Carissa W.
Downtown, CA
Caring For Your Pet Like My Own
Pet care experience
*Currently NOT in L.A. I am Living in Costa Rica at the moment* - 2022 Extra Value: Not only are you getting someone experienced and attentive, as a former professional photographer, I take great pride in sending you photos! My clients love the candid pet portraits they get during my visit. My photos aren't just a "proof of life" but are genuine moments of candid expression. You can expect 3-10 photos for a 30 min session but some clients have gotten more because their pets have been camera divas (which I love)! About Me: I am a professional who cannot have pets due to my need to travel abroad for extended periods. I keep my profile updated so you'll know if I am available. My work is remote and from home with a great deal of flexibility to care for your furry loved ones. This isn't just a job for me as much as it is giving love and attention to animals because I genuinely enjoy it. :) I focus on giving attention and care and will often be down on the floor with your furry loved ones. Cats: I speak cat language and know how to let a cat come to me on their terms which puts them quickly at ease. I've befriended a wide range of cats and have had even the most shy cat sitting in my lap purring themselves to sleep. From the most surly Russian Blue hairs, to the most friendly calicos, I let cats teach me how they like to be played with and petted. Dogs: I've never met a dog who I didn't love and who didn't love me (even if it took a moment)! My experience as an ABA therapist and intuition coach gives me an astute eye for predicting behavior. My 6th sense tells me when a dog is happy, calm, up to a mischievous plan, unsettled, uncomfortable, or missing their parents. Because I am able to anticipate their needs and responses, it gives me the ability to predict and respond in advance which prevents situations from arising and allows me to cate for them with heightened empathy. Owners: As a professional myself, I am respectful, kind, prompt, and communicative. I am committed to giving you the best and most reliable experience. Rates: Please note that my rates are higher because I give your pets *quality* attention and go the extra mile to take care of them and you! For example, when meeting for the first time, I make sure they are relaxed before their walk, even if that means giving extra time. I work on reinforcing your commands, leash training, and good manners while playing. I create puppy games, will play endless tug-of-war, and will take new routes for your dog to explore. I give detailed updates and let you know if anything seems off like if they are sluggish or not feeling well.
Reviews
Great communication and
I highly recommend Carissa. The amount of attention and care she provided my french bulldog was exceptional. I will use Carissa in the future for any boarding needs. Thank you for taking care of him!
Carissa was amazing with Theo! She kept me super informed on how he was doing and sent me a ton of pictures! She definitely eased my anxiety about leaving him!
took very good care of my golden retriever puppy and kept constant communication before, during, AND after the session was over! also gives really good advice on puppy training! would definitely rather have her watch my puppy than a day care center or a dog boarding center. 11/10 would recommend!
About Carissa W.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I am very mindful about leaving the space as I found it, and ensuring the door is locked as you intend. I'll even make sure paws are clean after rainy adventures. I never go into private areas or bedrooms unless absolutely needed (such as if the crate or supplies are there). For normal walks, I enter, find your fur baby, spend anywhere from a minute or two to greet them and ensure they are leash ready (more time given for anxious dogs). Then I find the leash and waste bags, and we directly go for the walk. For drop in sitting visits, I will immediately let your fur baby out to the back yard for a potty break, and we will sit out there together if the weather is nice, playing, socializing, and cuddling. If the weather is not nice, we will go back inside and hang out in the living or dining room where I may brush them, dote on them, or play with them with toys. I also make sure their food and water is fresh and full. For puppies, we will do leash training, play training, potty training, and lots of reassurance and attention as they can be quite upset to be left at home during the start. :) For cats, I test the waters. Some cats love cuddles, love, and playtime, whereas others are more aloof and like to just watch me refill their food and water and change the litter. With a silent eye they may keep their distance but track me the entire time. In that situation, I gradually gain trust and hold the space with my presence. Very often they start to come out more to play and receive affection. But I let them guide me rather than forcing them. :) For house sitting, I spend the day and night working in the guest area or common areas with your furry baby next to me or in the room with me. We will take play breaks and potty breaks as needed, including up to 2-4 medium to short leash walks per day if you do not have a back yard. This is where I am able to give the most attention and cuddles, and I love letting them sleep with me if they are allowed! Please note that I am only comfortable staying in a guest room for overnight sittings.
Information Carissa W. would like to know about your pet
Does your pet have any triggers or personality quirks that I should be aware of? I like to avoid issues before they arise so knowing this beforehand is very helpful for me. Also do you want me to reinforce any rules or commands?
A typical day
Sometimes I will sing and practice my energy healing work, particularly if your pet is really missing you. My dog reiki technique is very effective for calming anxiety and buffering depression.
Services
Carissa can watch in your home
Availability
Because I work remotely and have a flexible schedule, it allows me to accommodate your pet sitting needs. It also gives me a burst of joy to bring brightness to your pet's day. :)
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About Carissa W.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I am very mindful about leaving the space as I found it, and ensuring the door is locked as you intend. I'll even make sure paws are clean after rainy adventures. I never go into private areas or bedrooms unless absolutely needed (such as if the crate or supplies are there). For normal walks, I enter, find your fur baby, spend anywhere from a minute or two to greet them and ensure they are leash ready (more time given for anxious dogs). Then I find the leash and waste bags, and we directly go for the walk. For drop in sitting visits, I will immediately let your fur baby out to the back yard for a potty break, and we will sit out there together if the weather is nice, playing, socializing, and cuddling. If the weather is not nice, we will go back inside and hang out in the living or dining room where I may brush them, dote on them, or play with them with toys. I also make sure their food and water is fresh and full. For puppies, we will do leash training, play training, potty training, and lots of reassurance and attention as they can be quite upset to be left at home during the start. :) For cats, I test the waters. Some cats love cuddles, love, and playtime, whereas others are more aloof and like to just watch me refill their food and water and change the litter. With a silent eye they may keep their distance but track me the entire time. In that situation, I gradually gain trust and hold the space with my presence. Very often they start to come out more to play and receive affection. But I let them guide me rather than forcing them. :) For house sitting, I spend the day and night working in the guest area or common areas with your furry baby next to me or in the room with me. We will take play breaks and potty breaks as needed, including up to 2-4 medium to short leash walks per day if you do not have a back yard. This is where I am able to give the most attention and cuddles, and I love letting them sleep with me if they are allowed! Please note that I am only comfortable staying in a guest room for overnight sittings.
Information Carissa W. would like to know about your pet
Does your pet have any triggers or personality quirks that I should be aware of? I like to avoid issues before they arise so knowing this beforehand is very helpful for me. Also do you want me to reinforce any rules or commands?
A typical day
Sometimes I will sing and practice my energy healing work, particularly if your pet is really missing you. My dog reiki technique is very effective for calming anxiety and buffering depression.
Location
Los Angeles, CA
Carissa W.
Downtown, CA