Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is your service area?
A: You can view the service area map here. We are not currently accepting new clients outside of Area 1. Twice a day visits are only available in Area 1.
Q: How do I pay for my reservation?
A: Once we’ve confirmed your appointment, we will provide you with a total amount due based on what services you require. You can pay in a number of ways. We accept PayPal and Quickpay/Zelle (windysitting@gmail.com), Venmo (@Gina-Klauba), checks or cash. Payment is required prior to services. Tips are always appreciated, and can be made at any time, before or after services.
Q: What exotic animals do you care for?
A: Most reptiles and amphibians, birds, fish, and small animals (such as guinea pigs, rats and hamsters).
Q: My pet gets medication outside of your business hours what should I do?
A: Most animals that have been on medication and are stable will be just fine with a temporary alteration to the medication time for the short time you are away. You can slowly adjust what times doses are given right before you leave. Timed medications such as insulin will be administered at the far ends of the hours of business. (9am and 6pm).
Q: My pet was just diagnosed with an illness and is on new medication. What should I do?
A: In most cases it is not advisable to leave until your pet has been on the medication for enough time that it is known to be well tolerated and they are well regulated on it. If travel is not avoidable, boarding at a veterinarian may be a better option so that they can be monitored more frequently and often. And, in the case of an emergency can be attended to immediately.
Q: My pet is elderly and on hospice care. What should I do?
A: I do not advise travel when your pet is not in good health. Hospice care means there is a very strong possibility they will pass when you are gone. If at all possible, it is advisable to delay travel until after they have passed. If you must travel be assured that I will do everything within my power to ensure your pet remains comfortable. Please leave detailed veterinarian information and a payment option should veterinary services be required. (There is an additional charge for vet transport.)
Q: What if my pet becomes ill and needs medical attention while I am away?
A: If your pet becomes ill while under our care we will work with you and your wishes to obtain proper veterinary care. Please leave detailed information with your veterinarian’s name and office location. In emergency situations we will go to the nearest emergency facility. Every effort will be made to contact you prior to administering care. If you are not going to be contactable (for example out of the country or somewhere that cell service is spotty) please arrange payment for possible emergency situations in advance of your travel. (Like leaving a credit card, or having one on file with your hospital.) If we need to transport your pet to the veterinarian or emergency hospital there is a $45 transport fee for each trip, $60 after hours. Please leave a local contact number of someone that can make decisions about your pets health if you are not reachable.
Q: I am afraid my pet will be lonely, what can I do to alleviate this?
A: Leave talk radio like NPR (or music you listen to often), or have your tv on. These can also be set on timers (having lights on timers is also a good idea in general when you travel). Use your “Alexa” or “Siri” to play things throughout the day. Some clients have a “cat playlist” that I can turn on when I leave each day. Background noise makes it more like you are home.
Leave a recently worn (not laundered) article of clothing out in places they frequent. Puzzle feeders that can be filled with food or treats are also great distractions. These can be refilled at each visit.
Many pet cameras are available (Pet Cube is a popular brand) where you can interact, play, and even dispense treats when you are away.
Feliway spray or diffusers can also help to alleviate stress and have a general calming effect. There are also supplements such as Zylkene to add to food to help take the edge off. Please consult with your veterinarian as well for what they think would best suit your pet.
Q: Will you pick up mail and packages?
A: I have a disability that limits how much I can lift, especially up stairs, but I will bring in regular mail and small packages (under 20#). If you are expecting large or heavy deliveries please make arrangements with neighbors to collect these while you are away.
Q: Will you clear snow when there is a storm?
A: I am unable to do shoveling do to my disability that effects my knee and hip. If you are traveling in the winter in Chicago please try to make alternate arrangements for snow removal, such as asking a neighbor or hiring a service.
Q: What if the weather makes it unsafe for you to travel to care for my pet?
A: We are lucky in that we usually have at least 24hr notice when there are impending storms. If such a notice occurs, the prior day I will ensure there is sufficient food and water for the next 24hrs, in case a day needs to be skipped. Every effort will be made to reach your pet every day while you are out of town. But as we know weather, specifically in winter, is highly variable in Chicago. There are circumstances where I may not be able to travel until the storm passes, or streets are cleared. You will be informed as soon as I learn of any possible disruptions to service. You will not be charged for any day that I am unable to visit due to weather emergencies.
Q: My pet is very fearful of strangers and can act aggressively, can you still sit for them?
A: I can still sit for pets that may otherwise not appreciate the company as long as they are not on any medications. Use of Feliway spray and plug ins can help. Also talk to your veterinarian about using calming supplements or medications such as Zylkene or Gabapentin (which can be sprinkled in food). Please understand that I will always honor the wishes of your pet, and if they do not want interaction I respect that boundary. These visits will be shorter than 30min.
Q: My pet is on medications and can be aggressive when they are being administered. Can you still sit for them?
A: If your pet is aggressive and on medications it will require at least two people to safely medicate your pet. This must be disclosed at the time of your booking or there is a chance your pet won’t be able to get their medications. I will need to discuss the cost, and have a plan for an additional person to assist me in advance of the booking. In lieu of this, sometimes it is a better option to look into veterinary boarding facilities. There they have several staff that can administer treatments. Check with your veterinarian for suggestions of boarding facilities.
Q: Will you care for my plants? What about snow in winter?
A: I can do light watering of small porch gardens and house plants. Due to my disability I am unable to shovel snow or tend to large yards or grass.
Q: Someone will be home, but I still want pet care. Is this ok?
A: While it is preferred that no one is home, I can still do visits when others are there. I require the other persons contact information, and will text when on the way to avoid any awkward situations. (Like someone being in the shower for instance.) I reserve the right to refuse visits if I am made to feel at all uncomfortable or unsafe in the presence of any other individuals. Visits will also be limited to 15 minutes or however long it takes to feed, medicate and clean your pets, as they will receive social interaction from whom ever is home.
Q: I am traveling soon and you are booked, what can I do?
A: My services tend to book up a month in advance. If you are traveling on short notice and I squeeze you in there is an additional service fee of $10 per visit added to the base price of service. If I can not accommodate you, the next best option is to check with your veterinarian. Many times techs and support staff do sitting on the side, and they also tend to have additional suggestions based on client feedback.
Still have questions? Contact us!