Pet feeder auto setup in Exeter
Professional pet feeder auto setup services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
30-45 mins
Location
Exeter, Devon
Automatic pet feeder set up with timer programmed, portions configured, and app connected if it's smart-enabled. Reliable timed feeding whether you're home or away.
Never Forget Feeding Time Again
Late home from work? Away for the weekend? Pets still need feeding on schedule. Automatic feeders take the stress out of timing, keep portions consistent, and mean your furry friend isn't staring mournfully at an empty bowl.
💡 Pro tip: Modern automatic feeders do way more than just timers. Many have app control (adjust feeding remotely), portion control (stop overfeeding), cameras (see when they eat), and voice recording (call them to dinner in your voice). Tech has come a long way!
Why Professional Setup Helps
Automatic feeders look simple until you're fighting with the programming, wondering why it's not dispensing, or dealing with app connectivity issues.
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Timer programmed correctly, tested | Feeds at wrong time or not at all |
| Portions set for your pet's needs | Too much/too little food dispensed |
| App configured and working on your phone | Can't connect, can't control remotely |
| Positioned safely, won't tip or jam | Pet knocks it over or food jams |
What You Get
🔧 The Full Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Position | Best location identified for access and stability |
| Program | Timer, portions, and schedule set up correctly |
| Test | Run through full feeding cycle to ensure it works |
📦 You're Left With
- Working automatic feeder, fully programmed
- App configured on your phone (if applicable)
- Demonstrated how to use and adjust settings
- Peace of mind your pet gets fed on time
Pricing
| Service | Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Basic timer feeder setup | 20-30 mins | £60 |
| Smart feeder with app setup | 30-45 mins | £60 |
Based on £60 minimum callout. If combined with other pet-related jobs, you'll save on overall cost.
Perfect For Your Project If...
✅ Working long hours - pet gets fed on time even when you're late
✅ Weekend away - automated feeding while you're gone
✅ Portion control - stop overfeeding, manage weight
✅ Multiple pets - separate feeders for different diets or eating speeds
Why Choose Us for Pet feeder auto setup in Exeter?
Timer programmed for correct meal times
Portion sizes set up properly
App configured if it's a smart feeder
Positioned safely away from tipping
What to Expect
Step 1: Position the Feeder
I'll find the best spot - stable surface, easy pet access, near power if needed, away from water bowls. If it's app-connected, I'll check WiFi signal strength in that location.
Step 2: Program & Configure
Timer gets set for your feeding schedule, portions configured based on your pet's needs, and app installed on your phone if it's a smart feeder. I'll walk through how to adjust settings.
Step 3: Test & Demonstrate
I'll run a test feeding cycle to make sure food dispenses correctly, the timer works, and the app controls (if applicable) respond properly. You'll see exactly how it works before I leave.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to set up your own automatic feeder? Here's how:
🔧 What you'll need
- The automatic feeder
- Fresh batteries (if battery-powered) or access to power socket
- Your phone with manufacturer's app (for smart feeders)
- Pet food to test with
- Your pet's feeding schedule and portion sizes
⏰ Programming the timer
- Read the manual first (seriously, they're all different)
- Set current time accurately - if this is wrong, feeding times will be wrong
- Program meal times based on your pet's routine
- Set portion sizes (usually in cups or grams)
- Test run a feeding cycle BEFORE relying on it
📱 Smart feeder setup
- Download manufacturer's app before starting
- Connect to 2.4GHz WiFi (not 5GHz - most won't work on 5GHz)
- Follow in-app setup wizard
- Test remote control from your phone
- Set up notifications if you want alerts when pet is fed
📍 Positioning safely
- Stable, level surface (won't tip easily)
- Away from water bowls (splashes = electronics death)
- Easy access for your pet
- Near power socket if mains-powered
- Away from edges (cats knock things off counters!)
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Not testing before you leave for holiday (find out it doesn't work when you're 200 miles away)
- Wrong time set (feeds at midnight instead of 8am)
- Portions too large (jams the mechanism)
- Positioned where pet can tip it over
- Dead batteries because you didn't check
💡 Pro trick: Put a piece of masking tape on the feeder showing the feeding schedule and portion size. When you're half asleep at 6am wondering if the cat's been fed, you can check without pulling out your phone or manual.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🐱 Cats vs feeders: Some cats are absolutely determined to break into feeders for extra food. If yours is a criminal mastermind, look for models with secure locking lids and anti-tip bases. Also consider where you position it - corner locations are harder to attack from multiple angles.
Battery vs mains power: Battery feeders are flexible (position anywhere) but batteries die at inconvenient times. Mains-powered are reliable but need socket access. For long holidays, mains is safer. I'll advise based on your situation.
Wet food feeders: These use ice packs to keep food fresh and usually have lid timers. They need more maintenance (cleaning, replacing ice packs) than dry food feeders. I can set these up but managing them long-term is on you.
Multiple pet households: If you've got pets with different diets or a food thief, microchip-activated feeders work brilliantly - only opens for the right pet. SureFeed is the popular brand. More expensive but solves bullying/stealing problems.
App reliability: Smart feeders are great when they work, but WiFi issues or app glitches can cause problems. I always recommend checking the feeder manually before you leave for trips, even if the app says everything's fine. Belt and braces approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you set up the timer and portions for me?
Yes - I'll program the feeding schedule, set portion sizes based on your pet's needs, and test it works before leaving. If it's app-connected, I'll configure that on your phone too so you can adjust remotely.
Where's the best place to put an automatic feeder?
Somewhere your pet can easily access but won't knock over. Away from water bowls (splashes damage electronics), on a stable surface, and ideally near a power socket if it's mains-powered. I'll advise when I see your space.
Will it work when I'm away on holiday?
Yes - that's the whole point! Set it up properly and your pet gets fed on schedule even when you're not there. Battery-powered ones need fresh batteries before you go. Mains-powered are more reliable for long trips.
Can my pet outsmart it and get extra food?
Good quality feeders have anti-jam sensors and secure lids to stop clever pets breaking in. I'll make sure it's positioned so your pet can't tip it over or paw food out. Some pets are determined criminals though - no promises!
Do I need to provide the feeder or can you supply one?
You provide the feeder - I install and set it up. If you haven't bought one yet, I can advise on what suits your pet and budget. Popular brands like SureFeed, PetSafe, and WOPET work well.
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