Frequently Asked Questions
How does Tomana work?
What benefits do I get from joining Tomana?
How do I sign up for Tomana?
Signing up is simple. Just call or text us at (202) 734-5571 or email us at info@tomana.co.
Who can use Tomana?
Tomana is open to owners of cats and/or dogs!
What if Tomana is not in my neighborhood yet?
If Tomana is not currently in your neighborhood, please complete the onboarding survey anyway! We open up to new neighborhoods and apartment buildings based on demand to ensure that we have enough members to match you with when you need help, so let us know where you are and once we have enough interest we will contact you to let you know. If we have an adjacent neighborhood opening up, we will update you on that as well.
How do I request a sitter?
Before we can match you with a sitter, please complete our pet questionnaire.
Do I have to help the same person who helped me?
Not necessarily! Tomana is a community of givers, and our attitude is more “pay-it-forward” than “tit for tat.” Matches are based on preference, proximity, and availability on a case-by-case basis.
How often do I have to help someone?
What if I agreed to help someone, but my plans changed and I can’t do it anymore?
We understand that things happen and that life is unpredictable. Our primary concern is the well-being and safety of the pets. Please contact us at (202) 734-5571or info@tomana.co as soon as you realize that you can no longer care for the pet as originally planned and we will coordinate an alternative solution.
What if I agreed to help someone but their pet is in my home and this is not working out?
We understand that things happen and that life is unpredictable. We care about both your safety and the well-being of the pets. Please contact us at (202)734-5571 or info@tomana.co as soon as you realize that this is no longer a fit and we will coordinate an alternative solution.
Do I have to pay the person watching my pet?
No, please do not pay anyone for their services. Tomana is about giving and receiving help without any monetary exchange (which saves everyone cash!) If anyone asks you for payment for pet sitting, please report that to us immediately at info@tomana.co and we will match you with someone else.
Should I give the person sitting my pet a gift?
Do I have to pay the person watching my pet if they spend money on my pet, such as for food or supplies that I forget to provide?
Each owner is expected to provide the food, toys, and bathroom supplies for their own pet. If you as an owner fail to provide food or cat litter for your pet and the sitter buys some for you, you should reimburse that person and they should provide you with a receipt.
How do I trust the person with whom I am matched?
Tomana conducts a basic background check on all members before they are allowed to join the community. That being said, we highly encourage a meet-up prior to the scheduled event to ensure that you feel comfortable with the person you are matched with and to check if the pets get along. If you wish to be paired with someone else after meeting the sitter, please contact us immediately at info@tomana.co or (202) 734-5571 and we will find another match for you.
What if I need someone to walk my dog because I am running late getting home?
We are currently not in the dog-walking service and are exploring this option. Please email us at info@tomana.co and let us know if you are interested in this service and we will keep you posted as our offerings expand.
What if I want someone to check in on my dog while I am away instead of my dog staying at a stranger’s house? Can I still use Tomana?
Sure! Just let us know at the time of booking and we will do our best to find a friendly neighbor who is available and fits your needs.
My dog is still a puppy. Will that be a problem?
On our pet questionniaire, we ask if people are interested in watching a puppy so we can match puppies with sitters who are excited to get the chance to spend time with your pet. Please just ensure that your puppy has the appropriate vaccinations to be around other animals!
I want to watch a dog/cat, but I don’t have my own pet. Can I still participate?
Thank you for asking and for wanting to be a part of our community! Please contact us at info@tomana.co or (202) 734-5571 and we will contact you directly to discuss this further.
What does Tomana mean?
Tomana is a combination of old nicknames of the two founders, Teddy and Maria. Teddy’s nickname was Tomás and Maria’s nickname was Mana.
This sounds kinda weird. Why would I let a stranger watch my pet?
Why is this better than what I’m already using?
-
You had to ask multiple people to pet sit until you found someone who was available
-
You felt bad asking a friend/family member to watch your pet
-
You paid over a hundred dollars to have someone watch your pet while you were away
-
You took your pet with you on a trip because you had no one to help you
-
You felt stressed out because you didn’t have anyone to watch your pet