Celebrating 20 Years as Ocala's #1 Professional Cat Sitting Service!
Less Stress, More Purrs.
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Why hire a professional pet sitter?
Have you ever wondered what professional pet sitters provide and how we can relieve your stress?
We care about relieving your stress and we have systems in place to do that, even many you may not realize are happening until you actually feel the results.
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We won't cancel on you at the last minute. Your pets and your schedule are our #1 priority. This isn’t a hobby or a favor, and because we have a team we have coverage when someone calls out sick.
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We provide you with scheduling software that you have access to review and edit 24/7. Wondering who your sitter is the next day or if you forgot to schedule that last visit? You've got it in the palm of your hands.
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Professional Pet Sitters have open and honest communications. We always send you a detailed report, every single visit. These report cards are GPS tracked, Time Stamped, and provide you with all the information you could possibly want to know about your cats well-being. And of course, there are the multitudes of adorable pictures and videos!
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We are highly skilled in pet care, beyond the basic food and water chores. We notice the little things and get to know your pet's personality, routine and habits. Your pet's wellness and your home's safety depend on it.
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Professional Pet Sitters usually develop relationships with local veterinarians and can become part of your pet's care team. We notice small changes an owner might not have yet and this type of insight is invaluable for their vet to have.
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What Are Some of The Basic Standards Pet Sitters Should Have?
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That is a really smart questions to ask. We know pet owners have become more informed on the type of care they expect for their pets and we love that. Here are a few professional standards that set a professional apart from your average neighbor kid or online offer for pet sitting.
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Professional Pet Sitters have a legitimate business license and are insured and bonded, giving you peace of mind that if your pet or home has an emergency, it will be taken care of.
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Professional Pet Sitters are locally owned small businesses and have a reputation to uphold in the community. They have a Google Business Listing and you can trust their reputation through reading their Google Reviews.
*Pro tip: Unlike social media profiles, Google Reviews are nearly impossible to remove.
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Professional Pet Sitters welcome cameras to check in on the care we're providing. We know we are doing the right thing and we welcome them.
You can see how professional pet sitting allows owners like you to confidently leave their pets at home, knowing that they will receive the love and care they so rightly deserve.
Explore Our Service Offerings
OPS offers expert in-home care designed specifically for cats. We meet them where they are and always ask for consent during interactions.
Includes meals, water, litter care and meds (if needed).
You receive a report every visit with photos and detailed updates.
Let's build a custom care plan with our variety of service offerings exclusive to Ocala's Cat Sitting family.
We offer compassionate, experienced care for birds, reptiles, bunnies, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and more.
We know every species has unique needs, and we tailor each visit accordingly. We've been known to sing a tune and do a dance with our bird friends.
We recognize these types of pets can get stressed easily and they need enrichment for their continued wellbeing.
We have experience with salt water and fresh water fish tanks as well as outdoor ponds.
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From turtles and coy fish, to live corals and suckerfish we know what to expect.
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We can also clean out your pond's debris basket, feed your fish, check the pH levels and water temps.
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Set up a consultation to demonstrate the type of care your aquatic pets need.
Our B&B is our most popular option for cats that love their morning or evening routine with you!
Bed & Breakfast cat sitting is a 2 hour visit paired with a 2nd daily visit.
Cats love showing us their favorite routine and ask us for treats here and brushing time there.
The more time we can give your cats the more relaxed experience they will have when you're away.
The OPS KittyCam is a unique service developed by our founder, Shannon, that allows our team lead to monitor your cats for you.
KittyCam is set up on their level and pointed at their food area. We monitor and report back on their behavior between visits, so you can enjoy peace of mind while we handle the watching.
Our KittyCam service is 100% secure and private & we remove at the last visit. Let's chat about how we can help your shy cat.
The OPS KittyCam is a unique service developed by our founder, Shannon, that allows our team lead to monitor your cats for you.
KittyCam is set up on their level and pointed at their food area. We monitor and report back on their behavior between visits, so you can enjoy peace of mind while we handle the watching.
Our KittyCam service is 100% secure and private & we remove at the last visit. Let's chat about how we can help your shy cat.
What Is the Difference Between a Professional Pet Sitter and Other Types of Pet Sitters?
Not all pet sitters operate in the same way. To help pet owners make informed decisions, here are the commonly accepted definitions of the different types of pet sitters in the industry:
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Hobby Sitter
A hobby sitter is an individual or group of individuals who provide pet sitting services without operating a formal pet care business. They may have experience caring for pets for friends, family members, neighbors, or clients, and they may even accept payment for their services.
This category may include family, friends, neighbors, retirees, students, or individuals advertising pet sitting services through social media or community groups.
A hobby sitter may or may not carry pet sitting liability insurance and may or may not have a website. However, they do not operate as a registered business within their state and often do not maintain a verified business presence on Google Maps.
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More importantly, they do not have the knowledge, training or education required to uphold the global standards of care as written by Pet Sitters International.
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Gig Sitter
A gig sitter is an individual who provides pet care services through a third-party marketplace or app-based platform. These platforms advertise pet sitting services and connect pet owners with independent caregivers.
The individual providing care may or may not be an experienced professional pet sitter. Requirements, training, insurance, and experience levels vary widely from person to person.
While many of these platforms advertise insurance or guarantees, coverage is generally provided through the platform and may be subject to limitations, exclusions, or claim requirements. Pet owners should review the platform's policies carefully to understand what protections are available.
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Professional Pet Sitter
A professional pet sitter operates a legitimate pet care business that is registered with their state and provides pet care services as a profession rather than a side activity.
Professional pet sitting businesses typically:
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Maintain a registered business entity (LLC, corporation, or DBA, depending on state requirements)
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Carry pet sitting liability insurance
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Maintain a professional website and business presence
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Operate under established policies, procedures, and service agreements
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Invest in ongoing education and professional development
If the business employs team members, it may also carry bonding, workers' compensation insurance, and other protections required by state law.
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Additional Professional Credentials
Many professional pet sitters choose to pursue additional education and certifications, including:
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Membership in professional organizations such as Pet Sitters International (PSI) or the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS)
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Certified Professional Pet Sitter (CPPS) designation through Pet Sitters International
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Pet First Aid and CPR Certification
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Ongoing continuing education and specialized training
Examples may include:
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Fear Free® Certification
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Built for Cats® Certification
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Species-specific behavior and enrichment courses
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Medication administration training
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Business and client care education
While not every professional pet sitter holds all of these credentials, they often demonstrate a commitment to continuing education and raising the standard of care provided to pets and their families.
After 20 years of holding to the highest business ethics and standards for our clients, on our own personal ethics, we're excited to announce that our leading industry organization, Pet Sitters International, has come forth with a formal set of global standards for pet sitters. Along with their Certified Professional Pet Sitter exam, they now have compiled extensive guidelines for pet sitters and clients to reference.
Our industry is unregulated, and any person can get online or speak to their neighbors and claim they are a "pet sitter." We account for pet sitting as an industry as the "wild west" of small business.
At Ocala Pet Sitting, we feel it's up to us to help educate the public and for consumers to do their research before trusting anyone with their pets.
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We don't want you to find out the hard way, and if you did we're very sorry that happened to you. Let us provide you with a little clarity.
We don't want this to be you and especially not your pets and this a big part of what fuels our passion to provide loving, professional pet care at Ocala Pet Sitting. ​​
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Check out our reviews and you'll see the relief from others who have been there, too.