Standard Care
Initial Preparation
Daily Updates & Health
Home Security & Maintenance
Meet & greet (15–20 min) before a first booking to review routine, access, and care details in your home.
Daily text updates with photos and video, plus oral or topical medication administered strictly on schedule.
Mail and packages brought in, trash and recycling handled, plants watered, lights/blinds rotated, and home checked.
Every assignment ends with a written recap left for you on the day you return detailing eating, behavior, and home care.
Service rates
Cats
Dogs
$55 / night
Overnight care (Drop-in 30 min: $25)
$70 / night
Overnight care (Walk or drop-in 30 min: $28)
Each additional cat: +$8 per visit/night. Covers measured meals, fresh water, litter scooped every visit, brushing, play, and medication.
Each additional dog: +$15 per visit/night. Covers morning and evening walks, meals, yard cleanup, play, medication, and overnight company.
Note on mixed households: Billing is calculated at the higher species rate plus the additional-pet fee for each other animal.
Travel by zone
All trips start at Downtown Silver Spring Metro. Fees reflect round-trip travel time rather than mileage. On overnights, travel is one flat fee per booking, not per night.
Zone 1 — Under 15 min
Areas: DTSS core and Fenton Village · Per drop-in: Included · Per overnight: Included
Zone 2 — 15–25 min
Areas: Takoma, Forest Glen, Shepherd Park · Per drop-in: +$5 · Per overnight: +$5
Zone 3 — 25–40 min
Areas: Petworth, Columbia Heights, Bethesda, Wheaton · Per drop-in: +$10 · Per overnight: +$10
Zone 4 — 40–55 min
Areas: Downtown DC, Union Station, Navy Yard, Rockville · Per drop-in: +$15 · Per overnight: +$15
Zone 5 — 55+ min
Areas: Arlington, Alexandria, Potomac · Per drop-in: Rideshare fare +$25 · Per overnight: Fare once per stay
Reduced rates are available for elderly owners residing in Zone 1. This program is limited to my immediate neighborhood so it stays sustainable over time.
Cat Senior Rate
Dog Senior Rate
$30 / night
Overnight (Drop-in: $14)
$40 / night
Overnight (Walk/Drop-in: $16)
No travel, holiday, or rush fees apply.
No travel, holiday, or rush fees apply.
Booking terms
Deposit & Payment
Refunds & Holidays
Before Departure
A 50% deposit holds your dates. The balance is due on the last day of service via Venmo or Zelle.
Full deposit refund with 7+ days notice (half retained inside 7 days; 14 days required for holidays). Holiday nights are +$15 (Thanksgiving week, Dec 23–Jan 2, Memorial Day weekend, July 4th week, Labor Day weekend).
Before departure I need an emergency contact, vet details, key or lockbox access, and written feeding and medication instructions.
Request a quote
Send your requested dates, neighborhood, and pet details. I will respond with an exact quote—never an estimate range. You can also email alex@alxpilk.me directly.