Alexandra P.
Canton, MI
Hedgehog mom with a fenced yard!
Pet care experience
**Listed rates and availability are guidelines. Rates may be adjusted for pets who are not particularly well-housetrained or who need extra attention (e.g., due to high energy level or frequency of chewing). If you need something and don't see it, ask me--I might be able to accommodate it! **I have received two COVID-19 vaccinations and am waiting to be eligible for a third, but I will still wear a mask by default to respect the health and safety of you and your family. I also ask that clients wear masks when visiting my home. I love animals of all kinds! I have cared for dogs (including disabled and senior dogs), cats, guinea pigs, tropical fish, turtles, hamsters, and my own hedgehogs (hedgehog care requires some of the same stuff as reptile care, e.g., a CHE and feeder insects, so I'm reasonably confident I could care for a lizard or snake as well). While I like the structure of care instructions and will generally follow them to the letter, I have enough experience with my own pets that I can usually adapt for unexpected or non-typical situations that may arise.
Reviews
We love Alexandra! She’s consistently professional, fun, and very enthusiastic about taking care of our dog when we go out of town. We love all the pictures and stories she sends to us and will continue to reach out to her in the future! 🐕
Alexandra was a great sitter! We were visiting family from out of town and our dog was in great hands. Alexandra stayed in touch with thorough and thoughtful texts and photos and I would use her services again in the future!
Alex took great care of Ollie and was sure to send lots of photos and updates! I got the impression that she loves animals a lot and I felt very comfortable leaving him with her. If you're considering Alex, I highly recommend her!
She was amazing! Went above and beyond!
About Alexandra P.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
In your home, I will respect your property, privacy, and belongings. I'll look for something if I need it and can't find it, like toys or treats, but anything I move will go back to where it was. If I'm staying there overnight, I will do everything I can to make sure you come back to your home in the same state you left it: I wouldn't want to have to clean up after a house guest right after getting home from a trip, so you shouldn't have to, either. While it's true that I technically have a dog, he lives with my mom at the moment. As such, the only pet in my home is my hedgehog, Gus Gus, who has a room all to himself: your dog will never have to see him (probably best for everyone, really). On top of that, I have a fenced-in backyard with no neighboring dogs, so even pets that don't do so well with other pets can run freely! I can anchor a lead on one of the trees, and occasionally a squirrel will run through the yard (my dogs have enjoyed chasing them, and to be honest, I think the squirrels like playing keep-away, too). I'm confident enough in the safety of the yard that I've left my own pets out unsupervised, but I will always keep an eye on your pet, either from the door wall or from the back patio. Furthermore, since my family is in the process of moving out of this house, a couple rooms are all or mostly empty, so I have the ability to separate pets if necessary: your pet(s) can have a bedroom-sized space all to themselves if they need it. This also means that I don't have many supplies on-hand: you'll need to bring everything your dog(s) will need, including food and bedding. Personally I think having their own things is more comforting to them, but I know it can be a hassle, so I want to be upfront about it. **PROSPECTIVE HOUSE-SITTING CLIENTS: I realize the cost seems a bit steep, but that's eight hours of work at the current U.S. minimum wage ($7.25). You're also not just getting a pet sitter: I water plants, do interior maintenance, and bring all or most of my own supplies. I strive to make going away *and* coming home as easy on you as possible, so I not only clean up after your pets, but after myself, as well. ADDITIONALLY: if I'll be away from my house for more than one night, I need to bring my hedgehog with me. He has a 36"x36" puppy playpen for use as a "travel crate," and I'll need a space that your pet(s) can't access to set it up: keeping them separate is in everyone's best interests. I'll bring his supplies and clean up any messes he makes--I just need the space.
Home
Information Alexandra P. would like to know about your pet
- Energy level and how much daily exercise they need (this is important because due to chronic pain and fibromyalgia I might not be able to provide the same amount of exercise every day) - House-trained? - Crate-trained? (And how they're used to sleeping: in the crate, in your bedroom with you, etc.) - Whether or not they can be left alone and for how long - Behavioral conditions: separation anxiety, fear aggressiveness, chewing when restless, aversions to certain kinds of people (e.g., men with beards), counter surfing, etc. - Special instructions: feeding patterns, medications, etc. This is just a baseline--all dogs are unique, and their care should be, too! *Note: clients will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis. I’m lucky to be relatively popular for a Rover newbie, and I’m so grateful to everyone who has (or will ever) messaged me regarding their pets. I know how hard it is to leave your four-legged family in someone else’s care, and the trust in me you show by asking me is invaluable and truly touching. That’s why whoever asks first gets preference—I won't turn down or back out of a job just because another one came along.
A typical day
Mostly I tend to talk to the animals in my care: everything from telling them how proud of them I am for behaving well to deep, existential wonderings. I know they don't always understand it all, but the company and the sound of someone's voice have benefited dogs and cats I've cared for in the past (including my own). There's a kind of route around my neighborhood that I've used to walk my own dogs for years. I can use it for a relatively short walk or walks up to about half a mile. Most of my own dogs weren't into toys, but I can play fetch or tug-of-war like a pro! If your pet likes playing with a laser pointer or watching TV, that can also be arranged. Those are just my thoughts--let me know if there's something your pet likes to do!
Services
Alexandra can host
Alexandra can watch in your home
Availability
I'm ecstatic about landing not just one, but *two* jobs: I'm teaching a class at the Auburn Hills campus of Oakland Community College on Monday nights, and temporarily subbing as a media center specialist in Taylor on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays until 4:00pm. I'm happy to board pets on Friday evenings and Mondays during the day, but otherwise we'll have to plan around my (new and suddenly very busy) work schedule. I have a mostly empty room with a vinyl floor (for easy accident cleanup!) in which pets can stay if I have to work during a booking. It isn't ideal, but there's more than enough room for a bed, toys, and food/water bowls, so at least they won't have to be crated that whole time if you'd rather they have space to stretch their legs.
About Alexandra P.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
In your home, I will respect your property, privacy, and belongings. I'll look for something if I need it and can't find it, like toys or treats, but anything I move will go back to where it was. If I'm staying there overnight, I will do everything I can to make sure you come back to your home in the same state you left it: I wouldn't want to have to clean up after a house guest right after getting home from a trip, so you shouldn't have to, either. While it's true that I technically have a dog, he lives with my mom at the moment. As such, the only pet in my home is my hedgehog, Gus Gus, who has a room all to himself: your dog will never have to see him (probably best for everyone, really). On top of that, I have a fenced-in backyard with no neighboring dogs, so even pets that don't do so well with other pets can run freely! I can anchor a lead on one of the trees, and occasionally a squirrel will run through the yard (my dogs have enjoyed chasing them, and to be honest, I think the squirrels like playing keep-away, too). I'm confident enough in the safety of the yard that I've left my own pets out unsupervised, but I will always keep an eye on your pet, either from the door wall or from the back patio. Furthermore, since my family is in the process of moving out of this house, a couple rooms are all or mostly empty, so I have the ability to separate pets if necessary: your pet(s) can have a bedroom-sized space all to themselves if they need it. This also means that I don't have many supplies on-hand: you'll need to bring everything your dog(s) will need, including food and bedding. Personally I think having their own things is more comforting to them, but I know it can be a hassle, so I want to be upfront about it. **PROSPECTIVE HOUSE-SITTING CLIENTS: I realize the cost seems a bit steep, but that's eight hours of work at the current U.S. minimum wage ($7.25). You're also not just getting a pet sitter: I water plants, do interior maintenance, and bring all or most of my own supplies. I strive to make going away *and* coming home as easy on you as possible, so I not only clean up after your pets, but after myself, as well. ADDITIONALLY: if I'll be away from my house for more than one night, I need to bring my hedgehog with me. He has a 36"x36" puppy playpen for use as a "travel crate," and I'll need a space that your pet(s) can't access to set it up: keeping them separate is in everyone's best interests. I'll bring his supplies and clean up any messes he makes--I just need the space.
Home
Information Alexandra P. would like to know about your pet
- Energy level and how much daily exercise they need (this is important because due to chronic pain and fibromyalgia I might not be able to provide the same amount of exercise every day) - House-trained? - Crate-trained? (And how they're used to sleeping: in the crate, in your bedroom with you, etc.) - Whether or not they can be left alone and for how long - Behavioral conditions: separation anxiety, fear aggressiveness, chewing when restless, aversions to certain kinds of people (e.g., men with beards), counter surfing, etc. - Special instructions: feeding patterns, medications, etc. This is just a baseline--all dogs are unique, and their care should be, too! *Note: clients will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis. I’m lucky to be relatively popular for a Rover newbie, and I’m so grateful to everyone who has (or will ever) messaged me regarding their pets. I know how hard it is to leave your four-legged family in someone else’s care, and the trust in me you show by asking me is invaluable and truly touching. That’s why whoever asks first gets preference—I won't turn down or back out of a job just because another one came along.
A typical day
Mostly I tend to talk to the animals in my care: everything from telling them how proud of them I am for behaving well to deep, existential wonderings. I know they don't always understand it all, but the company and the sound of someone's voice have benefited dogs and cats I've cared for in the past (including my own). There's a kind of route around my neighborhood that I've used to walk my own dogs for years. I can use it for a relatively short walk or walks up to about half a mile. Most of my own dogs weren't into toys, but I can play fetch or tug-of-war like a pro! If your pet likes playing with a laser pointer or watching TV, that can also be arranged. Those are just my thoughts--let me know if there's something your pet likes to do!
Location
Canton, MI
Pets
Alexandra P.
Canton, MI