Ella A.
Ella A.
Highlights
Pet care experience
A Girl with a Heart for Paws🐾
Hi there! I’m a full-time pet sitter and have been a lover of animals since I can remember. As a former intern at PAWS Chicago Adoption Center, I have experience caring for pets and have been sitting, walking, and boarding for neighbors, friends and family. Growing up with two cats and a dog of my own, I understand the importance of responsible, patient, and compassionate care. Please refer to my cancellation policy. I offer drop-in visits for all pets (cats, dogs, fish, etc) as well as boarding for cats on the weekends. I always provide regular photos and detailed updates so you can feel at ease while you’re away. Whether they love exercise, playtime, or snuggles, I’m more than happy to provide the care they need. My schedule is flexible so please don't hesitate to reach out 🩵 Please refer to my cancellation policy for additional details.
Cat care experience
Ella also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Qualifications
Safety, trust & environment
In the rare event of an emergency, I’m trained in pet CPR and first aid. My training includes handling injured pets, prioritizing medical needs, taking vital signs (temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate), assisting choking pets, checking for dehydration, and responding to animals in shock. I know how important one-on-one connection is for pets while you’re away, helping them feel safe, comforted, and cared for. I also understand that some animals—especially cats—may need extra patience before warming up. In those cases, I gently build trust, whether through play or simply spending calm time nearby. If they’re open to it, I’ll make sure they enjoy plenty of playtime, pets, and for the more social ones, snuggles too! For kitty drop-ins, I can visit at the same time each day if requested, to provide the comfort and security of a consistent schedule. Safety is always a top priority. I stay aware of potential hazards during visits and walks, putting dangerous objects out of reach and closely supervising dogs while outdoors. I’ll always closely observe their behavior to ensure they’re acting normally and to notice any changes. If I ever notice anything out of the ordinary, I will contact you immediately. In addition, I’ll always lock your residence during and after visits. Tips for leaving anxious cats at home during long trips: * Leave a light on at night—cats can see well, but being alone in the dark for several days can make them anxious. * Provide treats for your sitter to give during each visit. * Keep your home warm; cats dislike the cold. * Leave out worn clothing or blankets with your scent for comfort. * Offer interactive toys, like puzzle feeders, treat-dispensing toys, or scratch-and-rolls. * Turn on “cat TV” (videos of birds, squirrels, or nature) for background stimulation. * Keep litter boxes far from food and water bowls. * Maintain a clean and tidy home. * Provide hiding spots and elevated perches for security. * If your cat shows consistent anxiety—vomiting, refusing to eat, or needing excessive attention—consider boarding them at a trusted home instead.
Ratings and reviews
Ella is a great sitter! I booked her for a last-minute overnight trip, and she took time to meet beforehand and was very communicative during both visits. She sent lots of pictures and took great care of my cat. Highly recommend!
My baby Harley really loved Ella on her morning walk. Ella is gentle and kind, and I'd highly recommend her for your pet care needs.
Wow, my kitties and I are so lucky to have met Ella! I had to go on an international trip and had no plans for a Rover until a week before I had to leave. My cats are a handful and I was so worried about finding someone that would be a good fit for their different personalities. Ella not only bonded with our cats quickly, but cared for them and our home like they were her own. She’s super responsive, detailed, and was so great about handling things that popped up. I cannot recommend her enough. If you are looking for someone who goes above and beyond for your pets, she’s the one to go to!
We were traveling and staying at a hotel in Lakewood. Ella took very good care of our two pups while we had dinner engagements and errands to run. We would definitely recommend her.
Ella was absolutely amazing with our cat Iggy while we were away for an extended vacation! She sent plenty of cute photos and updates that allowed us to fully enjoy our trip with a peace of mind. We will absolutely be using her again, as well as recommending her to others in need of outstanding pet care! 🐱🐾❤️
We had an absolutely amazing experience with Ella as our dog/house sitter while we were away on a 2 week vacation! From our initial meet-and-greet, she was thorough and prepared a list of questions to make sure she understood everything about our puppy Kai and his routine. She had also kept notes throughout the visit! We left her a Kai care guide and house rules, and she followed everything perfectly. She also asked thoughtful follow-up questions whenever something came up that was not covered in the guide, which gave us peace of mind while we were away. She sent us daily updates as well with pictures and details about what her and Kai did that day, so we always knew how Kai was doing. When we came home, Kai was happy and healthy. Our home also was even more clean than when we left it! She was also extremely respectful of our home and belongings. Ella genuinely cares about the pets she takes care of and takes the responsibility seriously. As pet owners who think of their puppy as their son, we couldn’t have asked for a better sitter and would absolutely trust her with Kai again! We highly recommend her to anyone looking for a responsible, communicative, trustworthy, and genuinely caring dog sitter!
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
I’m available for drop-ins and walks daily between 9 AM and 8 PM. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about my availability. I’m able to take up to 3 visits or walks per day. This allows me to show up with full energy and attention to give your pet(s) the best care. Just a heads-up: Rover takes 20% of the payment, so tips are an important part of my income as a full-time pet sitter. I’m happy to answer any questions about that as well—feel free to send me a message anytime.
- Cats0 to 15 lbs16 to 40 lbs41 to 100 lbsover 101 lbsElla can host up to 5 drop-ins per day
- Please include your pet’s vet information in their bio or provide it directly to me before services begin. If your pet has any specific needs, I kindly ask that you share them in advance along with detailed instructions on how to best support them. I have experience caring for cats with asthma, anemia, seizures, glaucoma, and gingivitis, and I take every pet’s wellbeing seriously to ensure the best and smoothest experience possible. Helpful details to mention might include dietary restrictions, medical conditions, anxiety triggers, or even simple preferences like favorite activities and daily routines.