Amy M.
Pylesville, MD
Caring, Calm, Capable
Pet care experience
I love animals and have helped take care of them since I was a kid. As a teenager, I was responsible for our family pets (dogs and gerbils), regularly worked with horses at the barn where I rode, and often pet-sat to earn extra money (dogs, cats, hamsters, rabbits). Now a stay-at-home mom of four, I have a dog, house rabbit, and chickens. I truly love animals of all kinds and have a calm, compassionate energy. I'm organized and capable, and have lots of practice staying patient and focused in chaotic environments (hello, four kids).
Reviews
We have used Amy to watch our dog many times and she never disappoints. A highly anxious dog with some unique medical needs, Amy's calm demeanor and obvious love of pets immediately put our pup's (and our) mind at ease. Mae is usually slow to warm up to new faces but instantly took to Amy showering her with kisses and cuddles. Would highly recommend her to watch your pets!
About Amy M.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I am calm, patient, and experienced with many different animals, with many different needs. I understand that some pets are ready to be best friends right away, others need time to warm up, and some might always need space. I'm happy to meet pets at their level, while also providing the individualized care that they need. I am huge advocate of positive reinforcement and like to use verbal praise, play, rewards, and redirection as much as possible. I am patient and have practice slowly building trust with pets over time. I believe that most conflicts and undesirable situations can be avoided with planning, thought, and attention to detail. Specifically, safety is always my number one priority. For in-home visits, this includes making sure that pets are stay where they need to (crate, house, pen, yard, etc.), have their physical needs met (including the administration of medication as needed), and that they get love, play, and attention. For pets who are more hesitant to be friends, I'm happy to just sit and keep them company for a bit. For walks, I ensure that dogs are properly leashed and that we only walk in areas where I am confident I can provide adequate control to keep us both safe. As animal behavior can be unpredictable in different environments, I do not allow off-leash play or let dogs in my care interact with strangers or other animals.
Information Amy M. would like to know about your pet
I need to know if a pet is comfortable with small children. My youngest daughter is home with me most of the time (she's four), so I have a lot more flexibility in my schedule if I can bring her with me for in-home visits or on walks. She's very comfortable around animals and we regularly practice letting them say hi to us before we approach them. She also understands that not all animals want to be friends, and she's happy to keep her distance when needed. I also need to know if a pet has any special needs (medication, on-leash aggression, anxiety, etc.). I'm comfortable with a lot of different situations, I just need to be prepared. Note: I've never administered injected medication, but I'm confident that I can do it if taught. I've given oral medication to an angry chicken and an unhappy rabbit, so I'm up for almost anything if shown how.
A typical day
I like to match my energy to the energy of the pets I'm caring for. If a pet likes a lot of attention and play, then that's what we do! Some of the activities I do with high energy dogs (or dogs who need a lot of mental stimulation) include: long walks in high scent areas (the Ma and Pa and Eden Mill trails are favorites!), backyard games like fetch, and inside games like "find it" (I hide a toy or a treats and then we search for it). For more low energy pets, or pets who get easily over-stimulated or anxious, I keep walks to areas that they might be familiar with (like their neighborhood). For at-home play, I've found that some dogs (or cats) just like company, so I like to sit on the floor with them and encourage them to chew a bone, roll a ball around, etc. And for pets who like lots of attention, I always enjoy giving cuddles, tummy rubs, and ear scratches.
Services
Amy can watch in your home
Availability
My life is busy, but my schedule is very flexible. Generally, I'm available during the school day and in the evening, and on weekends. With a little advanced notice, I can make most times and days work.
About Amy M.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I am calm, patient, and experienced with many different animals, with many different needs. I understand that some pets are ready to be best friends right away, others need time to warm up, and some might always need space. I'm happy to meet pets at their level, while also providing the individualized care that they need. I am huge advocate of positive reinforcement and like to use verbal praise, play, rewards, and redirection as much as possible. I am patient and have practice slowly building trust with pets over time. I believe that most conflicts and undesirable situations can be avoided with planning, thought, and attention to detail. Specifically, safety is always my number one priority. For in-home visits, this includes making sure that pets are stay where they need to (crate, house, pen, yard, etc.), have their physical needs met (including the administration of medication as needed), and that they get love, play, and attention. For pets who are more hesitant to be friends, I'm happy to just sit and keep them company for a bit. For walks, I ensure that dogs are properly leashed and that we only walk in areas where I am confident I can provide adequate control to keep us both safe. As animal behavior can be unpredictable in different environments, I do not allow off-leash play or let dogs in my care interact with strangers or other animals.
Information Amy M. would like to know about your pet
I need to know if a pet is comfortable with small children. My youngest daughter is home with me most of the time (she's four), so I have a lot more flexibility in my schedule if I can bring her with me for in-home visits or on walks. She's very comfortable around animals and we regularly practice letting them say hi to us before we approach them. She also understands that not all animals want to be friends, and she's happy to keep her distance when needed. I also need to know if a pet has any special needs (medication, on-leash aggression, anxiety, etc.). I'm comfortable with a lot of different situations, I just need to be prepared. Note: I've never administered injected medication, but I'm confident that I can do it if taught. I've given oral medication to an angry chicken and an unhappy rabbit, so I'm up for almost anything if shown how.
A typical day
I like to match my energy to the energy of the pets I'm caring for. If a pet likes a lot of attention and play, then that's what we do! Some of the activities I do with high energy dogs (or dogs who need a lot of mental stimulation) include: long walks in high scent areas (the Ma and Pa and Eden Mill trails are favorites!), backyard games like fetch, and inside games like "find it" (I hide a toy or a treats and then we search for it). For more low energy pets, or pets who get easily over-stimulated or anxious, I keep walks to areas that they might be familiar with (like their neighborhood). For at-home play, I've found that some dogs (or cats) just like company, so I like to sit on the floor with them and encourage them to chew a bone, roll a ball around, etc. And for pets who like lots of attention, I always enjoy giving cuddles, tummy rubs, and ear scratches.
Location
Pylesville, MD
Pets
Amy M.
Pylesville, MD