Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about pet sitting services in South Central PA. Can't find your answer? Give us a call.
Services & Pricing
We offer a full range of pet care services including daily dog walking, in home pet sitting visits, overnight pet care, feeding and medication administration, playtime and exercise sessions, and specialized care for cats and small animals.
Drop-in visits (up to 30 min) start at $20 and cover feeding, fresh water, potty breaks, playtime, and a photo update. Extended 45-minute visits are $30. Overnight stays (7 PM to 7 AM) are $80 flat. Hourly packages start at $60 for 2 hours. A $10 per-day holiday surcharge applies on listed holidays — see our full pricing page for the complete holiday list.
Yes! Our overnight care service runs from 7 PM to 7 AM. Your pet stays in the comfort of their own home while Big Mike provides evening and morning care, overnight supervision, and emergency response. This is ideal for pets with anxiety or those who need medication at specific times.
Absolutely. We provide reliable medication administration following your exact schedule and instructions. Whether pills, liquids, insulin, or topical treatments, we ensure your pet receives their medications properly and on time.
Yes! Our dog walking service includes leashed walks tailored to your dog's energy level and needs. We provide regular exercise, fresh air, and mental stimulation during each walk.
A standard drop-in visit runs up to 30 minutes and includes fresh food and water, medication administration if needed, potty breaks or litter box cleaning, playtime and affection, a home security check, and a photo update sent to you.
Scheduling & Booking
Simply call us at (223) 221-1872 or fill out our contact form. We'll set up a free consultation to meet you and your pets, discuss their routine, and schedule services that work with your timeline. Most visits are confirmed within 24 hours.
We recommend booking at least one week in advance for regular visits and 2-3 weeks ahead for holidays and peak travel times. Need us on short notice? Reach out, we accept last-minute and same-day bookings whenever our schedule allows, and a small rush fee may apply depending on timing. For holidays, we recommend booking as early as possible, as availability is limited.
Yes! Every new client gets a free in home consultation where Big Mike meets your pets, learns their routine, reviews any special needs, and answers all your questions. This visit helps your pets feel comfortable before the first real sitting session.
We know life with pets is unpredictable, plans change, trips get cut short, and emergencies happen. That's why we handle cancellations and schedule changes on a case-by-case basis rather than with one-size-fits-all rules. In general: the more notice you give us, the easier it is to waive fees entirely. Late cancellations and no-shows may incur a fee of up to 50% of the scheduled service, depending on notice given and the length of the booking. Extended stays and holiday bookings may require more notice, which we'll go over together when you book. Just reach out, we'll always work with you to find a fair outcome.
Yes, we offer pet sitting on all major holidays. A $10 per-day surcharge applies for each calendar day your booking overlaps a listed holiday. See the full holiday list on our Pricing page.
Pet Types & Special Needs
We care for all types of pets including dogs, cats, birds, fish, ferrets, hamsters, guinea pigs, reptiles, and other exotic animals. No matter what kind of pet you have, we provide professional, loving care tailored to their specific needs.
Of course! Many of our clients have multiple pets. We provide individualized attention to each animal during every visit. An extra pet fee applies for additional animals — see our pricing page for details.
Yes. We have experience with senior dogs and cats who need extra attention, mobility assistance, or more frequent medication. We also accommodate pets with anxiety, dietary restrictions, or chronic conditions.
We evaluate each pet during the free consultation. Most fearful pets warm up quickly once they get to know us. For pets with behavioral challenges, we discuss safety protocols and may adjust our approach to ensure both pet and sitter safety.
Service Areas
We serve South Central PA. Not sure if you're covered? Call (223) 221-1872 and Mike will let you know.
No extra travel fees within our service area. If you're unsure whether your location is covered, just give us a call at (223) 221-1872.
If you're searching for pet sitting near me in South Central PA, Big Mike's Pet Sitting has you covered. Call (223) 221-1872 to schedule a free consultation and find out if we serve your area.
Big Mike's Pet Sitting is a top-rated local pet sitter serving South Central PA. Owner Mike McGovern provides trusted in home pet care. Not a franchise or app based service. We have a 5-star rating and can typically start within a few days of your initial consultation. Call (223) 221-1872 for same week availability.
Yes! Big Mike's Pet Sitting offers professional dog walking services throughout South Central PA. We provide reliable daily and weekly dog walking for all breeds and sizes and can typically start within a few days of your initial consultation. Call (223) 221-1872 to schedule.
Absolutely. We offer professional cat sitting throughout South Central PA. Cat visits include feeding, fresh water, litter box cleaning, playtime, and a photo update for you. Cats stay comfortable in their own home environment, which reduces stress compared to boarding. Call (223) 221-1872 to book a free consultation.
Safety & Trust
Yes. Mike is a dedicated, 5-star rated professional who has personally cared for hundreds of pets across South Central PA. We take trust and safety seriously at every visit.
Absolutely! We send photo and text updates after every visit so you can see your pet is happy and well-cared for. Many clients say this is their favorite part of our service.
We have a documented emergency protocol. Your vet's information is always on file, and we know the locations of emergency veterinary clinics throughout South Central PA. In case of a medical emergency, we contact you immediately and transport your pet to the nearest vet if necessary.
During the consultation we discuss access options. Most clients provide a spare key, garage code, or lockbox code. Your keys are securely labeled with a code system (never your address) and returned when services end.
We monitor your pet's health closely at each visit. If we notice any signs of illness such as lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, or unusual behavior, we contact you immediately and follow your pre-arranged instructions for veterinary care.
Referrals & Discounts
Yes! When you refer a friend, you both save $25. There's no limit to how many friends you can refer. It's our way of saying thank you for spreading the word about trusted pet care.
We offer multi-hour packages that provide savings over individual visits. Contact us to discuss recurring service plans that fit your schedule and budget.
Still Have Questions?
We're happy to answer anything. Reach out for a free consultation and we'll discuss your pet's needs.