Sit Stay Concierge Pet Wellness
Frequently Asked Questions
We are partners in care for your precious pet.
Here are the answers to questions you may have about service with Sit Stay.
Are you a vet? Do you do vaccinations or euthanasia?
No., we offer veterinary nursing services. There is no veterinarian on staff. We cannot legally vaccinate, euthanize, prescribe for, or diagnose pets. Think of this more as a veterinary home health aide service. We are happy to assist you in following the orders from your veterinarian. We know that sometimes pets don't like to cooperate with doctor's orders! Sit Stay is a service to help take some of the load off of your primary vet by offering services that can be done by a veterinary professional, safely, in your own home. Here are some area mobile vets we recommend: Mobile Companion Paws, Hometown Pet Mobile Vet, Aura Vet Care, Vets To Pets, Vet in a Box, and Feline Fine Mobile Vet
What kind of pet patients can you care for?
Most Sit Stay patients are dogs and cats. However, several services can be performed for livestock, large animals, pocket pets, reptiles, farm and other exotic species. Please contact for specific requests.
What areas do you service?
Services are currently offered in the following Northern Virginia counties: Fauquier, Fairfax, Prince William, Culpeper, Loudoun, Warren, Rappahannock, and Stafford. Other areas may be available upon request, please contact for more info. To request an appointment, click here or use the "book now" button below. Every effort will be made to schedule you as requested. You will be scheduled based on your location and our current bookings. A minimum of $50 worth of services is required for all house calls.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Cash, credit card, PayPal (hello@SitStayVa.com), and Venmo (@SitStayVa) are gladly accepted. Personal checks are accepted on a case-by-case basis from existing clients only. A credit card is required to be on file to book an appointment. This is kept in a protected and encrypted field in our booking system.
Do you offer grooming services?
Yes! We offer medical and full service grooming. Medical grooming involves practicality and not cosmetic cuts (mat trimming, sanitary shaves, ear plucking, etc). Medical grooming services are strictly to help your pet be comfortable. For those looking for full service/cosmetic grooming, fear not! Our groomer is certified and can beautify your fur babies. All of these services are done in our home. We do not have a mobile unit. We bring the "salon" to you! All we usually need is a bathtub or sink (depending on the size of your pet) and a small area with an outlet for our grooming table and equipment. We clean up after ourselves, leaving your pet fresh and your home tidy.
I have an emergency. Can you come and help?
We can help with transport on a case-by-case basis., but we do not have staff on call 24 hours a day. You need a veterinarian to perform an exam for your pet. Our recommendation is to contact an urgent care or emergency vet right away. Call ahead before driving to any ER or urgent care vet, especially overnight, because some hospitals occasionally go on diversion when they’re full or short-staffed. Contact the one closest to you: MedVet Northern Virginia (Manassas), The Hope Center (Vienna), Pender Veterinary Centre or VCA Southpaws (Fairfax), Veterinary Emergency Group (Various), VCA Emergency and Critical Care (Leesburg), Cladda Vet or Virginia Veterinary Centers (Fredericksburg)
What if my pet needs care outside of your normal business hours or daily appointments?
Please contact us and we will do everything I can to accommodate you and your pet. Appointments requested outside of regular business hours may incur an additional before/after hours fee.
Why am I required to put a credit card on file to book an appointment?
It is used in case of no-shows, last minute cancellations (less than 24 hours before appointment), or if payment for services rendered are not made. It can be used as your payment option as you'd like for appointments or you can pay via any of the other available payment methods.
Will you want or need me to assist with my pet?
It depends on your pet. We will meet and greet you and your pet at the first service. Together, we will customize a plan depending on the fear and stress level observed. We want to make this a pleasant experience for both of you! In the rare event of a patient's fear and stress level being too high to perform a service, we may create a future pre-visit plan and reschedule to another day..
What if my pet has behavioral or fear issues?
Give it a try! Most Sit Stay visits feel more like a play session to the patient and not a medical visit. The low stress, fear free, and positive handling techniques used here tend to make a huge difference with patients. It also helps being in their own home with their own pet-parent. Lots and lots of treats are an added bonus. Our team will always try to adapt to your pet's needs.
How are you different from a standard pet sitter or one on an app?
Our team is comprised of veterinary professionals. This means we aren't just "watching" your pet; we are monitoring their health, can identify early signs of illness, are qualified to handle complex medical needs, and are comfortable transferring a pet into a medical care facility if warranted. This makes it possible for owners with special needs pets to travel without worry.
Do you offer petsitting for patients without special needs?
Yes, absolutely! While we specialize in veterinary nursing and medical support, we offer pet sitting for all pets, regardless of their medical status. Whether your pet is a healthy puppy with lots of energy or a senior dog who just needs a quiet companion, they receive the same high level of professional attention. The primary benefit of booking with us is peace of mind: because our team is comprised of veterinary professionals, your pet is being monitored by someone trained to recognize subtle changes in health or behavior that a standard sitter might miss.
Do you stay overnight?
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer overnight stays, because we have kids and pets of our own, but our team is happy to send you updates and photos each visit. We are the team veterinarians trust to watch their pets while they are away!
Why should I choose Sit Stay?
You should choose Sit Stay because you and your pet are not just a number to us. Our staff entered this field because we are people who want to take the time to give each patient and client the attention and individual care they deserve instead of feeling like they are cogs in a big machine. With Sit Stay you are considered a valued partner in your pet's care.
Is there a minimum amount of services required for appointment requests?
Yes, A minimum of $50 worth of services is required for all house calls. The service area is so large that it prompted a service minimum to be utilized. Your understanding of Northern Virginia traffic, commute time, and gas consumption are appreciated!
Do I get anything extra if I refer a friend?
Indeed you do! Each person you send our way who has an appointment with us earns you a $5 credit for future services. There is no limit on the amount of referral credits you receive, so send as many people our way as you'd like!
Can you communiate with my vet and/or help me understand my vet’s instructions?
Yes to both! If we notice something concerning during a nursing visit, we can provide you with a professional summary or "vet-speak" notes to share with your doctor, ensuring they have the most accurate data to manage your pet’s care.We offer "Patient Advocacy." Veterinary jargon can be confusing. We can help bridge the gap, explain diagnoses in plain English.
Can you help me figure out what kind of vet I need to go to? Specialist? GP? ER? Urgent Care?
Yes, we offer a triage service virtually or over phone call to help you determine where you should go.
Are you insured?
Yes, The business and staff are fully licensed and insured to perform these services in in Virginia. Proof of insurance and credentials are available upon request.
Do you accept pet insurance?
You will be provided with an invoice after each service. A medical record from the visit is also available upon request. You can use these to file a claim with your pet insurance company. The insurance participation and coverage depends on your plan and what the insurance company chooses to reimburse you for.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellation or rescheduling of appointment by the client requires notice of 24 hours or more for the full appointment fee to be waived. In the event of emergency or any other uncontrollable circumstance that results in a cancellation or reschedule with less than 24 hour notice, a full or partial refund will be at the discretion of our finance manager.
What happens if I'm not home when you arrive for my appointment?
It is considered a "no-show" when the client is not available at the scheduled appointment time within a 15 minute window of the ETA arrival time (with the exception of drop-by and petsitting visits). This will result in a no-show fee of the full cost of service, due to loss of time and revenue. Please make every effort to contact us to reschedule or cancel ahead of time to avoid such situations.
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What does 'Fear Free' certified mean for my pet?
It means we are trained in and prioritize your pet’s emotional well-being as much as their physical health. We use techniques designed to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS). This involves using high-value rewards, calming pheromones, and "low-stress" handling techniques to ensure your pet actually enjoys our visits rather than hiding under the couch.
Can you help me with Hospice or Quality of Life care?
This is one of our most requested services. We provide "palliative care" support, which includes pain management monitoring, hygiene assistance for senior pets, and helping you track your pet's comfort levels. We work alongside your veterinarian to ensure your pet’s final chapter is lived with dignity and comfort.
Can you help me if my pet needs Subcutaneous (Sub-Q) Fluids?
Absolutely. Many owners find administering fluids at home to be stressful or physically difficult. We can come by as often as your vet recommends to handle the administration for you, ensuring your pet stays hydrated without the "scary" trip to the clinic. We also offer at-home demo sessions to instruct you on how to do-it-yourself!
I just brought my pet home from surgery. Can you help with post-op care?
The 48–72 hours after surgery are the most critical. We understand that can be a particularly stressful time for you and your pet. An extra pair of eyes and hands can be very helpful! We can provide "Medical Drop By/Wellness Checks," where we monitor incision sites. We also offer services to ensure your pet is taking their pain medication and help with restricted-mobility exercises or "sling-walking" if needed.
Do you offer 'New Puppy/Kitten' consultations?
Yes! Bringing home a new addition can be overwhelming. We offer sessions to help you "pet-proof" your home, discuss basic nutrition, set up a grooming schedule, and teach you how to start cooperative handling so your pet grows up loving their vet and grooming visits. We also offer pre-adoption and pre-purchase checks to help ease your mind and point out possible issues.