Emily Jo
Westchase, FL
Emily Jo 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.
Reliable, experienced & trustworthy
Pet care experience
Hello! I’m Emily Jo, I live in the Westchase area of Tampa, FL. I’ve worked with animals professionally for over 15 years, and loved them my entire life! Experience working at: ZooTampa, Specialty Surgical Animal Clinic, Shelter Volunteer, Wildlife tour guide, and over the years have cared for many pets for neighbors/friends, as well as my own. About me: I am fortunate that a natural part of my personality is having a calming presence and gentle demeanor. Most pets respond to this approach positively, even in times of stress. While I believe I’m one of the lucky ones to be born “good with animals” I also pride myself on practicing patience, building trust and rapport, treating animals with respect, and the desire to learn and cater to their specific needs! You can rest assured that I’ll be on time, follow your instructions, and provide great communication! Availability: I am available for 30-60 minute home visits/check-ins, and walks. Typically between 2:30pm-8:00pm on weekdays, and same-day bookings welcome (within service area) Weekend hours may vary between 10am-6pm. Your pets: Due to my speciality veterinary hospital background, I have extensive experience with breeds of all sizes, geriatric care, puppy care, postoperative care, special needs pets, medication administration, toy breeds, large breeds, and senior dogs. I have equal experience with cats, and am comfortable with the variety of personalities cats tend to have- shy, sassy, sweet, mischievous, cuddlebug, aloof…all cats welcome! I currently have 2 small dogs and 1 cat at home. Accommodations: Please feel comfortable sharing any special requests or unique quirks about your pet with me- I want your baby to feel happy and comfortable with me and will do whatever I can to ensure they receive the absolute best care while you’re away. Communication: You can expect me to be a bit “extra” with my photos- I really enjoy taking cute pictures of your pets for you, so that you can see how great they’re doing! (If you do not want more than 8 photos, please let me know! Otherwise you’ll likely receive 10-20 pics 😉) You’ll also receive detailed notes about how the visit went shortly afterwards. Other services: I also care for Cats, as well as small animals such as Guinea pigs, gerbils, hamsters, reptiles, fish, etc. Can provide basic care like food/water/attention to farm animals including horses, pigs, donkeys, chickens, etc. Please message to discuss details to add-on care for any of these pets!
Reviews
Excellent care and communication! Amazing pictures! I really appreciate the details Emily Jo provided. She thought of every aspect of care that my cat would need and went above and beyond each visit. I couldn't have asked for a better experience from Rover. Thank you so much!! I'll definitely be booking again in the future. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It’s good to have found a cat person on a dog-centered app. Emily helped greatly in taking care of our pets while we were away for an extended amount but also helped immensely bridging the gap of us not being there with Grace and Maison. The photos, and “briefing's” kept us connected and put smile on our faces knowing our cats personalities and being able to see from the perspectives of another. We looked forward to reading and seeing the photos. The level of communication coming from Emily showed that she naturally adores animals. Emily, that shined through. Thank you for your service, moving forward you are our go to. I’m sure Grace and Maison wouldn’t have it any other way. Thank you.
I could not be more happy that it was Emily!!!!! The fact Falcon even came out speaks volumes! Hes scared of his own shadow. 😂 The pics were just awesome!!! I am over the moon happy with the service and told everyone on FB. Other cat owners felt bad they didnt do that for their cat babies! I would give her a 100 on a scale of 1-10! 😁
I'm so happy that Emily was able to drop by and take care of my girls. She left me over 15 pictures of her visit! On time, and super prompt with my girls needs. I'm hoping to have Emily visit my girls when I have trips that are upcoming.
About Emily Jo
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
If you have a fully-fenced yard at your home and your dog prefers that, that’s great! I will stay outside with them to keep them company and monitor bathroom activity. I am comfortable leash walking multiple dogs, or can walk them separately- happy to follow whatever routine your pup is used to. I have experience with a wide variety of breeds, having worked in a specialty animal hospital and shelter volunteering for 6 years. I want you to feel comfortable sharing any quirks your pet may have, or any special things you do for them that I can replicate- no request is silly if it’ll make your dog’s time with me more enjoyable for them!
Information Emily Jo would like to know about your pet
I have experience with dogs of all sizes, ranging from 3 pounds up to 150! I do specialize in smaller dogs and senior dogs, and know the unique considerations it takes to keep them safe. Although my own pets are small, I have cared for and enjoy being around larger dogs as well! This includes breeds known to be boisterous, like Boxers, Pitties, Huskies, etc- no breed discrimination here! I am very comfortable with senior/special needs pets, pets recovering from surgery, car transport, and administering medications. If you have specific requests or any information you can provide that’ll make your pup comfortable during our time together, just let me know!
A typical day
Having three pets of my own at various life stages, I know that activities should be catered to each unique pet! Once I get to know your dog and what they like to do, I am happy to accommodate. Whether your pup likes playtime inside, outside, or just cuddles, we can spend our time doing whatever they prefer!
Services
Emily Jo can watch in your home
Availability
I work from home (Westchase area of Tampa) Generally am available after 2:30 pm, through 7:30-8:00pm. Some weekend times may be available, between 10am-6pm. Last-minute requests are fine- as long as I am home, I’m happy to head your way with short notice! I am not available before 2:30pm on weekdays, or after 8pm (note: if I’ve watched your baby before, may be able to visit up through 9:30- please ask if a later time is needed for repeat visits!) *Important travel info* Although based in Tampa, you may see updated availability/location when I am traveling to visit family. These temporary locations include: North Orlando suburbs (Altamonte, Longwood, Sanford, Winter Springs, Lake Mary & more) Raleigh/Durham North Carolina (Duke U. area) DM with any questions!
About Emily Jo
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
If you have a fully-fenced yard at your home and your dog prefers that, that’s great! I will stay outside with them to keep them company and monitor bathroom activity. I am comfortable leash walking multiple dogs, or can walk them separately- happy to follow whatever routine your pup is used to. I have experience with a wide variety of breeds, having worked in a specialty animal hospital and shelter volunteering for 6 years. I want you to feel comfortable sharing any quirks your pet may have, or any special things you do for them that I can replicate- no request is silly if it’ll make your dog’s time with me more enjoyable for them!
Information Emily Jo would like to know about your pet
I have experience with dogs of all sizes, ranging from 3 pounds up to 150! I do specialize in smaller dogs and senior dogs, and know the unique considerations it takes to keep them safe. Although my own pets are small, I have cared for and enjoy being around larger dogs as well! This includes breeds known to be boisterous, like Boxers, Pitties, Huskies, etc- no breed discrimination here! I am very comfortable with senior/special needs pets, pets recovering from surgery, car transport, and administering medications. If you have specific requests or any information you can provide that’ll make your pup comfortable during our time together, just let me know!
A typical day
Having three pets of my own at various life stages, I know that activities should be catered to each unique pet! Once I get to know your dog and what they like to do, I am happy to accommodate. Whether your pup likes playtime inside, outside, or just cuddles, we can spend our time doing whatever they prefer!
Location
Westchase, FL
Pets
Emily Jo
Westchase, FL