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Barbara Z.

Star Sitter

Portage Park, IL

5.0 out of 5 stars
41 reviews
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Barbara Z. 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.

I'M BARKLINGUAL, I speak dog! 🐾

Pet care experience

Hi there! I have training experience & volunteered with a therapy dog on the Alzheimer's floor of a nursing home. I fostered dogs, concentrating on harder to adopt senior pups & ones that were often overlooked for minor behavioral issues or bad habits. I have managed as many as 5 dogs in a home at once, but I prefer to give your pet(s) my undivided attention. I had my own business specializing in taking senior dogs & puppies out to go potty midday while their owners were at work. I strictly provided drop-in visits, taking pups out to do their business, giving them treats, refreshing their water, interacting through play & affection, leaving them happy pups. 😄🐶 • I have no pets of my own & this is my full time job. I am able to dedicate my time & attention to your pup. After all, your pup is a priority. 💖 • I respect & understand canines as the smart, loving, amazing animals they are. • Communication: I know your pet is a very precious member of your family. I will send pics, videos, updates & make sure I ask questions when I'm uncertain of anything. I want you to feel comfortable while you're away & assure you that your pup is in good hands! • I feel it's important to maintain your dogs regular routine & will do everything required to make them happy and comfortable in your absence. I'm able to follow any schedule your pup is accustomed to. • Consistency is vital to give your pup a seemless transition. • All training & house rules will be followed as usual. I feel it's important to do things your way to keep your pup stable & secure. • I will never feed your beloved pet anything other than the food you designate. I know how vital it can be to maintain a consistent diet. • I will NOT take your pup to a dog park. I think there is too much potential for mishaps or conflict while they are in my care. Your pup's safety is my priority. I will provide plenty of activities & interaction for your pet to keep them happy & occupied. • I'm told that I am a very calm presence & animals seem to sense this. I give them a chance to come to me & feel me out rather than approaching them, possibly overwhelming them. This also helps with those unforseen situations that may come up with animals. I try not to panic, get emotional or react. I try to observe & act accordingly to keep both me & your pup safe & out of harms way. (IE: coming upon a stray, your pup picking up something unhealthy or dangerous, etc.) • I am interested in learning pet Rieke & massage. Healing of the mind body & soul of pets through positive, loving energy is of great interest to me. I hope to help anxious, fearful dogs lead happy & comfortable lives. ***Please note: I am UNABLE to sit for any dog if there is a kitty in the home. I am, unfortunately, very allergic to cats! 😿 I'm sorry, but my reaction is too severe to manage being with felines for an extended period.

Reviews

Andrea B.
House Sitting • Jan 21, 2024
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This is our second weekend having Barbara come and stay with our pups. We love how she communicates with us the whole time we are gone and sends lots of photos. She takes amazing care of our doxins and we are super thankful we don’t need to be worried while we are away from them. We already have our next two weekends booked!

Andrea B.
House Sitting • Nov 13, 2023
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Barbara was wonderful with our 2 mini doxins. She stayed in our home and took excellent care of them. One of our babes was just recovering from an IVDD flare up and she was super cautious with him just as we are. She kept us updated with pictures and how things were going which we truly appreciated! We already have our next booking with Barbara!

Krista M.
House Sitting • Sep 01, 2023
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Barbara is fantastic! I was so worried about going out of town and leaving my almost 16 yr old dog. She doesn’t do stairs and doesn’t hear anymore. She has a routine that she likes and can be a little stubborn. Her meals need to be on time, and she is crazy about her treats. 🤣 Barbara was wonderful with Maggie, and she took great care of the house and my flowers too. Thank you Barbara!!

Abbey D.
House Sitting • Jul 02, 2023
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Barbara was an amazing sitter for our dog, Daphne. From the moment Barbara came to meet Daphne and brought homemade treats for her, we knew it was going to work out great! Barbara was so great with her while we were away, it almost seemed as though Daphne didn't even notice we were gone! Barbara helped us out tremendously because Daphne was still having some bowel issues and Barbara gave her antibiotics for the remaining days as well as went to the vet for us to pick up some prescription food. She sent us updates and pictures daily and gave us great comfort and peace of mind while we were traveling. She also took great care of our house, including our mail and plants! Thanks SO MUCH Barbara! We couldn't have asked for a better sitter to care for Daphne while we were gone and we will definitely be booking with you again in the future! If you're looking for someone to care for your dog and house while you're away, once you find Barbara, you can stop looking, she's the one!!!

About Barbara Z.

Communication

20 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds in under half an hour
90% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

30 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Safety, trust & environment

Providing these services to pet owners in need is personally rewarding for me. I truly enjoy spending time with your pup(s)! 😄 It's my pleasure ensuring they are well cared for. I look forward to meet & care for your pup! 🤍

Information Barbara Z. would like to know about your pet

Does your dog know any of these 7 basic commands: Sit, Down, Stay, Come, Heel, Off & No. Do they walk well on a leash or could they improve their leash manners? What is their reaction to other dogs or humans? Are they extremely prey driven, lunging at bunnies, squirrels & birds? Do they tend to jump or bark when excited? Are they food, praise or toy motivated? Do they have any separation or any other anxieties? Do you crate them or do they have free reign of the home? How do they react to loud noises, moving bicycles, skateboards, noisy garbage trucks, running children? Are there specific things that will sooth or calm them? Do they have a fav toy? Does your pup have any allergies? Are there diet restrictions I should be aware of? What is your dogs daily routine? What else do you feel I should know?

A typical day

Is fetch your dogs favorite game? It's mine too! I'm an early retiree with no pets of my own, this is my main focus. I'm available for your pup during the day & evening. I enjoy baking home made, grain free, healthy dog treats. You can safely eat them as well! (If you really wanted to. ?)

Services

Drop-In Visits
visits in your home
$25per visit

Barbara can watch in your home

0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
Dogs over 1 year old

Availability

Pet care & services are my primary focus. I also do not have a pet of my own, so your pup is my priority! I am able to give your pup the care & attention they deserve. I feel a regular routine & consistency is important to keep your pet happy while you're away. I do my best to follow your guidelines & instructions to keep any stress your dog may have to a minimum.

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Calendar last updated a month ago
Drop-In Visits Cancellation Policy:

About Barbara Z.

Communication

20 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds in under half an hour
90% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

30 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Safety, trust & environment

Providing these services to pet owners in need is personally rewarding for me. I truly enjoy spending time with your pup(s)! 😄 It's my pleasure ensuring they are well cared for. I look forward to meet & care for your pup! 🤍

Information Barbara Z. would like to know about your pet

Does your dog know any of these 7 basic commands: Sit, Down, Stay, Come, Heel, Off & No. Do they walk well on a leash or could they improve their leash manners? What is their reaction to other dogs or humans? Are they extremely prey driven, lunging at bunnies, squirrels & birds? Do they tend to jump or bark when excited? Are they food, praise or toy motivated? Do they have any separation or any other anxieties? Do you crate them or do they have free reign of the home? How do they react to loud noises, moving bicycles, skateboards, noisy garbage trucks, running children? Are there specific things that will sooth or calm them? Do they have a fav toy? Does your pup have any allergies? Are there diet restrictions I should be aware of? What is your dogs daily routine? What else do you feel I should know?

A typical day

Is fetch your dogs favorite game? It's mine too! I'm an early retiree with no pets of my own, this is my main focus. I'm available for your pup during the day & evening. I enjoy baking home made, grain free, healthy dog treats. You can safely eat them as well! (If you really wanted to. ?)

Location

Chicago, IL

Barbara Z.'s Neighborhood
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Barbara Z.

Star Sitter

Portage Park, IL

5.0 out of 5 stars
41 reviews