Claire W.
Claire W.
Highlights
Pet care experience
Animals are my life, dogs at the ❤️
Hi, I’m Claire. I’m a lifelong animal lover, artist, and plant nursery owner based here in Twentynine Palms. I live out in Wonder Valley where I have a fenced yard with room to run, and a temperature controlled indoor area for dogs to hang out in. I’ve spent over 15 years dog walking and pet sitting, but my experience goes way beyond the standard routine. In 2018 I spent a summer living in a tent on the Denver Glacier above Skagway, Alaska, working as a dog handler and photographer for a sled dog expedition company geared towards providing excursions to cruise ship tourists. Managing teams of energetic Alaskan huskies in extreme weather taught me how to read canine body language instantly, manage energy levels, and keep anxious or excited dogs calm and safe. At home in the desert, I put that same deep understanding to use. I currently share my life with Gus (a mellow 6-year-old terrier mix) and Luna (a high-energy 2-year-old shepherd mix), and spent 14 beautiful years with my soul dog, Butters before he passed away at 17 in 2023. I’m just as comfortable with high-drive working breeds as I am with senior couch potatoes. Beyond dogs, I have extensive experience caring for cats, small mammals, reptiles, exotic birds, fish, and farm animals like chickens, goats, and rabbits. Because I run my own plant nursery and love household care, I'll keep your plants thriving and leave your home sparkling clean during any housesitting. I also have a degree in photography, so I like to try to capture some pet portraits of your fur family while you’re away! I’d love to chat about how I can help keep your pets safe, happy, and loved while you’re away.
Cat care experience
Claire also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Qualifications
Ratings and reviews
We could not have had a better dog/cat/house sitter while we were out of the country for a week. Claire happily met with me more than once before we departed so that I would feel confident about leaving my sweet boys (and my house) in her care. And I have to tell you, I have never felt better about leaving them! She was very competent, capable, and knowledgeable; she communicated clearly and promptly; and she very clearly understood how much anxiety comes with hiring someone to take care of your pets and your home while you're away. She bonded with my Great Dane and my orange tabby quickly, expressed genuine excitement to spend time with them, and promised to keep me constantly updated. While we were away, she sent lots of pictures and updates, and was always happy to hear from me when I reached out. She handled a couple of weird house events (a rogue alarm and a leaky ceiling) PERFECTLY, and I was so grateful she was there. She even cleaned the house before we came home and did all the laundry and remade every bed. But most importantly, she loved my boys and cared for them like I would have done, and they were happy, healthy, and calm the whole time we were gone. They can't wait to have her back, and neither can we!
What can I say? Claire was amazing. Our dogs (all three of them) loved her! I got lovely updates with pictures of them cuddling on the couch and they were so well looked after. it was great peace of mind when I was away on a trip to the other side of the world. We also came home to a house that was cleaner than when we left it! I can't recommend her highly enough and our dogs (ok me!) are looking forward to her return!
Claire is kind and went above and beyond to take care of our house and our dog. We highly recommend her.
Claire did an excellent job staying with our two Westies for five night over Thanksgiving and then adding on unexpectedly a drop in visit when our plans changed. She was great with the boys and our house. We were a little nervous because we’ve never had in house sitting before, only boarding. When we returned, we found Claire left the house in better shape then when we left. What a surprise! Her updates and photos of the boys throughout the stay also helped calm our nerves. This was a great first time experience w Claire and Rover!!!! Thank you.
This is the second time we've had Claire stay at our house and watch our two dogs and two cats. She's great! I can't say enough good things. She's communicative, punctual, caring, respectful of our space. All the things you want in a house/pet sitter. We always come home and the house is in great shape and the animals seem just a little sad that she's no longer there. I highly recommend Claire for your next trip away without the furries.
Claire was so attentive to our shy pup - she made her feel welcome and gave her space to come out of her shell. She is very well versed in reading dogs and allowing them space and time as needed. She is also great at keeping in touch and sharing lots of videos and pictures! Would definitely recommend her and will use her again!!
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
I work from home running my little cactus and plant nursery (formerly with Etsy, currently shifting gears to more local markets) so I’m at the beck and call of any pet anytime! My schedule is totally adaptable and I don’t mind late nights, early mornings, or whenever you need me :)
Where your pet will stay
Home characteristics
Safety, trust & environment
In my home, they are allowed on all the furniture unless otherwise instructed not to allow them to maintain training. Everything in my home and on my property is pet proofed to be completely safe - plants, food, medications, cosmetics, etc all are stored securely out of reach. In a client’s home I tend to play it safer with the furniture, unless I’m told they are allowed on it, I try to maintain the most well kept home and provide any exercise and entertainment outdoors, being mindful of the heat and keeping them hydrated during hotter seasons!
Pets
A typical day
When boarding, we will go outside for a good run around the yard and some fetch with toys while it’s still cool out. When visiting clients, I love walking dogs around their neighborhood where they are most familiar, or if the owner is comfortable with it, to some of the parks in the area. I love to practice any training or tricks the owner may be working on or needing to enforce, and I always have plenty of my own poop bags, treats, and fresh water on hand for dogs I am caring for. A splash pool is set up in my yard when boarding in hotter months for any water loving pups.