Emily D.
Richmond, OR
Emily D. has Star Sitter status
The Star Sitter program highlights responsive sitters who deliver highly rated care and have a history of listing accurate availability and preferences, making it easier for pet parents to find the best care for their pets.
Fear Free Certified Pet Care Pro
Pet care experience
Hi there! I'm Emily, a Fear Free and RECOVER CPR-certified animal lover recognized by Force Free Oregon. I have been working with animals of all life stages in various capacities for over 10 years, both in volunteer and professional roles, and I am privately insured through Pet Sitters Associates. I'm knowledgeable and passionate about animal behavior and ethics, and I have experience with ages ranging from puppies and kittens to super seniors, pets with anxiety or special behavioral plans, and exotic pets like lizards and rats. I love all animals - no exceptions! I have 2 senior dogs at home, an 18-year-old Beagle and a 15-year-old Australian Shepherd/Chow mix who are the sweetest babies on Earth. I strongly believe in a force-free, fear-free approach to animal handling that views each situation from the animal's perspective and prioritizes their comfort and safety while reducing stress and discomfort and increasing overall wellbeing. I take an evidence-based, welfare-centered approach that does not involve punishment or aversive tools. I use positive reinforcement in every interaction, whether that be with food, toys, or attention, in order to build trust and positive associations and reinforce desirable behaviors. I do not use prong collars, shock collars, choke chains, slip leads, electric fences, or any aversive or force-based training methods, and any aversive tools will be removed for the duration of my stay. If any problem behaviors arise, I use management, redirection, and enrichment to encourage desired behaviors instead, prioritizing your pet's safety first. Our pets are constantly communicating with us, and it is so important that we know how to listen! I am adept at reading body language and responding to signs of fear, anxiety, and stress in a compassionate, calming way. My goal is to make every interaction with your pet as fun and relaxed as possible - I incorporate elements of play, enrichment, and socialization during every stay and cater all activities to your pet's individual preferences. I'm trained in cooperative care techniques and prepared to assist your pet with any necessary husbandry or medical needs they may have, from nail trimming to administering injections. Rest assured, I will treat your pets with the patience, compassion, and empathy that I treat my own animals with.
Reviews
Emily did a great job taking care of our two girls - she have lots of attention to them both, and was extra patient with our shy girl. She navigated a new unexpected food trial and followed all of our directions! Thanks Emily!!
Thank you Emily for visiting my cats. I really appreciate the extra care you give them.
Emily was so great again with our boy Cooper. She is dependable and always makes our day with detailed report cards and tons of pictures. Cooper always has such a fun time during his drop ins. Thanks again!!
Thank you as always for taking such good care of my Buddy!
About Emily D.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Because most pets prefer to stay in a familiar environment where they're most comfortable, I typically only offer house-sitting at the client's home. I understand the importance of consistency and routine for many animals, and will be diligent about keeping things as predictable as possible to reduce the stress of having their regular caregivers absent. I have the utmost respect for your space, am privately insured, and will always leave your home exactly as I found it and follow all directions discussed during intake. I'm happy to take care of your plants, too!
Information Emily D. would like to know about your pet
- What are your pet's favorite treats? (Please list in order of preference) - What are your pet's favorite toys? (Please list in order of preference) - What are your pet's favorite activities? (Walks, swimming, playing fetch, tug, etc.) - What type of walking equipment do you use with your pet? - What does your pet prefer their food-stuffed toys to be filled with? (Wet food, pumpkin, cream cheese, baby food, etc.) - Does your pet have any allergies or dietary restrictions? - Is your pet up to date on their vaccines/parasite prevention? - What part of their body does your pet prefer to be pet on? (Shoulders, back, chest, etc.) - What part of their body does your pet prefer not to be touched? (Feet, mouth, ears, etc.) - What is your pet afraid of/reactive to? (Motorcycles, vacuum, other dogs, etc.) - Does your pet have a bite history or history of aggressive behaviors? If so, please describe the circumstances. - What behaviors does your pet display when a new person enters the home? - Does your pet require any medications or treatments? If so, what are the behaviors they display while receiving it? - How does your pet get along with the other pets in the household? - Are you working on any particular behaviors with your pet? What behaviors would you like reinforced? Are there any behaviors that you're concerned with? - What else would you like me to know about your pet’s likes and dislikes to make my stay with them more pleasant?
A typical day
While I will stick as closely as possible to your normal routine, enrichment is such an important part of any pet's life and a key element to reducing stress while their owners are away. Enrichment activities could include going for a long, sniffy walk or hike on a long line, playing scent-based exploration games like "Magic Cup" or doing a treasure hunt at home or in the yard, or using food puzzles during mealtime. I will provide ample opportunity for your pet to enjoy the activities that are naturally fulfilling for them!
Services
Emily can watch in your home
Availability
I currently have a flexible schedule and the majority of my time is dedicated to caring for your sweet pets! Since I have my own pups at home, I will need to make sure I am able to leave for around 6 hours per day during house-sitting stays. I also offer extended drop-ins (daytime sitting in your home for 2+ hours, from 8am-11pm) at an hourly rate so feel free to send over a drop-in request if you're looking for one-on-one daytime care and I'm happy to discuss pricing with you! I am generally available 7 days a week, and my calendar will reflect any days that I'm unavailable. I do require a meet and greet for all new clients prior to booking services, but for established clients I can be available for late-notice services as well - if you need a last-minute dog walk or for someone to feed your cat while you're stuck in traffic, just send me a message!
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About Emily D.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Because most pets prefer to stay in a familiar environment where they're most comfortable, I typically only offer house-sitting at the client's home. I understand the importance of consistency and routine for many animals, and will be diligent about keeping things as predictable as possible to reduce the stress of having their regular caregivers absent. I have the utmost respect for your space, am privately insured, and will always leave your home exactly as I found it and follow all directions discussed during intake. I'm happy to take care of your plants, too!
Information Emily D. would like to know about your pet
- What are your pet's favorite treats? (Please list in order of preference) - What are your pet's favorite toys? (Please list in order of preference) - What are your pet's favorite activities? (Walks, swimming, playing fetch, tug, etc.) - What type of walking equipment do you use with your pet? - What does your pet prefer their food-stuffed toys to be filled with? (Wet food, pumpkin, cream cheese, baby food, etc.) - Does your pet have any allergies or dietary restrictions? - Is your pet up to date on their vaccines/parasite prevention? - What part of their body does your pet prefer to be pet on? (Shoulders, back, chest, etc.) - What part of their body does your pet prefer not to be touched? (Feet, mouth, ears, etc.) - What is your pet afraid of/reactive to? (Motorcycles, vacuum, other dogs, etc.) - Does your pet have a bite history or history of aggressive behaviors? If so, please describe the circumstances. - What behaviors does your pet display when a new person enters the home? - Does your pet require any medications or treatments? If so, what are the behaviors they display while receiving it? - How does your pet get along with the other pets in the household? - Are you working on any particular behaviors with your pet? What behaviors would you like reinforced? Are there any behaviors that you're concerned with? - What else would you like me to know about your pet’s likes and dislikes to make my stay with them more pleasant?
A typical day
While I will stick as closely as possible to your normal routine, enrichment is such an important part of any pet's life and a key element to reducing stress while their owners are away. Enrichment activities could include going for a long, sniffy walk or hike on a long line, playing scent-based exploration games like "Magic Cup" or doing a treasure hunt at home or in the yard, or using food puzzles during mealtime. I will provide ample opportunity for your pet to enjoy the activities that are naturally fulfilling for them!
Location
Portland, OR
Pets
Emily D.
Richmond, OR