FAQs
We’ve put together this KC pet services FAQ to answer the most common questions about our professional care. If you don’t see an answer to your specific questions about our specialized feline support, please let us know! As Kansas City’s premier specialists, we are always happy to talk with you and provide the transparency you deserve when it comes to your fur-babies.
What services does Just Fur-Babies offer?
Premier Cat Sitting Specialists: Our core expertise. We provide 100% cat-focused, Fear Free® certified visits that include feeding, litter box maintenance, medication administration, and the specialized social interaction that cats crave.
Professional Dog Let-Outs (Mon–Fri): For our neighbors working long hours, we offer a reliable midday potty break and let-out service for dogs. This is available Monday through Friday to keep your pup’s routine consistent. (Please note: We do not offer full-service dog sitting or overnights).
House-Sitting & Home Security: For families traveling without pets, we provide professional house-sitting visits. We ensure your home looks lived-in and secure by bringing in mail/packages, rotating lights, and conducting thorough perimeter and interior checks.
Every plan is fully customized during your initial consultation and managed through the Time to Pet app for full transparency.
Are you a bonded and insured pet sitter in Kansas City?
Does Just Fur-Babies use employees or independent contractors?
Why this matters for your peace of mind:
Consistent, High-Quality Care: Because our team members are employees, we can provide formal onboarding, specialized Fear Free® training, and ongoing education. Unlike contractors, who self-determine how they work, our employees follow our strict professional standards for every single visit.
Full Insurance & Liability Protection: We absorb all professional expenses to protect you. Our employees are fully bonded and covered under our comprehensive Liability and Worker’s Compensation insurance.
Homeowner Protection: If a “hobbyist” or independent contractor is injured on your property, your homeowner’s insurance could be held responsible. With Just Fur-Babies, our team is fully covered by our own business insurance and Worker’s Comp, removing that risk from you entirely.
Fair & Ethical Treatment: We are proud to pay our team a living hourly wage plus mileage and bonuses. We invest in our “Aunties and Uncles” so they can focus entirely on what they do best—caring for your fur-babies.
In a market where most companies rely on contractors to cut costs, we choose to invest in people. This ensures the honesty, integrity, and consistency that our discerning clients expect.
How are your employees screened and trained?
Rigorous Multi-Step Screening: Every potential team member undergoes a comprehensive vetting process, including in-person interviews, professional reference checks, and a national criminal background check.
Fear Free® Professional Certification: We are proud to be Kansas City’s first Fear Free® Certified pet-sitting company. Every specialist is individually trained and certified to recognize and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) in your pets. We use a “considerate approach” and “gentle control” to ensure your fur-baby feels safe and loved.
Pet First Aid & CPR Certified: Every single team member is certified in Pet First Aid and CPR. In fact, we are so committed to safety that we even host our own vet-approved training classes! Our team is trained to recognize vital signs and handle emergencies like choking, seizures, or heatstroke with a calm, expert hand.
Comprehensive Onboarding: Before their first solo visit, employees undergo extensive training in home security protocols, our GPS-transparency software, and—most importantly—specialized feline psychology and body language.
When you trust Just Fur-Babies, you aren’t getting a “hobbyist” with a spare set of keys. You are getting a trained specialist who has the tools and education to provide the most reliable, high-end care available in Kansas City.
What is Fear Free®, and why is it important for my pet?
Why it makes the Just Fur-Babies difference:
The Kansas City Pioneer: Our founder, Kelly, was the very first pet sitter in the Kansas City area to become Fear Free® Certified in 2020. She set the bar for compassionate care in our community, and our company continues to lead the way.
Individually Certified Team: Unlike other companies where only the owner holds a credential, each and every one of our team members is individually trained and certified as a Fear Free® Professional.
A Considerate Approach: We understand feline body language and “micro-signals” of stress. Whether it’s using low-stress handling or knowing exactly when to give a shy cat space, our goal is to ensure your fur-baby actually enjoys our visits.
Health & Longevity: Reducing stress is vital for feline health, especially for our senior fur-babies. A Fear Free® environment helps maintain appetite and immune health, ensuring your pet thrives in the comfort of their own home.
When you choose us, you are choosing the experts who pioneered stress-free pet sitting in Kansas City.
Visit fearfreehappyhomes.com for at home solutions for common pet challenges.
How do you ensure the safety and security of my home?
GPS-Verified Check-Ins: Every visit is tracked via GPS through the Time to Pet app. You will receive an alert the moment we arrive and the moment we depart, providing a digital “breadbox” of exactly when your home was accessed.
Secure Key Management: We utilize a high-security key management system. Keys are never labeled with your name or address; instead, we use a randomized coding system to ensure that, even if a key were lost, it could never be traced back to your home.
Rigorous Staff Training: Our W-2 employees undergo specific training in home security protocols. This includes ensuring all doors and windows are locked upon departure, alarm systems are correctly set, and mail/packages are brought inside so your home always looks lived-in and secure.
Bonded & Insured Protection: For your ultimate peace of mind, Just Fur-Babies is fully bonded and insured. We take the “professional” in our name seriously, absorbing all liability to ensure you are never at risk.
We don’t just “watch your cat”; we act as your local eyes and ears, ensuring your home remains a safe haven while you are away.
How do you enter my home?
Physical Key Requirement: We strongly prefer a physical key for entry. If you utilize a keypad or garage code, we require a physical key backup (either kept on file in our secure office or in a lockbox) in case of power outages or battery failure.
Apartment App Entry: We understand that many Kansas City apartment communities utilize specialized phone apps for entry. We are happy to accommodate these systems for our apartment-dwelling clients.
Key Management & Lockboxes: We can maintain a coded key in our secure vault, or we can provide a professional lockbox for a one-time $25 fee.
Key Delivery & Returns: To respect our specialists’ schedules, we do not offer complimentary key pick-up or drop-off.
Pick-up/Drop-off: If you require a specialist to pick up or return a key in person, it is billed at our standard visit rate.
Certified Mail Return: If you would like your key returned via mail, we offer a $35 Certified Mail service to ensure it is tracked and delivered securely.
How do I schedule a service?
Convenient Booking: Most clients prefer to schedule services through our mobile app (Time to Pet) or via our website. For your convenience, you can also call or text our office directly.
Advance Planning: To ensure your preferred time slots, we recommend booking at least 48 hours in advance for standard visits and two months in advance for major holidays.
“Life Happens” Reliability: We understand that plans change and emergencies arise. You can rely on us to be there when life gets unpredictable. For established clients, we can often provide same-day service if needed.
Last-Minute Requests: For any service needed within 24 hours, please contact the office directly via text or phone so we can expedite your request.
The “Key” to Ease: Keeping your keys on file with us is the best way to ensure we can provide immediate, last-minute care without the stress of arranging a key transfer.
What should I look for in a professional cat sitter?
What is the difference between Just Fur-Babies and "gig-economy" pet sitting apps?
Employment vs. Gig Work: Just Fur-Babies utilizes a W-2 employee model. This allows us to mandate rigorous background checks, professional onboarding, and Fear Free® Certification for every specialist. On “gig” apps, you are often hiring an unvetted individual with no oversight.
Comprehensive Insurance: Our employees are covered by our company’s professional liability, bonding, and Worker’s Compensation insurance. If an independent sitter is injured on your property, your homeowner’s insurance could be held liable. With us, that risk is entirely removed.
Reliability & Supervision: We provide a professional management team and GPS-verified transparency. If a solo sitter from an app has an emergency, your pet’s care is at risk. With Just Fur-Babies, our team structure ensures your fur-baby is never left without a visit.
How much does a professional pet sitter cost in Leawood and Overland Park?
Is it safe to leave a cat alone for a weekend?
Who is the best cat-only pet sitter in Kansas City?
Do you administer medications?
Veterinary Partnership & Compliance: To meet state requirements and maintain our professional standards, we require a Veterinary Release/Sign-off for all medications and supplements. We partner with you and your veterinarian to ensure we have exact instructions on file.
Fear Free® Safety Protocol: We prioritize your pet’s emotional well-being. We will make two attempts to administer medication using stress-free techniques. If a pet shows signs of extreme fear, avoidance, or aggression, we will stop and contact you immediately for further instructions.
Safety & Liability: Due to the unpredictable nature of animals, we cannot accept responsibility for any complications during administration. For the safety of our team, we do not administer injectable medications.
Cost: Professional medication administration is provided at no additional cost as part of our all-inclusive service.
Cancellation Policy
48-Hour Notice: Cancellations made 48 hours prior to the start of the service period incur a 50% fee of the total invoice.
24-Hour Notice or Less: Cancellations made 24 hours or less prior to the start of the service period incur a 100% fee of the total invoice.
Early Returns: Should any assignment end early for any reason, the Client is responsible for the full invoice. No refunds or credits are issued for unused visits.
Credits: For non-holiday bookings that are prepaid and cancelled (outside of the 24-hour window), a credit will remain on your account for six months.
What is your policy for holiday bookings?
Holidays are our busiest times of the year, and we often have a waitlist. To guarantee your spot, the following policies apply:
Deposit: Holiday visits require a 50% non-refundable deposit.
Two-Week Notice: Cancellations made two weeks or less from the start of service incur a 50% fee.
24-Hour Notice: In accordance with our standard safety and scheduling policy, holiday cancellations made 24 hours or less from the start of service incur a 100% fee of the total invoice.
No Refunds/Credits: Please note that no refunds or credits are issued for holiday cancellations.
Which dates are considered holidays?
At Just Fur-Babies, we define our holiday periods as:
Easter Sunday
Memorial Day Weekend
Independence Day
Labor Day Weekend
Thanksgiving (Thursday through Sunday)
Winter Holidays: December 24th through January 2nd > Note: If a holiday falls on a weekday, the surrounding weekend may be included in the holiday policy.
Do you have an app to use?
Download for iPhone: Available on the Apple App Store.
Download for Android: Available on the Google Play Store.
Search Tip: Simply look for “Time to Pet” in your app store.
What are the benefits of using the app?
Our “full transparency” promise is powered by the Time to Pet app. When you use the app, you get:
Real-Time Visit Reports: Receive “Auntie” or “Uncle” updates, including photos and detailed notes, the moment our visit is complete.
GPS Tracking: Every visit is GPS-tracked, giving you peace of mind that we are exactly where we need to be—with your pets.
Easy Scheduling & Payments: Request new services, view your calendar, and pay invoices securely with just a few taps.
Direct Messaging: Communicate directly with our team in one centralized conversation feed—no more hunting through texts or emails.
Compliance & Profiles: Easily update your pet’s medical records, dietary needs, and vet-approved medication instructions to ensure we always have the most current information.
Download the app, use the same username and password as your website log in and you will be good to go!
What if there's an emergency with my pet while I'm away?
Pet First Aid Trained: Our pet care specialists are trained in Pet First Aid to stabilize your pet immediately while we assess the situation.
Immediate Communication: We will attempt to contact you or your designated emergency contact the moment an issue arises.
Veterinary Care: If medical intervention is necessary, we will transport your pet to your primary veterinarian or a local 24-hour emergency clinic.
The Vet Release Form: During your initial consultation, you will complete a Veterinary Release Form. This document authorizes Just Fur-Babies to seek care on your behalf and includes your preferred clinic and an emergency backup.
Proactive Coordination: We don’t just keep this form in our files; we send a copy to your vet clinic to keep on their records. This ensures that if we walk through their doors, they already have the legal authorization needed to begin treatment without delay.
Note: To maintain our high standard of “full transparency,” we ask that you update this form immediately through the Time to Pet app if you change clinics or if your pet’s medical status changes.
What vaccinations are required?
Current Rabies Vaccination: We require a current Rabies Vaccination Certificate to be on file for all pets in our care.
Legal Compliance: Rabies vaccinations are not just a company policy; they are required by law in Kansas City and most surrounding municipalities (including Leawood, Prairie Village, and Overland Park).
Medical Exemptions: We understand that some pets may have underlying health conditions that prevent vaccination. In these cases, we require a formal letter from your veterinarian stating the specific medical reasons for the exemption.
Safe Handling: Keeping these records updated allows us to provide the compassionate “Auntie/Uncle” care your pets deserve while maintaining a safe environment for everyone. You can easily upload a photo or PDF of your pet’s current vaccination records directly into the Time to Pet app so they are always accessible.
How many times a day will you visit?
To maintain our high standard of care and your peace of mind, we have the following visit requirements:
Daily Cat Care: For the safety and well-being of our feline friends, we require at least one visit every 24 hours. We do not “skip days,” as cats are experts at hiding illness or injury until it becomes an emergency.
Specialized Senior Support (Cats 10+): For our senior fur-babies (ages 10 and up), we require two visits per day. As feline specialists, we know that senior health can be delicate; when older cats experience a health shift, it can happen very rapidly. Increasing our frequency allows us to monitor hydration, appetite, and mobility more closely, ensuring we can catch and act on any subtle changes immediately.
Our goal is never just to “check a box,” but to provide the proactive, professional oversight that your cherished family members deserve.
How do I receive updates about my pet while I'm away?
Real-Time Delivery: As soon as our visit is complete, you will receive a notification via the Time to Pet app or through email. You’ll never have to wonder if or when we were there.
The “Purr-sonal” Touch: Our pet care specialists write updates from your pet’s perspective! Your “fur-baby” will let you know all about their adventures, appetite, and well-being.
Photos & Videos: No update is complete without visual proof of the fun! Every report includes high-quality photos (and often videos) of your pets enjoying their belly rubs and playtime.
GPS Verified: For added security, our updates are GPS-verified, so you can see exactly when we arrived and departed.
Our goal is to make you feel like you’re right there with us, ensuring you can relax and enjoy your time away knowing your pets are in the best possible hands.
How do I pay for services?
Standard Services: For regular visits, payment is due upon the completion of services. You can securely store a credit card on file for easy, one-click payments.
Holiday Bookings: To secure your spot during our high-demand holiday periods, a 50% deposit is required at the time of booking. Please note that this deposit is non-refundable, as it guarantees our availability for your fur-babies and allows us to turn away other requests.
Accepted Methods: We accept all major credit cards through our secure portal.
Auto-Pay: Many of our “Pet Parents” prefer to set up auto-pay within the app for seamless, worry-free transactions.
Transparency Note: You will always receive a detailed invoice via email or the app before any charges are made, so you have full visibility into your pet’s care schedule and costs.
What is the pricing policy for additional pets?
Time-Based Care: Our rates reflect the duration of the visit needed to properly administer medications, handle feedings, clean litter boxes, and—most importantly—provide the “belly rubs” and social interaction your pets crave.
Customized Quotes: During your initial consultation, we will assess the needs of your household. If you have a larger fur-family or pets with complex medical regimens, we will recommend a visit length (e.g., 30, 45, or 60 minutes) that ensures no one is rushed and every pet receives our signature “Auntie/Uncle” care.
Total Transparency: We will discuss these requirements upfront so you have a clear, customized quote that meets and exceeds your expectations.
Can I tip my pet care specialist?
Through the App: You can easily add a tip to your invoice payment via the Time to Pet secure portal.
Cash or Check: You are welcome to leave cash or a check for your sitter at your home.
100% Direct: We believe in rewarding excellence. 100% of all tips go directly to your pet care specialist.
I already have a pet sitter – why should I switch to Just Fur-Babies?
State-Level Compliance & Safety: Unlike many independent sitters, we operate as a professional, licensed, and insured business. This means we strictly follow state-level safety requirements, including mandatory vet sign-offs and exact administration instructions for all medications and supplements. While this requires a bit more paperwork up front, it ensures your veterinarian is always “in the loop” and provides a legal layer of protection for your pet’s health that a “hobby” sitter simply doesn’t offer.
Reliability & 365 Coverage: Solo sitters are limited by their own personal schedules. If they get sick or have a car problem, your pet’s care is at risk. We have a professional team and a backup plan in place so your pet is never left waiting, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Fear Free® Certified Experts: We aren’t just “cat lovers”; we are feline-focused specialists. Our team is trained in Fear Free® techniques, meaning we understand how to reduce stress and handle your fur-babies with the compassionate, expert touch they deserve.
Full Transparency Technology: Through the Time to Pet app, you receive GPS-verified check-ins, real-time reports, and photos. You get total peace of mind knowing exactly when we arrived and how your pet is doing, backed by a professional system of accountability.
Professional Credentials: We are fully bonded, insured, and background-checked. We invest in the tools, training, and support required to provide the most reliable service in Leawood, Prairie Village, and the greater KC area.
Honesty & Integrity: Your home’s security and your pet’s well-being are our top priorities. We treat your keys and your “fur-babies” with the highest level of respect, acting as the “Aunties and Uncles” your pets love and the professionals you can trust.
When you hire Just Fur-Babies, you aren’t just hiring a sitter; you are hiring a dedicated team whose only priority is “caring for your fur-babies where they love to live.”
Do you have a referral program?
To say thank you, we offer a Referral Reward:
The Reward: Refer our service to a friend, family member, or co-worker, and you will receive a credit for one free visit to be used on your next scheduled service!
How it Works: Simply ask your referral to mention your name when they book their initial consultation. Once they complete their first service, we will automatically apply the credit to your account.
Unlimited Rewards: There is no limit to how many referral credits you can earn. Our “Aunties and Uncles” love meeting new fur-babies!
Do you provide services for dogs or general house-sitting?
Dog Let-Out Services: We offer a specialized Monday–Friday midday potty break service for dogs. Please note that we do not offer full-service dog sitting or overnight care; our focus is on providing a reliable, professional break for your pup during the work week.
House-Sitting Support: For clients traveling without pets, we offer professional house-sitting visits to ensure your home remains secure. This includes bringing in mail, rotating lights, and a general home check for your peace of mind.