FAQ
Things people often ask.
If your question isn't answered here, just call. Sarah likes the phone.
Booking
How do I book Sarah?
Call or text 458-209-4890. That's it — no app, no booking form. Sarah replies in minutes during business hours. For first-time bookings, you'll do a free meet-and-greet at your home before any service starts.
How far in advance should I book?
For normal travel: two weeks is comfortable. For weekly standing walks: a week's notice for slot availability. For holidays — Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, the Fourth of July — book two to three months out, sometimes more. Holiday slots fill first.
Do you do meet-and-greets?
Always. Free, before any first booking. Usually 30 minutes at your home. We'll go over routines, meds, your pet's quirks, and house-access logistics. It also gives your pet a chance to meet Sarah while you're there.
Can I book just one walk, or do I have to commit to a schedule?
Either is fine. One-off walks, drop-ins, and house sits are all available. Many clients also book standing weekly walks — same day, same time. Pick whichever makes sense.
Services
What services do you offer?
Three core services: house sitting ($156/night), 30-minute drop-in visits ($35/visit), and solo dog walking ($29/walk). Plus specialty care for cats ($35/visit), reactive dogs, and senior or special-needs pets at the same standard rates.
Do you board pets in your own home?
No. Sarah does in-home care only — either staying at your home or visiting. Your pet stays in their own environment. This is gentler on most pets, especially anxious or senior ones.
What are your holiday rates?
House sitting is $200/night, drop-ins are $58, and dog walks are $52 on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve & Day, New Year's Eve & Day, and the Fourth of July.
Do you charge extra for multiple pets?
Not for house sitting or drop-in visits — all pets in the household are covered. For dog walking, additional dogs from the same household are $6 each on top of the $29 base rate.
Capabilities
What is Fear Free certification?
Fear Free is a credential earned by training in techniques that minimize fear, anxiety, and stress in pets — for example, recognizing early warning body language, using calming greetings, and avoiding handling that triggers a stress response. Sarah is a Fear Free Certified Professional.
Will you take a reactive dog?
Yes. Sarah is one of the few sitters in Lane County who actively takes reactive, anxious, and fearful dogs. Walks are always solo (no pack), routes are tailored to your dog's triggers, and Sarah's Fear Free training means she knows how to keep your dog under threshold. For dogs with active human bite histories, please call first — she may refer you to a behavior consultant before starting care.
Can you administer medication?
Yes — oral, liquid, transdermal, and injected medications including subcutaneous fluids and insulin. Sarah did this regularly during her three years at Greenhill Humane Society and continues to do it for clients.
Do you do off-leash walks?
Only in fully fenced areas you've shown Sarah, and only with written permission, and only if your dog has a reliable recall. Standard walks are leashed.
Logistics
Are you insured and bonded?
Sarah carries pet sitter liability coverage. Bonding details available on request — please ask during the meet-and-greet.
What if there is an emergency?
Sarah will call you immediately. If you're unreachable and your pet needs urgent care, she'll transport to your primary vet (or, if after hours, to an emergency vet — Emergency Veterinary Hospital in Springfield is the local default unless you specify another). At the meet-and-greet, you'll provide your vet's contact info and your wishes around emergency intervention.
How do you handle keys?
Sarah accepts keys, lockboxes, garage codes, smart locks, or any combination. For long-term clients, a lockbox is often easiest — your key stays with your house.
How do you accept payment?
Cash, Venmo, and Zelle. Payment due at the end of the service period (or weekly for ongoing standing visits).
Will I get updates while I am away?
Yes. A photo and a short note after every visit, daily during a house sit. Sarah writes real notes — what your pet ate, how the walk went, anything that came up — not just a thumbs-up emoji.
Service area
Where do you serve?
Sarah is based in Veneta and serves all of Lane County within roughly 25 miles. That includes Eugene, Springfield, Veneta, Cottage Grove, Junction City, and Creswell. For locations farther out — Florence, Oakridge, Junction City and beyond — call and ask. Long-format house sits are usually possible anywhere in the county.