CARLY H.
Reading, MA
Services
CARLY can care for
Availability
The only time I am unavailable for visits or responding to messages is before 10 am (I am essentially nocturnal). Otherwise, I am available for last-minute bookings depending on previously scheduled visits. I do not typically house-sit overnight because my cat is in her golden years and gets stressed when I don't sleep with her. I am open to the occasional overnight for existing clients, and I am happy to spend several hours or make several visits per day with your pet using the house sitting feature.
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About CARLY H.
Communication
Safety, trust & environment
Respect is my highest priority when conducting myself in your space. From me, your pet(s) will receive all the attention and unconditional love they deserve, with transparency, attention to detail in feeding and care instructions, general awareness of normal behaviors and health concerns, and communication. Upon arrival, I typically remove my shoes and wash my hands to avoid outside contamination. If you would like me to wear a mask and/or gloves while in your home, I am happy to do so upon request. I am no expert at cleaning, but I will do my best to address surprise messes, contain tracked litter and food bits, scoop litter, and wash water and food bowls by hand at least once per day. If you have a litter robot, I will typically check the pan for any signs of distress. I am also happy to take out trash and recycling, and bring in your mail if you find that helpful. --- Unfortunately, I cannot invite animals into my home since I do not own my living space, and Bella does not like to share.
Information CARLY H. would like to know about your pet
I want to know anything and everything about how to keep your pet happy and healthy. Every individual is different, so I'm open to suggestions and learning new skills and techniques. Tell me all about which toys are their favorite, how they do or do not like to play or be touched, any attributes they may be sensitive to (like dark clothing or keys), and anything else you think I should know to create a great experience for them. Definitely make sure to tell me their dietary restrictions, allergies (yours too), chronic medical concerns, or bad habits like eating your plants. Please also let me know where to find cleaning supplies, trash/recycling, etc.
A typical day
Cats who like to cuddle will get as much of it as they will tolerate from me. I will try all of the toys they have until I find something that piques their interest. I also keep a supply of improvised crowd favorites (like scrunchies, pompoms, and paracord) if needed. For walks, I am most familiar with the Fells Reservation area in Madlen/Melrose/Stoneham. It depends on the location of the pet’s home and whether or not they are fond of car rides. Otherwise, I love walks and hikes out in nature, and playing ball or frisbee at the park. However, I have yet to try doing these things with a cat...
Location
Reading, MA
Pets
CARLY H. 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.
Pets are family and treated as such
Pet care experience
Friends, family, and clients have enjoyed their time away knowing their cats are in my loving, capable hands. Shy cats are my specialty. I also had experience with rabbits, rats, and hamsters in my youth, and am gaining experience with birds, thanks to my current clients. As wonderful as dogs are, I do not have a commercial walker's permit or any experience caring for them, so I am not able to sit for dogs at this time. (Maybe someday.) My affinity for cats began at birth. From cradle to loft bed, I shared my pillow and much of my time at home with my parents' cat. When he passed at age 18 (when I was 13), I felt his loss as the loss of a sibling. I have had my shy fur baby, Bella, since she was just under a year old. She will be 19 this year! My other fur baby, Loki, whom I loved and cared for for 13 years, sadly passed away from kidney disease in January of 2024. Thanks to him, I have experience administering oral, transdermal, and subcutaneous medications, which may be helpful if your fur baby has these requirements. (On that note, if you are home and only need a second pair of hands for administering medications or claw trims, I’m happy to help for a lower cost based on travel distance.) I am also willing to negotiate additional costs per pet if your family is more than just cats. However, while I am not bothered by reptiles, I am phobic of insects, so I am not able to assist with pets who require live prey (except for worms - those are fine for some reason.) I consider this my most glaring shortcoming. 😔
Reviews
Carly was so great with our two cats! She spent a lot of time playing with them and sent great pictures that the kids enjoyed seeing while we were away. Franky and Madam will be happy to welcome Carly back!
Great as always! Thank you Carly for taking care of our senior cat whenever needed!
Carly always takes wonderful care of our pets while we are away and gives us thorough updates on how everyone is while we are gone which we appreciate. My cats really like her and that’s the most important part.
Carly is conscientious, caring to my enormous Coon cat. Toby adores her, and is always healthy, happy, feels well supported with Carly when I am gone. I feel relieved and comfortable my cat will be well taken care of while I'm gone. Carly'sTHE BEST! :-)
About CARLY H.
Communication
Safety, trust & environment
Respect is my highest priority when conducting myself in your space. From me, your pet(s) will receive all the attention and unconditional love they deserve, with transparency, attention to detail in feeding and care instructions, general awareness of normal behaviors and health concerns, and communication. Upon arrival, I typically remove my shoes and wash my hands to avoid outside contamination. If you would like me to wear a mask and/or gloves while in your home, I am happy to do so upon request. I am no expert at cleaning, but I will do my best to address surprise messes, contain tracked litter and food bits, scoop litter, and wash water and food bowls by hand at least once per day. If you have a litter robot, I will typically check the pan for any signs of distress. I am also happy to take out trash and recycling, and bring in your mail if you find that helpful. --- Unfortunately, I cannot invite animals into my home since I do not own my living space, and Bella does not like to share.
Information CARLY H. would like to know about your pet
I want to know anything and everything about how to keep your pet happy and healthy. Every individual is different, so I'm open to suggestions and learning new skills and techniques. Tell me all about which toys are their favorite, how they do or do not like to play or be touched, any attributes they may be sensitive to (like dark clothing or keys), and anything else you think I should know to create a great experience for them. Definitely make sure to tell me their dietary restrictions, allergies (yours too), chronic medical concerns, or bad habits like eating your plants. Please also let me know where to find cleaning supplies, trash/recycling, etc.
A typical day
Cats who like to cuddle will get as much of it as they will tolerate from me. I will try all of the toys they have until I find something that piques their interest. I also keep a supply of improvised crowd favorites (like scrunchies, pompoms, and paracord) if needed. For walks, I am most familiar with the Fells Reservation area in Madlen/Melrose/Stoneham. It depends on the location of the pet’s home and whether or not they are fond of car rides. Otherwise, I love walks and hikes out in nature, and playing ball or frisbee at the park. However, I have yet to try doing these things with a cat...
CARLY H.
Reading, MA