Frequently Asked Questions

Pet sitting is defined as “the act of caring for a pet in its own home while the owner is away.” Dog walking is also a form of pet sitting, as it involves visiting the pet’s home to provide exercise and companionship.

Professional pet care, by comparison, is delivered by trained, insured, and experienced professionals—not hobbyists. Professional pet care providers have the knowledge and systems in place to ensure consistent, reliable service. At Jill’s Next Door (JND), clients receive detailed visit logs, 24/7 access to automated scheduling, and email confirmations for every appointment, providing peace of mind and transparency.

We offer a full range of professional pet care services, including dog walking, pet sitting visits, cat and small animal care, almost-overnight and overnight stays, multi-hour visits, and 24-hour pet care. Additional services include pet taxi, traveling pet sitting, wedding pet attendants, hotel, rental, and Airbnb visits, house checks, and add-on concierge services.

We also provide online cat and dog training and have partnered with a local, award-winning pet photographer to capture your pet’s most special moments. Depending on the services you choose, we walk, socialize, play, feed, refresh water, administer medications and supplements, and—most importantly—give your pet the love and attention they deserve.

We provide a full range of professional pet care services, including dog walking, pet sitting visits, cat and small animal care, almost-overnight and overnight stays, multi-hour visits, and 24-hour pet care. Additional services include pet taxi, traveling pet sitting, wedding pet attendants, hotel, rental, and Airbnb visits, house checks, buddy walks with a friendly neighboring pet, and add-on concierge services.

We also offer online cat and dog training and have partnered with a local, award-winning pet photographer to help capture your pet’s most special moments.

JND cares for all domestic animals: dogs, cats, kittens, birds, fish, and small caged pets.

Absolutely! Our initial FREE meeting is called a Meet & Greet & Key Pick-Up. After you make your first reservation, your primary sitter will schedule a time to meet you and your pets, review your customized pet care plan, discuss home care details, and answer any questions before your service begins.

During the Meet & Greet, we collect two working keys, unless you use a keypad or lockbox. One key is kept with your sitter, and the second is securely stored in our office. This ensures seamless backup coverage by the owner if needed and allows us to respond quickly should any issue arise—giving you added peace of mind while you’re away.

Getting Started is Easy!
First, review our website to learn more about the services we offer. To get in touch, you may call 561.544.7297, email us at jill@jillsnextdoor.com, or complete the new client intake form on our website. Please be sure to include the dates and timeframes you are requesting.

Once we receive your inquiry, we will send you a Welcome Packet, outline the next steps, and schedule a complimentary Meet & Greet Visit & Key Pick-Up so we can meet you and your pets. Our office returns all calls and emails as soon as possible during office hours.

You will also be asked to create a quick client and pet profile using our industry-leading scheduling software, Time to Pet. We work with your schedule and come to you.
Please have two working keys available—one for your sitter and one securely kept in our office.

We understand that friends or family members may wish to check on your pet while you are away, or that a guest may be staying in your home during scheduled services. For safety and security reasons, you must notify Jill’s Next Door (JND) and your sitter of any individuals who have permission to access your home.

JND reserves the right to leave the property immediately if an unreported individual arrives during a visit and the sitter feels uncomfortable or unsafe. No refunds will be issued in these circumstances.

Jill’s Next Door Dog Walking & Pet Services, LLC is not responsible for any errors, incidents, damages, or misfortunes involving your home or pet caused by individuals who have access to the property.

Yes! We offer a pet taxi service to safely transport your pet to and from appointments such as the vet, groomer, doggie daycare, and more.

For the safety of your pet, our team, and the public, JND maintains a strict leash policy. All pets must remain on a leash at all times while in our care, except when they are in a secure, fully fenced yard. This policy applies even to dogs that are off-leash trained, as it allows us to maintain control in the event of unexpected situations.

Our service area enforces an active leash law, and safety protocols are always followed. JND does not allow dogs to socialize at dog parks or interact with other dogs encountered along walking routes. Because pets can be unpredictable, we maintain a safe distance from other walkers, children, and animals to ensure a calm and secure experience.

Yes! We always clean up after your pet during walks—it’s required by law and an important part of being a respectful member of the community. We also clean up after pets who use your yard while in our care.

Jill’s Next Door (JND) offers a poop-scooping concierge add-on service for vacation visits. For cats, litter boxes are scooped at every visit.

If your pet becomes ill in your home, we will clean up in most cases. If special cleaning supplies or additional time beyond the scheduled visit are required, we will contact you for further instructions. Additional fees may apply in these situations.

Clients are responsible for providing JND with all necessary cleaning supplies, including but not limited to waste bags or scoops, paper towels, carpet cleaners, and related materials. Please review any items requiring special care in advance, such as delicate or high-value carpets and rugs.

Please note that not all accidents can be completely remedied, regardless of the cleaning products used.

Two working keys must be exchanged at the Meet & Greet and Key Pick-Up, unless you have a keypad or lockbox. Keeping your keys on file allows us to be prepared for future services on short notice.

We require two keys: one will remain in the sitter’s possession, and the other will be kept in the office. This ensures continuity of care if a backup is needed or if an issue arises. We generally prefer to retain keys for future visits. If you request that your key(s) be returned at the end of service, a fee will apply for any future key pick-up or drop-off arrangements.

Please test all keys in advance to ensure they work properly.

If you live in a gated community, you must also provide a gate code, access device, or ensure the sitter’s name is listed at the gate before services begin. Please notify all gatekeepers of our names so we can access your community smoothly for scheduled services.

Two (2) working copies of your house keys must be provided at the time of registration or consultation. If you live in a gated community, you are required to provide a gate card, remote, or all necessary access codes prior to the start of service.

Keys will not be mailed via regular mail under any circumstances.

If keys become unusable, a lock malfunctions, or access is otherwise prevented due to circumstances beyond the pet sitter’s control, JND and its pet sitters are authorized to employ the services of a locksmith to gain entry to the client’s home on the client’s behalf. The client agrees to be fully responsible for all locksmith costs, related expenses, and time incurred, and to reimburse Jill’s Next Door upon return.

If you request that we drive to pick up your key and return it after service, an automatic fee will be charged each way.

We do not coordinate key pick-up or drop-off through condominium or community sales offices due to frequent unavailability, closures, holidays, or off-site tours. However, we will work with 24-hour front desk representatives who maintain your key on file. Front desk staff must be present upon our arrival and departure to manage key access. Excessive wait times beyond reason may result in additional billed time.

Lock boxes are JND’s preferred method of home access. Lock boxes may be purchased through Jill’s Next Door or supplied by the client. It is the client’s responsibility to ensure the lock box is fully functional, securely placed outside the home prior to visits, and contains up to two (2) tested key copies. Keys must not include key tags or key rings.

For homes using electronic locks, key fobs, or garage code access, a physical key must be securely hidden on the property or left with a trusted neighbor in the event of power outages or low-battery failures.

Jill’s Next Door (JND) adheres to a NO OVERBOOKING policy. When you schedule visit(s), dedicated time is reserved exclusively for your request. That time is blocked on our schedule and cannot be reassigned to other clients.

Because time is reserved specifically for you, charges apply to all visits and overnights that are canceled without proper notice.

Daily Walk Cancellations (Non-Vacation Visits)

• 24 hours or more notice: Payment from the canceled visit(s) may be applied to future visit(s).
• Less than 24 hours notice: Full visit charge applies.

Pet Sitting Deposit Policy

Due to high demand, JND requires a deposit for certain services year-round.

• A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking once your requested pet sitting visits are confirmed.

• The deposit will be applied toward your final invoice.

Deposit Refund Schedule

• 14 days or more prior to service start: Deposit is fully refundable.
• 13–8 days prior to service start: Deposit is forfeited.
• 7–0 days prior to service start: Deposit is forfeited and the remaining balance of the invoice is due

Feedback is important to JND. Following your service, we will send a survey inviting you to share your experience. Any concerns or issues you may have will be reviewed and addressed promptly.

We encourage you to contact us directly if you are not completely satisfied with your service. We are always happy to work with you to resolve any concerns and ensure the best possible experience with JND.

JND is dedicated to providing excellent care for your pet(s). In the event of an injury or illness, we will transport your pet to their regular veterinarian or, in the case of an emergency or after-hours situation, to the nearest animal hospital.

You—or your designated emergency contact—will be notified before any action is taken, unless the situation requires immediate medical attention. We will remain with your pet until you or your emergency contact is reached and a course of action is determined.

Clients may enter their preferred veterinarian’s information in our pet profile system. Please ensure your veterinarian has Jill’s Next Door listed as an authorized contact prior to your departure.

Absolutely. JND’s sitters are insured and bonded by the Business Insurers of the Carolinas, a provider specifically designed for pet sitters.

You may visit our website, Facebook, Google, website, and Yelp to review testimonials and reviews.

Great question! Our dog walking services typically include a warm greeting, a customized walk for most of the scheduled time, water bowl refill, treat(s), playtime, a cool-down period, and a cheerful “see you soon!”

Walks are fully customizable based on your dog’s preferred pace and route, with careful consideration given to age, breed, personality, and any physical limitations. Personalized care plans are discussed during the Meet & Greet and documented in our shared online client portal.

Following each visit, you will receive a GPS-tracked report sent directly to your phone and email, so you can stay connected and informed.

ND observes the following holidays: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Juneteenth, Labor Day, Black Friday, President’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

Visits scheduled on these holidays will incur an additional $15 fee per in-home pet sitting or dog walking visit and a $30 fee per overnight service.

JND is a technology-based company that utilizes Time to Pet, our secure online scheduling platform, for client registration, scheduling, and payment. This system allows us to safely store client information, pet care instructions, household details, messaging, and photo updates.

All data and communications within Time to Pet are encrypted and backed up daily. Clients may message their sitter directly through the platform, with Jill copied on all communications to ensure full team support.

Time to Pet also provides timed, GPS-tracked visit reports, which are delivered in real time via text and email at the conclusion of each visit.

You are welcome to reward your pet sitter for a job well done by leaving a tip directly or through our online invoicing system. While tipping is never required, it is a thoughtful way to recognize excellent service and is always greatly appreciated.

You can contact us by calling or texting 561-544-7297, emailing jill@jillsnextdoor.com, reaching out through social media, or completing the intake form on our website. After initial contact, we will send you a welcome packet with additional information and next steps to get started.

Clients submit appointment requests through our online scheduling platform, Time to Pet, which can be accessed via www.jillsnextdoor.com. Once you create your account using your email and password, you can view and update your personal and pet information, request and manage visits, and review invoices.

JND accepts all major credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal. Invoices are due on the first day of service; however, clients may submit partial or full payments at any time prior through the client portal.

If payment has not been received by the first day of service, the card on file will be automatically charged.

If a client requests an extension of services, payment at the current rate—plus any applicable late-add or modification fees—will be charged at the time the change is requested.

JND accepts payment via credit card through our secure merchant account. A detailed service order will be emailed to you for review prior to your departure. Please notify us promptly if any changes are needed.

If no revisions are requested, the card on file will be charged four (4) days after your return home

JND policies are designed to protect, safeguard, and ensure accountability for all parties. While some policies apply to all services, others are specific to certain types of care.

Detailed policies and procedures are available through the Service Agreement in our online client portal. You may also review our terms and policies on our website at any time.

As professional pet sitters, we are equipped to care for pets of all ages, sizes, and care needs. We encourage you to contact us to discuss how we can best support your pet and provide the most comfortable experience possible.

Please note that while our sitters are experienced, not all have medical backgrounds or are able to administer injections at this time.

For the safety of our team and your pet, we do not accept untrained aggressive dogs. If your dog displays aggressive behavior, we recommend working with a qualified trainer to address these concerns prior to requesting services.

Yes. JND can administer oral medications, eye or ear drops, thyroid creams, ointments, and similar treatments.

Injectable medications are available through our special needs veterinary assistant, who can be assigned to your pet upon request. Additional fees may apply.

All listed prices include care for one (1) pet. An additional fee applies for each additional pet per visit.

Unlike many local competitors, JND does not charge extra for administering most medications, registration fees, or weekend visits. Our initial Meet & Greet is also complimentary.

These factors help make our pricing among the most competitive in the area. Please note that a 5% administrative fee is added to each service.

Our services are designed to focus on individual pets, unless the pets reside in the same household. Each visit is dedicated to providing personalized attention and care, one pet at a time.

If you are interested in buddy walks, please contact the main office so we can determine availability. All dogs considered for group walks must be non-aggressive, current on vaccinations, and size-appropriate. A meet-and-greet with both dogs is required to ensure compatible temperaments and a safe experience for everyone.

ND follows positive reinforcement and reward-based care practices. Research supports that punishment-based methods are ineffective and outdated, and we do not support or use them.

We do not utilize choke, shock, prong, or bark collars. We are happy to recommend alternative equipment that best supports your dog’s personality, walking style, and behavior.

In order to ensure the safety of JND and clients, the Inclement Weather Plan is initiated when potentially dangerous weather conditions make it difficult to access clients’ homes. While this may be rare, we have had to initiate this plan during hurricane season for safety purposes and road closures. We announce the Inclement Weather Plan for that day and specific weather concerns via social media and email. All clients should provide an emergency contact upon registration. With the usual rain or shine, we will be there. However, we will not walk if there is a torrential downpour or dangerous lightning; we do not want to put your dog(s) at risk. We also take into consideration how your dog feels about walking in the rain. JND will make up the time by bringing the fun and exercise indoors, while trying to get them out for a quick potty break. When the temperature exceeds 85 degrees, we may also limit time outside or divide the walk into two shorter walks. The comfort and safety of the dog in extreme heat, protection from hot pavements, and heat stroke avoidance is our main goal in these conditions. Plenty of water and cool down time will be provided after all walks.

A midday walk is typically between 11am and 2pm. We do not give exact times for dog walking, we give time frames. We have a 2 hour window for midday dog walking.

When “life happens,” you are always welcome to check with us regarding same-day or last-minute availability. If our schedule allows, we are happy to accommodate your request; however, availability is not guaranteed and a late add fee may apply.

We strongly encourage clients to book services as early as possible, as all appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Pet sitting visits provide general care and may include feeding, letting pets out or walking, playtime (when applicable), pet clean-up, companionship, and both mental and physical exercise. Each visit can be customized to best suit your pet’s individual personality and needs.

In addition to pet care, JND provides light home oversight during visits, which may include adjusting blinds, bringing in mail and packages, watering up to five (5) indoor plants, and general home monitoring.

We give your pet the attention he/she deserves! Our care includes love and affection, litter box scooping, playtime, cage cleaning, pet area clean-up, feeding, treats, fish feeding, and other services tailored to what is most suitable for your cat or small animal.

Overnight pet sitting is similar to vacation visits, with the added benefit of an overnight stay. A JND sitter arrives between 9:00–10:00 PM and remains in your home overnight with your pet. Morning care includes breakfast feeding and morning walks or other routine care.

This service provides your pet with one-on-one attention from a professional caregiver while eliminating the stress of kennels and the risk of exposure to illnesses from other animals. Pets are able to maintain their normal feeding and sleeping routines in the comfort and security of their own home.

Clients return to a happy, relaxed pet—without the inconvenience or stress of kennel drop-off and pick-up.

Overnight pet sitting also includes light and blind adjustments, mail and package collection, plant care, general home oversight, and other basic security and home care measures.

No. Our sitters come to you. JND is an in-home pet sitting company, meaning we care for your pets in the comfort and familiarity of their own home.

This allows pets to remain on their normal routine and environment, so clients return to a well-adjusted, relaxed pet—without the stress of boarding or schedule disruptions.

With JND, you can expect professionalism, reliability, consistent communication, and exceptional customer service. We are proud to have many happy clients, as reflected in the reviews available on Facebook, Yelp, and the JND website.

JND is committed to raising the bar in pet care services, and our goal is to deliver the most thorough and positive experience possible for both our clients and their pets.

Great question—it can definitely be a confusing one. Hobby sitters, unlike professional in-home pet sitting companies, are often not insured, bonded, or formally trained, and may be unprepared for unexpected situations. Many hobby sitters also maintain full-time jobs in unrelated fields, which can lead to scheduling limitations or inconsistencies.

While most hobby sitters begin with a genuine love for animals, professional pet care is demanding work that requires experience, reliability, and industry knowledge to meet the highest standards.

At JND, we provide a team-based approach to care, dependable scheduling, GPS-tracked real-time visit reports, full insurance and bonding, and consistent communication. Jill, the owner, oversees all sitter–client interactions through our messaging system and is available to step in immediately should an issue arise.

JND is happy to help you determine the best care plan for you and your pet(s) during the initial Meet & Greet and Key Pick-Up.

For dogs, we generally recommend a minimum of two (2) visits per day, with up to five (5) visits per day for optimal care, depending on your pet’s individual needs and your comfort level. Crated dogs are advised to have a minimum of three (3) visits per day.

For cats, a minimum of one (1) visit per day is recommended.

Yes! To ensure we have sufficient time to properly care for your pet(s), JND requires 45-minute visits for dog walks and dog-related pet sitting services. This allows adequate time to account for building access considerations such as parking, front desk check-in, key pick-up and drop-off, fob usage, and multiple elevator trips—while still providing a full, unrushed service for your dog.

This requirement applies to dogs only. Cats and other small pets may continue to select the 30-minute visit option.

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Yes! Our Privacy Policy Statement  requires us that we don’t share, sell, or trade your customer’s information with third parties. Your privacy is safe with us!