Pet Sitting Academy

“I am SO grateful to have found TzuYu to check in on my cats while I was out of town! She is not only kind and great with animals, but she is also incredibly thorough in getting the full rundown of their routine and making sure they get some play in during her drop-ins. Cannot recommend her enough!”

Kate C.

About: **I currently have two dogs of my own, but they stay at my partner's home if I am boarding your dog!** Hi! I’m a PhD student who has called St. Louis home for the past five years, and I’m currently in the final stages of writing my dissertation. The good news for your pets? I work from home, so I have plenty of time for walks, belly rubs, playtime, and keeping your furry friends company while you’re away! I am located in The Grove with access to a dog park at my apartment complex as well as walking distance to both Forest Park & Tower Grove Park for pups that enjoy long walks. One of my dogs loves people and dislikes other dogs, while the other one enjoys dogs and is wary of people so I have experience with a variety of dog personalities and their differing needs. Whether your pet is a professional cuddler, an energetic adventurer, or simply here for the treats, I’d love to spoil them ◡̈ Since I work from home while finishing my PhD dissertation, pet care fits pretty naturally into my daily routine. I have a flexible schedule that allows me to take plenty of breaks throughout the day for walks, playtime, and potty breaks. 🐾 My schedule is much more “read a paper, take a dog for a walk, write a paragraph, give belly rubs” than a traditional 9-to-5. I can easily adapt to the schedule of your pup! I’m happy to build pet care into my day and give your pets plenty of attention rather than leaving them alone for long stretches. Having a furry coworker around is honestly a pretty great dissertation-writing perk! 😂 Your pet’s safety and comfort always come first. Whether I’m caring for your pet in my home or theirs, I take the time to learn their routine, personality, and any special instructions so they can feel comfortable and relaxed. I always keep a close eye on pets during walks and playtime. Since I work from home, I’m able to provide plenty of supervision and companionship throughout the day. I’ll treat your home with the same care and respect I’d want for my own, and I’m happy to send regular updates and photos so you can see what your furry family member is up to. My goal is for you to feel completely comfortable knowing your pet is safe & happy!

“Sheldyn was an amazing dog sitter, and we would highly recommend her! Before watching our dogs, she took the time to meet with them and really understand their personalities, routines, and the care they needed. She was incredibly flexible with their schedules and treated both of our dogs with so much care and attention. We loved receiving regular updates about how they were doing, and she was always quick to let us know if she noticed anything that might be a concern. It was obvious that she genuinely cared about our dogs, which made us feel completely at ease knowing they were in good hands. Best of all, our dogs were always excited to see her and ready to play whenever she arrived! Sheldyn is kind, dependable, animal-friendly, and someone we would absolutely trust with our dogs again. 🐾❤️”

Sean C.

“Gabbie is great! My pup is pretty shy and going through some health concerns. Gabbie was attentive to what my dog needs, has been consistently on-time and has built up trust with her in the span of a week. Sadie seems really excited when Gabbie comes by and seems to enjoy their mid-day play sessions!”

John D.

About: Coming from an animal loving family and already volunteering part time at the Humane Society, I just can’t get enough of walking dogs — especially big ones ! My family’s dog, a total mixed breed that we raised from a puppy, is a modest 80 lbs. Before we got him, I grew up with a border collie and a cattle dog mix, so I deal well with high energy breeds. I’m happy to take them on 2+ mile walks multiple times a day. I have always had dogs, so I have a lifetime of experience raising, training, and taking care of them. I currently work part-time as a French teacher, frequently online, so I have a lot of free time to spend with your pet. Plus, if I am staying long term at your house, my students will love to see your pet pop up on my Zoom video! I can adapt to whatever your pet needs. If you have a pet that just needs feeding and a potty break/litter box scooping, I can provide that. If your pet is a little needier and needs playtime, ear rubs, and someone’s lap to sit on, I’m also eager to provide. I understand that each animal is different.

About: As a passionate and experienced pet sitter, I bring a unique blend of reliability, empathy, and expertise to every pet I care for. I understand that your pet is a beloved member of your family, and I treat them with the same love, patience, and attention as I would my own. With a strong background in pet care, from managing feeding schedules to providing mental and physical stimulation, I ensure each pet’s needs are fully met. My flexible approach allows me to adapt to different temperaments and requirements, whether for a high-energy pup, a shy cat, or a pet needing special care. Choosing me means peace of mind for you and a safe, joyful experience for your pet—because their happiness and well-being are my top priorities Pet care is an integral part of my daily routine, thoughtfully woven into each part of my day to ensure that every pet I look after receives the attention and care they deserve. My mornings begin with feedings, refreshing water bowls, and a bit of playtime to start each pet’s day on a positive note. Throughout the day, I check in regularly to ensure their needs are met, adjusting my schedule for specific care requirements like medication, exercise, or one-on-one attention. Evening routines often include another feeding, a final check-in, and a cozy wind-down to help them feel safe and secure before bedtime. This routine isn’t just about tasks; it’s about creating a steady rhythm that pets find comforting, reinforcing a bond of trust and familiarity with each pet in my care. When caring for pets in my home or while pet sitting in another person’s home, I prioritize creating a familiar, comforting environment tailored to each animal’s needs. At home, I maintain a designated pet-friendly area stocked with essentials like food, toys, and a cozy rest space, ensuring pets feel secure and relaxed. In a client's home, I adhere to the pet’s established routines and preferences, whether it’s feeding schedules, walking times, or play habits, to minimize stress and maintain consistency. I’m vigilant about safety, cleanliness, and any specific care instructions provided by the pet’s owner, adapting to each pet’s unique personality—whether that means extra play for an energetic pup or gentle companionship for a shy cat. This approach allows pets to feel loved and cared for in a setting that feels just like home, whether it’s mine or theirs.

About: I have had dogs my whole life and have always loved stepping up to take care of them. Even as a child, I loved taking our family pug Olivia on walks and feeding her breakfast and dinner. I worked for a summer as a dog walker in Chicago, working with clients whose dogs had a variety of routines. Some pups had very specific routes that they needed to go on for their walks, and some needed to be trained to stop at crosswalks or walk on a specific side of the sidewalk. Now I'm a med student who loves to explore the city and all the beautiful outdoor spaces we have in St. Louis. I have had a lot of experience with all different kinds of dogs, and I can't wait to get to know your fur baby! My school schedule changes by the week, but I am pretty reliably free from noon to 1pm during the week. Besides Wednesday afternoons, I have lots of free time during regular working hours to take your pet on a walk or check in on them at home, and I am also free during the day all weekend besides Sunday mornings. I have experience with all different personalities of dogs, including dogs like rescues who don't always like strangers or don't react well to different training techniques. I will always respect your dog's boundaries with physical touch/space, volume levels, eye contact, play time, and anything else that they are sensitive to.

“Ross did a great job with our two cats. He provided exactly the care we requested and spent time playing with our young cat to help her get out that pent up energy! He also provided superior communication. We greatly appreciated his sitting services”

Kevin S.

“Abby was great! She came and checked in/walked our puppy for a couple days. Our pup seemed to love her and she took her on a nice long walk each day. She also sent lots of pictures and a video which was great!”

Kelsey C.

“Madeleine was amazing! This was my first time using Rover and she was extremely responsive and a great communicator. I felt super comfortable while I was away knowing that Madeleine was taking care of my pet.”

Frances P.

“Claire was wonderful with our puppy Vinny. Vinny has been struggling a lot with separation anxiety and was had Claire come to watch him while we were out of the house for a few hours. She was sure to keep Vinny comfortable and cater to his needs (which can be difficult with a needy puppy). I would book Claire with 100% confidence and look forward to working with her again.”

Megan W.

“Cliff took such great care of my pup! They took a nice long walk together, complete with nice scenery and a cute photo. Cliff even came equipped with treats! Highly recommend.”

Kirsten B.

“Laura really made sure that she met each dog’s needs. I am so happy to have met her. We will definitely call on her again to help our little friends.”

Lynda C.

“This was our first time working with Caroline. What a pleasure! Easy, to the point, great communication and care of Stella. Thank you for giving us the peace of mind she is in good hands. I definitely recommend her!”

Fernando Z.

“Hope is always our first choice cat sitter. She is consistently reliable, kind, communicative, and competent. We appreciate her so much. She even left a bonus toy for the cats during her last visit which they love!”

Carrie H.

“She’s great with Oliver. Knows exactly what he needs (pets and attention). T”

Alex R.

“Hayley was fantastic! Very attentive and made sure to capture a picture of my kitties every day!!”

Annemarie D.

“Olivia did a great job of checking in on my two cats while we were on a short vacation. She made sure that they were happy and sent us lots of cute pictures of them!”

Mallory B.

About: I have always been passionate about animal care, specifically dogs. I have 3.5 years of veterinary technician experience and have also worked at boarding facilities such as Pet Paradise. I am a student at Saint Louis University majoring in Biology, furthering my education in animal behavior. I enjoy jogging in my spare time, and have the stamina needed to play with or jog with pets. I am available on weekends during the day and most evenings. There’s nothing I love more than taking care of pets! I look forward to taking care of your fur babies! I am a current graduate student, and therefore am working several hours a day during the week, but I am available most nights and on the weekends anytime! I am a helicopter parent when it comes to my own dog, and treat other pets with the same level of care and caution. I love sending pictures (if allowed) to ensure great care, and frequently keeps owners updated on how their fur babies are doing.

“William was fantastic with our kitties! He also was gracious when my trip was cut short and i arrived home six days earlier than planned. I really appreciated him stepping and securing a refund through Rover!! We will definitely use William again and highly recommend him to others!”

Katie B.