5.0

Care philosophy and communication: In my home, pets and plants are family, and every animal in my care is treated with the same level of respect, attention, and consideration I give my own. I understand that every pet has an individual personality and different needs. Some thrive on companionship, while others prefer play, structure, quiet encouragement, or simply having a calm person nearby. My goal is to be a steady, reassuring presence your pet can rely on while you’re away. Whether I’m caring for your pet in their own home or taking them on an enrichment field trip to The Zoomie Zone, I focus on creating a safe, engaging, and low-stress experience that supports both their physical and emotional well-being. During each visit, you’ll receive a detailed Rover Card with notes about meals, potty breaks, mood, activities, and anything noteworthy from our time together. If your pet gives me an especially great photo opportunity, I may also send along a favorite edited image. Unless something genuinely requires your attention, I will not interrupt your vacation, work trip, or conference. My goal is to be both your pet’s advocate and your peace of mind while you’re away. 🚨 Safety and stress policy Safety is always my top priority, both for your pet and for me. If a pet displays aggression, extreme fear, severe anxiety, or behavior that makes a visit unsafe, I will still make every reasonable effort to ensure their essential needs are met, including food, water, medication when safely possible, and potty access. However, I may modify or shorten the visit if continuing would increase stress or create a risk of injury. This is never done as punishment. It is a safety decision intended to prevent escalation and protect everyone involved. Any significant concerns will be clearly documented and communicated to you. 🛏️ Crate or confinement requirement for boarding For boarding stays, dogs must be comfortable resting safely in a crate, exercise pen, gated room, or behind another secure household barrier. This is a firm boarding requirement. At night, during meals when separation is needed, and anytime dogs cannot be directly supervised, boarding guests will be safely confined. This gives every animal appropriate space to rest and ensures all pets remain secure while I am sleeping, showering, completing household tasks, or briefly away from home. Crates and gated spaces are always used as calm, neutral resting areas, never as punishment. If your dog normally uses a crate, pen, gated room, or another confinement routine at home, please share the details with me so I can keep their stay as familiar and low-stress as possible. Dogs do not need to love being crated, but they must be able to tolerate safe confinement without panicking, attempting to escape, or injuring themselves. If your dog is not currently comfortable with any form of secure separation, boarding may not be the right fit at this time. In that case, drop-in care in their own home may be a safer and more comfortable alternative. This is non-negotiable.

Describe a Typical Day Every day is shaped around the individual pet in front of me. I take their routine, age, energy level, temperament, mobility, and comfort into account rather than forcing every pet into the same schedule. Morning Care Around 8:00 AM through late morning Morning visits focus on starting the day calmly and covering the essentials. This may include: Potty breaks Breakfast and fresh water Medications A relaxed walk or outdoor time Quiet companionship for pets who prefer a slower start For dogs who benefit from it, walks are often slower and sniff-focused rather than centered on distance or speed. This can be especially helpful for anxious, excitable, senior, or high-energy dogs who need a chance to decompress and use their brain. Senior pets may enjoy a short stroll, gentle movement, or simply some peaceful time outside for fresh air and attention. Midday Visits Usually between 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM Midday visits are organized into efficient routes, but the care itself is never rushed. Each visit is adjusted to what your pet needs that day. For cats, this may include: Fresh food and water Litter box maintenance Medication when needed Play, brushing, companionship, or respectful space A quick check of their mood, appetite, and overall well-being For dogs, visits may include: A neighborhood walk Shaded sniff time Enrichment games Long-line exploration in safe, appropriate settings Low-impact play Simple reinforcement of skills they already know For puppies, I may incorporate light structure and age-appropriate brain work, such as polite greetings, calm leash habits, name recognition, hand targeting, gentle mouths, or brief impulse-control exercises. These are not formal training sessions, but they can help reinforce good habits and give busy puppy brains something productive to do. Afternoon and Evening Care As needed Some pets benefit from another visit later in the day. These visits may include: Another potty break or walk Dinner Medication Indoor enrichment Quiet companionship A calm bedtime routine Evening visits are generally lower-energy and focused on helping pets settle comfortably for the night. Updates and Communication After every walk or drop-in, you’ll receive a detailed Rover Card with notes about what we did, how your pet seemed to feel, and anything notable from the visit. Photos are included whenever possible. My updates often include details about meals, potty breaks, energy level, mood, enrichment, and any changes I notice. Many clients tell me the Rover Cards become one of their favorite parts of the day while they’re away. Every pet is different. Some want active play and adventure, while others are happiest with a sniffy walk, a small brain game, or someone quietly sitting nearby. My goal is always to meet them where they are and help them feel comfortable, engaged, and cared for. Boarding Client Updates For boarding clients, I keep communication consistent without making you feel like you need to stay attached to your phone while you’re away. Each afternoon or evening, you’ll receive a photo collage showing highlights from your dog’s day. This may include enrichment, supervised outdoor play, walks, sniffing, naps, or time relaxing as part of the household. I generally follow a “no news is good news” approach during boarding. If everything is going smoothly, you can expect your daily photo update without frequent check-ins or unnecessary interruptions. If something needs your attention, I will contact you right away. This system gives you a clear glimpse into your dog’s stay while still allowing you to enjoy your trip, work event, or time away knowing they are settled, engaged, and well cared for.