Ava A.
Ypsilanti, MI
Ava A. 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.
Experienced and dedicated pet lover
Pet care experience
Hello! My name is Ava! Thanks for visiting my page! In May of 2021, I graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a bachelor’s degree in Animal Sciences and a certificate in Companion Animal Nutrition! Since my mom is a veterinarian, I have had the privilege of having a wide variety of pets in my lifetime (dogs, cats, birds, snakes, Guinea pigs, rabbits, and hamsters) and know how to be around many breeds and temperaments! In undergrad, I took and eventually was a teaching assistant for companion animal courses (specifically behavior and care/management). Additionally, I was the dog walker at my mom's veterinary clinic and have raised my own dog (fun fact: I grew up on a dairy farm and my dog is now my family’s farm dog)! If your pet loves to play, I'm your girl! I know how to administer medications and have worked with breed/disorder related diets, exercise, and potential hazards. I was pet CPR certified in undergrad, but I have not maintained the certification. However, I am still well equipped to handle any urgent need. If a medical issue arises, I will likely phone my mother, who is a veterinarian, in addition to Rover’s hotline, for her input on next steps (as well as contacting the owner, of course). I know what is expected of me and appreciate any opportunity! I offer dog walking, check-ins, and house-sitting in clients’ homes! Unfortunately, I do not offer boarding in my own apartment since I have two cats who need their space. Leaving your pet in someone else’s hands, even for a little bit, is really tough, therefore I will text you and send pictures of your pet to you frequently! Going on walks is one of my favorite things to do as long as the dog is relatively well trained on a leash. I can always find something to do with your pet and know how important it is to take care of pets with separation anxiety. Watching pets should be more than just feeding and playing! I am more than happy to do other pet related chores such as cleaning, refilling, basic grooming, etc. Unfortunately, I do not have a green thumb. No matter how big or how small, I am always happy to help keep them comfortable and happy while you are away! I hope to see you and your furry friends very soon!
Cat care experience
Ava also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Reviews
Ava took tender loving care of our dog while we were away. Communicating with us regularly. She kept the house tidy too!
Ava did a great job caring for our two cuties. She sent photos and updates regularly and was sensitive to each of their needs!
When meeting Ava she did a great job of understanding my dog’s needs and answering any questions I had. She provided regular updates while I was away. I came home to a happy dog and my house was as clean as I left it. Will definitely have her stay with my dog again!
Ava did a great job taking care of Carly!
About Ava A.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I prefer to meet the clients and their pets in their home or somewhere public a few days prior to walking, stopping by, or pet sitting just so we can be acquainted. I cannot accept new clients without first having a meet and greet. In my client’s home, I love to leave it cleaner than when I came in. Having an itinerary/routine for the pet written down is helpful for me as well for pet sitting and check-ins. I love taking pictures of my client’s pets for them to have throughout our time together! I also love having quality play/pets time with the animals as that strengthens the human-animal bond! If you require me to care for plants, please understand that I struggle with caring for plants unless you provide specific directions or are patient with my questions! My skills are with animals, so unfortunately, I do not have a green thumb.
Information Ava A. would like to know about your pet
-Vaccination/general health history -General temperament/personality -Likes and dislikes -Any medical conditions and/or medications -Any known bite incidences, human or pet -Emergency phone numbers (owner, veterinarian, emergency contact who knows the pet) -Special accommodations not health related -Usual routine
A typical day
I like to stimulate the animals mentally and physically, however within their comfort zones. Playing with their favorite toys, enrichment activities, lots of pets, anything to give them that stimulation. I prefer to take animals on walks on their usual routes and parks, as they are often more comfortable on such routes than unfamiliar ones. I try not to take pets to dog parks even if that is a part of their usual routine unless I’ve been to the dog park with the client and the dog multiple times.
Services
Ava can watch in your home
Availability
I work a full-time, in-person job (I am an onsite job coach for people with disabilities), and therefore, I can only accept weekday pet sittings with pets who can handle a traditional 8-5. This restriction does not apply to weekends. I do not accept pet-sittings if the expectation is for me to be present at the client’s home 24/7. If the expectation is that I may only leave the house for less than 2 hours, that is considered constant care for my business, and I will need to charge as such. My constant care rate is 1.5x the standard care rate, and if it is over a holiday (I am Jewish so my holidays may not be your holidays), my constant care rate is 2x the standard rate. Standard schedule deviations to expect: August-May: I will need to leave the pets for 3 hours on Thursdays (6:30-9:30 PM) for Dexter Community Band rehearsal. Concerts would be a 4 hour commitment on very few Sundays (12:30-4:30 PM). I play the French horn. June-July: I will need to leave the pets for 3 hours on Mondays (6:30-9:30 PM) for Ann Arbor Civic Band rehearsal and for 3 hours on Wednesdays (6-9 PM) for weekly concerts. Friday evenings: occasionally and only if the pets can handle it, I will be out of the house for religious services on Fridays. Services start at sundown and vary throughout the year as the days shorten and lengthen. Calendar note: if you see that I am unavailable for a weekend, please still reach out! I’d love to consider sitting for you. I have weekends blocked in advance as a scheduling protection, but I may be available! Stay duration note: Additionally, due to my own pets’ needs (two kitties), it is unlikely that I will accept house sitting request for longer than 10 days, but it is still worth asking!
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About Ava A.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I prefer to meet the clients and their pets in their home or somewhere public a few days prior to walking, stopping by, or pet sitting just so we can be acquainted. I cannot accept new clients without first having a meet and greet. In my client’s home, I love to leave it cleaner than when I came in. Having an itinerary/routine for the pet written down is helpful for me as well for pet sitting and check-ins. I love taking pictures of my client’s pets for them to have throughout our time together! I also love having quality play/pets time with the animals as that strengthens the human-animal bond! If you require me to care for plants, please understand that I struggle with caring for plants unless you provide specific directions or are patient with my questions! My skills are with animals, so unfortunately, I do not have a green thumb.
Information Ava A. would like to know about your pet
-Vaccination/general health history -General temperament/personality -Likes and dislikes -Any medical conditions and/or medications -Any known bite incidences, human or pet -Emergency phone numbers (owner, veterinarian, emergency contact who knows the pet) -Special accommodations not health related -Usual routine
A typical day
I like to stimulate the animals mentally and physically, however within their comfort zones. Playing with their favorite toys, enrichment activities, lots of pets, anything to give them that stimulation. I prefer to take animals on walks on their usual routes and parks, as they are often more comfortable on such routes than unfamiliar ones. I try not to take pets to dog parks even if that is a part of their usual routine unless I’ve been to the dog park with the client and the dog multiple times.
Location
Ypsilanti, MI
Pets
Ava A.
Ypsilanti, MI