Frequently Asked Questions
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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. More specifically, exercise in the form of walking outside.
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Professional Pet Care is delivered by trained, insured, and experienced professionals - not hobbyists or those wanting a “side hustle.” Professional pet care providers have the knowledge and systems in place to ensure consistent, reliable services.
At Matilda’s Mom Dog Walking & Pet Services, LLC, clients receive detailed visit logs, 24/7 access to automated scheduling, and email confirmation for every appointment, providing peace of mind and transparency.
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A pet sitter is someone who cares for pets while their owner is away, making sure the animals stay safe, comfortable, and happy in their usual environment.
This typically includes feeding them on schedule, providing fresh water, cleaning up after them, and giving them attention and companionship so they don’t feel stressed or lonely.
For dogs, pet sitters often include walks and playtime, while also monitoring the pet’s health and behavior for any signs of illness or discomfort. Many pet sitters can also give medications if needed and follow specific care instructions based on the pet’s routine.
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We provide a full range of professional pet care services, including:
dog walking
pet sitting visits
cat and small animal care
litter box service
almost overnight stays
small animal pet taxi
house checks
add-on concierge services
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Matilda's Mom cares for most domestic animals: dogs, cats, kittens, birds, fish and small caged pets.
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Absolutely! Matter=of=fat, we never schedule a first-time client or new pet without our initial FREE Meet & Greet and Key Pick-Up.
After you make your first reservation, your primary sitter will schedule a time to meet you and your pets, review you 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 issues arise, giving you added peace of mind while you are away.
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Getting Started is Easy!
First, review the information on our website to learn more about our services.
To get in touch, you may call 919-323-9780, email us at jmori345@gmail.com, or complete the new client intake form on our website found on the Contact Us page.
Once we receive your inquiry, we will send you a Welcome packet, outline the next steps, and schedule a complimentary Meet & Greet and Key Pick-Up.
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.
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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 Matilda’s Mom and your sitter of any individuals who have permission to access your home.
Matilda’s Mom 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 thee circumstances.
Matilda's Mom 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.
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Yes, for small animals! We offer a pet taxi service for small animals (dogs under 10 pounds) to safely transport your pet to and from appointments such as vet, groomer, doggie daycare, and more.
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For the safety of your pet, our team, and the public, Matilda’s Mom 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-leashed trained, as it allows us to maintain control in the event of unexpected situations.
Matilda’s Mom 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.
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Yes! We always clean up after your pet during walks - it is required by law and an important part of being a respectful member of the community.
Matilda’s Mom offers a poop-scooping concierge add-on service for vacation visits.
For cats, when pet sitting, litter boxes are scooped everyday. Matilda’s Mom also offers Litter Box service for non-pet visits as a stand alone service.
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 visits is required, we will contact you for further instructions. Additional fees may apply in these situation.
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Clients are responsible for providing Matilda’s Mom with all necessary 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.
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Two working keys must be exchanged at the Meet & Greet and Key Pick-Up, unless yo 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 a 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.
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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, Matilda’s Mom and its pet sitters are authorized to employ the service 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 Matilda’s Mom upon return.
If you request that we drive to pick up your keys 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, apartment complexes 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 Matilda’s Mom preferred method of home access. Lock boxes may be purchased through Matilda’s Mom or supplied by the client. It is the client’s responsibility to ensure 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 even of power outages or low-battery failures.
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Matilda’s Mom adhere 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 clietns.
Because time is reserved specifically for you, charges apply to all visits and almost overnights that are canceled without proper notice.
Daily Walk Cancellations (Non-Vacation Visits)
24 hours or more notice: Payments from the canceled visit(s) may be applied to future visit(s)
Less than 24 hours notice: Full visit charges applies.
Pet Sitting Deposit Policy
Matilda’s Mom 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 towards 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 prior to service start: Deposit is forfeited and the remaining balance is due
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Matilda’s Mom 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 Matilda’s Mom listed as an authorized contact prior to your departure.
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Yes. Matilda’s Mom sitters are insured and bonded by the Business Insurers of the Carolinas, a provider specifically designed for pet sitters.
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Our dog walking services typically include a warm greeting, a customized walk for most of the scheduled time, water bowl refill, approved 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 considerations 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 o your phone and/or email, so you can stay connected and informed/
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Matilda’s Mom 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
Christmas Day
Visits scheduled on these holidays will incur an additional $15 fee per in-home pet sitting or dog walking visit.
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You are welcome to required your pet sitter or walker 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.
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You can contact us by calling 919-323-9780, emailing jmori345@gmail.com, or by completing the intake form on our “Contact us” page 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 access via www.MatildasMom.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.
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Matilda’s Mom accepts all major credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal. Invoices are due on first day of service; however, clients may submit partial or full payment 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 modifications fees, will be charged at the time the change is requested.
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Matilda’s Mom 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.
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As a professional pet sitter, 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.
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Yes. Matilda’s Mom can administer oral medications, eye or ear drops, thyroid creams, ointments, and similar treatments. Other treatments may have additional fees.
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Our services are designed to focus on individual pets, unless the pets reside int he 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 & Greet with both dogs is required to ensure compatible temperaments and a safe experience for everyone.
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Matilda’s Mom 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.
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In order to ensure the safety of Matilda’s Mom staff and our clients, the Inclement Weather Plan is initiated when potentially dangerous weather conditions make it difficult to access clients’ homes.
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 torrential downpour or dangerous lightening; 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. Matilda’s Mom 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 condition.
Plenty of water and cool down time will be provided after all walks.
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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.
We strongly encourage clients to book services as early as possible, as all appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.
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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, Matilda’s Mom provides light home oversight during visits, which may include adjusting blinds, bringing in mail and packages, watering up to 5 indoor plants, and general home monitoring.
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We give your pet the attention he/she deserves! Our care involves lave 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.
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Matilda’s Mom 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 minimum of three three(3) visits per day.
For cats, a minimum of one (1) visit per day is recommended.

