Crystal S.
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 things is heading out my door for park hangouts and walks with my many human and canine friends that live here too. For the past decade I’ve been house- and dog-sitting in Lafayette and Orinda for families I nannied and babysat for while attending grad school at Saint Mary’s. Professionally, I’m a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. In my pet care work I make similar efforts to: identify and attend to various types of needs, communicate professionally, and develop relationships in positive ways. Currently I just have a pretty beta fish, but when 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 to stay at my place, but if I stay at yours I’ll happily handle your mail, plants, trashes, service appointments, and specialized needs plus you’ll certainly return to a clean home. At my place, unless they’re from the same family I only take one pup at a time in order to keep things safe and fun for everyone :)
Reviews
Our dogs receive so much love and attention. She spoils them like no one else. The pictures we receive and the daily updates are the very best.
Crystal took amazing care of our two cavapoos. We received comprehensive updates which made us certain our dogs were attended to in the most loving and thoughtful manner. When we picked them up they were all tuckered out from their long hike and well loved.
Crystal did an amazing job looking after our Frenchie! I would have zero hesitation in recommending her services and will certainly use her again. Crystal is courteous, professional, sincere and was flexible when our plans changed in a pinch. Our dog has some specific health issues that require careful care and Crystal was very patient, empathetic and took all necessary precautions to ensure our guy had a safe and comfortable stay. Thank you Crystal!
Always reliable, trustworthy, and professional.
About Crystal S.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
While I enjoy this work, I never take the trust that is placed in me lightly. I always do my best to ensure that every animal under my care remains safe, healthy and excellently taken care of. When possible, I prefer to have meet and greets in order to assess fit. If you aren’t in the area and/or have limited availability, we’ll at least need to have a video/telephone meeting. 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 thoroughly detailed updates accompanied by the most adorable photos that I'm able to snap. 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 should an emergency occur. If applicable, provide pet insurance as well. If Vet care or abnormally intensive care is required, additional compensation will also be required and will be determined by the specifics of the situation. If necessary, I’m able to provide constant care. I’m comfortable with using crates, though only with dogs that are already crate-trained and that are using their own crates. While outdoors, I never remove leashes even if you typically do so. While housesitting I follow all specified home safety protocols, and if I have a social plan then it’ll happen at my place with your pup(s) included so you may maintain peace of mind during your travels.
Home
Information Crystal S. would like to know about your pet
My preference is that instructions are printed/written (i.e., on paper; not sent via: texts, emails, shared notes/docs). Carefully inform me of all special needs re: medications, allergies, physical restrictions/limitations, and any other critically necessary specialized care. Give me the run downs re: eating and sleeping schedules, exercise and play needs, current command skills, social habits, preferences and quirks, dislikes and fears, plus any other important info. If there have ever been any poor experiences with other pet care providers, please let me know so we can make efforts to avoid/decrease those types of issues. If you have any questions and/or special requests for me, feel free to ask. Looking forward to hearing from you!
A typical day
Whenever allowed, I share from my stashes of treats and chew 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, mall, and/or downtown. I'm always up for having canine companions while hiking so, if permitted, we'll exercise together in the hills too. If your dog thrives during training, I enjoy 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. My favorite is when they prefer to relax on my lap while I’m on the phone/computer, and I always consider it a bonus whenever they sleep with me. Taking care of dogs typically makes my days better :)
Services
Crystal can host
Crystal can watch in your home
Availability
I’m self-employed, work from home and prefer to have a furry friend or two as my work crew. I love the 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
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
While I enjoy this work, I never take the trust that is placed in me lightly. I always do my best to ensure that every animal under my care remains safe, healthy and excellently taken care of. When possible, I prefer to have meet and greets in order to assess fit. If you aren’t in the area and/or have limited availability, we’ll at least need to have a video/telephone meeting. 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 thoroughly detailed updates accompanied by the most adorable photos that I'm able to snap. 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 should an emergency occur. If applicable, provide pet insurance as well. If Vet care or abnormally intensive care is required, additional compensation will also be required and will be determined by the specifics of the situation. If necessary, I’m able to provide constant care. I’m comfortable with using crates, though only with dogs that are already crate-trained and that are using their own crates. While outdoors, I never remove leashes even if you typically do so. While housesitting I follow all specified home safety protocols, and if I have a social plan then it’ll happen at my place with your pup(s) included so you may maintain peace of mind during your travels.
Home
Information Crystal S. would like to know about your pet
My preference is that instructions are printed/written (i.e., on paper; not sent via: texts, emails, shared notes/docs). Carefully inform me of all special needs re: medications, allergies, physical restrictions/limitations, and any other critically necessary specialized care. Give me the run downs re: eating and sleeping schedules, exercise and play needs, current command skills, social habits, preferences and quirks, dislikes and fears, plus any other important info. If there have ever been any poor experiences with other pet care providers, please let me know so we can make efforts to avoid/decrease those types of issues. If you have any questions and/or special requests for me, feel free to ask. Looking forward to hearing from you!
A typical day
Whenever allowed, I share from my stashes of treats and chew 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, mall, and/or downtown. I'm always up for having canine companions while hiking so, if permitted, we'll exercise together in the hills too. If your dog thrives during training, I enjoy 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. My favorite is when they prefer to relax on my lap while I’m on the phone/computer, and I always consider it a bonus whenever they sleep with me. Taking care of dogs typically makes my days better :)
Location
Walnut Creek, CA
Crystal S.
Walnut Creek, CA