Frequently Asked Questions
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Every pet, home and booking is different, but these are some of the questions I’m asked most often.
If there’s anything you’re unsure about, you’re always welcome to get in touch.
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Are you insured and DBS checked?
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Yes. Little Spirit Pet Sits is fully insured, and I am DBS checked.
I also have over 10 years of experience caring for animals, with each booking approached on an individual, one-to-one basis.
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Which areas of the Isle of Wight do you cover?
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Little Spirit Pet Sits covers the entire Isle of Wight.
Availability may depend on your location, the length of the booking and existing commitments, so it’s always best to enquire with your dates and postcode or accommodation location.
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What animals do you care for?
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Most bookings are for dogs and cats, but I’m also happy to discuss care for other companion animals.
I personally have over 10 years of experience caring for chickens, rabbits and experience with parrots. Care can be adapted for ducks, cockatiels, budgies, hamsters, geese, rats, snakes, rabbits, guinea pigs, lizards and other small to medium animals. Horses, goats, sheep and larger farm animals are not currently in Little Spirit's line of service.
If your pet has particular requirements, simply include a little information when you enquire so I can confirm whether I’m able to provide the right care.
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Do you care for more than one pet?
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Yes.
Multi-pet households are absolutely welcome.
Your quote may vary depending on the number of animals and the level of care required, particularly where pets have different feeding, walking or medication routines.
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Will you meet my pet before the booking?
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For new local clients, a complimentary meet & greet is normally arranged before your first booking.
This gives us time to go through your pet’s routine, care requirements, access arrangements and anything else that will help the booking run smoothly.
For visitors to the Isle of Wight, arrangements may differ depending on your accommodation and travel plans.
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Will I receive updates while I’m away?
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Absolutely.
Photo and message updates can be provided during your booking so you can see how your pet is getting on.
The frequency can be agreed beforehand, particularly for longer sits.
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Can you administer medication?
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In many cases, yes. Routine medication can usually be given where clear instructions have been provided and I am comfortable doing so. Please mention any medication or medical requirements when you enquire so we can discuss them before confirming your booking.
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Can you care for nervous or anxious pets?
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Yes, depending on their individual needs.
One-to-one care at home can be particularly suitable for animals who find kennels, group day care or unfamiliar environments overwhelming.
Please be open about any anxiety, reactivity, guarding behaviour or triggers when you enquire. This helps me decide whether I can provide safe and appropriate care.
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What if my dog is reactive?
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Reactive dogs are considered individually.
Please let me know about any reactivity towards dogs, people, vehicles, handling or particular environments before booking. The more information I have, the easier it is to decide whether the arrangement is suitable and plan care safely.
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Do you walk dogs off lead?
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Dogs are normally walked on lead unless a specific arrangement has been discussed and agreed in advance. Safety always comes first, particularly in unfamiliar areas or where livestock, traffic, wildlife or other dogs may be present.
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Can you take my dog on longer walks or outings?
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Yes.
Short local walks are automatically included within many bookings.
Longer walks, beach trips, woodland walks or other outings can also be arranged in advance where suitable for your dog. Additional travel or extended outing charges may apply.
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Do you stay with my pet for the entire booking?
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For daytime and holiday sits, your pet receives the dedicated care agreed for the booking period.
For overnight care, the structure of the stay will be discussed before booking so you know exactly what to expect. If your pet cannot be left alone at all, please make this clear when you enquire.
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Can you leave during an overnight or 24 hour sit?
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This depends on the individual arrangement.
Some overnight bookings allow for short periods away from the property, while other pets require more continuous company. We’ll agree this before your booking based on your pet’s needs and the service you have booked.
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Do you provide 24-hour care?
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Extended care can be arranged.
If you need someone with your pet for a full 24-hour period or require continuous care with very limited time away, please get in touch for a bespoke quote.
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Do you offer last-minute bookings?
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Sometimes.
Last-minute availability depends entirely on my existing bookings, so I can never guarantee it.
For weekends, school holidays, weddings and summer dates, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
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How far in advance should I book?
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As early as you reasonably can.
There is no fixed minimum notice, but popular weekends, wedding dates and summer bookings can fill much earlier. If you already know your dates, it’s worth enquiring even if your plans are not completely final yet.
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Do you offer regular weekly bookings?
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Yes, subject to availability.
Scheduled pop-ins, recurring daytime care and other regular arrangements can be discussed depending on your location and requirements.
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Can you pet sit at hotels and holiday accommodation?
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Yes.
Little Spirit offers a dedicated Holiday Pet Sitting service for visitors staying in hotels, holiday cottages, lodges, caravans and other pet-friendly accommodation across the Isle of Wight.
Please make sure your accommodation provider permits a pet sitter to access the property.
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Can you pet sit during weddings and events?
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Yes.
Wedding and event bookings are one of the situations where longer daytime or holiday care can work particularly well. Care can be arranged around your schedule so your pet has company while you enjoy the day.
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What happens if I’m running late home?
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Just let me know as soon as possible.
Where I’m available, additional time can usually be added and charged accordingly.
If I have another booking afterwards, I may not always be able to extend the original finish time.
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What happens in an emergency?
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If your pet becomes unwell or there is an urgent situation during your booking, I will try to contact you immediately.
If I cannot reach you, I may contact the emergency person or veterinary practice you have provided.
Where urgent action is reasonably necessary to protect your pet, their welfare will always take priority.
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Do I need to provide food, leads and other supplies?
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Yes.
Please provide enough food, medication, treats and any other essentials your pet will need for the full booking.
Dogs should also have a secure, suitable lead or harness available.
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Do you provide food or treats?
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Not unless this has been agreed.
Using your pet’s normal food and treats helps avoid unnecessary changes to their routine or stomach upset.
If you are happy for me to give treats, please leave suitable ones and let me know of any allergies or dietary restrictions.
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What should I prepare before you arrive?
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Please make sure I have:
• Everything your pet needs
• Feeding and medication instructions
• Emergency contact details
• Veterinary information
• Working access to the property
• Any alarm or security instructions
• Leads, harnesses and walking equipment where required
Your first-booking process covers all of this in more detail.
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Can somebody else access my home while you’re pet sitting?
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Yes, but please tell me beforehand.
If family members, cleaners, gardeners, tradespeople or other carers may enter during the booking, I need to know in advance.
This helps avoid confusion and keeps everyone safe.
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Are there any pets you cannot accept?
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Potentially.
Every enquiry is considered individually, but I may be unable to accept a booking where I do not believe I can safely meet the animal’s needs.
This could include serious undisclosed aggression, unsafe access arrangements or care requirements outside my experience.
Being completely open when you enquire is always the best approach.
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How do I book?
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Start by getting in touch with:
• Your dates
• Your location
• The service you’re interested in
• The number and type of pets
• A little about their routine and needs
From there, I’ll confirm availability and guide you through the next steps.
For a full breakdown, visit Your First Booking.
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Still Have a Question?
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If you haven’t found what you’re looking for, just get in touch.
I’m always happy to clarify anything before you book so you feel completely comfortable with your pet’s care.
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