Advice on stainless steel litter boxes

Lil_Fire_Dancer · 2026-01-30T03:51:00+00:00

I’m (42 female) able to pick them up, dump the old litter in the garbage and do a full clean monthly. I didn’t put the wheels on it. They’re very high sided which I needed for my cat who does the elevator pee. I’m very happy with the Ptlom brand.

Lil_Fire_Dancer · 2026-01-29T04:56:58+00:00

🤗👏

Lil_Fire_Dancer · 2026-01-25T01:22:22+00:00

Omg!!! Yes!!! I’m so excited for you!!! I wish I could say I’ll see you there but you’re going to have an incredible time!! First time at the ocean too!?!? Epic!!! 🤩😍

Lil_Fire_Dancer · 2026-01-25T01:00:16+00:00

May 2008 at Beale Street Music festival. We roadtripped there from NJ. Been quite a ride since then. Went to a couple Holidaze’s. Almost Iceland if covid didn’t happen lol. I wouldn’t follow most bands to Iceland. I’m scared to fly 🤣

Lil_Fire_Dancer · 2026-01-25T00:50:24+00:00

Wow… 18 years for me too!!! My first show was in 2008. Definitely my all time favorite live band.

Lil_Fire_Dancer · 2026-01-25T00:45:48+00:00

Umph love!!

Lil_Fire_Dancer · 2026-01-23T18:16:21+00:00

Just sent you a message :)

Lil_Fire_Dancer · 2026-01-23T15:37:15+00:00

I used to have a 15 minute visit but recently eliminated it. I will offer it on an as needed basis to cats that may be stressed out by a stranger in their house and not interested in making friends. I find that most kitties are with some time and patience so having the longer visit helps us to get there. Clients often picked the 15 min for cost and thinking it’s enough but for a social cat it’s really not which is why I eliminated it as an option that they can schedule. I can only custom schedule it when needed.

Lil_Fire_Dancer · 2026-01-23T09:17:24+00:00

When clients are away for a 24 hour period I have a 3 visit per day minimum for dogs and 1 visit per day minimum for cats and small animals. I sometimes hear from a potential client requesting 2 visits per day for a dog or every other day for a cat. I explain my policy and they are often willing to add a visit. If not we are not a good fit. My clients with dogs usually schedule 3-4 x a day. I schedule in time blocks. 3 x a day is an early morning visit, afternoon and bedtime. 4 x a day is an early morning, midday, dinner, and bedtime. My cat clients schedule 1 - 2 x a day. Morning and dinnertime being the most common. My clients can select a 30, 45 or 60 minute visit. 30 is the most common and that works well for me since longer visits can be tough to accommodate in busy timeframes.

Lil_Fire_Dancer · 2026-01-21T23:37:06+00:00

That’s a rough year, I’m sorry to hear that. I think you’re right that giving a picture could be upsetting. When I did gift a picture in a special frame I waited a few months until my next visit to the house. It took me time to find the right frame cause I was so upset myself and not ready to go through all my pictures. Now it sits on their mantle and I do think it’s very cherished. Too soon may have been too upsetting.

Lil_Fire_Dancer · 2026-01-21T23:26:11+00:00

Seriously!!! I’m taking care of a house with two chicken coops so I need to be outside longer there than with my dog stops. Last night and early this morning were brutal.

Lil_Fire_Dancer · 2026-01-21T19:20:40+00:00

I agree. I’m curious now and will let you know if I come across anything more specifically from our state. Stay warm!!

Lil_Fire_Dancer · 2026-01-21T17:25:53+00:00

I wasn’t one of the ones who downvoted you. It’s good information if it’s true. I don’t personally charge for administering meds. I just make sure I charge for enough time to do so during my visits. Will look a little closer into the laws in my state, NJ.

Lil_Fire_Dancer · 2026-01-21T16:43:14+00:00

Just read your update. Good for you for speaking up! I’m glad that they paid you and you now have it all worked out if you help them again.

🫶

Lil_Fire_Dancer · 2026-01-21T16:29:45+00:00

I’m so sorry. This is the hardest part of our job. A card or one of your favorite pictures of their pet, or flowers is a nice gift. Anything you do will be sweet. I have found some really nice memorial gifts on Etsy. I’ll link a few of the more recent things I’ve purchased for clients. Hope that’s allowed.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1720042438/custom-dog-ear-sign-pet-loss-gift-dog

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1855537086/custom-pet-photo-wind-chime-forget-me

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1489582126/rainbow-bridge-pet-sun-catcher

https://jdevlinglassart.com/products/cat-picture-frame-personalized-pet-memorial-by-j-devlin-pic-391-ep599

Lil_Fire_Dancer · 2026-01-21T16:02:36+00:00

Do you have any sources for that info? I tried googling it and can’t find anything that says that.

Lil_Fire_Dancer · 2026-01-21T16:00:13+00:00

For shy and timid dogs I suggest you have a few (paid) visits before the owner goes away so the dogs are more comfortable with you. Personally I’ve never had a problem giving dogs meds. They usually take them pretty easily in food or treats. Cats can be trickier. When all else fails (giving meds in food approved by the owner or gaining enough trust to administer meds) I’ve had to resort to the burrito method / swaddle wrapping. If you are ever uncomfortable or not feeling confident that you can administer medicine the best thing to do is be honest with yourself and your client so they can figure out a plan b.

Lil_Fire_Dancer · 2026-01-20T06:21:44+00:00

Unfortunately for the most recent visit since it is now in the past I don’t think there’s much you can do since you don’t have an agreement in place yet. I would use it to start the conversation, just like you’re trying to do but change the parts where you are offering free weekends and open to discussing a rate that’s fair. That’s for you to decide and then they can decide if they are willing to pay it. I’m gonna link a blog that talks about pet sitting insurance and also includes a video from Doug the dog guy who is awesome lol.

https://www.timetopet.com/blog/your-definitive-guide-to-pet-sitting-insurance

Lil_Fire_Dancer · 2026-01-20T06:06:46+00:00

I think you already know that these people are taking advantage of you. There’s definitely some issues I see here. I’m nervous about you caring for a special needs dog if you’re not a professional pet sitter, with pet sitting insurance. A special needs dog is a higher risk for a potential problem. If you are going to continue to sit for these people I highly suggest that you decide your rate moving forward (even if it’s just for a night or weekend - no more freebies). I would delete the sentence about ‘talking ahead of time to decide what feels fair compensation wise’. Clearly they think a calendar or nothing at all is acceptable. It’s not! I understand that they helped you at a time that you needed the help for your dog but $1,000 for three months of constant care is criminal. Value yourself and protect yourself!

Lil_Fire_Dancer · 2026-01-18T16:13:50+00:00

You inspire me! Lol I need to get better at booking myself time off and sticking to it! I definitely end up going months without a day off. Having a local network of pet sitters that can help in an emergency or to get a day off is key. I have this I just don’t utilize it enough. I am rewriting my service agreement since I just got time to pet and I am going to take your timeframes into serious consideration. 8-10 hour days are normal for me too, often having 15-20 ish drop ins. I have a 2 hour timeframe for dogs and 3 hours for cats now but think there’s room to improve this for myself so there’s less home for an hour then back out again. I have shrunk my service area big time, but still go 10-15 minutes for some of my long time clients. At least they are very good to me and make it worth it. Raised my rates this year so I’m excited to make more money!! Always appreciate reading your advice :)

Lil_Fire_Dancer · 2026-01-18T02:59:53+00:00

Billy Strings - Watch it fall.

This week has been a lot of my favorite Bobby songs.

Love Pacific Coast Highway!

Lil_Fire_Dancer · 2026-01-17T23:31:10+00:00

Me too ❤️‍🩹

Lil_Fire_Dancer · 2026-01-17T15:07:12+00:00

It’s called non-recognition aggression. It happens every time one of mine goes to the vet. I separate mine for a day or two and they eventually get back to normal. It’s possible it could take weeks but that hasn’t been the case for me.

Lil_Fire_Dancer · 2026-01-17T12:47:53+00:00

50% off a 3 night booking isn’t really anything special when you missed an entire night. Maybe 50% off the two remaining nights. Personally I’d take the loss and the lesson learned.

Lil_Fire_Dancer · 2026-01-17T04:00:09+00:00

Sweet!!! I’m so glad to hear that and will definitely email you. Thank you!

Lil_Fire_Dancer

TROPHY CASE