Anthony S.
Anthony S.
Highlights
Pet care experience
Every Dog Is My Buddy
I've had cats almost continuously since I was a kid. About ten years ago, I started volunteering at a rescue. I started out mostly looking after cats, but I quickly fell in love with the dogs too. I got more involved in the operations of the rescue, walking dogs, taking care of cats and even sometimes rabbits, giving them medicine, helping to trap strays arranging adoption. For a long time, I drove a van for the rescue, transporting animals from one place to another, from a county shelter to the rescue, from the rescue to the vet, from one rescue center to another. So I've handled a lot of animals under a lot of different circumstances. Frightened Great Danes, restless pit bulls, terrified Chihuahuas. Healthy animals, sick animals, injured animals, puppies and kittens, senior animals. I started pet-sitting regularly about a year later. My client had five dogs and a cat. One of the dogs was a senior dog. Two of the dogs were kind of big, and they would get somewhat aggressive with each other if not carefully managed. The little dog had limited use of his hind legs and pulled himself around like a seal. I had a list of instructions about their meds and the amount of food and their quirks. I met the dogs beforehand and read the whole list before I started, And I got through the holiday weekend. They've been my clients for many years now. Those dogs were my buddies. If I don't hear from the clients for a while, I text and ask how my dog buddies are doing. I've got a lot of experience with many types of dogs, and I make the dogs a priority when I'm watching them. If the owners are on vacation, I want to do my best to make it a vacation for dogs as well.
Cat care experience
Anthony also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Qualifications
Pets
Safety, trust & environment
The first few hours are devoted to making friends with the dogs. It's best to meet them a few days before the assignment, when the owners are with them, and the dogs can check you out and the owners can let them know that you are OK. Unless the assignment starts very late, it's best to walk around the house and the yard with the dogs. They like that, and they get used to the sitter if you establish a routine. Walk them as much as possible. Play with them. Try to be a substitute for the owner, and don't just be somebody who's watching the dogs.
Ratings and reviews
I felt so comfortable knowing that Anthony was with my two “girls “, Daisy and Lucie. Thanks!
Tony was absolutely amazing with our two bulldogs, Hendrix and Benny! From the very beginning, he kept us constantly updated and gave us so much peace of mind while we were away. He was incredibly sweet with the boys, spent time playing outside with them, hanging out with them, and genuinely treated them like his own. Hendrix and Benny absolutely adored him, which says everything because they can definitely be stubborn bulldogs 😂. What really meant so much to us was that on the last day, Tony could have left much earlier, but he stayed longer because he didn’t want them to be alone for too long. That level of kindness and care meant the world to us. Tony is smart, trustworthy, kind, and truly amazing with dogs. We are beyond grateful for him and would recommend him to anyone looking for someone who will genuinely love and care for their pets. Thank you so much, Tony!!
We can always count on Tony! We left the country and had limited phone access but we were at ease knowing our pets were in great hands. Despite our inconsistent replies, Tony regularly sent updates and pictures. He treats our pets and home like they are his and we are endlessly grateful to have him as part of our community. Thanks Tony! We'll see you next time!
Thank you again for taking such good care of our boy. He loves his walks and spending time with you.
Tony is an exceptional care taker!! We connected with him three days before leaving on a six day trip. He immediately replied to our ask and set a day and time to meet the pets. He came prepared with a notebook and many stories that demonstrated his experience and commitment. After meeting him we knew he was the best choice. We were further impressed by his regular communication and attention to detail. He would share brief updates letting us know our cat made an appearance (he’s a big recluse) or that the weather wasn’t agreeable at the moment and he was keeping a look out so he could walk our dog when it wasn’t raining. Lastly, he was a stellar house guest and left our place in pristine condition. Thank you endlessly, Tony! We know Lulu and Bruce benefited from your immaculate care and we look forward to working with you again.
Thank you for taking care of our pups, Anthony ! You’re always so great with them !
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
I have some regular clients for whom I walk their dogs, but that's just a few hours in the morning several times a week. And they are usually very flexible if I get a pet-sitting job where I can't leave. So my schedule is usually open. I like to stay at the client's home, when possible. I enjoy spending the day (or the week) with somebody's dogs or cats.
- Cats0 to 15 lbs16 to 40 lbs41 to 100 lbsover 101 lbsAnthony can host up to 1 pet per night
- I feel like you can't give too much information about your pets to the sitter. Eating schedules are pretty basic, as are instructions for medication. But there are so many other things! Are they scared of fireworks? If they are being walked on the street, will they react to, say, bicyclists, or skateboarders, or garbage trucks. Is there a street you avoid because there's somebody who has a dog that runs loose in the yard? Otherwise friendly dogs might be set off by something unexpected. I know a dog who is not only food aggressive, he will attack his buddies if the empty bowls aren't put away fast enough. I know a very friendly Chihuahua who loves everybody ... unless they are wearing perfume or cologne. She is good with other dogs ... unless they are tan or white-colored and weigh over forty pounds. I always have this discussion with new clients. You can't always think of everything, but you can try.