Pet Services of Annapolis in Annapolis: In-Home Sitting for Dogs and Cats

Pet Services of Annapolis is an independent pet sitting operation that visits clients' homes in Annapolis and surrounding Anne Arundel County to care for dogs and cats while owners are away, positioning itself as an alternative to boarding facilities for owners who prefer their pets to remain in their own environment.

What Pet Services of Annapolis actually is

The business operates as an in-home pet sitting service, meaning a sitter travels to your house to feed, walk, and provide companionship to your pet during your absence. This model contrasts with boarding facilities, where pets stay overnight in a kennel or facility, and with doggy daycare, which serves owners with regular daytime needs rather than extended trips. Pet Services of Annapolis serves the Annapolis area and charges on a per-visit basis rather than a flat daily rate, making it scalable for both short absences (a day or two) and longer vacations.

Services and pricing

The company charges per visit, with rates varying by service type and frequency. A single 30-minute visit typically costs between $15 and $20, while a 60-minute visit runs $25 to $35. Verify current pricing by contacting the business directly, as rates may have shifted. Services include feeding, fresh water, waste removal, and play or exercise time. Some clients use multiple visits per day (morning and evening) for dogs with strict feeding schedules or separation anxiety. Pricing is lower than boarding facilities, which in the Annapolis area often run $35 to $60 per day, but frequency adds up quickly for extended trips.

How it compares to other Annapolis pet care options

In-home sitting through Pet Services of Annapolis differs fundamentally from boarding. Facilities like Annapolis Boarding & Daycare offer 24-hour care and structured socialization with other dogs but cost more per day and require dropping off your pet. In-home sitting keeps your dog or cat in a known environment, reducing stress for anxious pets or elderly animals that need routine; it is often preferred by owners of senior dogs, cats, or animals with medical needs. However, if your dog thrives on socialization or you need someone onsite overnight, boarding is more reliable. Drop-in daycare serves owners who need care during work hours, not for overnight trips. Hiring a pet sitter through an app like Rover gives you access to a larger pool of sitters with reviews but offers less vetting certainty than an established local business.

Who it suits and who it does not suit

In-home sitting works best for owners of dogs or cats who are comfortable alone except for visits, who have anxiety around unfamiliar facilities, or who require medication or special feeding schedules. It suits owners who trust a single, consistent caregiver and whose pets live in homes (not apartments where building rules may restrict visitor access). It is less ideal for highly social dogs that need constant companionship, for owners who want their pet monitored around the clock, or for homes far outside the Annapolis service area, since travel time eats into visit length. Owners of multiple pets can negotiate bundled rates but should confirm whether Pet Services of Annapolis visits simultaneously or sequentially, which affects total time and cost.

What the first visit involves

Initial contact typically involves a phone consultation to discuss your pet's age, behavior, medical needs, and routine. The sitter will request access instructions (key, alarm code, gate opener) and ask about feeding amounts, medication administration, and emergency protocols. Some sitters conduct an in-person meet-and-greet before your trip so your pet becomes familiar with them; confirm whether Pet Services of Annapolis includes this or charges extra. You will provide veterinary contact information and the phone number of a backup person. Payment is usually due after service concludes or invoiced monthly for recurring visits.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Pet Services of Annapolis typically operates six days a week, with availability generally between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., though confirm exact hours when you call. Sitters access homes during daytime hours; overnight sitting is uncommon for this type of service. The main logistical requirement is ensuring your home is accessible and that you communicate clearly about parking. If you live in a secure building or gated community, provide visitor parking information and, if necessary, arrange building access. Visits are scheduled in advance; last-minute same-day requests may not be available depending on the sitter's existing commitments.

Pet Services of Annapolis fills a practical gap for Annapolis pet owners who need short-term care without boarding, especially for pets with routine needs or anxiety around facilities.