WHY CHOOSE SVC? (LONG but highly-recommended reading – UPDATED 1/4/2026) #1, when your furbabies are here, they're family. Your pets stay in my home, with my pets and me. They spend their time where they like – indoors or out – and sleep where they're comfortable – whether that's a crate, pet bed, or the floor, in the house, garage, or under the stars. Toys – I've got balls, stuffies, ropes, chews, and more. Beds – I’ve got raised, mat, etc. Snacks & chews – I've always got a variety on hand. No extra charge for adding supplements to meals, administering basic medication, or brushing out burrs obtained on outdoor adventures. If your pet doesn't have a special food bowl, I've got extras, including slow‑feeders for those that bolt their kibble. I've also got many water bowls, indoors and out. I've got a year‑round puppy pool because for some dogs, water knows no season. Photos will be taken during your pet’s stay. I am happy to accept last‑minute reservations. I am here to help you have a better trip by ensuring that your pup (or kitty!) is well‑cared for. SOCIAL SPOT In addition to my dogs, I don’t limit the number of returning guests I host, so I can have upwards of seven dogs sharing my home, plus the occasional daycare. (I do also board cats, but they have their own room.) CUSTOMIZED CARE Please share your pup's personality traits with me so I can make him or her as happy and comfortable as possible! FOR MOSQUITO/SWANSBORO COUNTRY RESIDENTS In addition to boarding your animals in my home, I will make home visits within the community to feed, water, etc., for which I charge $15 for up to half‑hour visits + a $5 “trip fee” outside the Buckboard section. BONUS My best friend, who lives around the corner, is a certified vet tech (added peace of mind) and a full‑time groomer (can usually squeeze in at least a nail trim, if not a full bath and blow‑out) – let me know! DOG REQUIREMENTS I welcome all breeds and ages one year and up (as young as six months for unusually well‑mannered pups), but please make sure your furbaby is: • Minimum 20 lbs. • Tolerant, if not gregarious. • Not in heat if an intact female (intact males case‑by‑case). • Not aggressive (bold/assertive is fine) or a heavy barker. • Current on flea and tick treatment. • Potty‑trained and not an inveterate marker. • Not requiring 24‑hour supervision. • Not truly aggressive, highly predatory, or destructive toward immovable items. If you’re unsure whether your pup qualifies, please talk to me! NOTE re: CHILDREN I am infrequently visited by neighbor children who enjoy the “petting zoo.” I will take dogs who need to be separated from them, but let me know if you’re aware that’s appropriate. VACCINATIONS Understanding that vaccinating pets is not a black‑and‑white decision, I do not require my guests be vaccinated, trusting owners to make the right choice for their individual pet. EXTRA CARE Some dogs require additional time, supervision, or management beyond the standard routine — things like special handling, multi‑step care, or behaviors that need closer oversight. When that applies, the Rover extra‑care fee is $6.25. NEW-TO-ME DOGS / TRIAL STAYS My goal is to make sure everyone has a good experience here — your pup, my resident animals, and current guests. Because this is a busy, social, home environment, I’ve learned that some dogs need a little warm‑up time before settling in comfortably. For that reason, new-to-me dogs may need a trial daycare or trial night before their first stay, especially for: • high‑volume holiday periods • stays of a week or longer • dogs who are new to being away from home • dogs with unknown group or boarding experience This helps me get to know your pup, make sure he or she is comfortable in my home and routine, and ensure a safe, peaceful experience for everyone. If you’re not sure whether your dog needs a trial, just ask — I’m happy to talk it through. Additionally, I accept only one new dog per day so I can focus on giving the attention needed to settle in. If I receive requests for two new dogs to arrive on the same day and a trial night isn’t feasible, one may need to start a day early. MEET & GREET I don’t require but do recommend visiting my place before your pup's first stay, so your dog can meet me and have a sniff around and be comfortable when your furbaby comes back to stay, making drop-off as low-stress as possible. Meet & Greets are limited to half an hour and are held in my front and side/“reception” yards , to limit the impact on guest/resident dogs. Dogs onsite will almost certainly put on their loud, over‑the‑top, ‘new dog!’ performance — they love to check out arrivals from the windows overlooking the reception yard and even more through the wire gate between the yards. It can sound wild, but it typically settles in a few minutes. Dogs are not introduced at a Meet & Greet, as my system for introducing dogs for the first time at my home can take as long as an hour and works best when your furbaby is not worried about mom or dad. SCHEDULING All visits by appointment only. Sometimes that means dropping off the night before so there's plenty of time to get your pup settled in. For safety and group harmony, I only introduce one new‑to‑me dog (or dog family) per day. Returning dogs who are still getting the hang of things (“probationary” pups) are also scheduled thoughtfully. DROP‑OFF / PICK‑UP There are two ways from downtown Placerville to my community: • 49 → 193 → Rock Creek — longer (about 40 min.), but easier • Mosquito Road — hairpin turns, one‑lane bridge, short 16% grade, about 10 mi./30 min. from Hwy. 50 NOTE re: Mosquito Road: Through the current estimate of early summer 2026, Mosquito Road will have delays and closures while a new bridge is constructed (eliminating the roughest spots). I offer transportation to/from locations up to half an hour from my home for $25 per round‑trip. (I have a 4WD 4‑door Toyota Tacoma with a rear‑seat hammock and carry a ramp for easy entry and safe exit.) WHAT TO BRING • Food, supplements, medications • Harness/collar used for walking • Anything that will make your pet more comfortable ABOUT MY HOME 1,080 sq. ft. home with heat/cooling 3,300 sq. ft. 6‑ft‑high fenced backyard with lookouts 400 sq. ft. pet‑turf side yard 4‑ft‑high fenced front yard Dog doors to back and side yards Zip‑lines for fence‑jumpers Back acre fenced for horse, donkey, and chickens (dogs only join me there if appropriate) NOTE re: remodeling: My home and property are a constant work‑in‑progress. Thank you for your patience with any ongoing projects. RESIDENT ANIMALS • 13‑lb elderly male Jack‑Chi • 24‑lb young female “mini” Heeler • Thoroughbred mare • Miniature donkey • Five chickens ABOUT ME I've been around animals, from hamsters to horses, all my life and have been pet‑sitting since November 2011. I take lots of photos and sometimes video so you'll have evidence your fuzzy family member is having a great time at “puppy camp.” REFERRAL THANK‑YOU One FREE night (boarding) or day (daycare) or home visit for booked referral – thank you!