Crista S.
York, Bellingham, WA
Services
Crista can host
Crista can care for
Availability
Pet care is naturally built into my daily routine. I'm currently on summer break while preparing for student teaching, and I work remotely, which allows me to be home and available throughout the day. Each morning starts with feeding our dog and making sure the doggy door is open so they can comfortably go outside as needed. Throughout the day, I monitor, play with, and walk our dog based on their needs, ensuring they receive plenty of attention, exercise, and companionship. My weekly routine is much the same. Unless I have plans made in advance, I spend most of my time working from home and caring for our dog, with only occasional errands. My partner works during the day and is home around 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, with weekends off, providing additional support. When student teaching begins, my weekday schedule will change somewhat, but I will continue to prioritize dependable, attentive care and ensure pets receive the time, attention, and consistency they deserve.
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About Crista S.
Communication
Dog skills
Safety, trust & environment
Your pet's safety, comfort, and happiness are my top priorities. I provide attentive, patient, and compassionate care while taking the time to understand each dog's unique personality, routine, and needs. Whether I'm caring for pets in my home or taking them on walks, I prioritize positive interactions, close supervision, and clear communication with owners so everyone feels comfortable and confident. My home is a one-bedroom house with a large, fully fenced yard that offers plenty of space for dogs to explore, play, and exercise safely. The yard can be divided into a smaller enclosed area or opened to provide access to the entire lot, allowing me to adjust the space based on each dog's energy level, comfort, and the day's circumstances. All perimeter gates are equipped with secure locking mechanisms to help prevent dogs from opening them, providing an extra layer of safety. If your dog is crate-trained or requires a crate for their routine, I have space to comfortably accommodate their crate and am happy to crate them as directed. I also share my home with my 14-year-old dog, who has a calm, gentle temperament and is friendly with other dogs. Their quiet nature helps create a relaxed environment for visiting pets. For walks, I use secure leash handling, stay aware of our surroundings, and tailor each walk to your dog's age, personality, and energy level. Whether your dog enjoys an active outing or a slower-paced stroll, they'll receive patient, reliable, and personalized care with their safety and well-being always coming first.
Home
Information Crista S. would like to know about your pet
To provide the best possible care, I appreciate knowing as much as I can about your dog's personality, routine, and individual needs before their stay or walk. The more information you share, the better I can help your pet feel comfortable, safe, and at home. Honest, open communication on both our parts is one of the best ways to ensure a safe, positive experience for everyone involved. Please let me know about your dog's feeding schedule, potty routine, exercise preferences, favorite toys or activities, sleeping arrangements, and any commands they know. It's also important to share any medications, allergies, medical conditions, mobility concerns, dietary restrictions, or special care instructions they may have. I also ask that you tell me about any behavioral quirks or triggers, such as fear of thunderstorms, fireworks, strangers, bicycles, other dogs, cats, or loud noises. If your dog has any history of resource guarding, leash reactivity, separation anxiety, escape tendencies, or behaviors I should be aware of, I appreciate knowing that ahead of time so I can adapt my care accordingly. Since I have a calm senior dog at home, it's especially important that visiting dogs are comfortable around other dogs. Please also let me know how your dog interacts with adults, children, and other animals, even if they simply prefer their own space. Every dog is different, and my goal is to create a safe, positive experience by respecting their individual personality, following their routine, and maintaining clear communication with you throughout their stay.
A typical day
Every dog has their own personality, energy level, and favorite ways to have fun, so I tailor activities to what they enjoy most. Whether your pup loves to play or simply wants a companion to relax with, I'll make sure they stay happy, engaged, and well cared for. Some of the activities we may enjoy together include neighborhood walks, games of fetch, tug-of-war, exploring the fenced yard, sniff-and-explore sessions, puzzle toys, treat games (if approved), practicing basic commands, and plenty of playtime and affection. For dogs that prefer a slower pace, I'm just as happy to spend time relaxing together, offering belly rubs, brushing (if requested), or simply keeping them company. With my large, securely fenced yard, dogs have plenty of room to stretch their legs, explore safely, and enjoy supervised outdoor time. Whether your dog is energetic or more laid-back, I'll provide activities that match their age, personality, and comfort level while making sure they feel safe, stimulated, and loved throughout their stay.
Location
Bellingham, WA
Pets
Lifelong Dog Lover & Trusted Care
Pet care experience
What sets me apart is the way I approach every dog as an individual. I understand that every pet has their own personality, comfort level, routine, and preferences, so I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to care. Whether your dog is playful and energetic, shy and reserved, or happiest relaxing with someone nearby, I take the time to earn their trust and provide care that helps them feel secure and understood. As a lifelong dog owner, I've learned that patience, consistency, and attentiveness make all the difference. I'm observant, dependable, and genuinely enjoy spending time with dogs, whether we're playing in the yard, going for a walk, practicing good manners, or simply relaxing together. My goal is to provide the same level of care, respect, and affection that I would want for my own dog, giving both pets and their owners peace of mind. Having raised and trained two dogs throughout my life, I'm comfortable caring for dogs at every stage of life. I understand that puppies require patience, structure, consistency, and positive reinforcement as they learn routines, build confidence, and burn off their energy. I'm happy to reinforce house-training, practice basic commands, maintain feeding schedules, and provide plenty of supervised play and enrichment. I'm equally experienced with senior dogs. My own dog, Peggy, is a sweet 14-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer–Retriever mix, so I'm familiar with the extra patience, gentleness, and attentiveness older dogs often need. Whether that means slower walks, administering routines as directed, monitoring mobility, or simply providing a calm, comfortable environment, I adapt my care to each dog's individual needs. My goal is to make every pet feel safe, supported, and loved while giving owners confidence that their companion is receiving thoughtful, reliable, and personalized care.
Cat care experience
Crista also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Reviews
Crista did a fantastic job House, dog , and cat sitting during the Thanksgiving holiday week. Our animals were well cared for and the house was immaculate. We came home to a thank you note and homemade cookies. I would highly recommend Crista!
Crista was very professional, attentive, responsible and kept me updated throughout her time with my dog. She let me know when she began and ended the walk, and my dog seemed as though she enjoyed herself. I would definitely book Crista again in the future!
Crista has always loved animals, even as a young girl, she made flyers in school to take care of people's pets. Much to my surprise we would end up with all kinds of animals at the house she would be taking care of, but Crista was always loving and responsible with every animal in her care. When Crista moved to Washington, she made me so proud when she took a volunteer job at a Bird Sanctuary, where she fed, and helped administer medication to wild birds in need of rehabilitation. Crista was always amazing with our family dog, and she is wonderful with her own dog now. Crista is a lovely young lady with a caring heart that you can trust, will treat your most precious companion as her very own.
About Crista S.
Communication
Dog skills
Safety, trust & environment
Your pet's safety, comfort, and happiness are my top priorities. I provide attentive, patient, and compassionate care while taking the time to understand each dog's unique personality, routine, and needs. Whether I'm caring for pets in my home or taking them on walks, I prioritize positive interactions, close supervision, and clear communication with owners so everyone feels comfortable and confident. My home is a one-bedroom house with a large, fully fenced yard that offers plenty of space for dogs to explore, play, and exercise safely. The yard can be divided into a smaller enclosed area or opened to provide access to the entire lot, allowing me to adjust the space based on each dog's energy level, comfort, and the day's circumstances. All perimeter gates are equipped with secure locking mechanisms to help prevent dogs from opening them, providing an extra layer of safety. If your dog is crate-trained or requires a crate for their routine, I have space to comfortably accommodate their crate and am happy to crate them as directed. I also share my home with my 14-year-old dog, who has a calm, gentle temperament and is friendly with other dogs. Their quiet nature helps create a relaxed environment for visiting pets. For walks, I use secure leash handling, stay aware of our surroundings, and tailor each walk to your dog's age, personality, and energy level. Whether your dog enjoys an active outing or a slower-paced stroll, they'll receive patient, reliable, and personalized care with their safety and well-being always coming first.
Home
Information Crista S. would like to know about your pet
To provide the best possible care, I appreciate knowing as much as I can about your dog's personality, routine, and individual needs before their stay or walk. The more information you share, the better I can help your pet feel comfortable, safe, and at home. Honest, open communication on both our parts is one of the best ways to ensure a safe, positive experience for everyone involved. Please let me know about your dog's feeding schedule, potty routine, exercise preferences, favorite toys or activities, sleeping arrangements, and any commands they know. It's also important to share any medications, allergies, medical conditions, mobility concerns, dietary restrictions, or special care instructions they may have. I also ask that you tell me about any behavioral quirks or triggers, such as fear of thunderstorms, fireworks, strangers, bicycles, other dogs, cats, or loud noises. If your dog has any history of resource guarding, leash reactivity, separation anxiety, escape tendencies, or behaviors I should be aware of, I appreciate knowing that ahead of time so I can adapt my care accordingly. Since I have a calm senior dog at home, it's especially important that visiting dogs are comfortable around other dogs. Please also let me know how your dog interacts with adults, children, and other animals, even if they simply prefer their own space. Every dog is different, and my goal is to create a safe, positive experience by respecting their individual personality, following their routine, and maintaining clear communication with you throughout their stay.
A typical day
Every dog has their own personality, energy level, and favorite ways to have fun, so I tailor activities to what they enjoy most. Whether your pup loves to play or simply wants a companion to relax with, I'll make sure they stay happy, engaged, and well cared for. Some of the activities we may enjoy together include neighborhood walks, games of fetch, tug-of-war, exploring the fenced yard, sniff-and-explore sessions, puzzle toys, treat games (if approved), practicing basic commands, and plenty of playtime and affection. For dogs that prefer a slower pace, I'm just as happy to spend time relaxing together, offering belly rubs, brushing (if requested), or simply keeping them company. With my large, securely fenced yard, dogs have plenty of room to stretch their legs, explore safely, and enjoy supervised outdoor time. Whether your dog is energetic or more laid-back, I'll provide activities that match their age, personality, and comfort level while making sure they feel safe, stimulated, and loved throughout their stay.
Crista S.
York, Bellingham, WA