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Download our comprehensive Welcome Document: It covers everything from our booking process to how we care for your pets, plus loads of helpful details about our services.

Need a quick answer right now? Chat with our automated assistant in the bottom right-hand corner for instant responses to common questions. AIVA can also direct you on how to book consultations and more. 

Don’t mind waiting a little? I’m unable to take calls or emails for safety reason while caring for pets, but feel free to email me on lesley@vipets.co.nz and I’ll get back to you as soon as I am able.

Or browse our most frequently asked questions below: We’ve answered the top queries from Christchurch pet parents just like you!

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VIPets Most Frequently Asked Questions

How much does pet sitting cost in Christchurch?

Professional pet sitting in Christchurch ranges from $25-$120 per day depending on your needs. At VIPets, single daily visits and dog walking starts at $30, twice-daily care is $50 per day ($25 per visit), and overnight care with a midday visit is $120 per night. All visits include GPS tracking, photo updates, medication administration, and home security checks – significantly more value than casual pet sitting arrangements.

It’s simple! Sign up through our Time to Pet booking system (cats and small animals can register instantly; dogs need a quick application review). We’ll schedule a free home consultation to meet you and your pets. Then you can book services directly through our app whenever you need care. You’ll receive GPS-tracked visits, photo updates, and can message your sitter anytime. Payment is secure through the app or bank transfer.

We provide pet sitting and dog walking throughout greater Christchurch including Fendalton, Merivale, Riccarton, Cashmere, Sumner, St Albans, Ilam, Papanui, Woolston, Halswell, Sydenham, Addington, and surrounding suburbs. If you’re unsure whether we cover your area, just ask – we’re often happy to extend our service area for the right fit!
Absolutely! We regularly care for multi-pet households including cats who don’t get along, dogs and cats with different routines, and various small animals. We create individual care plans for each of your pets and make sure everyone gets the attention they need. There’s no extra charge for multiple pets in the same household receiving care during the same visit.
Yes! Our overnight care service ($120 per night) includes evening, overnight, and morning care from 7pm-7am, plus a bonus midday visit. Your pet sitter actually sleeps in your home, so your pets never spend a night alone. It’s ideal for anxious pets, senior animals with medical needs, or when you want complete peace of mind about home security during extended trips.
Every single visit is tracked with GPS technology showing exactly when we arrived and left. You’ll receive timestamped proof in your Time to Pet app, along with photo and video updates of your pet during the visit. You can see where we walked your dog, watch them eating their dinner, or just get a happy update that they’re doing great. Complete transparency, every time.
We’re trained in pet first aid and experienced in recognizing signs of illness or distress. We’ll contact you immediately if we notice anything concerning, coordinate directly with your nominated veterinarian, and can transport your pet for emergency care if needed. We stay with your pet throughout treatment and keep you updated no matter what timezone you’re in. Your pet’s wellbeing is always our top priority.
Yes! We carry full public liability insurance to the value of $1 million plus $10,000 per pet protection. We’re also Pet First Aid certified (including CPR, emergency response, heat stroke, and wound care), and we invest in ongoing training in animal behaviour and modern care techniques. Your home, belongings, and pets are fully protected.

For regular weekly dog walking, 1-2 weeks ahead is usually fine. For pet sitting during holidays or busy periods, we recommend 4-8 weeks in advance. Christmas and summer holidays fill especially fast and should be booked 8-10 weeks ahead (early October for Christmas 2025!) to secure your preferred dates and times. Last-minute bookings are sometimes available – just ask!

All VIPets visits include: personalised feeding according to your pet’s schedule, fresh water, litter tray cleaning or toilet breaks, medication administration (if needed), playtime and companionship, health monitoring, GPS-tracked visit confirmation, photo/video updates, home security checks, and mail collection. You can also request extras like plant watering, bin management, or Christmas tree watering at no additional charge!

Yes! We provide full service on all public holidays including Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, and others. These dates include a small holiday surcharge ($15-25 depending on the date) to recognise that our team is working when they could be with their own families. Your pets still need breakfast on Christmas morning – we’ve got them covered!

Can you administer medication to my pet?
Yes, we’re experienced with various medication types including pills, liquids, eye drops, ear treatments, and topical medications. We do not administer injections however, as we are pet first aid certified, but not trained as vet nurses. We carefully track all medication administration and will note it in your visit report. If your pet has complex medical needs, we’ll discuss the specific requirements during your free consultation to ensure we can provide the proper care.
We aim to provide consistency by assigning you a primary pet sitter who gets to know your pets and their routines. For regular weekly services, you’ll typically have the same carer. During busy holiday periods, you might occasionally have a backup sitter, but they’ll have access to all your pet’s information and care notes to maintain the same high standard of care.
Cancellations made 24+ hours before your scheduled service receive full credit. If you need to cancel within 24 hours, the full fee applies – however, we understand emergencies happen, so we include one free last-minute cancellation per calendar month. You can modify bookings easily through the Time to Pet app, and we’re always happy to accommodate schedule changes when possible.
We care for both cats and dogs, plus small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, and chickens! Each species has different needs, and we tailor our care accordingly. Cats often prefer shorter, quieter visits, while dogs need walks and more active play. We’re experienced with the unique requirements of all types of pets.
For maximum security, we use lockbox systems rather than keeping copies of your keys. We’ll set you up with a secure lockbox at your first consultation – you control the code and can change it whenever you like. Your key stays in the lockbox on your property, never in our office or car. You can remove or change the code anytime.
We offer both solo walks and small group walks, depending on your dog’s temperament and your preference. Small group walks (2-3 dogs) are great for social dogs who enjoy canine companionship, while solo walks suit dogs who prefer one-on-one attention or have reactivity issues. We’ll discuss what works best for your dog during our consultation and never force interactions.
We specialize in working with shy, anxious, and nervous pets! We use gentle, patient approaches, respect your pet’s need for space, and take time to build trust gradually. Many of our most anxious clients have become some of our most affectionate regulars once they realize we’re there to love and care for them. We’ll work at your pet’s pace, never rushing them.
Yes! Young pets need frequent check-ins, socialization, and sometimes extra patience. We’re experienced with the unique needs of puppies and kittens including house training support, appropriate play, and preventing destructive behavior from boredom. For very young animals, we recommend more frequent visits (3-4 times daily) to maintain their routines and provide adequate supervision.
Absolutely. Senior and special needs pets often benefit most from professional in-home care as they need extra monitoring, gentle handling, consistent medication routines, and mobility assistance. We’re experienced with the specific needs of elderly pets including comfort care, recognizing changes in health, and coordinating with your veterinarian for ongoing medical management.
Pet sitting means your animals stay comfortable in their own home while we visit them, whereas catteries and kennels require transporting your pet to a facility. The key differences: pet sitting maintains your pet’s familiar routine and territory, reduces stress from travel and new environments, provides one-on-one attention rather than shared care, includes home security benefits, and often costs less than boarding – especially for multiple pets!
Absolutely! We require a complimentary home consultation for all new clients before your first booking. This free visit gives us a chance to meet you and your pets, discuss their specific needs and routines, answer your questions, and ensure we’re the perfect fit. There’s no obligation to book – it’s just a friendly chat to see if we’re right for each other.

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