top of page
  • How far in advance should I schedule?
    Book at least one week in advance. During peak times (holidays, vacations), booking a month ahead is ideal. We try to accommodate last-minute requests whenever possible.
  • How do I get started?
    Visit our Contact Us page to fill out the initial inquiry form. We’ll set up your account on the Time To Pet portal and schedule a complimentary in-person meet and greet. Schedule your first service through the portal.
  • What services do you offer?
    Our services include: Daily and overnight pet sitting Dog walking Cat Visits House sitting A la carte grooming (nail trims, ear cleaning, anal gland expressions) Vet tech services (e.g., medication administration, wound care) Emergency pet taxi services
  • Why should I hire a certified professional pet sitter?
    Certified professional pet sitters ensure your pets are cared for by trained and experienced professionals. Keeping pets in their familiar surroundings helps alleviate stress and maintains their regular diet and exercise routine. Steve and Hong, the husband-and-wife team behind Pet Sitting 4 Comfort, are Certified Professional Pet Sitters, Dog and Cat Trainers, Fear-Free Certified Professionals, and Pet Tech Certified in Pet First Aid and CPR.
  • When are you available?
    We’re available 365 days a year, including holidays, summer vacations, and spring breaks: Daily Visits: 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM (extended to 11:30 PM during holidays) Overnight Care: 11:30 PM – 6:30 AM Office Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • What are your visit windows?
    Visit windows: Morning: 6:30 AM – 10:00 AM Late Morning: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Mid-Day: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM Late Afternoon: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Evening: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM Night: 8:00 PM – 11:30 PM (extended during holidays) We notify you through the portal if there are any delays.
  • How do I set up phone or video chat appointments?
    Yes, existing clients can schedule phone or video chats through the Time To Pet portal during office hours (9:00 AM – 9:00 PM).
  • How do I request or reschedule services?
    Use the Time To Pet portal for all scheduling, rescheduling, and cancellations. We do not accept texts, calls, or emails for these requests to ensure accuracy and timely responses.
  • Do you accept tips?
    Yes, tips are greatly appreciated and can be added to your invoice or given in cash.
  • What is your cancellation policy?
    Day-Before Cancellations: Must be made by 9:00 PM the day before the scheduled service to avoid a $25 fee. Same-Day Cancellations: If canceled after 6:30 AM on the day of service, a $50 fee applies. Overnight Cancellations: If canceled with less than 72 hours' notice, a $120 fee applies. Extended Bookings (7+ days): Cancellations made with less than 5 days' notice: A 30% fee of the total booking amount will be charged. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice: A 50% fee of the total booking amount will be charged.
  • How do I pay?
    Invoices are due three days after service. You can pay via the Time To Pet portal using our secure Stripe system. Automatic payment options are available for your convenience.
  • Do you charge per pet?
    No, our rates are based on visit duration, not the number of pets.
  • Do you charge extra for nights, weekends, or holidays?
    No, our pricing is transparent with no hidden fees, ensuring that you know exactly what to expect.
  • How do I prepare my pet for the first pet sitting visit?
    Provide detailed care instructions, introduce your pet during a meet-and-greet, and leave out necessary supplies to ensure comfort and a smooth visit.
  • Do you walk multiple dogs at a time?
    We only walk dogs from the same household together to ensure individual attention and safety.
  • How will I know my pet was cared for?
    After each visit, we provide a detailed report via the Time To Pet portal, including: Arrival and departure times Photos and a short video (if requested) A checklist of tasks completed Notes on your pet’s behavior
  • How do you handle pets with special needs?
    We specialize in caring for pets with special needs: Personalized Care Plans: We create tailored care plans for pets with medical conditions, anxiety, or other special requirements. Experience: Steve and Hong, who personally handle all special needs pets, are experienced in administering medications, including injections and subcutaneous fluids, and providing other specialized care. Detailed Reports: After each visit, we provide detailed reports including how your pet is doing, any changes in their behavior, and how they responded to care.
  • Do you have experience giving medication to pets?
    Yes, we can administer prescribed medications at no additional fee. Please provide detailed instructions and routines.
  • How do you discipline pets?
    We use positive reinforcement and follow the LIMA (Least Invasive, Minimally Aversive) approach, promoting a calm and enriching environment.
  • What happens if my pet becomes ill?
    If your pet becomes ill, we will: Contact you immediately. Administer first aid or medication as per your instructions. Take your pet to their veterinarian or an emergency clinic if required. We adhere to your specified spending limits and Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) directives as outlined in your Veterinary Information & Release Form.
  • Will the same person be taking care of my pet?
    Yes, Steve and Hong personally handle all visits. In rare cases when we are unavailable, we will notify you in advance through our monthly email newsletter and provide links to other certified sitters.
  • How do you handle pets that are anxious or have separation anxiety?
    We are certified trainers who use gentle, calming techniques to manage anxiety and follow your specific instructions.
  • Do you do every other day visits for cats?
    No, cats must be visited at least once a day to ensure their well-being and safety.
  • Can you use our garage to enter our home?
    Backup Access Required: If you use an electric garage door for home access, we still require a key or access code as a backup to ensure we can access your home in case of power outages or garage door malfunctions.
  • Can you use concierge services?
    Yes, we can coordinate with your concierge. Please notify them in advance to ensure smooth access to your home. Risks and Considerations: Concierge service availability can impact our ability to access your home promptly. If delays occur due to concierge staff not being present, your pet’s visit time may be reduced. Notify us if the concierge service has limited hours, inconsistent staffing, or specific staff members requiring additional verification. Failure to communicate this information may lead to timing issues or leave us unable to enter your home.
  • How will you enter my home?
    Your home’s security is our priority: Key Management: Keys are securely stored and labeled without your address for privacy. Only Steve and Hong have access to these keys. Home Checks: We check that all doors and windows are securely locked after each visit. No Advertising: We do not use vehicle decals or other forms of advertising that could alert others that you are not home.
  • What are your key handling arrangements?
    Key Pick-Up/Drop-Off Services: Schedule a key pick-up or drop-off through the Time To Pet portal for a $20 fee each way. An ETA notification will be provided when we are en route. Home Office Lockboxes: Utilize one of our secure lockboxes for key drop-off or pick-up at no additional charge. Instructions for using the lockbox will be provided through the portal. Concierge Services (Apartment/Condo Residents): Email your leasing office before your travel dates to authorize Steve & Hong from PS4C to access your home using your key/fob. This ensures more time spent with your pet instead of waiting for concierge access. Temporary Virtual Key/Code: Provide a temporary access code for your home via the portal. Personal Lockbox: Place your key in a personal lockbox and share the location and code with us. Note: We are not responsible for lockbox failures or if the key is not inside the lockbox when services commence. On our last visit, we will take a photo of the key inside the lockbox for your peace of mind.
  • What measures do you take to prevent pets from escaping or getting lost?
    We prefer to use secure non-retractable leashes, collars with ID tags, and always check that all doors and windows are securely closed before leaving your home. Additionally, we double-check gates, fences, and any other potential escape points to ensure your pet remains safe. For indoor pets, we ensure that they are secure inside before leaving.
  • What if I have surveillance cameras at home?
    We respect your use of surveillance cameras for home security. While occasional checks are understandable, constant monitoring can be distracting. You can notify us of any cameras in the "My Info" section of your Time To Pet account. We provide regular updates with photos and GPS tracking to keep you informed.
  • Do you care for pets with aggression issues?
    We evaluate each pet on a case-by-case basis. Our focus is on providing a safe environment for everyone. If a pet has known aggression issues, we will discuss the best approach with you before taking on the assignment, ensuring we have a plan that prioritizes safety.
  • What is your extreme weather policy?
    We complete visits regardless of weather but may adjust the length for safety. In extreme conditions, we may contact you about delayed arrivals. During extreme weather conditions, such as snowstorms, hurricanes, or extreme heat, we prioritize the safety of your pets and ours. For dogs, we may adjust walk times or reduce outdoor activities to avoid exposure to harsh conditions. For cats and other indoor pets, we ensure they are safe and comfortable indoors. We keep you informed of any changes via the Time To Pet portal.
  • Why do you limit your service area?
    Limiting our service area allows us to spend more time caring for pets and less on travel. It ensures timely visits and safe routes, even during bad weather, for flexible and responsive care.
  • Which areas do you service?
    We proudly serve the communities within Arlington, VA. Our service area includes specific neighborhoods within the 22201, 22203, and 22209 zip codes. Please review the list below to see if your location is covered. Service Areas: 22201: Virginia Square Clarendon Court House Lyon Village Colonial Village (part) Lyon Park 22203: Ballston Buckingham 22209: Rosslyn Colonial Village (part) Radnor/Fort Myer Heights
  • Can you service areas just outside your listed service area boundaries?
    As a family-owned and operated business, Steve and Hong focus on our designated neighborhoods to provide quality care and minimize travel time, ensuring consistent care even during inclement weather. If you are unsure whether your location is within our service area, or if you need resources to find other certified pet sitters outside our service area, please email us at stevehongsm@ps4c.net. We’re here to help you find the best care for your pets.​
  • What are your credentials and awards?
    Steve and Hong are Certified Professional Pet Sitters, Certified Dog and Cat Trainers, Fear-Free Certified Professionals, and Pet Tech Certified in Pet First Aid and CPR. We’ve been recognized as the best pet care provider by North Virginia Magazine in 2022 and 2023.
  • How did we get started in the pet sitting industry?
    Steve and Hong-An co-founded Pet Sitting 4 Comfort (PS4C) in 2016. Our family-operated business started with the love of animals and helping people with their pets' needs. We realized the demand for skilled individuals with a clinical background to care for their beloved furry family members while they were away or needed help administering medications in the comfort of their own homes. Steve has five years of clinical experience as a veterinary technician from 2011 to 2016. Hong-An is certified as a Veterinary Assistant to provide care for our clients' special needs pets, from puppies/kittens to senior dogs and cats. We are certified professional pet sitters that offer specialty and customized pet care in Arlington, VA: Ballston, Clarendon, and Rosslyn.
  • Are you bonded and insured?
    Yes, we are fully bonded and insured. Insurance information is available upon request.
  • What makes you different from other pet sitters?
    We are a family-owned business run by Steve and Hong, providing a personal touch and professional service. We are selective about the clients we take on to maintain close, caring relationships. We are committed to the highest standards of care, and in the next couple of years, we plan to hire trained staff to help keep up with demand while leaving the care of special needs pets to ourselves and letting staff take care of healthy pets under our guidance and support.
  • How do I use the Time To Pet portal?
    The Time To Pet portal is your primary tool for managing all your pet care services. Through the portal, you can: Schedule Services: Log in, go to the Scheduling tab, and select the service you need. You can book new appointments or modify existing ones. Cancel Services: To cancel a scheduled service, navigate to the Scheduling tab and click on the service you wish to cancel. Follow the prompts to confirm the cancellation. Opt into Automatic Payments: To avoid late fees, you can opt into automatic payments. Simply go to the Invoices section, update your payment method, and select the option for automatic billing. Check Account Status: Review your account details, including upcoming services, payment history, and any pending invoices. This helps ensure that all your services are up-to-date and your payments are processed on time.
  • What happens if my account becomes inactive?
    What happens if my account becomes inactive? If you haven’t used our services for six months, your account will be deactivated to maintain security and efficiency. Here’s what you need to know: Deactivation Timeline: Accounts that have not been used for services in the past six months will be automatically deactivated. This includes accounts with no service bookings, communication, or updates during that time. Reactivation Process: Via Time To Pet Portal: To keep your account active, please confirm that you are still within our service area by sending a message through the Time To Pet portal with the word "ACTIVE." This confirmation will extend your account’s active status for an additional six months. Email Us: If your account has already been deactivated, you can reactivate it by emailing us at stevehongsm@ps4c.net with the subject line "REACTIVATE" and include your request in the message. Impact of Deactivation: Once deactivated, you will lose access to requesting bookings or managing your account through the portal until reactivation. Key Disposal: If we do not hear from you within six months after your account is deactivated, any keys we have on file will be securely disposed of to ensure the security of your home. Monthly Newsletter Reminders: We regularly remind clients through our monthly newsletter if they are approaching the six-month inactivity mark. If you receive a reminder, simply message us with the word "ACTIVE" so we can verify your account and keep it active.
  • Where can I find your detailed policies and procedures?
    Transparency is important to us: Website Summary: Our website provides a summary of our key policies, including our cancellation policy, service procedures, and more. Detailed Documents: During the onboarding process, you’ll receive our full Service Agreement and Policies and Procedures Manual for detailed review. Request a Copy: If you’d like to review these documents before booking, please email us at stevehongsm@ps4c.net, and we’ll send you a copy. We believe in being transparent with our clients about every aspect of our service.
  • What should I do if I experience technical issues with the Time To Pet app?
    If you encounter technical issues with the Time To Pet app: Update the App: Ensure you are using the latest version of the app. Check your device’s app store for any available updates. Uninstall and Reinstall: If problems continue, try uninstalling the app and then re-downloading it from your device’s app store. This can resolve many common issues. You can also access your account through your mobile browser: https://www.timetopet.com/portal/ps4c
  • How do I update my pet’s information or care instructions?
    To ensure we provide the best care for your pets: Time To Pet Portal: Navigate to the "Pets" section in the portal. Here, you can update feeding instructions, medication details, or any other important care information. Special Instructions: If there are temporary changes (e.g., a new medication or diet), add these to the "Additional Notes" section when booking a service.
  • How does the referral program work?
    We appreciate client referrals and offer a $20 credit for each successful referral: Share Your Experience: Tell your friends and family about our services. When they book their first service with us and mention your name, you’ll receive a $20 credit towards your next service.
  • Do you offer seasonal promotions or discounts?
    We offer various discounts for regular clients: Monthly Discounts: Clients who schedule 12 or more dog walks per month are eligible for discounts ranging from 3% to 8%, depending on the number of walks. Seasonal Promotions: We occasionally run seasonal promotions or offer discounts around holidays. Details will be shared in our monthly newsletter and through the Time To Pet portal.
  • How do I update my contact information or address?
    It’s important to keep your contact details and address up-to-date to ensure seamless communication and service delivery: Time To Pet Portal: Go to the "My Info" section in the Time To Pet portal to update your phone number, email, or address. Notify Us of Moves: If you’re moving to a new location, please update your address in the portal and send us a message so we can verify that your new address is within our service area.
  • How can I provide feedback on your services?
    We’re Committed to Constant Improvement Your Feedback Matters: We highly value your suggestions for new services or improvements to our current offerings. You can share your ideas directly through the Time To Pet portal. Your insights are essential to helping us provide the best care possible. Stay Informed: Our monthly newsletter keeps you updated on new services, special promotions, and our future plans to expand our team. We’re excited to grow with you! Provide Feedback: After each service, use the feedback form in the Time To Pet portal to let us know how we did and how we can improve. Address Your Concerns: If you have any concerns or specific feedback, please reach out through the portal. We’re here to listen and ensure your experience with Pet Sitting 4 Comfort is always exceptional.
  • How will I be informed of policy changes?
    We strive to keep our clients informed of any changes to our policies: Monthly Newsletter: We communicate all important policy updates and service changes through our monthly newsletter. Staying subscribed ensures you’re always in the loop. Time To Pet Portal: Major updates are also posted in the Time To Pet portal under the "Announcements" section.
  • What should I do if I have trouble logging into the Time To Pet portal?
    If you experience login issues: Check Your Credentials: Ensure that you’re entering the correct username and password. If you’ve forgotten your password, use the "Forgot Password" feature to reset it. Update Your Browser: Sometimes, using an outdated browser can cause login problems. Make sure your browser is up-to-date. Contact Us: If you still can't log in, send us an email at stevehongsm@ps4c.net and we'll help you resolve the issue.
Pet Sitting 4 Comfort LLC logo
bottom of page