Pet FAQs

Everything busy pet parents need to know about our in‑home dog and cat care.

Where do you provide services?

We provide in-home pet sitting across Sun Prairie, Columbus, Fall River, Cottage Grove, Windsor, East Madison, and DeForest, WI. Not sure if you’re within our service area? Send us a message — we do serve select clients beyond our standard radius for a small travel fee and are always happy to check for you.

Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?

Yes — fully. Kibbles & Kisses Pet Care carries professional liability insurance specifically designed for pet care providers, and every member of our team has undergone a thorough background check. We take credentialing seriously because we know that inviting someone into your home requires real trust — and we believe that trust should be verifiable. We’re happy to provide proof of insurance or bonding upon request. To learn more about our full credentials, visit our Why Trust Us page.

What types of pets do you care for?

We primarily specialize in cats and dogs — with added experience with puppies, senior dogs, and cats with medical or behavioral needs. We also have experience caring for reptiles, birds, small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs, and fish tank maintenance. If you have a pet with unique needs, reach out and we’ll let you know how we can help.

What sets you apart from other pet sitting providers?

A few things set us apart from other pet sitting options in the Sun Prairie and Columbus, WI area. First, our visits are intentionally longer and un-hurried — we don’t do quick 15-minute checkboxes. Second, we specialize in cats and senior dogs, two groups that are often underserved by general pet sitters. Third, every visit includes enrichment-focused activities — sniff walks, feeding puzzles, scent work, and interactive play — because we believe stimulation is just as important as food and water. And finally, we are a fully insured, background-checked, first aid certified team with active memberships in NAPPS and PSI. We’re not a hobby — we’re a professional pet care business that holds itself to a verifiable standard.

Do you do overnight dog and cat sitting?

While we don’t offer in-home overnight stays as a standard service, we’ve designed something even better for most pets — our “Almost Overnight” visits.

Here’s how it works: rather than having a sitter sleep over, we schedule a long evening visit ending as late as 10pm, followed by an early morning visit starting as early as 6am. For example, a visit from 8–10pm paired with a 6–7am morning visit means your pet is never alone for more than a few hours overnight — which for most cats and dogs is all they need, since they’re typically sleeping anyway. Each visit includes a full photo and video report card sent directly to your phone, so you’re never left wondering how your pet is doing.

For pet owners in Sun Prairie, Columbus, and surrounding areas who are nervous about leaving their pet overnight for the first time, this structure offers incredible peace of mind at a fraction of the stress — for you and your pet.

We also want you to know: if one of our sitters arrives for a visit and observes signs of significant anxiety or distress, our team is prepared to provide as-needed overnight care on the spot. Your pet’s wellbeing is never something we leave to chance.

Not sure if Almost Overnights are the right fit for your pet? We’re happy to talk it through — reach out here or give us a call at (608) 571-5526.

How long are your “drop-in visits?”

Our drop-in visits run up to 90 minutes — intentionally longer than the industry standard. We believe that meaningful pet care can’t be rushed, and that your pet deserves more than a quick in-and-out. If you need extended care while you’re away from home, our Extended Companion Care visits range from two to four hours and are ideal for pets who thrive on longer companionship and enrichment time. You can learn more about the differences between Drop-in visits and Extended Companion Care here.

Do you offer dog walking services?

Yes! We offer 30-minute and 60-minute dog walks for clients in Sun Prairie and surrounding areas. All walks are limited to one household at a time and a maximum of two dogs per walk — so your dog always gets our full, undivided attention. Have three dogs? No problem — we’re happy to walk them, just not all at once.

Do you offer weekly recurring pet care?

Yes — and we highly recommend it for clients who want consistency for their pets. We have recurring weekly time slots available for both cats and dogs. Clients who stay on a set “template” schedule — the same days and time block each week — also receive a discount on those services. Consistent care means a happier, less stressed pet, and a more predictable schedule for you.

Why should I hire a cat sitter instead of boarding my cat?

Cats are territorial, routine-driven animals that are highly sensitive to changes in their environment. Unlike dogs, most cats find boarding facilities — with unfamiliar smells, sounds, and other animals — genuinely stressful, which can affect their appetite, litter box habits, and overall health. In-home cat sitting keeps your cat in the space they know, on their normal schedule, with a consistent and familiar sitter. For the vast majority of cats, in-home care is not just more comfortable — it’s meaningfully better for their wellbeing. This is especially true for shy cats, senior cats, and cats managing a health condition.

Can you care for cats and dogs that require medication or special needs?

Absolutely. We are experienced in administering a wide range of cat and dog medications during our visits, including oral medications, eye drops, and insulin injections upon request. We understand that pets with medical needs require precise timing, careful handling, and close behavioral monitoring — and we take that responsibility seriously. Every medicated visit includes confirmation of administration in your visit report card so you always have a record.

How do I get started with your pet sitting services?

Getting started is simple — here’s how it works:

Step 1 — Submit a new client inquiry using the form linked below. This gives us the basic information we need to see if we’re a good fit.

Step 2 — Phone screen & meet and greet — A member of our team will reach out to complete a short phone conversation, and if we’re both feeling great about it, we’ll schedule a free in-person meet and greet with you and your pet.

Step 3 — Get onboarded into Time to Pet — our client app where you’ll book services, receive detailed visit reports with photos and videos, and communicate directly with our team.

Start Here – New Clients →

How much notice do you need to book a visit?

We require a minimum of 48 hours notice for all bookings. That said, we strongly encourage clients to book as early as possible — our calendars fill quickly during peak seasons including summer months, holiday weekends, and school breaks. If you’re planning a vacation or a recurring schedule, earlier is always better.

Do you do visits on holidays?

Yes — we provide visits on all major holidays so your pet is never without care. A holiday fee does apply for the holiday itself and the surrounding days. We’ll always be transparent about any applicable fees when you submit your booking request.

How does billing work?

We require a card or ACH bank account on file in order to book services, and invoices are billed at the time of booking through our client app, Time to Pet. In the event of a cancellation, fees may apply if the cancellation falls within 5 days of your scheduled service. Have questions about billing? Don’t hesitate to reach out directly.

What are your pet sitting rates?

Our full pricing is listed on our Pricing page. We offer transparent, straightforward rates with no hidden fees — what you see is what you pay. Prefer a personalized quote? Give us a call at (608) 571-5526 or send us a message and we’ll walk you through everything.

What happens if my pet has a medical emergency during a visit?

Every Kibbles & Kisses sitter is trained in pet first aid and CPR and carries a fully stocked first aid kit on every visit. In the event of a medical emergency, our team follows a structured Emergency Protocol: assessing your pet’s condition, administering first aid if applicable, notifying you immediately, and transporting your pet to an emergency veterinarian if necessary. You will never be left out of the loop, and your pet will never be left without a clear plan of action.

Will the same sitter come every time?

We make consistency a priority. Our small team of three means your pet will always be cared for by a familiar face — and we do our best to assign a primary sitter to each client relationship. For pets with anxiety or who are slow to warm up to new people, we take extra care to protect that consistency in our scheduling. We also cross-train all team members with each client so that a seamless backup is always in place if a sitter is unavailable. Either way, your pet is never handed off to a stranger.