Elijah J.
San Diego, CA
Services
Elijah can look after
Availability
I work set bar shifts (Tues, Fri & Sat: 4-9pm, and Sun: 11-6pm… I am always off on Mon, Wed & Thurs), so I generally work around those shifts [and can also provide overnight care]. Sunday is generally my only shift that is longer than 5-5.5 hours. However, I can get my bar shifts covered for sitting gigs when needed; it just requires me to charge more accordingly.
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About Elijah J.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I prefer to sit in the client’s home, as I feel this is ideal for the pet majority of the time. On occasion, I am able to host a pet [we have one dog in our household]. Because of the logistical nature, however, this would just entail me charging more than my normal rate.
Information Elijah J. would like to know about your pet
I prefer to know the following in advance: What their normal stool sample looks like [so I know to be concerned if it’s not solid, for example], whether they have leash aggression, any known triggers, known commands, etc. For cats, I like to know what they like / don’t like with playing, if they have bad scratching behavior I should watch for [so your furniture stays in good condition], whether they like belly rubs, etc.
A typical day
I enjoy taking dogs to Balboa Park for all the smells and fun sounds [and occasional squirrel sightings!]. I prefer providing longer walks when the dog can handle it. For cats, I try to focus on giving them ample attention [when they want it] and love. I do also have limited experience with parrots and some reptiles [as well].
Location
San Diego, CA
Attentive, Inclusive Pet Care 🐕🌈
Pet care experience
I am a 43-yr old gay Navy vet that got stationed in San Diego, fell in love with the city [and the Padres!], and made it my home when I got out in ‘15 [after 10yrs of service]. I live in North Park, and work as a bartender at Hillcrest Brewing Co (HBC). Working at HBC is where my pet sitting really took off; regulars would come in with their dogs, find out that I’d been sitting for several friends, and ask me about sitting their dogs/cats. Through word of mouth, it became my full-time job [and HBC my part-time]. I recently joined Rover to further expand my client base. What sets me apart is my depth of experience and the level of attention I give every animal in my care. I have nearly two decades of hands-on pet experience, and what started as helping friends and neighbors has grown into a dedicated pet-sitting business built on trust and referrals. I’m comfortable caring for pets with complex needs, including administering medications, managing detailed care routines, and supporting pets prone to seizures. I also have experience with senior pets who need extra patience and gentleness, as well as energetic younger pets who thrive on structure and engagement. Above all, I treat every pet—dogs, cats, and birds—as if they were my own. I focus on providing consistent attention, affection, and a calm environment so they feel safe and loved while you’re away.
Reviews
Elijah was awesome. Super response. Great with my boys. House is the same state I left it. Wouldn't hesitate to book with him again.
I’m always somewhat nervous when I use someone new. However, Eli’s regular updates put me at ease. I would not hesitate to use him again.
Eli has been taking care of our 4 pets (2 dogs, 2 cats) for several years. Not only do we trust him, but he has become a safe space for our pets and we are so incredibly grateful for that. All of our pets are over 10 years old and we have a very senior Pomeranian Ella, who is 16! We needed to ensure that when we were gone that all of her needs were met and she was comfortable and safe, and Eli provides that fully. We are so lucky with his flexibility, whether he pops in for a walk or two, or stays at our place with our babies, we know they are in good hands, and have a trustworthy person staying in our home! We receive as many updates as we want but without asking, he is consistently keeping us posted which is such a relief especially when we are on vacation and checking in on the pets isn't at top of mind. I would truly be devastated if we had to search elsewhere for care with our pets. Eli is hands down the BEST pet sitter in San Diego! Couldn't recommend him more.
Elijah did an amazing job staying over in our house for several days with our Pomeranian. He regularly sent is photos and videos and followed all our instructions on how to take care of pup. Definitely recommend as professional sitter and will contact him in future!
About Elijah J.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I prefer to sit in the client’s home, as I feel this is ideal for the pet majority of the time. On occasion, I am able to host a pet [we have one dog in our household]. Because of the logistical nature, however, this would just entail me charging more than my normal rate.
Information Elijah J. would like to know about your pet
I prefer to know the following in advance: What their normal stool sample looks like [so I know to be concerned if it’s not solid, for example], whether they have leash aggression, any known triggers, known commands, etc. For cats, I like to know what they like / don’t like with playing, if they have bad scratching behavior I should watch for [so your furniture stays in good condition], whether they like belly rubs, etc.
A typical day
I enjoy taking dogs to Balboa Park for all the smells and fun sounds [and occasional squirrel sightings!]. I prefer providing longer walks when the dog can handle it. For cats, I try to focus on giving them ample attention [when they want it] and love. I do also have limited experience with parrots and some reptiles [as well].
Elijah J.
San Diego, CA