Emily Jo S.
Emily Jo S.
Contact for Drop-In Visits
from $25 per visit
Highlights
Pet care experience
Reliable, experienced & trustworthy
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: Veterinary technician at a Specialty Surgical Animal Clinic, HSTB Shelter Volunteer, Zoo Tampa safari guide and ambassador, River boat wildlife tour guide, and Farm assistant. Over the past 20+ 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 10:00am-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.
Qualifications
Pets
Safety, trust & environment
My #1 priority is the comfort and safety of your pet! 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. If a meet and greet is not an option, I’m happy to schedule a FaceTime walk-through to be shown any pertinent information in your home. 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!
Ratings and reviews
Emily was great from the start. She was professional and her attention to details made me confident I was leaving my cat with someone who truly cares for animals. 10/10 recommend.

Emily was very helpful and considerate with helping my elderly mom and her cat. She was thorough in cleaning and caring for the cat during the drop in. I am so happy that she could help her.

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!

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Schedule
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!
- Cats0 to 15 lbs16 to 40 lbs41 to 100 lbsover 101 lbsEmily Jo can host up to 3 drop-ins per day
- 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. I also have experience with other types of animals, including guinea pigs/other rodents, goats, chickens, pigs , and other farm animals. 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!
