Crystal S.
Walnut Creek, CA
Services
Prices include all fees.
Crystal can host
Crystal can care for
Availability
My Rover offerings include boarding and housesitting services because both options tend to integrate nicely into my daily and weekly routines. Since I'm self-employed and work from home, I prefer having a furry friend or two as my work crew. Most appreciated is their cuteness, companionship and cuddles plus they get me outside, keep me moving and make me happier - so, THANK YOU ALL!
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About Crystal S.
Communication
Dog skills
Safety, trust & environment
While I genuinely enjoy this work, I never take the trust that is placed in me lightly. I always do my best to assure that every animal under my care remains safe, healthy and excellently taken care of. Whenever possible, I prefer to have meet-and-greets in order to assess fit. Beginning with a phone/video introduction prior to potentially scheduling a meet-and-greet is optional as well. If you aren’t local and/or if you have limited availability, a phone/video meeting may suffice if we’re able to have a thorough conversation about needs and expectations. Since it can be stressful for many animals to not understand when their favorite human(s) will return, I try to create comfortable and wonderful experiences for all that I assume responsibility for. Because it can be similarly stressful for many people to be separated from their beloved pets, I regularly provide detailed updates along with the cutest photos that I’m able to capture. While boarding, unless they’re from the same family, I only accept one dog at a time in order to keep things safe and fun for everyone. While housesitting, I follow all specified safety and security protocols. If I happen to have a social plan during my stay, it’ll occur at my place with your pup(s) included so that you may maintain peace of mind during your travels. While both boarding and housesitting, I’m comfortable with crating; though, only with dogs that are already crate-trained and that are using their own crates. While outdoors, I’m not comfortable with removing leashes even if you typically do so. Out of an abundance of caution, I've completed a pet first aid course that includes CPR practices differentiated by chest shape and weight. For quick guidance with stepping up my response during a potential emergency when minutes could count, I have a pet first aid app that I’m familiar with. Proactively, I require Vet info with a payment card on file at your Vet’s office so that Vet care may be accessed in a timely manner if need be. If applicable, please provide pet insurance as well. If your preferred Vet’s office is closed while emergency care is needed, I’ll use the nearest open Vet clinic unless otherwise directed/specified. If unexpected Vet care or abnormally intensive care is necessitated, additional compensation will be required and determined by the specifics of the situation. If necessary, I will be able to provide constant care without stepping away.
Home
Information Crystal S. would like to know about your pet
My preference is that instructions are printed/written (i.e., on paper; rather than sent via: texts, emails, shared notes/docs). Please carefully inform me of all critical needs re: medications, allergies, physical limitations and restrictions, as well as any other essential specialized care. Please also inform me of: eating and sleeping habits, exercise and play needs, current command skills, social tendencies, dislikes and fears, preferences and quirks, plus any other relevant info. If there has ever been a poor experience with a previous pet care provider, please do not hesitate to brief me on whatever didn’t go well so that we may plan efforts to avoid or mitigate those types of issues. Due to conflicts associated with providing other types of services, I exclusively advertise boarding and housesitting services through Rover. As such, I’m unable to regularly offer: doggy daycare services, standalone walk services, in-home drop-in services, or puppy services of any type. If you're an existing client in urgent need of a service that I'm unable to routinely provide, you’re welcome to send me a one-off request and I’ll let you know if I’m able to assist depending on my existing commitments. Regardless of if we work together, thank you for the time you spent reading about my pet care work and I wish you the best with finding the best pet sitter for your situation!
A typical day
Whenever allowed, I share from my stashes of treats and toys to promote bonding and healthy stimulation. If we’re staying at my place, we'll of course have frequent hangouts in Alma Park along with strolls through the neighborhood, downtown, and/or the mall. I'm always up for having company while hiking so, if permitted, we'll exercise together in the hills too. If your dog thrives during training, I take pleasure in supporting the developments of new command skills. As mentioned, some separation anxiety isn’t abnormal but your pup will need to reliably remain calm enough for me to maintain professionalism during my virtual appts. Whenever my animal companions prefer relaxing on my lap as I work virtually and/or enjoy sleeping with me, I consider those experiences to be bonuses. In one way or another, furry friends almost always make my days better :)
Location
Walnut Creek, CA
Home full-time @ Alma (dog) Park
Pet care experience
Hi there! I’m in Walnut Creek’s beautiful Alma Park, which is a doggy paradise that you’re welcome to visit regardless of if we meet. One of my favorite activities is heading out my door for park hangouts and walks with my many human and canine friends that live here too. For the past dozen years I’ve been house- and pet-sitting for local families that I've worked for in varying capacities since attending grad school at Saint Mary’s. Since moving to Alma Park in 2018, I’ve been providing pet care services via Rover as well. Professionally, I’m a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. As a therapist, I support my clients virtually. While working a pet sitter, I make similar efforts to: identify and attend to various types of needs, communicate professionally, and develop relationships in positive ways. As of now I just have a pretty beta fish, but later on I’ll definitely have fur babies of my own. Looking forward to meeting you and yours! Or your cats, chickens, fish, etc. I’ve taken care of several aquaponics setups, many chicken coops, countless gardens, and various types of caged animals such as bunnies, guinea pigs, turtles, etc. I prefer staying at my place, but if I stay at yours then I’ll handle your plants, mail, trash, service appointments, any unique needs that involve an agreed-upon plan, and you’ll certainly return to a clean home. A brief background of my blended experience providing services for pets, children and families: - My pet care work has involved: 200+ dogs and cats plus another 200+ chickens and fish. One outlier job involved caring for a goldendoodle over half of the time during the course of over half of a year while independently managing the puppy’s: supplies, training, grooming, vet care, air travel, etc. while tracking and invoicing all related expenses. Other outlier jobs involved: assisting three breeders with puppy and kitty litters, post-op care to promote healing following veterinary surgeries, acupuncture and hyrdrotherapy appointments, comfort care during pet hospice, supportive care during pet euthanasia and pet cremation, etc. - My childcare work has involved: nannying, date night sitting, group sitting, mother’s helper work, continuous childcare for up to two weeks during parents’ travels, event childcare with one such role incorporated into a wedding party, destination childcare (at: extended family homes, Airbnbs, hotels), etc. - My family assistance work has involved: home organization, home stagings for appraisals and real estate shoots, holiday gift shopping and wrapping for a whole family, holiday decorating and un-decorating, party assistance, coordination and oversight of service appointments, confidential tasks involving sensitive legal and financial info, in-office assistance, moving assistance, etc. With that being said, I'm of course not an expert-level provider of all or any of the above-mentioned forms of assistance. As I'm reflecting on it, I feel honored to have been offered such opportunities to help others with caring for so much of what is meaningful within their lives. If you have an unconventional request, you're welcome to inquire about exactly what you’ll need while you’re away so that we may determine if we’re able to create a special arrangement to accommodate your particular needs. If you enlist me for housesitting and if you're interested in additional assistance with something specific during my stay, I'll consider temporarily expanding my role if what else you're desiring is something I'm comfortably able to take on and if we have a related financial agreement in place. In case you need/prefer to also have an NDA in effect, I'm comfortable with those as well. In any case, general questions you may have about my experiences and services are welcome.
Reviews
Fantastic and the only person we will use! Very trustworthy and talented
Crystal is one of a kind caregiver and made us so comfortable from the get go! i cannot say enough good things about her thoughtfulness and understanding the unique needs of our pup and our family! We truly enjoyed our break thanks to Crystal and our pup had many adventures on his own! We are forever grateful and already thinking about future vacations we might be able to take thanks to Crystal!
Crystal is hands down the best dog sitter we’ve ever had! From the moment we dropped off our two Pomeranians, we could tell they were in the most loving and capable hands. She went above and beyond to make sure they were happy, comfortable, and cared for like her own. Every single day, she sent us long, thoughtful updates along with adorable photos, giving us a glimpse into their day. She shared details about their walks, playtime, meals, and even their little quirks and moods. It was so reassuring to see how much love and attention she poured into their care. I could tell my dogs felt completely at home with her, they were always relaxed, happy, and clearly adored her energy! On top of that, Crystal is such a kind and warm person. Her apartment is in a perfect location, right next to beautiful Alma Park in Walnut Creek, where she took them on frequent walks. I’ve honestly never seen my dogs so happy while we were away. It meant the world to us knowing they were not just being looked after but truly loved. If you’re looking for a sitter who will treat your pets like family, Crystal is the one. We are beyond grateful for her and wouldn’t hesitate to book with her again!
Crystal was amazing! She took great care of our cat with tons of updates and pictures, which was so special to get while being away. She also took thorough care of our home and was truly wonderful throughout the process. We really appreciated everything she did and attention to every detail with our home and pet.
About Crystal S.
Communication
Dog skills
Safety, trust & environment
While I genuinely enjoy this work, I never take the trust that is placed in me lightly. I always do my best to assure that every animal under my care remains safe, healthy and excellently taken care of. Whenever possible, I prefer to have meet-and-greets in order to assess fit. Beginning with a phone/video introduction prior to potentially scheduling a meet-and-greet is optional as well. If you aren’t local and/or if you have limited availability, a phone/video meeting may suffice if we’re able to have a thorough conversation about needs and expectations. Since it can be stressful for many animals to not understand when their favorite human(s) will return, I try to create comfortable and wonderful experiences for all that I assume responsibility for. Because it can be similarly stressful for many people to be separated from their beloved pets, I regularly provide detailed updates along with the cutest photos that I’m able to capture. While boarding, unless they’re from the same family, I only accept one dog at a time in order to keep things safe and fun for everyone. While housesitting, I follow all specified safety and security protocols. If I happen to have a social plan during my stay, it’ll occur at my place with your pup(s) included so that you may maintain peace of mind during your travels. While both boarding and housesitting, I’m comfortable with crating; though, only with dogs that are already crate-trained and that are using their own crates. While outdoors, I’m not comfortable with removing leashes even if you typically do so. Out of an abundance of caution, I've completed a pet first aid course that includes CPR practices differentiated by chest shape and weight. For quick guidance with stepping up my response during a potential emergency when minutes could count, I have a pet first aid app that I’m familiar with. Proactively, I require Vet info with a payment card on file at your Vet’s office so that Vet care may be accessed in a timely manner if need be. If applicable, please provide pet insurance as well. If your preferred Vet’s office is closed while emergency care is needed, I’ll use the nearest open Vet clinic unless otherwise directed/specified. If unexpected Vet care or abnormally intensive care is necessitated, additional compensation will be required and determined by the specifics of the situation. If necessary, I will be able to provide constant care without stepping away.
Home
Information Crystal S. would like to know about your pet
My preference is that instructions are printed/written (i.e., on paper; rather than sent via: texts, emails, shared notes/docs). Please carefully inform me of all critical needs re: medications, allergies, physical limitations and restrictions, as well as any other essential specialized care. Please also inform me of: eating and sleeping habits, exercise and play needs, current command skills, social tendencies, dislikes and fears, preferences and quirks, plus any other relevant info. If there has ever been a poor experience with a previous pet care provider, please do not hesitate to brief me on whatever didn’t go well so that we may plan efforts to avoid or mitigate those types of issues. Due to conflicts associated with providing other types of services, I exclusively advertise boarding and housesitting services through Rover. As such, I’m unable to regularly offer: doggy daycare services, standalone walk services, in-home drop-in services, or puppy services of any type. If you're an existing client in urgent need of a service that I'm unable to routinely provide, you’re welcome to send me a one-off request and I’ll let you know if I’m able to assist depending on my existing commitments. Regardless of if we work together, thank you for the time you spent reading about my pet care work and I wish you the best with finding the best pet sitter for your situation!
A typical day
Whenever allowed, I share from my stashes of treats and toys to promote bonding and healthy stimulation. If we’re staying at my place, we'll of course have frequent hangouts in Alma Park along with strolls through the neighborhood, downtown, and/or the mall. I'm always up for having company while hiking so, if permitted, we'll exercise together in the hills too. If your dog thrives during training, I take pleasure in supporting the developments of new command skills. As mentioned, some separation anxiety isn’t abnormal but your pup will need to reliably remain calm enough for me to maintain professionalism during my virtual appts. Whenever my animal companions prefer relaxing on my lap as I work virtually and/or enjoy sleeping with me, I consider those experiences to be bonuses. In one way or another, furry friends almost always make my days better :)
Crystal S.
Walnut Creek, CA