Certified in American Red Cross Pet CPR and First Aid. I've owned pets all my life, and have been responsible for caring for my own pets since I was in middle school. I am especially experienced with cats, but am happy to take care of any and all pets! I was in charge of cat care for at an animal rescue in Peru where I stayed for 6 weeks, as well as volunteered at an all cat shelter in Santiago, Chile for 2 weeks. I have also done volunteering with cat care at various animal shelters here in the US. I currently volunteer locally as a Cat Companion and adoption specialist at the Capital Humane Society. Although my focus has been cats, I am comfortable working with all animals, as animal shelters need help in all places! I have taken cat behavior courses and am specially trained to know how to communicate with and understand cat behavior. One of my greatest joys is being able to earn the trust of a cat! In addition to caring for cats, senior pets of all shapes and sizes hold a special place in my heart. I want to help make their 'autumn and winter' the best years of their life. I currently own 2 cats but have both owned and lived with dogs in the past. I have some experience in caring for other animals including turtles, hedgehogs, birds, and fish. I am a teacher in the area so my M-F I am busy pretty much all day until 3 or 4 pm. However, I am happy to check on pets after that, and especially on weekends or school breaks/holidays. If you live close enough to one of my schools there's even a possibility I could drop in at lunch time. When school is not in session, I have full availability. I will follow all of your instructions on how best to take care of your pets and your space - you know them best! Leaving a space cleaner than I found it is important to me - I will do my best to respect your space as if it is my own.