Amanda B.
Somerville, MA






Services
Amanda can care for
Availability
I’m typically available weekday mornings before 7:30 AM and weekday evenings after 5:30 PM, with some flexibility on remote work days, the middle of the week, and holidays. On weekends, I’m typically in the Cambridge/Somerville area and available most of the day.
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About Amanda B.
Communication
Dog skills
Cat skills
Safety, trust & environment
I’m a patient, down-to-earth caregiver who takes the time to get to know each pet and go at their pace. I take safety seriously while keeping things calm and low-pressure. I follow your instructions closely and keep routines consistent to make sure your pet's day feels as familiar and stress-free as possible. I'm especially mindful around transitions, i.e. coming and going, leasing up, or introducing new outdoor areas, and I always let pets opt in to interaction rather than pushing them past their comfort zone. Before leaving, I make sure pets have access to fresh water, get any meals or medications on schedule, and are comfortably settled before I leave.
Information Amanda B. would like to know about your pet
I always appreciate knowing about any special needs, medical concerns, or behaviors to be aware of. For dogs, it's especially helpful to know how they respond to other dogs, cats, people, cars, and new environments while on walks. For both cats and dogs, I'd love to know what makes them feel comfortable (or anxious), any triggers such as noises or smells, and their general personality, i.e. quiet or talkative, independent or very people-oriented. The more I know, the better I can tailor my care to help your pet feel safe, relaxed, and happy.
A typical day
For dogs, I tailor each day to their energy level, age, and routine. Walks are a mix of sniffing, exploration, and movement, depending on what your dog(s) enjoy(s) most. I pay close attention to their cues - whether they want to keep moving, take breaks, or just stand and watch the world go by. If a dog has higher energy, I’m happy to include longer walks, light jogging, or fetch. For calmer or older dogs, I focus on slower walks, mental enrichment, and lots of positive attention. That could look like incorporating short training or engagement moments, i.e. checking in, name recognition, or simple cues, to keep walks structured and rewarding. With cats, I’m very mindful of body language and boundaries. I typically spend time playing (about 20–30 minutes if they’re interested), followed by sitting quietly with them, brushing, or gentle petting once they’ve settled, always respecting their comfort level. Wand toys are my go-to for play, especially in the mornings and evenings when cats tend to be most active. I try to mimic the natural prey sequence so play feels enriching and satisfying, and I like to end sessions with treats so they get that full "hunt-catch-reward" experience.
Location
Somerville, MA
Pets
Amanda B. has Star Sitter status
The Star Sitter program highlights responsive sitters who deliver highly rated care and have a history of listing accurate availability and preferences, making it easier for pet parents to find the best care for their pets.
Thoughtful Care for Dogs & Cats
Pet care experience
I've been caring for animals since I was 8 years old. I grew up with cats of my own and have hands-on experience with both dogs and cats in rescue, shelter, and home settings. In high school, I volunteered for two years as a dog walker at LaMancha Animal Rescue in Chester County, PA. During college, I began fostering cats and volunteering at Gifford Cat Shelter in Brighton, MA where I continue to volunteer weekly. There, I work with cats of all ages and temperaments, from kittens to shy or under-socialized cats to high-energy adults. I have experience administering medications to cats, including eardrops, pills, and insulin, and I’m comfortable learning new medication routines as needed. In 2024, I adopted a shy cat of my own, and we regularly do clicker training to help him comfortable in his carrier, build confidence and strengthen our bond! This has given me a deep appreciation for patience-based, consent-driven care.
Cat care experience

Amanda also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Reviews


Amanda was absolutely fantastic!! My cats both have health conditions and need medicine every 12 hours. Amanda always did her check ins really promptly and was super communicative throughout, really going the extra mile several times. I'm always a little nervous leaving my very old cats and she put my mind totally at ease. I would definitely have her back again and again!
Amanda always does a fantastic job! Trustworthy and a great communicator. Our pet was happy and healthy when we returned.



Amanda was great with taking care of my cats while I was gone. They clearly warmed up to her quickly based on the photos she sent. She handled insulin dosing my cat wonderfully. 10/10 would book again.


Amanda was absolutely amazing taking care of our dog, Millie and our cat, Dobby for a week. From the moment we left, she checked in regularly with updates and photos, which gave us so much peace of mind. Her communication was excellent throughout our trip, and it was clear she genuinely cared about our pets. When we came home, Dobby and Millie were happy, relaxed, and clearly well cared for. It was obvious they had received plenty of love and attention while we were away. I would hire Amanda again without hesitation and highly recommend her to anyone looking for a trustworthy, caring, and reliable pet sitter!
About Amanda B.
Communication
Dog skills
Cat skills
Safety, trust & environment
I’m a patient, down-to-earth caregiver who takes the time to get to know each pet and go at their pace. I take safety seriously while keeping things calm and low-pressure. I follow your instructions closely and keep routines consistent to make sure your pet's day feels as familiar and stress-free as possible. I'm especially mindful around transitions, i.e. coming and going, leasing up, or introducing new outdoor areas, and I always let pets opt in to interaction rather than pushing them past their comfort zone. Before leaving, I make sure pets have access to fresh water, get any meals or medications on schedule, and are comfortably settled before I leave.
Information Amanda B. would like to know about your pet
I always appreciate knowing about any special needs, medical concerns, or behaviors to be aware of. For dogs, it's especially helpful to know how they respond to other dogs, cats, people, cars, and new environments while on walks. For both cats and dogs, I'd love to know what makes them feel comfortable (or anxious), any triggers such as noises or smells, and their general personality, i.e. quiet or talkative, independent or very people-oriented. The more I know, the better I can tailor my care to help your pet feel safe, relaxed, and happy.
A typical day
For dogs, I tailor each day to their energy level, age, and routine. Walks are a mix of sniffing, exploration, and movement, depending on what your dog(s) enjoy(s) most. I pay close attention to their cues - whether they want to keep moving, take breaks, or just stand and watch the world go by. If a dog has higher energy, I’m happy to include longer walks, light jogging, or fetch. For calmer or older dogs, I focus on slower walks, mental enrichment, and lots of positive attention. That could look like incorporating short training or engagement moments, i.e. checking in, name recognition, or simple cues, to keep walks structured and rewarding. With cats, I’m very mindful of body language and boundaries. I typically spend time playing (about 20–30 minutes if they’re interested), followed by sitting quietly with them, brushing, or gentle petting once they’ve settled, always respecting their comfort level. Wand toys are my go-to for play, especially in the mornings and evenings when cats tend to be most active. I try to mimic the natural prey sequence so play feels enriching and satisfying, and I like to end sessions with treats so they get that full "hunt-catch-reward" experience.
Amanda B.
Somerville, MA
