It’s always helpful to know a little bit about a pet’s routine and personality before I care for them. I like to know which commands they respond to and if they have any special needs or instructions. For dogs, it’s especially useful to hear how they do on walks, like whether they tend to pull when they see smaller animals. I also ask if it’s okay for people to stop and say hi to them during our walk, and whether the owner is comfortable with any off-leash activities. That’s why I always prefer to do meet and greets beforehand, so we can get to know each other better and make sure your pet feels comfortable with me.

A typical day really depends on whether I’m caring for a dog or a cat. For dogs, I like to start with a nice walk around the neighborhood or, if the owner is comfortable, through the forest near my home. On hotter days I’ll have frozen beef broth cubes or a little peanut butter ready as a cool treat when we pass by my house. I’m always happy to play fetch in the park and, of course, give them plenty of love and attention. For cats, I make sure to respect their space if they want alone time, but I also love giving them pets, playing with them if they’re in the mood, and sharing treats. I send lots of updates and photos so owners know how their pet is doing. If a cat is chatty, I’ll meow back and keep the conversation going. My home has big windows for bird watching, and my roommates are also animal lovers who will happily give extra attention when I’m not around.