Cat Sitting El Rio Villa

About: Besides caring for my own dog for nearly 13 years, including nearly a year of hospice care, I also have experience volunteering at animal sanctuaries and cat-sitting for roommates and neighbors. I consider companion animals to be family members, and the care I provide reflects that belief. I work from home, and my schedule is flexible, so I’m easily able to accommodate anything an animal in my care needs, any time of day. Because I work remotely, I’m able to keep your dog or cat company all day while house-sitting. I'll stay at your home so your pets can keep their normal routine, environment, and yard. For drop-ins and walks, my flexible schedule allows me to stop by multiple times for walks, meals, potty breaks, playtime, or just hanging out. In addition to the Rover Guarantee, I'm also privately insured as a pet-sitter through PCI, so your pets are well-covered.

“Melissa took such good care of my kitty Frances! Frances always hides from strangers but came out for Melissa which speaks for itself. Will definitely book again in the future, thank you so much!”

Eleanor G.

About: My name is Destiny and I grew up caring for large and small dogs and cats. I have hands-on experience raising puppies and kittens from birth through adulthood. As an adult, I continue to care for both cats and dogs, including adopted shelter cats and my own Labrador Retriever and Standard Poodle. Both of my dogs are neutered, gentle and affectionate. My Standard Poodle loves to run and play and can be wonderfully bouncy, but he's also surprisingly nurturing and likes to make sure everyone is okay. My Labrador is basically Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh—a lovely potato who is particularly drawn to wee, scrappy dogs. I actively study canine behavior and learning. I train and participate in dog sports including obedience, scent work/nose work, agility, Barn Hunt and NASDA. I'm comfortable observing canine body language, following established training and management routines, providing enrichment, and adapting my approach to the individual dog. Most importantly, I genuinely enjoy getting to know animals as individuals. I don't expect every dog or cat to immediately love me, and I don't force interaction. I believe comprehensive care starts with paying attention to what makes an animal feel safe, comfortable and understood. I work from home with a flexible schedule and control over my own hours, which gives me plenty of time to incorporate walks, play, enrichment, meals, potty breaks and companionship throughout the day. Our household is unusually quiet and relaxed. There are no children in the home, and my neighborhood is a peaceful residential area that's well suited to walks and downtime. Pets staying with me have opportunities for activity and engagement, but also plenty of time and space to settle, nap and simply relax. Because I'm home much of the day, pet care fits naturally into my routine rather than having to be squeezed in around a long commute or rigid work schedule. I believe pet care starts with understanding the *individual* animal. I take time to learn each pet's normal routine, temperament, preferences, training cues, feeding needs and anything that may make them uncomfortable or stressed. My approach is calm, patient and attentive. I don't force interactions, and I pay close attention to body language and changes in behavior. I follow owners' established routines and management instructions carefully because consistency can make being away from home much easier for a pet. My home is clean, quiet, child-free and low-stress, in a peaceful residential neighborhood. I want visiting pets to have a comfortable place where they can play and engage when they want to, but can also settle and rest without constant activity, noise or disruption. When caring for pets in their own homes, I bring the same approach: respect the animal's familiar environment, follow the household's routines carefully, communicate reliably with the owner, and leave things exactly as I found them.

About: I have loved animals ever since I was young, spending a lot of time taking care of my own, family, and friend’s pets. From high energy play to slow and chill pets I have experienced it all. My personal pet, Luke, is my pride and joy, he loves to play all of the time and even knows sit, stand, follow, high five, and first bump! 🐱 My goal is to make sure your pets feel the love and quality care I make sure to treat my fur baby with. ♥️ I am currently working remotely, thus, I have tons of time to give your pets plenty of love and care! If you need any specifics please let me know, I am willing to work with you and take care of your needs hassle free. I personally have a 7 month old kitten and I believe the care I provide for him highlights the level of care I would provide your pet. While my cat has a very out going and high energy personality, I also love and enjoy pets who are shy or reserved. I can change my care as needed. However, the following is the care I provide my pet. - Litter Box scooping 2x a day - Preparing and Feeding 2x a day - Plenty of Play Time - Training with Treats - Tons of cuddles - Brushing - Teeth brushing daily

“Marissa gave us the freedom to travel without worrying about our Tuxedo boys. She cared for them very well was responsive to a couple of messages. Highly recommend Marissa 😻”

Louise L.

About: Some people innately connect with animals. Maybe this cannot be taught or learned. Even those animals who "don't like anyone" like me. It's a gift. Perhaps they can tell I'm a gentle giant and it makes them feel safe and protected. Whether cat or dog or some other creatures, I will lavish affection and attention on them (if they're into that). Or simply let them call the shots until they're ready to warm up a bit more. As a large, fit dude, I can manage even the strongest dogs, but I'm nimble and delicate with the smaller ones and cats. It comes naturally, and your pets will sense it. Summertime affords more flexibility for me as a teacher. I do have another PT gig currently on Tuesdays & Thursdays in the afternoons. But I'm mostly available the other 5 days for now, and am willing to spend time with your pets before and after shifts on days I work. For many years, I've cared for dozens of friends' pets. Long before Rover existed, I was a resident car provider in my community. Everyone knows I am reliable, professional, responsive, and flexible. Clean, sober, non-smoker.

“Katelyn was absolutely incredible with my two cats! She did a fantastic job feeding and playing with them, and she sent tons of wonderful photo updates that totally put my mind at ease. On top of that, one of my kitties had a messy bathroom accident, and she went above and beyond to clean everything up.”

Katya B.

“Gina helped my daughter give her very difficult cat medications. She was friendly, competent, patient, and super helpful in brainstorming methods of medicating the cat. We would definitely hire Gina again!”

Vicki W.

About: Hello my name is Aléna, I’ve been taking care of animals since I was little. Animals are so amazing to me and I love their personality’s. Looking forward to meeting you pet. My availability is really open, don’t have any dogs of my own, but grew up with them. I miss the connection. So I thought, I would put myself out there, to help service them. In my home I care for my cat Bella by giving her lots of love and making sure to keep her litter box cleaned and let her have her outside time around the yard. My cat Toby, I give him treats and try to teach him some tricks. Give lots of attention and time to play with his toys. He’s a little monster but I love him. Having a clean environment is not only necessary for your animals but yourself. I do the litter box multiple times a week.

About: I have had and taken care of pets (dogs & cats )pretty much my whole life. I take care of my neighbor’s dogs when they are away or just want me to check in on them when they are working. I have been retired for 5 years now. I would love to be able to take care of someone’s animal. Whether it be just a few walks or just checking in on them to make sure they are safe and happy. I can feed and change litter boxes, provide play time or just a check in while you are away. I know how precious our fur babies are to us as I have 2 cats of my own. I watch my neighbors dog and love her like she was mine. If you select me to take care of your fur baby I will respect you home. I would treat it as if it was my own. I am very trustworthy and meticulous.

“I went on a work trip to DC for a week and Brandon made having to leave Drax at home so much easier and took a lot of stress out of it. He provided daily updates and did even more than I even expected him to do. I am sure Drax is going to miss the week he spent with Brandon checking on him and keeping him company”

Kevin S.

“Was a great first time using cat in a flat! Lindsay was great and sent pictures and made me feel my furry bestie was well cared for while I was away💕”

Melanie V.

“Very kind and communicative! Stayed with our pups in a hotel while we went to a family wedding. Felt very confident leaving our semi anxious dogs in her care. Highly recommend!”

Megan T.

About: I’m the person you’ll find in the corner at a party hanging out with the dog (or cat). I’ve grown up around animals my whole life, have experience pet sitting and walking, and adopted both of my pets. I also trained my dog, Pinto, myself, so I have hands-on experience with training, routines, and plenty of different dog behaviors. I know how much trust it takes to leave your pet with someone else, and I’ll always treat yours with the same care and attention I give my own. I also haven’t met a pet I couldn’t win over yet! I recently moved to the area from Washington, so my schedule is currently very flexible! I’m especially available during the week for anyone who needs someone to check in on their buddy while they’re at work. Whether it’s a midday walk, potty break, playtime, or just some company, I’m happy to make their day a little less lonely while you’re away. I’ll treat your home and pets with the same care and respect I’d want for my own. I’m happy to follow your pet’s normal routine, including feeding, fresh water, potty breaks, playtime, walks, or just keeping them company. I’ll always make sure your pet is safe and comfortable and your home is left just as I found it. I’m also happy to send plenty of photos and updates so you know how your buddy is doing!

About: Hi! I'm Susi, and my goal is to make your time away as stress free as possible, for both you and your pets. My experience comes from being a lifelong dog owner and understanding firsthand how much trust it takes to leave your pet in someone else's care. I know that every dog has their own routine, comfort level, and quirks that make them who they are. That’s why I focus on providing personalized care for one family at a time, creating a calm and comfortable environment where your pet can feel safe and loved. I know how important trust is when leaving your pet with someone new, so I'll keep you updated with plenty of photos and messages, giving you peace of mind while you're away. I'll follow your instructions carefully, from feeding schedules and medications to favorite toys and bedtime routines, so your pet experiences as little disruption as possible. When your pet stays with me, they'll receive the same love, patience, and care I'd want for my own family. Pet care is a natural part of my daily routine, and I’ve structured my schedule so every pet in my care receives consistent attention, companionship, and supervision. I’m home everyday of the week and have plenty of time for walks, potty breaks, playtime, feeding, cuddles, and maintaining your pet’s normal routine. I attend school on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am-12pm and 6pm-9pm, but someone is always home, so your pet will never be left alone for long periods. Because I only care for one family’s pets at a time, I’m able to give them focused, personalized care instead of dividing my attention between multiple bookings. My goal is to keep their routine as familiar and stress free as possible so they feel safe, comfortable, and truly at home. In my home, I provide a calm, comfortable environment where pets can settle in and feel like part of the family. I have a large, fully fenced yard for supervised potty breaks, playtime, and outdoor enrichment, along with a quiet dog park just a few blocks away that is usually empty. I only use the park when it is appropriate for the individual dog and with the owner’s permission. I also have a dog (Jayda) of my own who is friendly, calm, and respectful of other dogs’ boundaries. I always prioritize safe introductions and closely monitor interactions so every pet feels comfortable. If a visiting dog is not comfortable around other dogs, my home has separate rooms and spaces where pets can be safely kept apart whenever necessary. Their comfort and safety always come first. Because I care for one family at a time, I can give each pet personalized attention and follow their usual feeding, walking, medication, playtime, and bedtime routines as closely as possible. For care in a client’s home, I respect both the pet’s routine and the home itself. During drop-ins or house sitting, I provide fresh food and water, potty breaks, litter box or yard cleanup, medication when needed, playtime, affection, and any other care instructions provided. For walks, I focus on safety, exercise, and letting each dog move at a pace that suits their age, energy level, and comfort. No matter the service, I send regular photo and message updates so owners can feel confident knowing their pet is safe, comfortable, and receiving attentive care.

“I have a pretty high energy golden pup and Rich did a great job with her. He took her on a long walk then came back to the house to play a little fetch with her. Remi had a great time with Rich. I will definitely be using him again!”

Terri M.

About: As a trainer, I get the opportunity to help clients build deeper relationships, communicate more effectively, and have more fun with their dogs. It’s a privilege to bring joy to my clients by strengthening the bond they share with their companions. I like to build balanced, confident companion dogs. I believe a dog that understands what is expected of them and what they aught to expect from the world around them, is a dog that can move through life with confidence, security, and joy. I am a professional dog trainer so my full day is dedicated and devoted to the animals in my care. I often enjoy early morning walks at the river with my off leash pack, then I work and train dogs through the day. 1) Safety First: animal welfare is the #1 priority, full stop. 2) Relationship Second: training does not being until trust is built between animal and handler. This is very important - I will never push the animal faster than they are ready to move or faster than the trust and relationship will support. 3) Goals Third: after we ensure safety and build a trusting relationship, we can prioritize the client’s goals for training. Training is done through positive incentive based learning following science-backed principles of learning theory.

About: Hello! :) My name is Mari & I grew up around various animals ranging from horses, cattle, livestock, and of course- dogs! I’m a huge animal lover & treat them with the utmost respect. I make it a high priority that pet owners & their fur babies feel safe, comfortable & confident with me. I can’t wait to meet your furry friend! ☺️ I have availability Friday - Sunday. I like to make sure pets & their owners feel safe with me. I always make sure I’m keeping up with routines, diet, exercise, etc. Respecting animals and their homes is a top priority for me. I always want to make sure that my clients can entrust in me and that they feel confident in my care and that their pet feels safe around me at all times whether their owner is present or not.

About: 🐾Why I love pet sitting I love that pet sitting allows me to combine companionship, responsibility, and a slower, more present way of living. Every animal has their own routine and personality, and I enjoy learning what makes each one feel comfortable and happy. Whether that means going for a walk, spending quiet time together, playing, or simply keeping them company, I want the animals in my care to feel at home and well loved. I also understand how important it is to feel comfortable leaving your pets with someone else. My goal is to provide dependable care while respecting the routines and instructions that each pet parent has established. ✨About me I have worked for myself off and on since 2015, with a background in fashion design and printmaking. My creative work has always given me an appreciation for detail, patience, and working independently. In my 20s, I lived in a meditation community, where I practiced daily yoga and developed a deeper appreciation for mindfulness, simplicity, and being present. I eventually found my way into pet sitting in 2022 while living in Phoenix. Since then, caring for animals has become a very meaningful part of my life. I have since moved back to California and now dedicate most of my time to caring for animals. I genuinely enjoy getting to know each animal’s personality and making sure they feel safe, comfortable, and cared for while their people are away. My pet care & house-sitting routine When I house sit, I like to keep your pets’ normal routine as consistent as possible. My days typically include: * 🐾 Morning: Feedings, fresh water, potty break, and a morning walk or outdoor time. * 🐾 Throughout the day: Potty breaks, playtime, enrichment, cuddles, and plenty of companionship. * 🐾 Evening: Dinner, another walk or outdoor time, and settling into their usual nighttime routine. * 🐾 House care: Bring in the mail and packages, water plants as needed, take out trash, and keep the home clean and tidy. * 🐾 Updates: I’m happy to send photos and updates so you know how everyone is doing while you’re away. I’m flexible and always happy to follow your pets’ specific routines, needs, and preferences. When I stay in a client’s home, I treat it with the same care and respect I would my own. My priority is keeping your pets comfortable and maintaining their normal routine as closely as possible. I make sure they receive their meals on schedule, fresh water, regular potty breaks, walks, play and enrichment, and plenty of affection and companionship. I pay attention to their individual personalities and needs, whether they want lots of activity and attention or prefer a quieter, more relaxed day. I do leave the house periodically for my own errands, walks, or activities, but I make sure your pets receive dedicated one-on-one time throughout the day and aren’t simply left alone for long periods. While I’m there, I also keep the home tidy, bring in mail and packages, take out trash, and take care of any agreed-upon household tasks. I’m respectful of your space and routines, and I’ll keep you updated with photos and messages so you can feel confident that your pets—and your home—are being well cared for.

About: I have a great deal of common sense which is really helpful. I have also been around many types of animals since childhood and I enjoy them. I have very flexible schedule and I'm an early riser. This makes me available more often to care for your pet/s. I also enjoy them a great deal I'm aware of my surroundings and I am considerate. My common Sense comes in handy when caring for pets and a clients household. It's a joy to work with animals.