Pet Sitting

Keep your pets entertained and safe while you’re away! Whether overnight or for longer stretches, I’ll be there to watch over your pets and your home.

My pet sitting services take place at your home, ensuring your pets are comfortable while your home is looked after.

During my stay I prioritize exercise and enrichment closest to the times that are a part of their regular routine.

When I am pet sitting for dogs, they can join me on my social hikes if they're a good fit. Or we might prefer leashed, 1-on-1 neighbourhood walks or perhaps an evening romp at the dog park!

Our schedule is all based on the suitability of your dog and their normal routine.

In addition to ensuring your pets are safe and happy, I'll also check your mail, grab the paper, turn lights on/off, and take out your garbage. I'll be there to provide safe and secure homes for family and pets alike!

On This Page

Your Pet Sitter at a Glance

Quick facts about your pet sitter, Jacky Dee.

Dogsafe canine first aid certified

Pet sitting liability insured

Covered by WorkSafeBC

Highly rated

Non-smoker

Bondable

Getting to Know Your Pet & Home

Pet sitting involves me getting to know you and your pet, and also learning your house rules. Here are some of the points we’ll discuss to ensure a positive pet sitting experience.

About your pet

  • your pet(s) daily routine
  • location of food, treats, toys, and poop bags
  • details on dietary requirements for each pet
  • your pets' favourite hiding spots
  • typical walk/exercise routines
  • any medication needs and typical health behaviour
  • house dog rules (are they allowed on the furniture?)
  • pet stresses or triggers (and how you help them when they are stressed)

About your home

  • house facts and rules for your pet sitter
  • your contact information in case of emergencies
  • determining where I will stay within your home
  • location of any cleaning supplies in case of accidents
  • details about any extra house duties and/or other people stopping by
  • your Wi-Fi password, as well as TV/fireplace instructions if complicated

Meet my pet sitting copilot

My dog Zoe typically comes with me for my pet sitting adventures. Zoe is a mature 15-pound Jack Russell / Shih Tzu who is used to being in others' homes.

Zoe respects the different boundaries that each new home presents, as well as the needs of each individual pet.

All animals have preferences with Zoe’s presence, of course. Sometimes they want to socialize with her and sometimes they don’t want any interaction. Zoe can handle it either way! She has experience being around all sorts of other creatures.

I also offer my pet sitting services without my dog, so feel free to ask me about Zoe-free options as well!

Taking care of your home

I take pride in my pet sitting services, and my skills extend beyond just caring for your pets.

I'll ensure your home is left exactly as I found it – maybe even better! – and can watch over your houseplants and gardens while you're away.

In other words, I'll keep your home safe and secure while keeping your furry family members entertained, exercised, and cared for.

Dog not required

Do you have a small pet that isn’t of the canine variety? You’re in luck: I work with dog-less households too!

My pet sitting services are also available for cats and other small family pets, including fish, gerbils, snakes, and other small caged animals. No matter who I am looking after, I'll make sure all bedding is clean and no one is lonely.

“Pet sitting is such a joy! I love seeing those little faces when I arrive to give them fresh food, water, play, and pets.”

– Jacky Dee

The Pet Sitting Process

Here's a quick outline of how it works if you would like to discuss pet sittings with Dee's.

1. Initial contact

The first step is to get in touch with me via text or email to determine the basics of your pet sitting needs. I will ask you to provide the dates you hope to book, the area of Nanaimo you live in, and a brief description of your pet(s) and any specific requests to ensure I am available and a good fit for your needs.

    2. Meet & greet

    We'll schedule a phone, video, or in-person orientation to discuss things in more detail and to confirm I am the right fit for caring for your pets. At this meeting I will address a few question about my stay, and learn about your pet's needs and your house rules. You'll be able to ask me any questions as well.

    3. Estimate & contract

    The next step is to provide a quote for the price of the stay. I have a thorough Client Agreement and Health Certification policy and procedure that you are required to read and agree to, which includes provisions for any major rescheduling or cancellations.

      4. Deposit & payment

      All pet sitting services require 50% non-refundable and non-transferable deposit to secure booking. The remaining 50% is due 7 days before the scheduled stay. This portion is also non-refundable, but is transferable towards a future pet sitting stay you need to cancel anytime after that.

      Pet Sitting Rates

      Fine Print
      • All rates assume one pet per household; please inquire about rates for households with multiple dogs/pets
      • Services are subject to availability
      • All clients are required to accept Dee's Dogs terms and conditions
      • Weekends offered upon advance request and by availability
      • Additional fees may apply to:
        • Dogs with behavioural concerns
        • Additional requested duties
        • Holiday and weekend services
        • Casual clients
      • Rates posted online are subject to change and do not include GST

      Pet Sitting FAQs

      • What is your pet sitting service area?

        I offer my pet sitting services in the Nanaimo area and in communities just outside of town, such as Cedar, Lantzville, and Nanoose Bay, depending on the needs of your pets.

      • Can you provide pet sitting somewhere other than my home?

        No. Dee’s Dogs pet sitting services always take place in your home. I do not offer a boarding style of pet sitting where your pet is moved to a different location.

      • What info do you require from me for pet sitting?

        During the meet-and-greet process I will ask for a full list of contact information, including phone numbers and email addresses. I will also collect your vet and emergency contact details in case of trouble, and go over a list of questions about your pet and questions your sitter needs to know about staying in your home.

        Learn more in the Getting to Know Your Pet & Home section.

      • Do you offer pet sitting for special needs pets?

        Yes. My pet sitting experience includes caring for animals with special needs, such as dogs with mobility issues or dietary restrictions. I am also certified in Canine First Aid and have no problems administering medicine and taking care of other particular needs.

      • Do you offer discounts when pet sitting for low-needs pets?

        Yes, I offer a lowered pet sitting rate for cats and other less social pets. Some dogs may also qualify for this lower rates if they require less frequent check-ins and social time. It all depends on your pet's particular situation.

        To see if you quality for a “low needs” discount, please inquire for details.

      • Do I have to pay a deposit for pet sitting? What if my plans change?

        An initial deposit of 50% is required to secure your booking. This deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.

        The remaining 50% balance is due 7 days before the scheduled stay. This portion is also non-refundable. However, if your plans change, this portion is transferable towards a future pet sitting stay.

      • When pet sitting, do you spend the entire time with my pet?

        No, my pet sitting services do not include 24/7 monitoring. When you hire Dee's Dogs for Daytime & Overnight Pet Sitting, your dog will either:

        • Join me for social hikes and be left alone for at least 5 hours during the day; OR
        • Not join me for social hikes, and be left alone at home for a typical 8-hour work day (with a check-in between 4pm–6pm)
      View all FAQs