In almost 20 years as a professional pet sitter, I’ve walked into many situations that could have turned tragic—one of the most common? Cats accidentally getting trapped in rooms.
Just recently, I arrived for a scheduled visit and immediately knew something was wrong. One of the cats, who normally greeted me at the door, was nowhere to be seen. His food was untouched. After calling out, I heard faint meowing… he had been accidentally shut in a spare bedroom. This wasn’t the first time I’ve found a cat stuck like this—it was the fourth time in my career!
Thankfully, these clients understood the importance of daily visits and had scheduled professional care. Imagine if no one had come for two or three days. Without water or wet food, a cat can quickly become dehydrated. If they stop eating, they risk developing fatty liver disease, which can be fatal. Male cats are especially prone to urinary blockages—a life-threatening emergency if not caught quickly.
I’ve also found flooded basements, discovered cats who managed to turn on faucets, and handled unexpected emergencies that owners never anticipated.
For these reasons, we require daily visits for all cats. Skipping days or assuming a cat will “be fine for a weekend” is risky. Cats may seem independent, but they’re vulnerable when left alone.
Your cat’s safety and well-being are always our top priority. Daily visits aren’t just a policy—they’re a necessity.
When it comes to your pets, nothing but the best will do—and that includes who you trust to care for them while you’re away. It might seem convenient or cost-effective to hire a local college or high school student or to book someone on a popular app like Rover. But when you dig a little deeper, it becomes clear why hiring a professional pet sitter is a safer, smarter choice.
We’re Insured—and That Actually Matters
Many people are surprised to learn that the “insurance” offered through platforms like Rover isn’t really traditional pet sitting insurance. It often only kicks in after your own homeowners insurance is used, and only in very specific situations. That leaves you on the hook if something goes wrong.
By contrast, professional pet sitters carry their own business liability insurance, covering a wide range of incidents—including property damage, pet injuries, and lost key coverage. This means you’re protected, and so are your pets and your home. We are fully insured and bonded through Business Insurers of the Carolinas
We’re Trained, Certified, and Experienced
Would you trust someone with no training to care for a child with medical needs? Then why should it be different for your pets?
Professional pet sitters have years of hands-on experience, understand animal behavior, and are certified in Pet first aid and CPR. We know how to recognize the early signs of illness, administer medications safely, and keep your pets calm and stress-free while you’re away. We also have experience dealing with loose dogs that may come up to us, and know how to handle them to keep your dog safe.
We Take Responsibility Seriously
High school or college sitters may mean well—but school, social lives, and inexperience can lead to missed visits, forgotten feedings, or worse. A professional pet sitter treats your pet care like the business it is—because it is our business. We have policies, procedures, back-up plans, and scheduling systems in place to ensure your pets never get left behind.
We’re Licensed and Operate Legally
Did you know some towns and cities have zoning laws that prohibit pet boarding in private homes? Or that Massachusetts recently passed legislation called Ollie’s Law, which requires stricter standards for boarding and pet care facilities?
When you work with a professional pet sitter, you’re working with someone who understands and abides by local laws and zoning regulations. We don’t board pets in our homes unless it’s legal and safe to do so—we care for your pets in your home, where they’re most comfortable.
We’re Reliable and Accountable
No last-minute cancellations for a party or vacation. No “oops, I forgot.” No guessing when—or if—someone showed up. Professional pet sitters use scheduling software, time-tracking apps, and communication tools to give you real-time updates, photos, and peace of mind.
6. Professional affiliations, Certifications, and Continuing Education
We are members of Pet Sitters International and a Certified Professional Pet Sitter . We regularly take part in educational webinars and courses. We are also Fear Free Certified Professional , which means we are trained to observe pet’s body language and watch for signs of fear, anxiety, and stress , and take actions to minimize them. We are also Certified in Dog Training Knowledge through Catch Canine Trainers Academy , having graduated with distinction from their masterclass. We can help train basic cues and help with behavior modification.
At Great Woods Pet Sitting, we’re proud to be trained, certified, insured, and experienced. We don’t just love pets—we know how to care for them responsibly, reliably, and legally. When it comes to your furry family members, don’t gamble. Hire a professional.
Great Woods Pet Sitting 