Do you care for senior pets?
Absolutely. Senior pet care is one of the specialties at Corks Critter Care Home & Pet Sitting Services. Many older pets need extra patience, slower routines, mobility support, medication management, and close monitoring for subtle changes in behavior, appetite, breathing, urination, pain, or mobility.
With over 28 years of veterinary and animal care experience as a Registered Veterinary Technologist (RVT), I am comfortable caring for seniors with conditions such as:
- Arthritis and mobility issues
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Hyperthyroidism
- Cognitive decline
- Vision or hearing loss
- Post-surgical recovery
- Palliative and hospice care needs
Visits are tailored to your pet's comfort level and routine. I focus on reducing stress, maintaining consistency, and helping pets feel safe in their own home environment.
Do you offer cat sitting?
Yes — cat sitting is one of our most requested services in Calgary. Cats are often happiest staying in their familiar home environment rather than going to a boarding facility.
Visits can include:
- Feeding and fresh water
- Litter box scooping and sanitizing
- Medication administration
- Playtime and enrichment
- Brushing and grooming support
- Wellness monitoring
- Photo and report card updates
- Mail collection, plant watering, and home checks
Whether you have a social cat, a shy senior, a kitten, or a medical needs cat, care is customized to your household and your cat's personality.
What areas do you serve?
Calgary is our primary service area, including many NW, NE, SW, and SE communities.
Service may also be available in:
- Airdrie
- Chestermere
- Dewinton
If you are unsure whether you are within the service area, please contact us with your community name and we will let you know availability and travel options.
Are you insured?
Yes. Corks Critter Care is licensed, bonded, and insured for professional pet sitting and pet care services.
Your pets, home, and keys are handled with professionalism, privacy, and care. We also maintain professional memberships and continuing education within the veterinary and pet care industries.
Do you offer medication visits?
Yes. Medication and nursing care visits are available for many species and medical conditions.
As an RVT with extensive veterinary experience, I am comfortable administering many types of medications including:
- Oral medications
- Insulin injections
- Subcutaneous (SubQ) fluids
- Eye and ear medications
- Inhalers
- Topical medications
- Special feeding routines
Medication visits are especially helpful for senior pets, diabetic pets, cats with kidney disease, post-operative patients, and pets requiring consistent medical monitoring.
How far in advance should I book?
Booking early is strongly recommended, especially for:
- Summer vacations
- Christmas and holidays
- Long weekends
- Spring break
- Stampede season in Calgary
Some clients book months in advance for peak travel periods.
Last-minute bookings may sometimes be available depending on schedule capacity, but availability cannot be guaranteed.
What happens during a meet and greet?
The Meet & Greet (Orientation Visit) helps ensure everyone feels comfortable before services begin.
During this visit we discuss:
- Your pet's routine and personality
- Feeding instructions
- Medical needs and medications
- Emergency contacts
- Veterinary information
- Home care instructions
- Security and key handling
- Walking preferences and triggers
- Behavioral concerns or fears
This is also a chance for your pets to become familiar with me before your trip or scheduled care begins.
Do you care for reactive dogs?
Yes. Reactive, fearful, anxious, shy, or behaviorally sensitive dogs are welcome.
Fear Free handling principles and low-stress approaches are always prioritized. Walks and visits are structured around your dog's comfort level and safety needs.
I have experience with:
- Leash-reactive dogs
- Dogs fearful of strangers
- Senior dogs with anxiety
- Veterinary-sensitive dogs
- Dogs requiring muzzles or special handling plans
Clear communication about triggers, routines, and safety protocols is very important so care can be customized appropriately.
Do you offer vacation pet sitting?
Yes. Vacation pet sitting is one of the core services offered by Corks Critter Care.
Your pets remain safely at home while receiving personalized care, attention, exercise, enrichment, and companionship.
Vacation services may include:
- Multiple daily visits
- Overnight pet sitting
- Dog walking
- Cat care
- Medication administration
- Home security checks
- Plant watering and mail collection
- Daily updates with photos
Keeping pets in their familiar home environment often reduces stress, maintains routines, and helps pets feel more secure while you are away.
What types of pets do you care for?
We care for many domesticated species including:
- Dogs
- Cats
- Rabbits
- Guinea pigs
- Birds
- Reptiles
- Ferrets
- Chinchillas
- Hedgehogs
- Fish and aquariums
Do you offer overnight pet sitting?
Yes. Overnight pet sitting provides companionship, monitoring, and home presence throughout the evening and overnight hours for pets who benefit from additional support and routine consistency.
Will I receive updates while I'm away?
Yes. Clients receive updates, report cards, and photos through the client portal so you can stay connected and reassured while traveling.
Can you administer insulin injections?
Yes. Insulin administration for diabetic pets is available. Timing consistency and careful monitoring are prioritized.
What if my pet has an emergency?
In the event of a medical concern or emergency, your veterinarian and emergency contacts will be contacted immediately. Veterinary experience allows for early recognition of many health concerns.
Do you walk dogs in groups?
No. Walks are individualized for safety, attention, and customized care.
Why choose in-home pet sitting instead of boarding?
Many pets experience less stress staying in their own familiar home environment. Their routines, smells, beds, litter boxes, medications, and feeding schedules remain consistent, which is especially beneficial for senior pets, cats, and anxious pets.
Are you Fear Free certified?
Yes. Fear Free principles are incorporated into handling and care approaches whenever possible to reduce fear, stress, and anxiety during visits and walks.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Payment options may include:
- E-transfer
- Check
- Cash
- PayPal
- Stripe
Do you offer puppy visits or midday dog breaks?
Yes. Puppy playtime visits and midday let-out visits are available for puppies and dogs needing bathroom breaks, exercise, enrichment, and companionship during the day.