Emily Jo S.
Tampa, FL






Services
Emily Jo can care for
Availability
I work from home (Westchase area of Tampa) Generally available after 10am, through 8:30pm. Select weekend hours may be available, see calendar or message me for inquiries. Last-minute requests are fine- as long as I am home, I’m happy to head your way with short notice! I am typically not available before 10am on weekdays, or after 8:30pm (note: if I’ve watched your baby before, may be able to visit up through 9:30- please check with me if a later time is needed for already established clients!) *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!
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About Emily Jo S.
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 S. 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! You may add updated care info you’d like me to follow to your own profile. Other options include texting an instruction video, write out instructions to leave out, or even schedule a video walk-through!
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 pet 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
Tampa, FL
Pets
Emily Jo S. 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 18 years, and loved them my entire life! Previous 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. Special circumstances: I am comfortable giving medication (ear/eye drops, injections, pills, topicals, etc) I also have experience with senior dogs who often need special accommodations. I am experienced, capable, and confident with things such as: an arthritic dog that may need a boost while getting up, helping with safely getting on/off the furniture, or dogs who are deaf or blind. I am also comfortable monitoring for any symptoms such as limping, or checking surgical incisions if requested. I have owned differently-abled animals, and completed extensive rehab on post-op dogs with serious injuries such as ligament tears, hip injuries, and broken legs. If your pup requires care or treatment outside of the norm, I recommend booking 60 minutes for a drop-in visit. 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 photos/updates. *New availability as of July 2026!* I am available for 30-60 minute home visits/check-ins, and walks. Typically between 10:30am-8:30pm on weekdays, and same-day bookings welcome (within service area) Weekend dates can vary- please see calendar for availability! I’ll do my best to accommodate times outside of my regular hours, please feel free to message with any questions. New customer promo: use code EMILYS48295 for $20 off your first service with me! 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: In addition to Cats and Dogs, I’ve owned or have care experience with 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!
Cat care experience

Emily Jo also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Reviews
I needed a last-minute reservation, and Emily was incredibly accommodating. What impressed me most was the genuine concern she showed for Lucy, especially while caring for her in the rain. It’s clear that Emily truly cares about the pets she looks after. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a dependable and compassionate pet sitter.

First time using Rover, and so happy Emily’ was available. She took great care of Willie. Great communication, great pictures, detailed information on the visit. Couldn’t have asked for more. Highly recommend and we will use again for sure in the future.

Emily was amazing! My cat loved her !

Emily is the best! Nala loves seeing her! I look forward to her pictures every time she checks in on our girl! Can’t recommend her more!
About Emily Jo S.
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 S. 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! You may add updated care info you’d like me to follow to your own profile. Other options include texting an instruction video, write out instructions to leave out, or even schedule a video walk-through!
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 pet 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!
Emily Jo S.
Tampa, FL
