Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'certified' pet sitter mean?

Being a Certified Professional Pet Sitter (CPPS) means we’ve gone above and beyond the basics of pet sitting to demonstrate true professionalism, knowledge, and dedication to the highest standards of care.

Our certification comes from Pet Sitters International (PSI), the leading educational association for professional pet sitters. To become certified, we had to:

Agree to PSI’s Recommended Quality Standards and Code of Ethics, which ensure we operate with integrity, responsibility, and professionalism.
Pass a comprehensive exam covering pet health, behavior, first aid, emergency preparedness, and best business practices.
Complete 30 hours of continuing education every three years, keeping our knowledge current with the latest in pet care and safety.

We’re proud to be one of only 30 CPPS-certified pet sitters in Ohio—a distinction that reflects our strong commitment to providing safe, reliable, and knowledgeable care for every pet and home we serve.

When you hire a certified sitter, you’re hiring someone who takes their role seriously—someone who combines passion with proven expertise to deliver peace of mind every time.

Is your business licensed?

While the state of Ohio doesn’t require a special license for pet sitters, Homebound Tails 'n Gardens is a fully registered LLC—and we’re proud to be insured and bonded. We know you’re trusting us with what matters most, and we don’t take that lightly. Our goal is to provide heartfelt, dependable care that gives you peace of mind every step of the way.

How do I prepare for my pet sitter?

What is a 'Master Gardener'?

A Master Gardener is a highly trained community volunteer who has completed an intensive horticulture education program through the Ohio State University Extension. To earn this title, individuals must be accepted into the program, undergo 50+ hours of in-depth training in plant science, and complete 50 hours of volunteer service within their first year.

Master Gardeners work alongside county Extension professionals to share research-based gardening knowledge with the public. They lead a variety of impactful community projects such as:

Hosting plant clinics and answering gardening questions
Developing community and demonstration gardens
Organizing youth and senior gardening activities
Promoting sustainable practices and native plants

To maintain certification, Master Gardeners must complete 20 additional hours of volunteer service and 10 hours of advanced training each year, as well as pass a background check and fingerprinting.

There are over 3,000 active Master Gardeners in 62+ Ohio counties. Sherrie joined this elite group in 2012 and specializes in native plant education—using her training to make a meaningful difference in both gardens and communities.

How do I schedule a meet & greet, and how long does it take?

Scheduling a meet & greet is simple—reach out via phone, email, or our contact form and we’ll find a time that works best for you.

The meet & greet typically lasts about an hour. During that time, we’ll:

Get to know you and your pets
Take a short tour of your home—Locating important supplies (food, leashes, litter, toys, gardening supplies, etc.)
Discuss your pet’s routine, garden or plant care needs, and house preferences
Review the service agreement

For dogs, we kindly ask to take them for a short walk during or after the visit—this helps us understand their energy and comfort level. We do not sign any paperwork until this walk is completed, and we’re confident we’re a good fit for one another. If needed, we’ll schedule a second visit just for that walk.

Our goal is for your pet to feel safe and for you to feel confident leaving them in our care—so think of the meet & greet as your pet’s chance to "interview" us!

🐾 1. Meet & Greet – Let's Get Acquainted

Before any first-time service, we require a complimentary meet and greet. This is our chance to:

Meet your furry (or feathered or finned!) family
Go over your pet's routine, habits, and personality
Get a feel for your home and how we can help care for it while you're away
Make sure we’re the perfect match for you and your pets

We want you & your pet to feel totally comfortable—and this first visit is the start of building that trust.

📄 2. Fill Out Your Personalized Care Contract

This form will include:

Your emergency contacts and veterinarian info
Instructions for home access (keys, codes, smart locks, etc.)
Daily routines for your pet—meals, medications, walks, playtime
Notes on household tasks like watering plants, taking out the trash, collecting mail, adjusting lights or blinds, etc.
Anything else you'd like us to handle while you're away

It’s our roadmap to keeping things running smoothly in your absence.

🧺 3. Prepare Supplies for Your Pet(s)

Please make sure we have plenty of the following on hand:

Food, treats, and any medications
Leashes, collars/harnesses, litter, waste bags
Cleaning supplies (just in case!)
Favorite toys or comfort items that help your pet feel safe and happy

Having these items easy to find helps us stick closely to your pet’s normal routine.

🧸 4. Don’t Forget Comfort Items

Just like people, pets can get lonely or anxious when their routines change—especially when their favorite human is away. You can help soothe and comfort them by leaving familiar items that smell like home and you. These can include:

Favorite toys – A squeaky plushie, a chew toy, or that one ball they never let go of
Blankets or bedding – Especially ones that smell like you
Unwashed t-shirt or sweatshirt – Your scent is calming and reassuring to your pet
A pet bed or crate – Having their usual cozy space available is grounding and familiar
Lick mats or puzzle feeders – These keep their minds engaged in a fun, low-stress way
Background sounds – If they’re used to the TV or radio being on, let us know—we’re happy to leave gentle music or nature sounds playing

Small touches like these make a huge difference in how relaxed and happy your pet feels during your absence. Think of them as emotional security items!

✍️5. Leave Any Extra Notes

While the contract covers most needs, you’re welcome to leave additional notes or a checklist for daily care. Does your cat love window sunbathing at 3 PM? Does your pup have a ritual after walks? Are your plants fussy about how they’re watered? We want to know! You’re welcome to leave written notes, calendars, or even a little checklist—we’ll treat every detail with care.

🏡 6. Prep Your Home

Please make sure:

All keys and codes work properly
We know where to find essentials (cleaning items, food storage, leash hooks, etc.)
You notify any neighbors, doormen, or building managers that a sitter will be visiting
Entryways and pet areas are safe, clean, and ready for care

We’ll treat your home with care and respect, just like we do your pets.

📱 7. Stay Connected (As Much or As Little As You Want)

Want a daily update and photo? Or would you rather unplug and just hear from us if something comes up? We’re happy to adjust to your preferences. Our job is to give you peace of mind while keeping your pets loved and cared for.

By following these steps, you’re helping us provide the safe, reliable, and loving care that Homebound Tails 'n Gardens is known for. Thoughtful preparation helps us provide that “just-like-you’re-there” level of comfort and care. Your pets deserve it—and so do you.