- Who is Dexter?
Dexter was Lauren’s 14-year-old Norwich Terrier who passed from complications related to kidney disease in 2025. She had an incredibly special bond with Dexter, and when she started her business, she knew that she wanted Dexter’s legacy to play some role in the business, so the name felt fitting.
2. Why should I hire a professional pet sitter and not my neighbor or kid down the street?
When hiring a professional pet sitter, you are hiring someone who not only has personal experience with dogs and cats but also professional experience. As professionals, we not only consider the best way to care for your pets, but also how to run a successful business. We have pet sitters’ insurance and certifications that expand our knowledge on how to best care for your furry family members. While we never anticipate situations like veterinary care, a dog getting out of the house, or an animal dying in a pet sitter’s care, insurance focuses on these events and how to cover them if they were to arise. As a business, Dear Dexter Pet Sitting takes these types of situations very seriously. The neighbor or the kid down the street has no protection if these things were to happen in their care.
3. Do you charge for meet and greets?
No. Meet and greets will always be free. Meet and greets are required prior to booking services.
4. Why must I sign a contract in order to work with Dear Dexter Pet Sitting?
Putting a contract in place protects both the business and the client. Our contracts are short, straightforward, and outline important policies and expectations so there are no surprises before booking a service. A sample of this contract can be sent upon request.
5. Why are you billing clients through Square? Can I write you a check or send money through Venmo?
Dear Dexter Pet Sitting accepts payment exclusively through Square to ensure secure, consistent, and professional transactions for all clients. Square provides reliable payment tracking, digital receipts, and clear records for both you and the sitter. By using one payment platform, we avoid lost payments, delays, or misunderstandings and can focus fully on providing excellent care for your pets. For these reasons, we do not accept cash, checks, Venmo, or other payment apps.
6. Do you offer in home boarding?
No. Dear Dexter Pet Sitting does not offer in-home boarding. We have pets of our own and believe your pets are happiest and most comfortable staying in their familiar home environment while you’re away.
6. Are there any dog breeds you do not work with?
For safety and insurance reasons, Dear Dexter Pet Sitting may be unable to work with certain dogs. Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis and may depend on factors such as breed, size, history, and behavior.
7. What if my dog has shown aggressive behavior in the past? Can I still book services?
Dear Dexter Pet Sitting prioritizes the safety and well-being of pets, clients, and the sitter. If a dog has a history of aggression toward people or other animals (or shows aggression during a meet and greet,) we will decline a booking. This includes behaviors such as biting, snapping, lunging, or repeated attempts to intimidate.
While we appreciate transparency, some situations require a higher level of training, handling, or behavioral management than we are able to provide. In these cases, we may recommend working with a certified trainer, behaviorist, or a pet care professional who specializes in aggressive or reactive dogs.
8. Do you pet sit for cats?
Yes! While cat sitting for Dear Dexter Pet Sitting is not as common, we have pet sat for some wonderful cats and always enjoy the experience.
Have a question that is not answered here? Please e-mail Lauren at lauren@deardexterpetsitting and we will get back to you promptly.