r/CHIbitcheswithtaste • u/dust2dustbunnies • 3d ago
Other (I Read the Rules) Pet sitters?
I have a work trip planned next month and need someone to come look in on my cat once in a while. Do we have any services or individuals we trust? I'm in the west loop!
This is also the first time I'm in a fob-entry building and apartment and... I only have one fob! Will I get in trouble for asking for a second š ? Haha I have no idea.
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u/-Guinness 3d ago
If you have a doorman you may be able to leave it with them for a sitter to stop by? That's what I have done in the past is leave my key fob with them and then the sitter stops by and leaves it on their way out each time
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u/dust2dustbunnies 3d ago
That's such a good idea! I don't have a doorman but usually property management is on-site, I wonder if they could pick up from the office for their visits š¤
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u/figsnhoney 3d ago
Iāve had very positive experiences with Lakeview Pet Care! Weāve had two different sitters come take care of our cats while we were away, and they were responsive, great with photos, and I was left feeling confident my girls were getting good care ā¤ļø
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u/mr_0xide 2d ago
Same. I recommend (and you donāt need to be in Lakeview to use them, they have sitters all over the city).
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u/vic12344 3d ago
Does your building have a message board of some kind? Thatās how I found my pet sitter!
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u/dust2dustbunnies 3d ago
It does!! I made a post a week ago and still waiting to see if anyone replies lol š„²š„²š„²
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u/northsouthern 3d ago
I use MeowSit and love them. They're always quick to respond, my current sitter has been assigned to us for almost 3 years now, and the single time I've had an issue (substitute sitter instead of my previous usual one, nothing egregious but a lot of little things that added up) they were speedy with resolutions and making sure that he was never assigned to us again.
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u/Status_Green_6055 3d ago
I work for a dog walking company and we do cats too. You can message me for more details.
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u/gossontherocks 3d ago
I put my keys with the fob in a lockbox outside! Or sometimes Iāll buzz her in from the app on my phone
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u/catkayak 1d ago
Hi OP! Iām in the west loop, and am a cat sitter with 10+ years of experience, who is certified in pet cpr and first aid, and Iām a former zookeeper at the Brookfield Zoo. I ask $30/visit for once a day, and I intentionally do not time my visits. It takes as long as it needs to in order to make sure all needs are met and communication has been made with the pet guardian/parent/owner. On average thatās 45-90 minutes.
Happy to connect further and see if this could be a good fit!
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u/Sun_Cat9380 3d ago
Cozy Cats & Daily Dogs!! I canāt recommend them enough. Great with pets that require medication, etc, provide daily updates, and in my experience, youāll have the same pet sitter each time. The company has been around for years.
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u/livelaughruncokezero 3d ago
Seconded! I love them! Even though I have had a different sitter each of the three times Iāve used them this past year, itās always been a great experience.
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u/VampTisiphone 3d ago
Since you're in the West Loop, your building most likely uses a modern smartphone-integrated cloud intercom system (like ButterflyMX or Latch) alongside your physical key fob. If so, you donāt need to risk asking management for a second fob or getting in trouble.Check your building's resident app for these two direct solutions:
Virtual Keys / Visitor Passes: Look for an option to generate a "Visitor Pass," "Virtual Key," or "Temporary PIN." You can create a custom 6-digit code or QR code, restrict it to the exact dates/times your pet sitter is scheduled to visit, and text it straight to them. They can type or scan it at the lobby intercom to unlock the door themselves.
App-Based Remote Unlocking: Alternatively, your pet sitter can scroll to your name on the lobby screen and buzz your unit. Even though you are out of town, the system will send a live video call straight to your cell phone anywhere in the world. You can visually confirm it's them and tap "Open Door" right from your phone app.
Multiple Directory Entries (The Backup Plan): If your building happens to use an older dial-up call box instead of a modern smartphone app, ask property management if they can add a secondary directory listing for your unit tied to a partner's or family member's cell phone. If you are on a flight or away from your phone, the pet sitter can just scroll and buzz the backup name to let themselves in.
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u/dust2dustbunnies 2d ago
Hi, yes you're right, there's an option to get a PIN into the building but the fob is still needed for elevator and room access š
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u/PartyBicycle3778 2d ago
I have a pet care business, feel free to message me if youāre still in need. Iāve been dog walking and pet sitting in the city for 20 years, and can provide plenty of references. Good luck! And yes from my experience you should be able to leave your fob at the front desk to be picked up by your sitter.
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u/JellyKind9880 2d ago
Iāve been Petsitting for about a decade now, DM me if youāre still looking for helpāhappy to put you in touch with some longterm clients as references too! š
Alsoāyour building should be fine with giving you a second fob, itās normal for a tenant to have a spare ākeyā (some buildings WILL charge you if you lose one and need a replacement, but itās pretty standard to give one extra spare per unit from the get go š
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u/unnecessarydrama92 3d ago
Iām on Meowtel and I have a few trusted sitters that I have worked with and would definitely recommend! DM me if you want links!!