About Me / Pet Care Experience Hi! I’m Alejandra, a lifelong animal lover and PAWS volunteer here in Old City. Animals have been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Over the years, I’ve cared for dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters and birds, and I’ve been the go-to pet sitter for friends and family since I was a teenager. At home, I currently have two senior Chihuahuas, a kitten and a 3-year-old cat, so I’m very familiar with both dog and cat personalities—and all the messes, zoomies, cuddles and quirks that come with them! I’ve cared for my own pets through different stages of life, including puppies and kittens, pregnancy and birth, illness, medication routines and their senior years. I also volunteer with PAWS in Old City, where I’ve gained even more hands-on experience caring for animals and keeping their spaces clean and comfortable. I have a special soft spot for small dogs, seniors and nervous or shy pets. Having senior Chihuahuas has taught me a lot about helping anxious dogs through stressful situations like thunderstorms and fireworks. I don’t believe in forcing an interaction with a nervous pet. I’ll give them space, learn their signals and let them get comfortable with me at their own pace. I’m comfortable administering pills, oral and topical medications and carefully following detailed care instructions. I’m also happy caring for puppies and kittens, including frequent potty breaks, litter boxes, accidents and lots of playtime. One of my favorite parts of pet sitting is getting to know each animal’s personality. Every pet has their own funny habits, favorite games and ways of asking for attention, and discovering those little quirks is part of what makes caring for them so much fun. My Schedule I currently have a very flexible weekday schedule, which gives me plenty of time to dedicate to your pets. I’m available for dog walks, drop-in visits and overnight house sitting in the Old City and Center City areas. I’m also open to same-day and last-minute requests when my schedule allows. I use public transportation and prefer keeping my bookings within Old City and Center City so I can spend more time caring for your pet and less time traveling between appointments. What You Can Expect From Me I want you to come home to a happy pet and a well-cared-for space. I’ll carefully follow your pet’s normal feeding, walking, medication and bedtime routines. Depending on the visit, I’m happy to handle litter boxes and pet messes, refresh food and water, wipe paws after messy walks, provide playtime and cuddles, and take care of small pet-related household tasks. And yes—I will send pictures! 📸 Every owner is different, so let me know how much communication makes you comfortable. I’m happy to provide regular photos and detailed updates so you know how your baby is doing while you’re away. Safety & Trust I prefer having a Meet & Greet with new clients whenever possible. It gives your pet a chance to meet me while you’re there and allows me to learn their routine, personality, favorite things, triggers and any special instructions before I’m responsible for their care. I’m comfortable with dogs of different sizes, although small dogs—especially Chihuahuas—have a special place in my heart. For everyone’s safety, I do not accept pets with a known history of serious aggression. Please tell me about any behavioral concerns, fears, reactivity, medical needs or escape tendencies beforehand. There is no judgment—I simply want to make sure I’m the right sitter for your pet and can keep everyone safe. Before our first booking, I’d love to know: * Your pet’s normal feeding and bathroom schedule * Favorite toys, treats and activities * Walking habits and leash behavior * How they react to strangers, dogs and other animals * Any fears, triggers or separation anxiety * Medications or medical conditions * Where they like to sleep or relax * House rules you’re currently reinforcing * Emergency contact and veterinary information * And, most importantly, what makes your pet happiest! ❤️ I can’t wait to meet them.