs and consult your vet for personalized guidance.

Always use a secure leash and harness/collar, stay aware of surroundings, maintain control especially in crowded areas, carry waste bags, provide fresh water in warm weather, walk at a pace suited to your dog’s age and health, use positive reinforcement, and vary routes for mental stimulation.

Our trained sitters prioritize safety and use positive reinforcement to redirect attention and build positive associations during walks. We maintain safe distance from triggers and gradually desensitize where appropriate, working closely with owners to understand specific triggers. If needed, we recommend consulting a certified dog behaviorist for specialized guidance.

Food and water (with bowls), any medications with clear dosage instructions, a leash and harness/collar, toys and treats, comfortable bedding, emergency contact info including your vet, details of your dog’s routine on your client profile, and cleaning supplies like waste bags.

We tailor care to each dog’s breed characteristics, from high-energy working breeds to laid-back companions — adjusting walking pace, playtime, and our overall approach to suit each dog individually.

Watch for lethargy, dry or sticky gums, sunken eyes, loss of skin elasticity (pinch test), excessive panting, thick or ropey saliva, decreased urination, loss of appetite, or vomiting/diarrhea. If you notice several of these signs, provide fresh water immediately and consult your veterinarian.

We tailor walking and playtime to your dog’s breed, age, energy level, and health — including brisk walks, runs, and interactive games. Our sitters recognize signs of fatigue or overheating and adjust activity accordingly, while communicating with you to maintain your dog’s typical routine.

We have a well-defined protocol: we provide any necessary first aid within our capabilities, attempt to contact you immediately, and transport your dog to your designated vet or the nearest emergency clinic if needed. We keep your vet’s contact info on file and update you throughout — and with Tony & Liza’s extensive police experience, our team is trained to handle emergencies calmly and efficiently.

We provide frequent potty breaks to aid house training, age-appropriate exercise that avoids overexertion on developing joints, adherence to feeding schedules, safe socialization as directed by you, close supervision for safety, and plenty of comfort and affection while you’re away.

We assess each dog’s socialization needs and history, then use gradual, positive methods — controlled introductions, exposure to new environments, and rewarding calm behavior — always prioritizing comfort and avoiding overwhelm. If a dog shows fear or aggression, we adjust our approach and consult with you and, if needed, a professional behaviorist.

We follow your established schedule strictly — food type, portion sizes, and timing — and ensure fresh water is always available. Any concerns or deviations are communicated to you promptly.

For puppies, we follow your established routine, taking them out at designated times and rewarding successful elimination, cleaning up accidents thoroughly. For adult dogs, we maintain their regular schedule and provide ample opportunities to relieve themselves. We prioritize positive reinforcement and avoid punishment.

Extended isolation can lead to separation anxiety, destructive behavior, lack of exercise and mental stimulation, potty accidents, safety hazards like chewing electrical cords, and loneliness. Consider your dog’s individual needs, age, and health when deciding how long they can be left alone.

Options include topical treatments, oral chewable medications (like NexGard or Simparica, prescription-only), flea/tick collars (like Seresto), and shampoos for existing infestations. Regularly vacuuming your home and washing your dog’s bedding also helps. Consult your veterinarian to determine the safest, most effective option for your dog’s breed, age, and health.

We watch for signs like destructive behavior, excessive barking, pacing, trembling, house soiling, and clingy behavior. Our sitters maintain a calm, consistent environment following your regular routine, provide enrichment and distraction, and reinforce any training techniques you’re already using. For severe cases, we recommend consulting your vet or a certified professional trainer, and we’ll work alongside their recommendations.

We’re experienced with multi-dog households — ensuring each dog gets individual attention with correct feeding portions, managing walks and playtime around each dog’s energy level and social compatibility, monitoring interactions for conflict, and making sure every dog has a safe, comfortable resting space.

Scoop daily to remove solid waste and clumps of urine — this controls odor and keeps the box inviting. For a complete litter change: with clumping litter and diligent scooping, every 2–4 weeks is fine; non-clumping litter absorbs urine and needs changing 2–3 times per week. When you change the litter, wash the box with warm water and mild, unscented soap — harsh chemicals or scented cleaners can deter cats.

Interactive play with wand toys or laser pointers (never directly in their eyes) engages natural hunting instincts. Puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys add mental stimulation at mealtime. Scratching posts, climbing structures, and a window-watching spot round things out — along with quality one-on-one time petting, grooming, and playing together.

Food and water with clean bowls, a clean litter box with adequate litter, any medications with clear dosage instructions, toys and scratching posts, a safe retreat space, your vet’s emergency contact details, and your cat’s routine (feeding times, play preferences, any specific needs) kept up to date on your client profile.

We provide a calm, quiet environment with minimal disruption, maintain their regular feeding/play/rest schedule as closely as possible, use gentle handling with no sudden movements, offer enrichment to keep them engaged, and stay attentive to changes in behavior or body language. If your cat has a history of anxiety or severe symptoms, we recommend discussing strategies with your veterinarian, which we can then incorporate into our care.

Watch for lethargy, dry or sticky gums, loss of skin elasticity (pinch test), sunken or dull eyes, decreased appetite, reduced urination, and increased heart rate. If you notice several of these signs, provide fresh water immediately and contact your veterinarian.

We’re experienced with oral medication (pills, capsules, liquid — sometimes hidden in food or given via pill popper) and topical medication (creams or ointments), always following your specific instructions with gentle restraint and a calm approach. If your cat is particularly resistant, we’ll communicate with you to explore alternatives. We administer medication exactly as instructed — we cannot diagnose or prescribe.

Puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys challenge your cat to work for food, satisfying hunting instincts. Interactive wand toys or laser pointers (never directly in the eyes) encourage active chasing and pouncing. Snuffle mats let cats “hunt” by scent, and motion-activated or catnip toys spark curiosity. Rotating a variety of toys based on your cat’s play style keeps boredom at bay.

We recognize senior cats may face decreased mobility, cognitive decline, and increased health susceptibility. Our approach includes gentle, patient handling, easy access to food/water/litter/resting areas, careful medication administration, close monitoring for behavior or appetite changes (reported to you promptly), and activities adjusted to suit their physical limits.

Brush most cats a few times weekly (long-haired cats daily) to remove loose fur and prevent mats. Trim nails regularly with cat-specific clippers, avoiding the quick. Dental care with cat-specific toothpaste and regular vet checkups helps prevent disease. Check ears periodically and clean gently with a damp cloth or vet-approved cleaner. Most cats rarely need baths. Start grooming young, stay gentle and patient, and use grooming time to check for lumps or other concerns.

Short-haired cats generally do well with brushing once or twice a week. Long-haired cats are prone to mats and tangles, so daily brushing — sometimes twice a day — is recommended. Brushing reduces hairballs, distributes healthy skin oils, offers a bonding opportunity, and lets you catch skin issues early.

We ensure ample resources — one litter box per cat plus one extra in different locations, multiple spaced-out food/water bowls, sufficient scratching posts, and safe hiding places. We feed cats separately to avoid competition, ensure each gets individual attention, and watch closely for signs of stress or conflict between them.

Extended isolation can lead to loneliness, boredom, and even depression; stress and anxiety affecting behavior and health; delayed detection of sudden illness or injury; accidents involving toxins or hazards around the home; and litter box issues if it becomes too soiled. For extended absences, a daily check-in from a pet sitter is recommended.

Regular brushing (especially for long-haired breeds) reduces the fur they ingest while self-grooming. Hairball-control diets add fiber to help hair pass through, and over-the-counter gels or pastes can help too. Keeping your cat well-hydrated also helps. If hairballs are frequent or severe — especially alongside appetite loss, lethargy, or constipation — consult your veterinarian.

Set up a quiet “safe room” with food, water, litter, scratching post, and bedding so the new cat can adjust gradually. Swap scents via bedding or a rubbed cloth before any face-to-face contact. Start with controlled visual contact through a closed door or crate, then gradually increase supervised time together. Give each cat their own resources throughout, and be patient — the process can take days to weeks.

We follow your instructions precisely — food type, brand, portion sizes, feeding frequency, and any restrictions or allergies. If diet is tied to medication, we’re experienced administering pills, liquids, or injections as directed. We take care to avoid cross-contamination between pets, and we closely monitor eating habits, reporting any concerns to you promptly.

Positive reinforcement is key — reward desired behavior with treats, praise, or toys. Clicker training helps mark the exact right moment. Keep sessions short (5–10 minutes) and consistent, ideally worked into a daily routine like before mealtimes. Understand what motivates your specific cat, keep it fun, and avoid punishment, which leads to fear and distrust rather than learning.

Our services focus on domesticated pets in their own homes — we don’t provide trapping, relocation, or long-term outdoor care for feral or stray cats. If you regularly feed outdoor cats and want us to continue during visits, provide detailed instructions on your client profile and we’ll follow them where we can. For comprehensive feral cat assistance, local animal shelters, rescues, or TNR programs are the right resource.

Secure or hide electrical cords, store toxic cleaners/medications/chemicals safely, avoid toxic houseplants, and remove small swallowable objects. Ensure windows and screens are secure against falls, and supervise or enclose balcony access. Provide enrichment — toys, scratching posts, vertical space — and maintain a clean litter box with fresh food and water. Even indoor cats need regular vet checkups and parasite prevention.

Common issues include dental disease and gum disease, fleas, Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD), obesity (which raises diabetes and joint-issue risk), occasional vs. frequent vomiting, intestinal parasites (especially in kittens), upper respiratory infections in young kittens, and diabetes. Regular checkups and preventative care are key to catching concerns early — contact your vet if you notice anything worrying.

We start by understanding the cause — gathering information from you about behavior, triggers, and medical history. We provide a safe, enriched environment with scratching posts, toys, and play opportunities, maintain routine and consistency, and use positive reinforcement rather than punishment, which can worsen problems. For severe or persistent issues, we recommend consulting your vet or a certified cat behaviorist, and we’ll work alongside their guidance.

Watch for behavioral changes (hiding, avoidance, irritability, aggression, toileting outside the box, over-grooming, increased vocalization or scratching), body language changes (tense/hunched posture, flattened ears, dilated pupils, lip licking, skin twitching), and health changes (urinary issues, diarrhea, skin problems, appetite loss). Common triggers include new pets or people, moving, multi-cat tension, over-handling, or changes to their home’s scent. Consult your vet if you notice these signs.

Cat aggression can show up as hissing, growling, scratching, biting, defensive posturing, stalking/chasing, urinary marking, or redirected aggression toward another target. We start by identifying the trigger — a new pet, routine change, illness, or medical condition — and recommend ruling out medical causes with your vet. We ensure your cat has safe spaces to retreat to, work to manage underlying stress, use positive reinforcement for calm behavior, and never use punishment, which can worsen aggression. For severe or persistent aggression, we recommend a certified cat behaviorist.

Scoop daily and fully change the box at least weekly, ensuring it’s large enough for your cat to move comfortably. Keep it in a quiet, private spot away from food and water. Multi-cat households generally need one box per cat plus one extra — and cats can be picky about litter type, so experimenting helps. We also rule out underlying causes like urinary tract infections, arthritis, or stress (new pets, moving, loud noises). Persistent issues are worth a vet visit to rule out medical causes.

Provide multiple scratching posts in durable materials like sisal or cardboard, positioned near where your cat naturally tends to scratch. Regular nail trims help reduce damage to furniture. Address any underlying stress or anxiety contributing to excessive scratching, and deterrents like double-sided tape can help protect specific furniture. If scratching persists or seems unusual, a vet visit can rule out medical causes.

Yes — we care for rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and other common small animals, including feeding and watering to your instructions, regular cage/habitat cleaning, appropriate socialization and playtime, and close observation with any concerns reported to you. If you have a specific small animal not listed here, contact us to discuss their care needs.

We follow your specific feeding and watering instructions, perform daily spot cleaning plus weekly thorough cage cleaning, closely monitor for signs of illness or unusual behavior, and provide enrichment like interaction and approved toys. We require detailed information on dietary needs, cage setup, and any medications or special care. Please note we don’t provide specialized avian veterinary care or grooming.

We offer basic care — feeding/watering to your instructions, enclosure spot cleaning and substrate changes, and checking that provided heating/lighting equipment is functioning correctly. Our services are limited: we don’t handle venomous, aggressive, or complex-handling animals, provide medical care beyond very simple instructed tasks, manage live prey feeding, or control highly specific/fluctuating environmental conditions. Share detailed care needs with us so we can confirm we’re the right fit.

Exotic pets often need specialized habitats (temperature and humidity control, specific lighting, appropriate substrate, and enclosure design), unique diets (sometimes live prey, specific produce, or supplementation), a vet with genuine exotic-species training, species-appropriate handling, and awareness of their (often long) lifespan and any local legal/permit requirements.

We confirm enclosures are securely closed with no escape routes, handle animals gently per your instructions, minimize hazards in their environment (securing cords, removing toxic substances), supervise any out-of-enclosure time, apply species-specific knowledge, and have an emergency plan ready if needed.

Daily: remove soiled bedding, uneaten food, and waste, and clean food/water dishes. Weekly: remove all bedding and accessories, wash with hot soapy water or a pet-safe cleaner, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely before fresh bedding. Monthly deep clean: disassemble where possible and disinfect with a pet-safe solution. Always use pet-safe products — never bleach or ammonia — and follow your specific species’ requirements.

We follow your detailed written instructions precisely — food type, brand, portion sizes, timing, and any supplements or medications mixed with food — to maintain digestive health and consistency. We prepare fresh produce as directed, ensure constant access to clean water, and monitor eating habits closely, reporting any changes.

Watch for appetite or drinking changes, lethargy or reduced activity, changes in droppings or urine, respiratory issues (wheezing, sneezing, discharge), behavioral shifts like hiding or irritability, unexplained weight loss, coat or skin changes, and abnormal posture or movement. Small animals often hide illness well, so knowing your pet’s normal baseline matters — consult a vet experienced in small animal care if you notice concerning signs.

We quickly assess the situation, attempt to contact you immediately, follow any specific emergency instructions you’ve provided, take steps to stabilize your pet where possible, and transport to your designated vet or nearest exotic-animal emergency clinic if needed — documenting everything along the way. We’re not qualified to provide veterinary medical care ourselves, so having an exotic vet relationship in place before an emergency matters. Please share your pet’s medical history and emergency contacts with us in advance.

Hiding places (boxes, tunnels), soft nesting materials, safe chew items, foraging activities (hidden treats, puzzle feeders), vertical spaces for climbing, gentle social interaction, and periodically refreshing their enclosure layout all help keep small animals physically and mentally healthy. Every animal has individual preferences, so it’s worth experimenting to see what they enjoy most.

We can offer basic maintenance — feeding to your instructions, checking water temperature and level, partial water changes if instructed and supplied, and managing tank lighting schedules. We generally don’t perform gravel vacuuming, filter cleaning, algae removal, water chemistry testing/adjustment, or fish health diagnosis. Let’s discuss your specific tank’s needs during your Meet & Greet to confirm fit — specialized aquariums may need a dedicated aquarium service.

We ensure a spacious, multi-level cage with solid flooring in a quiet, draft-free spot, maintain a cool environment (ideally 60–70°F), provide a diet of quality grass hay and chinchilla pellets while avoiding unsafe foods like fruits/nuts/seeds, offer regular dust baths, handle gently and only when necessary, and monitor closely for any signs of illness or stress. We’ll always follow your specific instructions and any special health needs you share with us.

We use a secure, well-ventilated, appropriately sized carrier, include familiar bedding or a comfort item, protect against temperature extremes, secure the carrier during transport, keep journeys short and direct, minimize noise, and handle gently throughout. Specific needs vary by species — for long-distance travel, a vet or pet travel specialist is the right resource for tailored advice.

A clean, appropriately ventilated habitat with correct temperature/humidity, a balanced species-specific diet, good hygiene (handwashing, clean dishes), a low-stress environment with adequate space and hiding places, regular vet check-ups with a small-animal-experienced practitioner, and following recommended preventive care like parasite prevention all go a long way toward a long, healthy life.