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FAQ

Have cat care questions? Check out our FAQ below! If you still have questions about our cat sitting services, please feel free to contact us.

  • What makes Purr different than other services?
    At Purr Inc, our unique approach sets us apart from other pet sitting services. Unlike general pet sitters, we specialize exclusively in cat care. Our team is comprised of individuals who not only love pets but have a particular affinity for cats. This specialized focus ensures that your feline family member(s) are visited by team members that are have an understanding of cat behavior and receive the care they deserve. All of our sitters are employees with Purr and we do not contract out our work. Additionally, we understand that life can be unpredictable, so we have set up our service to be readily available for our clients, even on short notice. Our 24/7 online booking system allows you to conveniently schedule services, providing peace of mind and unmatched flexibility to accommodate your busy schedule.
  • Where do you offer service?
    We currently have service available in: Loop, South Loop, West Loop, Streeterville, River North, River West, Gold Coast, Lincoln Park* and Lakeview (*east of Racine Ave.)
  • What time will my sitter visit my cat(s)?
    Our sitters are available to visit during our daytime, 5-hour arrival window, from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. We also offer a 1-hour arrival window visiting option (morning from 9:00 am - 10:00 am and afternoon from 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Please note that an additional $10 per visit surcharge applies for our 1-hour arrival window options to help cover the extra travel time required to accommodate a 1-hour arrival window.
  • Do you offer longer visit durations?
    Sure, we can be available for visits up to 2-hours in duration. Contact us for more information.
  • Do you offer multiple visits per day?
    Yes, at Purr Inc., we understand that flexibility is important for our clients. Our standard service includes a 5-hour arrival window between 10am and 3pm. However, we also offer additional scheduling options for those who need a more specific time or multiple visits in a given day. You can request a visit within a 1-hour arrival window anytime between 10am and 7pm for an additional fee of $10 per visit, up to 2 visits per day. This allows us to better tailor our services to your specific needs and schedule.
  • What is your staff screening process?
    All of our team members must undergo a comprehensive background check process before working with Purr.
  • Does the same sitter visit each time?
    It is always our intention to have the same sitter for as much of a reservation as possible however to maintain consistent and flexible availability for our clients, we currently rely on a small team instead of a single individual to fulfill most reservations.
  • My cat needs medications, is that something you do?
    We understand that medications are needed at times and are happy to help to the best of our ability. Since we are not trained vet techs, we may have some limitations with certain types of medications. We’d be happy to speak with you in further detail to see if we’re the best fit for your pet’s medical situation.
  • What is the cost per visit?
    Our visit options start at $30 per visit and more information on pricing is available by clicking on the Pricing button in the navigation bar above.
  • Is there an extra charge for holiday reservations?
    Yes, we have an additional per-visit surcharge that helps us cover the additional costs of bringing on temporary staff to accommodate the increase in visit volume that occurs during major U.S. holidays. Our holiday surcharge is calculated at our Base Rate + $10/visit surcharge* *Holiday surcharge applies for the 2024 calendar dates below: Memorial Day Weekend: May 25, 26, 27 Independence Day Week: July 3, 4, 5 Labor Day Weekend: August 31 and September 1, 2 Thanksgiving Week: November 27, 28, 29, 30 and December 1 Christmas Week: December 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 New Year's Week: 30, 31 and January 1
  • How much notice is required to request cat sitting services?
    While we cannot guarantee availability, operating as a team gives us the flexibility needed to be readily available. Clients with an existing account usually can reserve non-holiday service with a 24-hour notice through our online booking system. During holiday periods, it is advised that existing clients reserve visits at least 3-6 weeks early. If you are a new client, it’s best to request service within 1-2 weeks of your first reservation for non-holiday service and at least 4-6 weeks before service is needed during any major U.S. holiday so that we enough time to go through the steps to establish a new account.
  • What is your cancellation policy?
    At Purr Inc, we strive to provide flexible and customer-friendly services. Our cancellation policy is straightforward: if you need to cancel a scheduled pet sitting visit, simply do so with at least 12-hours notice. By doing this, we can credit back any unused visits to your account, ensuring that you aren't charged for services you didn't use. This allows us to manage our schedules effectively while providing you with peace of mind and flexibility.
  • What is the process to start cat sitting services?
    Our goal is to ensure that establishing a Purr account is a hassle-free experience. The following is a description of our 3-step new client onboarding process: 1. Registration Form: To ensure adequate care, we send all clients a link to our comprehensive registration form, allowing us to collect all the necessary information. 2. Clarifying Questions: Our team will carefully review the information and prepare clarifying questions for your onboarding phone call. 3. Call with our General Manager: Finally, we will arrange a call with our General Manager to ensure our instructions are accurate, help you schedule a key drop off appointment (if needed), discuss what to expect once we begin, provide you access to our online booking system and address any further questions.
  • How many sets of keys do I need to provide?
    2 sets of keys are preferable so that we have a backup set however we understand if only 1 set is available.
  • Can you retrieve keys from my door person?
    Absolutely, many clients leave keys with their building personnel and have us check-out keys during our visit.
  • Can I use a lock box for my house keys?
    Unfortunately due to several issues with managing and troubleshooting lock boxes in the past, we no longer allow for lock boxes to be used for the primary set of keys that Purr will use to gain access to your home. Lock boxes, however, can be used for a backup set.
  • How can I get my keys to Purr?
    Clients have the ability to schedule a key drop off or pick up from our downtown or northside office.
  • Do you offer overnight visits?
    Unfortunately, we do not offer overnight visits.
  • Do you offer boarding services?
    Unfortunately, we only offer in-home cat sitting services. However, we know of a local, cat specific boarding facility. Please reach out to us for more information if needed.
  • I have a webcam in my home, is that okay?
    Of course, we are very accustomed to webcams in the home!
  • Are you licensed, bonded and insured?
    Absolutely and we can provide our Certificate of Insurance upon request
  • Can you provide references?
    Sure, we’d be happy for you to speak with our clients about their experience with our service.
  • When do I pay for service and what forms of payments do you accept?
    We kindly ask that services are paid in full by the start date to ensure that we have the cash flow available operate effectively. Moreover, we accept all major credit/debit cards.

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