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Cayton M.

Old Lyme, CT

5.0 out of 5 stars
70 reviews
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Vet Asst, Canine Obedience, Therapy

Pet care experience

I welcome & accommodate all kinds of pets. I have cared for minis, donkeys, goats, ducks, chickens, various reptiles, hamsters, ferrets, fish, etc. I grew up with a menagerie of animals: we had purebreeds & mutts, cats, horses, quail, ducks, a hedgehog & a turtle named Pokey. This just solidified my love & drive to care for animals. I fell in love particularly with dogs bc of their unwavering devotion & unconditional love. Pure breed or a mix breed: they are all special. As I got older, I became more intent on helping neglected, abused or abandoned animals. My boyfriend used to call me Dr. Doolittle & all my friends said if they could be reincarnated, they wanted to come back as my dog. I started dogsitting in my late teens & have had 15+ years of caring for friends & family’s pets in my home or in theirs. In 2013, after rescuing a sweet basset puppy, I became involved with animal rescue groups facilitating dog rescues from Animal Shelters in the South. From that, I decided to pursue various veterinary academia to assist with my rescue pursuits. In addition to completing the year long AVMA Vet Asst program, I also became certified as a FEMA Disaster Animal Recovery Specialist. Immediately after, I joined forces with several of the largest national animal advocacy groups assisting with large scale animal rescue & care operations. This work is my passion & is deeply meaningful & gratifying to me. I have also volunteered & was a Board member at 2 different dog parks where I spearheaded & managed several large infrastructure projects. I also was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels x2/week for 5 years. I am a graduate of the EForAll Accelerated Entrepreneurial Program & a year long Cape Leadership Institute Program. I continue to pursue Animal Advocacy Industry Certifications with both the ASPCA & The US Humane Society. I am currently training for my Red Cross Pet CPR re Certification. I am also studying canine obedience & training from NY Buddhist canine obedience school. I am currently training as a Certified Animal Massage therapist to help older, anxious, traumatized pets or pets that have injuries or mobility issues. I provide pet care services FULL TIME. I do not have another job. My PRIMARY FOCUS is the animals under my care. Safety is a huge priority for me. I will take every precaution with all animals under my care. I will always notify Owners immediately if there are safety, medical or behavioral issues or concerns with your pet. I am very conscientious, considerate of a Client’s property & home. I am organized & neat & will respect & follow all house protocols & rules. I photograph & text photos of all pkgs received as well as notify deliveries or contractors at or in the home. I will also report any household problems or concerns during my stay immediately to the Owner.

Reviews

Britt S.
Drop-In Visits • Mar 10, 2024
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Cayton is very kind, personable, and flexible! She has great communication and provided us a thorough report and photos on every single visit with our dog. She even sent us a notification when she was checking in and out of her visits. She was kind enough to bring up both of our garbage cans up our long driveway as well and she did that out of courtesy! Highly recommend her for your pet care needs.

Robert L.
House Sitting • Feb 26, 2024
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Thank you Cayton for taking such great care of our four legged children while we were away. All four of our kids were happy, relaxed and looking well cared for. We appreciate the extra time you spent playing with them, letting them out, and all the pictures you sent while we were gone. And the house was in great shape too! We are so glad we found you to take care of our fur babies! Joannie and Robb

Scott M.
House Sitting • Feb 14, 2024
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Very conscientious and lots of photos! She took good care of our very enthusiastic pup!

Maris W.
Dog Walking • Feb 12, 2024
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Cayton was terrific. My dog is normally very anxious and she was wonderful with Lucy. They went on a nice long walk and Cayton sent me pics and lovely feedback. This was their first walk together but there will be many to come!

About Cayton M.

Communication

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

Skills

15 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration
First aid/CPR
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Safety, trust & environment

My goal is to ensure each pup is comfortable, happy & safe. I generally adopt the Owners schedule. If your pet has specific needs, I am happy to discuss it in detail so everyone is clear on the required care protocol. I provide pet care services full time. I do NOT have another job so my primary focus is on the animals under my care.

Home

Lives in a house
Has a fenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has 3 dogs
No children present
Dogs allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 2-4 hours

Information Cayton M. would like to know about your pet

I request all owners provide an honest overview of their dog’s personality, temperament, energy level, daily routine, likes/dislikes & typical behavior especially with other dogs/cats, animals, children & adults. Every dog has their strengths & challenges. I celebrate each & every dog’s personalities & idiosyncrasies. I understand the differences in breeds which is crucial to their care. I recognize & understand canine social cues & behavior which helps me manage them effectively. I will always review & evaluate each factor to ensure a great experience for your pet. I require a Meet & Greet with a temperament test to make sure everyone is safe, comfortable & happy. Updated proof of vaccines are required. I can accommodate dogs with specific diets & ones that require medication. I always encourage & foster good behavior with positive correction & reinforcement! Any personalized requests for your pets must be made at BOOKING (such as private pet sitting or boarding) so we can review & discuss. OWNERS MUST DISCLOSE UNNEUTERED MALES or UNSPAYED FEMALES SO I CAN EVALUATE & EFFECTIVELY MANAGE THEM. At owner’s request, I am happy to DONATE TEN PERCENT of my NET EARNINGS from your ROVER BOOKING to a CHARITY WATCH ANIMAL ADVOCACY GROUP. Owners will receive copies of each donation receipt.

A typical day

For dogs, I provide varied daily walks and playtime for mental stimulation & physical exercise. I am happy to take daily excursions to local parks for fresh air & socialization. I regularly practice commands with approved treats & always encourage good behavior with both redirection & positive reinforcement. I make every effort to establish a warm, loving, kind, respectful, relationship with each animal to ensure they are happy, secure & comfortable. For boarding, I always separate dogs based on temperament & energy level for their comfort & safety. Typically, I offer playtime several times throughout the day. We always play a variety of games to keep them mentally stimulated. After which, I bring them inside after playtime to wind down & will give organic treats to each dog individually to reward them & keep them entertained. (At Owner’s express permission). We then have nap time with soft soothing jazz or classical music. I will always actively supervise all dogs to ensure their comfort & safety. I limit the amount of dogs in my care to 3-6 dogs to create a more harmonious, fun, comfy, home like atmosphere. (It is a non smoking home). I also NEVER ROUTINELY CRATE YOUR DOGS for any period of time. I use a crate ONLY if a dog is used to napping or sleeping in one. I provide dog care services FULL TIME. I do not have another job. My PRIMARY FOCUS is the animals under my care. All dogs have full in/out access into the Great room, secure screened in porch, and outside fenced in yard. I have suites set up for bonded, low key, shy or older dogs. I also have a room specifically set up for young puppies. -I wipe down my home daily & sweep & mop thoroughly after each daycare, boarding reservation and/or weekly with disinfectant & antibacterial cleaner. -I also clean up my fenced in backyard DAILY. I have a COMPOST system specifically designed to decompose dog poop in the most environmentally sensitive way. -All bowls & toys are cleaned daily with bleach & blankets, dog bed covers & toys are laundered in warm water with an industrial disinfectant & laundry detergent. I have a secure 6 ft high fenced in an area on my 3 acre property. They will get plenty of outdoor exercise for those who want it. I have big shade trees, a sprinkler & a baby pool for them to cool off in during the warmer months. We alternate play time & nap time throughout the day. I provide a large, inviting comfortable Great room to relax in with plenty of dog beds & a Sectional for lounging. I have ottomans in front of the large bay windows for them to supervise & monitor the outdoor fauna. We welcome all kinds of dogs: puppies, adult, senior, shy, sedate, active & outgoing dogs. I provide Dog TV, PBS, as well as NPR, Classic rock, Blues & Jazz for their listening pleasure! Organic treats are available in accordance with owner’s approval. I actively supervise all dogs both inside & out & foster healthy playtime.

Services

Boarding
in the sitter's home
$85per night
House Sitting
in your home
$85per night
Drop-In Visits
visits in your home
$32per visit
Dog Walking
in your neighborhood
$32per walk
Doggy Day Care
in the sitter's home
AWAY

Cayton can host

0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs
No females in heat

Cayton can watch in your home

Cats
0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs

Availability

I am always happy to work with Pet owners on the service that best suits their pet’s needs. I have extended Pet sitting svcs to include the CT Shoreline, NY Boroughs & The Hamptons. I will strive to ensure seamless care & service for you & your pet. I am happy to discuss other additional requests like house checks (incl retrieving mail, watering plants) as well as placing trash & recycling out, dog poop removal etc, vet & pet transport, and other errands etc. There is a SMALL SURCHARGE for Holidays, Medical Pet Care & Private pet sitting or boarding and longer commutes. I CAN OFFER A LOWER RATE FOR MULTIPLE PETS IN THE HOUSEHOLD: 3+ ANIMALS. FOR 1 HR VISITS, I DO NOT CHARGE ADDITIONAL AFTER THE 2nd PET. Pls discuss prior to booking or at the M&G!

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Calendar last updated a day ago
Cayton can host up to 5 pets per night
Boarding Cancellation Policy:

About Cayton M.

Communication

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

Skills

15 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration
First aid/CPR
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Safety, trust & environment

My goal is to ensure each pup is comfortable, happy & safe. I generally adopt the Owners schedule. If your pet has specific needs, I am happy to discuss it in detail so everyone is clear on the required care protocol. I provide pet care services full time. I do NOT have another job so my primary focus is on the animals under my care.

Home

Lives in a house
Has a fenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has 3 dogs
No children present
Dogs allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 2-4 hours

Information Cayton M. would like to know about your pet

I request all owners provide an honest overview of their dog’s personality, temperament, energy level, daily routine, likes/dislikes & typical behavior especially with other dogs/cats, animals, children & adults. Every dog has their strengths & challenges. I celebrate each & every dog’s personalities & idiosyncrasies. I understand the differences in breeds which is crucial to their care. I recognize & understand canine social cues & behavior which helps me manage them effectively. I will always review & evaluate each factor to ensure a great experience for your pet. I require a Meet & Greet with a temperament test to make sure everyone is safe, comfortable & happy. Updated proof of vaccines are required. I can accommodate dogs with specific diets & ones that require medication. I always encourage & foster good behavior with positive correction & reinforcement! Any personalized requests for your pets must be made at BOOKING (such as private pet sitting or boarding) so we can review & discuss. OWNERS MUST DISCLOSE UNNEUTERED MALES or UNSPAYED FEMALES SO I CAN EVALUATE & EFFECTIVELY MANAGE THEM. At owner’s request, I am happy to DONATE TEN PERCENT of my NET EARNINGS from your ROVER BOOKING to a CHARITY WATCH ANIMAL ADVOCACY GROUP. Owners will receive copies of each donation receipt.

A typical day

For dogs, I provide varied daily walks and playtime for mental stimulation & physical exercise. I am happy to take daily excursions to local parks for fresh air & socialization. I regularly practice commands with approved treats & always encourage good behavior with both redirection & positive reinforcement. I make every effort to establish a warm, loving, kind, respectful, relationship with each animal to ensure they are happy, secure & comfortable. For boarding, I always separate dogs based on temperament & energy level for their comfort & safety. Typically, I offer playtime several times throughout the day. We always play a variety of games to keep them mentally stimulated. After which, I bring them inside after playtime to wind down & will give organic treats to each dog individually to reward them & keep them entertained. (At Owner’s express permission). We then have nap time with soft soothing jazz or classical music. I will always actively supervise all dogs to ensure their comfort & safety. I limit the amount of dogs in my care to 3-6 dogs to create a more harmonious, fun, comfy, home like atmosphere. (It is a non smoking home). I also NEVER ROUTINELY CRATE YOUR DOGS for any period of time. I use a crate ONLY if a dog is used to napping or sleeping in one. I provide dog care services FULL TIME. I do not have another job. My PRIMARY FOCUS is the animals under my care. All dogs have full in/out access into the Great room, secure screened in porch, and outside fenced in yard. I have suites set up for bonded, low key, shy or older dogs. I also have a room specifically set up for young puppies. -I wipe down my home daily & sweep & mop thoroughly after each daycare, boarding reservation and/or weekly with disinfectant & antibacterial cleaner. -I also clean up my fenced in backyard DAILY. I have a COMPOST system specifically designed to decompose dog poop in the most environmentally sensitive way. -All bowls & toys are cleaned daily with bleach & blankets, dog bed covers & toys are laundered in warm water with an industrial disinfectant & laundry detergent. I have a secure 6 ft high fenced in an area on my 3 acre property. They will get plenty of outdoor exercise for those who want it. I have big shade trees, a sprinkler & a baby pool for them to cool off in during the warmer months. We alternate play time & nap time throughout the day. I provide a large, inviting comfortable Great room to relax in with plenty of dog beds & a Sectional for lounging. I have ottomans in front of the large bay windows for them to supervise & monitor the outdoor fauna. We welcome all kinds of dogs: puppies, adult, senior, shy, sedate, active & outgoing dogs. I provide Dog TV, PBS, as well as NPR, Classic rock, Blues & Jazz for their listening pleasure! Organic treats are available in accordance with owner’s approval. I actively supervise all dogs both inside & out & foster healthy playtime.

Location

Old Lyme, CT

Cayton M.'s Neighborhood

Pets

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Cayton M.

Old Lyme, CT

5.0 out of 5 stars
70 reviews