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Frequently asked questions
General
Beverly Dickson is our Director of Operations: Whether you have questions about our services, bookings or special requests Beverly is here to help. Please feel free to reach out to her directly—she looks forward to assisting you!
Customer Service: 902 626 6218(tel:1 902 626 6218)
Emergency: 902 316 1550(tel:1 902 316 1550)
info@whileawaypei.com(mailto:info@whileawaypei.com)
For current pricing please visit our "Plans & Pricing" Page. Here you will also find an overview of What's Included?
Pricing depends on two things:
• Whether you have a membership
• Whether you have pets
• How many consecutive days you book our services
Seasonal demand - for best prices please book as soon as you have your dates.
For best value consider our "Purchase 10 Visits" Offer
This Best Value Option – includes:
• Full Membership
• 10 flexible visits to use however you like(1 visit per day, or up to 2–3 visits per day on busier days). *All visits must be used within 12 months from the date of purchase
Quick Summary – What Changes and When
• Members save money on every visit
• Prices drop starting on day 7 for both members and non-members. (please call if you need service for more than 16 consecutive days)
• Same-day extra visits are always discounted — the more you visit in one day, the lower the price per visit.
Every customer has unique needs — and we tailor our services. To get a personalized quote that reflects your exact travel dates, pets, plants, home needs, and schedule:
1. Fill out the short form on the Plans & Pricing" Page (the more details you provide, the more accurate your quote will be) -or,
2. Give us a call 902 626 621
3. Or email us: info@whileawaypei.com (mailto:info@whileawaypei.com)
We’re happy to discuss your needs and create a plan that gives you complete peace of mind while you’re away. Our clients come to us with a wide variety of requirements. Here are some common examples:
• A simple home check to give your house that “lived-in” appearance or to meet insurance requirements for a vacant property
• One cat — or several cats — needing care
• One dog — or multiple dogs — needing attention
• Dogs that can play in a fenced backyard vs. those who require daily walks
• Pets with special medical, dietary, or routine needs
• Valuable plant collections that need watering, misting, or other care
• Occasional check-ins on an elderly relative or family member
• Short trips (a day or weekend away) or longer vacations (a week, several weeks, or even months)
The good news: We customize both our service schedule and pricing to fit your exact situation.
• Need just one visit per day? We’ve got you covered.
• Require multiple visits per day? Additional same-day visits are heavily discounted.
• Traveling for an extended period? After the first 6 consecutive days, rates drop significantly for even better value.
No, you don’t need to be a member to enjoy our reliable, in-home pet and house sitting services on Prince Edward Island.
For A Limited Time ONLY: Current Membership cost discounted from $75 to ONLY $50 per year (for a 12-month period) and provides incredible value for the peace of mind and exclusive perks you’ll unlock!
Don’t let this special offer slip away — joining takes just a few minutes.
Here’s what makes VIP membership a game-changer for island homeowners and travelers:
Discount On All While Away PEI Services
Book with confidence and save on every day trip, weekend getaway, or extended holiday throughout your 12-month membership. Stop stressing about finding trustworthy, reliable care in our tight-knit island community — we’ve got you covered!
Discount On Services offered by our Select Vendors
- Coming soon! Including on our islands best mobile dog grooming and house cleaning service.
• VIP Priority Booking. Members jump to the front of the line. Secure your preferred dates first— no waiting lists, no last-minute scrambles. Whether it’s a quick escape or a two-week adventure, your spot is protected. Short notice given: once you are a member we can provide service on short notice.
• Round-the-Clock Emergency Support. Life happens (flight delays, unexpected changes). VIP Members get direct access to our dedicated emergency line — available anytime, day or night — so you’re never left worrying.
•Your Own Dedicated Team of Two. Forget relying on a single sitter. Every VIP member enjoys a personalized duo who truly gets to know your home, your pets, your plants, and your routines.
Included with VIP membership: your first Welcome Visit (a $36 saving!). We start with a thorough in-home visit to learn exactly how you like things done — where the treats are kept, your pets’ favorite spots, plant watering preferences — so everything runs smoothly and seamlessly from day one. Plus, built-in backup means consistent, stress-free care every time.
Ready for worry-free travels and top-tier care tailored just for you? Spots and this introductory pricing won’t last — secure your membership and start enjoying the VIP difference!
Our team members are dedicated to providing quality service and usually stay until all their tasks are done.
Pricing Overview
Pricing depends on two things:
• Whether you have a membership
• How many consecutive days you book our services
We charge per visit each day, with discounts for additional visits on the same day. Days 1–6 (your first 6 consecutive days, then days 7–16). View our current price chart below.
Quick Summary – What Changes and When
• Members save money on every visit
• Prices drop starting on day 7 for both members and non-members. (please call if you need service for more than 16 consecutive days)
• Same-day extra visits are always discounted — the more you visit in one day, the lower the price per visit.
What is included?
We will review your specific needs. Our focus will be on meeting these. Our home visits create that “lived-in” look thieves avoid. We can focus on the care of your pets and/or, we can review your home' systems as may be needed for insurance reasons. Yes, we can check in on a relative.
We also love spending time with your pets, and every visit can be designed to keep them happy, comfortable, and well cared for while you’re away.
Our standard visits are a minimum of 30 minutes each. If you’d like us to stay longer, we’re happy to do so—just let us know, and we can add the extra time at a small additional rate.
For dog visits, we can spend time outback in a fenced yard, then the remaining time back at home giving fresh water, meals or treats, or anything else you’ve asked us to do. We follow your instructions to the letter so your pup feels right at home. Yes, we can walk your dog in your local area.
For cats and other small pets, we focus on companionship and fun—play, gentle attention, and all the things that make them feel loved and secure. We’ll also refresh their food and water, scoop litter boxes, and take care of any other daily needs you’ve outlined.
A few extras are included at no additional charge (as long as they fit comfortably within the 30-minute visit):
• Watering plants. Note, if you are a plant collector we have specialists on team who can dedicate themselves to looking after your priced collection - just ask.
• Bringing in the mail
• If required: A security walk-through of your home. Also, a systems check to see that all is well.
A couple of notes:
• Again, our service is designed to meet your specific needs. We are happy to care for multiple pets within each visit (30 minutes each). If you’d like us to stay longer, we’re happy to do so—just let us know, and we can add the extra time at a small additional rate. We can also come more than once per day--as many visits as you need. Plant watering is included when it can be done alongside your pet’s care within our usual time. If there are lots of plants or it takes a bit longer, we may suggest a small extra fee for the added time—just so everything gets the attention it deserves.
• We’ll bring mail or delivery boxes inside for free if it’s from a mailbox attached to your home or a nearby community mailbox. If it involves a trip to the post office, we’re glad to help but would add a small per-pickup fee.
We’re here to make things easy and stress-free for both you and your furry or plant family members. Feel free to tell us exactly what you need!
What is included?
We will review your specific needs. Our focus will be on meeting these. Our home visits create that “lived-in” look thieves avoid. We can focus on the care of your pets and/or, we can review your home' systems as may be needed for insurance reasons. Yes, we can check in on a relative.
We also love spending time with your pets, and every visit can be designed to keep them happy, comfortable, and well cared for while you’re away.
Our standard visits are a minimum of 30 minutes each. If you’d like us to stay longer, we’re happy to do so—just let us know, and we can add the extra time at a small additional rate.
For dog visits, we can spend time outback in a fenced yard, then the remaining time back at home giving fresh water, meals or treats, or anything else you’ve asked us to do. We follow your instructions to the letter so your pup feels right at home. Yes, we can walk your dog in your local area.
For cats and other small pets, we focus on companionship and fun—play, gentle attention, and all the things that make them feel loved and secure. We’ll also refresh their food and water, scoop litter boxes, and take care of any other daily needs you’ve outlined.
A few extras are included at no additional charge (as long as they fit comfortably within the 30-minute visit):
• Watering plants. Note, if you are a plant collector we have specialists on team who can dedicate themselves to looking after your collection - just ask.
• Bringing in the mail
• If required: A security walk-through of your home. Also, a systems check to see that all is well.
A couple of notes:
• Again, our service is designed to meet your specific needs. We are happy to care for multiple pets within each visit (30 minutes each). If you’d like us to stay longer, we’re happy to do so—just let us know, and we can add the extra time at a small additional rate. We can also come more than once per day--as many visits as you need. Plant watering is included when it can be done alongside your pet’s care within our usual time. If there are lots of plants or it takes a bit longer, we may suggest a small extra fee for the added time—just so everything gets the attention it deserves.
• We’ll bring mail or delivery boxes inside for free if it’s from a mailbox attached to your home or a nearby community mailbox. If it involves a trip to the post office, we’re glad to help but would add a small per-pickup fee.
We’re here to make things easy and stress-free for both you and your furry or plant family members. Feel free to tell us exactly what you need!
When you book any of our services with our office or on-line, we will assign a sitter team to care for your home and/or pets. We make all of the arrangements to meet at your home to pick up your key and go over the care needs. There is no charge for this pre-service/key pick-up visit when a minimum of 4 visits are reserved. When you return home, we will return your key to you.
Our services are provided by experienced professionals who have been entrusted with significant responsibility throughout their careers — including retired teachers and even a former school principal. Your business, home, and pets deserve the very best.
With us, you get a dedicated, high-caliber team committed to delivering premium, trustworthy care.
Also, see the FAQ: "My dog / cat needs how much vigorous activity, exercise, or play time per day?"
Unlimited In-Home Visits. We come as many times a day as your pets need — morning walks, midday playtime, evening cuddles, you decide. Our clients come to us with a wide variety of requirements. Here are some common examples:
• A simple home check to give your house that “lived-in” appearance or to meet insurance requirements for a vacant property
• One cat — or several cats — needing care
• One dog — or multiple dogs — needing attention
• Dogs that can play in a fenced backyard vs. those who require daily walks
• Pets with special medical, dietary, or routine needs
• Valuable plant collections that need watering, misting, or other care
• Occasional check-ins on an elderly relative or family member
• Short trips (a day or weekend away) or longer vacations (a week, several weeks, or even months)
Some Guidelines:
Dog visits may range from 2 visits per day to 5 (with multiple dogs) visits per day depending on age, breed, health, etc. Cat visits typically range from once or twice per day depending on your pet’s needs.
The good news: We customize both our service schedule and pricing to fit your exact situation.
• Need just one visit per day? We’ve got you covered.
• Require multiple visits per day? Additional same-day visits are heavily discounted.
• Traveling for an extended period? After the first 6 consecutive days, rates drop significantly for even better value.
Always consult with your vet and here are some considerations: The average household dog (adult) sleeps 12–14 hours per day (often cited as 12–14 hours total, including naps; some sources note up to 16 hours depending on breed, age, and lifestyle, but 12–14 is the most common consensus for typical pets).*
The average household dog needs a minimum of 30 minutes of vigorous activity, exercise, or play time per day (this is the frequent baseline from vets for aerobic/engaging movement like brisk walks, fetch, or play; many need 45–60+ minutes or up to 1–2 hours depending on breed/energy level, but 30 minutes is the realistic minimum to prevent issues like obesity or boredom).
For cats:
The average household cat (adult) sleeps 12–16 hours per day (commonly around 15 hours, with many sources settling on 12–16; indoor cats often hit the higher end due to lower activity).
The average household cat needs a minimum of 20–30 minutes of vigorous activity, exercise, or play time per day (typically split into 2–3 short sessions of 10–15 minutes each using interactive toys to mimic hunting; this prevents weight gain and boredom, with some sources recommending at least 30 minutes total for optimal health).
These are averages for healthy adult pets—individual needs vary by age, breed, health, and environment (e.g., indoor vs. outdoor). If your pet’s habits seem off, a vet check is smart!
*Here are the top 4 most scientific sources (prioritizing peer-reviewed studies, veterinary journals, and research-backed veterinary publications) that support the key figures on average household adult dog and cat sleep, plus minimum vigorous daily exercise/play needs. These are drawn from reliable, evidence-based veterinary and scientific literature.
For Dogs:
1. PMC/NIH study: “Sleep Duration and Behaviours: A Descriptive Analysis of a Cohort of Dogs up to 12 Months of Age” (Animals journal, 2020)Owner-reported data from a large cohort showed adult dogs (around 12 months) averaging ~10.8 hours total sleep per 24 hours, with patterns aligning to broader adult estimates of 10–11 hours in some contexts (though common veterinary consensus extends to 12–14 hours including naps). This is one of the more rigorous observational studies on domestic dog sleep.
2. Sleep Foundation overview (drawing on National Library of Medicine/Biotech Information sources and studies)Cites research indicating most adult dogs need 8–13.5 hours of sleep per day, averaging just under 11 hours, based on actigraphy and observational data from healthy companion dogs.
3. North Carolina State University Veterinary Study (Scientific Reports, 2020)Actigraphy-based baseline for healthy adult dogs established normal sleep-wake cycles, supporting typical adult patterns around 10–12 hours total rest/sleep in home environments.
4. PetMD (veterinary-reviewed, aggregating studies like those from AKC and vet sources)Adult dogs typically sleep 12–14 hours total per day (6–8 hours at night + 4–8 hours napping), a figure widely cited in veterinary practice and aligned with multiple studies.
For minimum vigorous activity/exercise (30 minutes baseline):
• Veterinary guidelines (e.g., from AAHA, Preventive Vet, and USDA-backed recommendations in studies) consistently cite at least 30 minutes of purposeful aerobic/vigorous activity daily for healthy adult dogs to maintain fitness, prevent obesity, and support behavior—often starting at 30 minutes and scaling to 60+ based on breed/energy.
For Cats:
1. PMC/NIH review on animal sleep (citing 1984 foundational data, referenced in veterinary ICU studies)Domestic cats average ~13.2 hours of sleep daily, with flexible cycles; this is echoed in modern vet sources as part of the 12–16 hour range.
2. Sleep Foundation and veterinary aggregations (e.g., PetMD, Chewy vet guides)Adult cats typically sleep 12–16 hours per day (often ~15 hours average), supported by observational and welfare studies on indoor pets.
3. PetMD veterinary article (2024, vet-approved)Recommends 20–30 minutes minimum of vigorous interactive play/exercise daily (split into 2–3 sessions of 10–15 minutes) for adult cats to mimic hunting, prevent obesity, and provide mental stimulation.
4. AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) and similar vet resourcesSuggest 20–30 minutes (up to 30–60 in some expert views) of daily interactive play for adult cats, often in short bursts, to meet physical and enrichment needs.
These sources represent the strongest scientific/veterinary backing—peer-reviewed where possible (e.g., PMC/NIH, Scientific Reports)—over general blogs. Averages vary by individual factors like age, breed, health, and environment, so vet consultation is ideal for your pet in Summerside!
The average household dog (adult) sleeps 12–14 hours per day (often cited as 12–14 hours total, including naps; some sources note up to 16 hours depending on breed, age, and lifestyle, but 12–14 is the most common consensus for typical pets).
The average household cat (adult) sleeps 12–16 hours per day (commonly around 15 hours, with many sources settling on 12–16; indoor cats often hit the higher end due to lower activity).
Please also see FAQ "My dog / cat needs how much vigorous activity, exercise, or play time per day?"
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