Octavia B.
Zionville, NC
Experienced, caring, professional
Pet care experience
Experience: Life long dog owner with experience in a shelter setting. Working in a shelter setting was an invaluable experience. I became familiar with common pet medications, deworming/vaccination schedules, and administering IM injections. I will need a refresher on IM injections before I am comfortable giving these again. It also gave me an opportunity to work with a diverse population of dogs. Both in breed and temperament. Through my personal dogs, my time in rescue, and as a pet sitter, I have additional experience with fear based behaviors, puppies, and special needs dogs. I began pet sitting 7 years ago when I lived in Asheville. Most of my clients were one or two dog households. My other responsibilities have included feeding chickens, mucking stalls, turning horses in/out, taking care of guardian dogs, and shooing the goat off the porch. My schedule: My job allows me to work remotely around 50% of the time. For house-sitting: I will spend 5-7 hours (on average) at your home during the day. I am generally out of the house from 8-10 am and from 7-10pm. These time slots give me time to take care my horses, put my ducks in their coop (PM hours), and give my dog medication. I prefer to take clients in Boone and on the western side of the county, but am happy to travel out of this range. For you: I offer customized, thoughtful care for each dog and pet sitting arrangement. I do not allow visitors over to your home. I will water your plants, wash my linens, do the dishes, and take out the trash. I make it a point to leave your house in the same condition you left it.
Reviews
Beyond having the best name ever , Octavia has been a part of the family since we moved to Asheville 5 years ago. She is a true animal lover ! She is responsible, mature, professional, reliable and just an overall wonderful person. My home is cleaner when I get home after she's been there, than when I left it. She sends pictures of the doggies, and checks in all the time with us. My dogs look forward to us going out of town so they can play with Octavia. Whether it is for the day or for weeks at a time, I have only felt 100% confident that my Pups and my home are in good hands. I can't say enough good things !
About Octavia B.
Communication
Skills
Information Octavia B. would like to know about your pet
I know that when I go away, I write down every little thing i can think of about my dogs. My boyfriend has called it "over kill" - I call it "covering all my bases." Initially, I would like to know your dog's age, sex, activity level, and breed. I'm fascinated by working dogs, dream of owning a saluki one day, and melt when I see a whiskery terrier. That said, I have zero breed restrictions or preferences. Before the meet and greet, it is important to me to get an idea of what their general personality is like. Are they outgoing? Shy of strangers? This will help me get off on the right foot with your dog from the very beginning. Before or during the meet and greet, we can go over topics such as: What their daily routine looks like. Any allergies and medications they may be on. Behavioral quirks - fear of thunder, whether they are dog friendly, resource guarding, etc. You can talk my ear off about your dog and I will gladly listen. Having all this information ahead of time helps me prepare and will ensure there are fewer surprises!
A typical day
My intention is to maintain your dog's routine as closely as I can. I'm happy to take them on walks, play in the backyard (if allowed/fenced), and engage in any enrichment activities within reason. My job allows me to work remotely. This means I can be present with your dog most of the day, but there will be quiet downtime while I concentrate on my work.
Services
Octavia can watch in your home
About Octavia B.
Communication
Skills
Information Octavia B. would like to know about your pet
I know that when I go away, I write down every little thing i can think of about my dogs. My boyfriend has called it "over kill" - I call it "covering all my bases." Initially, I would like to know your dog's age, sex, activity level, and breed. I'm fascinated by working dogs, dream of owning a saluki one day, and melt when I see a whiskery terrier. That said, I have zero breed restrictions or preferences. Before the meet and greet, it is important to me to get an idea of what their general personality is like. Are they outgoing? Shy of strangers? This will help me get off on the right foot with your dog from the very beginning. Before or during the meet and greet, we can go over topics such as: What their daily routine looks like. Any allergies and medications they may be on. Behavioral quirks - fear of thunder, whether they are dog friendly, resource guarding, etc. You can talk my ear off about your dog and I will gladly listen. Having all this information ahead of time helps me prepare and will ensure there are fewer surprises!
A typical day
My intention is to maintain your dog's routine as closely as I can. I'm happy to take them on walks, play in the backyard (if allowed/fenced), and engage in any enrichment activities within reason. My job allows me to work remotely. This means I can be present with your dog most of the day, but there will be quiet downtime while I concentrate on my work.
Location
Zionville, NC
Pets
Octavia B.
Zionville, NC