Barbara J.
Villanova, PA
Services
Barbara can care for
Availability
Pet care fits naturally into my daily routine. As a business owner, I have flexibility in my schedule and can adjust my availability throughout the day to meet a cat’s specific needs. This allows me to maintain consistent visit times, accommodate special routines, and provide dependable care rather than rushed drop-ins. I’m comfortable creating and following structured routines—whether that’s regular feeding times, medication schedules, or enrichment sessions—so pets experience continuity and calm while their owners are away.
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About Barbara J.
Safety, trust & environment
Whether caring for cats in my home or in a client’s home, I prioritize consistency, cleanliness, and calm, attentive care. I share my home with two cats—one adult and one kitten—and caring for them has given me hands-on experience with different life stages, energy levels, and needs. I’m intentional about creating a healthy, low-stress environment by staying informed on best products, enrichment tools, and care practices. I pay close attention to routines, litter box cleanliness, nutrition preferences, and behavioral cues, adjusting care as needed to keep cats comfortable and content. My approach is thoughtful and individualized—focused not just on meeting basic needs, but on supporting overall well-being so each cat feels safe, engaged, and cared for while you’re away.
Information Barbara J. would like to know about your pet
To provide the best possible care, I ask clients to share a little insight into their cat’s personality and routines. Helpful details include feeding preferences, litter box habits, favorite hiding spots, play style, and how your cat typically responds to new people. Please also let me know about any medical needs, medications, sensitivities, or recent changes in behavior, as well as what helps your cat feel most comfortable when you’re away. The more I understand your cat as an individual, the more calmly and confidently I can care for them.
A typical day
I believe play should feel natural, engaging, and tailored to each pet. I always start by getting down at their level, allowing cats and dogs to approach me on their own terms—sniffing, observing, and building trust before play begins. For cats, I offer a variety of enrichment activities and toys to discover what they enjoy most. I use wand toys, balls, and interactive stimulation toys to encourage movement, curiosity, and healthy energy release. I pay close attention to how each cat prefers to play—fast-paced or slow, solo or interactive—and adjust accordingly so play feels rewarding, not overwhelming. My goal is to keep pets mentally stimulated, physically active, and comfortable, while making playtime something they genuinely look forward to.
Location
Villanova, PA
Pets
I am a dedicated pet parent
Pet care experience
I’ve trained my cat to go for walks outside and I’m training our new kitten to do the same. They are both car trained as well. I’m interested in cats and caring for them by seeing their individual personalities and learning about their individual needs.
Cat care experience
Barbara also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Reviews
I’ve have a front-row seat watching Barbara care for animals, and I can honestly say there is no one more attentive, responsible, and loving. She treats every pet as if it were her own—paying close attention to routines, health needs, and little personality quirks that make each animal special. She’s incredibly organized and dependable, and she brings a calm, nurturing energy to pet sitting. Any pet in her care will be safe, loved, and very well looked after. Alan Jacobson
It is my pleasure to recommend Barbara Da Costa Jacobson as a Pet Sitter. Barbara is my daughter and she grew up surrounded by pets. Her love and compassion for animals has only deepened into adulthood. She has a genuine passion for learning about animals and understanding them, which is evident in the care she provides her own two rescue cats. Through her dedication, patience and consistency, they have come a long way in their training and development. Barbara is hardworking, responsible and trustworthy. She is always punctual and fully capable of administering medications, following feeding schedules and adhering to any specific routines. She goes above and beyond to provide pet parents with peace of mind, offering regular updates and photos to keep them informed and reassured. Her kindness, along with her positive and cheerful attitude, makes her especially well suited for caring for animals. I recommend Barbara without hesitation. Sincerely, Nina Da Costa
About Barbara J.
Safety, trust & environment
Whether caring for cats in my home or in a client’s home, I prioritize consistency, cleanliness, and calm, attentive care. I share my home with two cats—one adult and one kitten—and caring for them has given me hands-on experience with different life stages, energy levels, and needs. I’m intentional about creating a healthy, low-stress environment by staying informed on best products, enrichment tools, and care practices. I pay close attention to routines, litter box cleanliness, nutrition preferences, and behavioral cues, adjusting care as needed to keep cats comfortable and content. My approach is thoughtful and individualized—focused not just on meeting basic needs, but on supporting overall well-being so each cat feels safe, engaged, and cared for while you’re away.
Information Barbara J. would like to know about your pet
To provide the best possible care, I ask clients to share a little insight into their cat’s personality and routines. Helpful details include feeding preferences, litter box habits, favorite hiding spots, play style, and how your cat typically responds to new people. Please also let me know about any medical needs, medications, sensitivities, or recent changes in behavior, as well as what helps your cat feel most comfortable when you’re away. The more I understand your cat as an individual, the more calmly and confidently I can care for them.
A typical day
I believe play should feel natural, engaging, and tailored to each pet. I always start by getting down at their level, allowing cats and dogs to approach me on their own terms—sniffing, observing, and building trust before play begins. For cats, I offer a variety of enrichment activities and toys to discover what they enjoy most. I use wand toys, balls, and interactive stimulation toys to encourage movement, curiosity, and healthy energy release. I pay close attention to how each cat prefers to play—fast-paced or slow, solo or interactive—and adjust accordingly so play feels rewarding, not overwhelming. My goal is to keep pets mentally stimulated, physically active, and comfortable, while making playtime something they genuinely look forward to.
Barbara J.
Villanova, PA