Emily M.
Ames, IA
Services
Emily can care for
Availability
Aside from visiting the occasional dog show and some local volunteering, pet sitting is my main activity! I typically schedule visits anytime between 7:00 am and 10:00 pm, but am usually the busiest between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm, and from 4:00 -6:00 pm. I am not typically available for overnight services, as I have my own pets at home to keep up with, but I keep travel to a minimum, so holidays are no problem for me! I am fairly flexible with scheduling, although I ask that you set your schedule at least three days in advance, especially if you are looking for in-house pet sitting. This allows me time to meet with you and outline your care expectations so we are on the same page about your animal's needs. If you are in a tight spot or need last-minute services, feel free to message me and I will be honest about which services I can or cannot accommodate in the time allowed. Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns about my service.
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ||||||
2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 |
23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 |
30 | 31 |
About Emily M.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
When providing services in your home, I will ask that you either provide care instructions for each animal I will be responsible for or ensure we have time to discuss your expectations and care schedules together before you leave. This meeting usually takes around 30 minutes and ensures I understand your expectations and care schedules for each of your pets. I will ask questions regarding feeding, medication, grooming expectations, and any specific routines or boundaries you have for me or your pets. I am a firm believer in "no bad kids", so your animal having behavior concerns such as reactivity, anxiety, or aggression will not immediately disqualify them from my services. As long as I can safely interact with your pet and provide the services you request, I have no problem spending extra time to offer them the same quality of care I would any other pet. I will inform you of any concerns that arise throughout the booking and can offer suggestions that I have found helped in similar experiences. I will always outline your preferred emergency clinic and the circumstances in which you want me to transfer your animal into emergency care before the start of service. I understand leaving your pet is stressful, so I love to send updates and photos throughout my services!
Information Emily M. would like to know about your pet
Let me know if your animals have any special needs, handicaps, diet restrictions, triggers, or medications that will need extra attention during care times or consultations. Please also inform me of any behaviors that I will need to manage when I am with them, especially for escape artists!
A typical day
I prefer to balance activity between physical and mental stimulation. I can provide multiple options for mental enrichment activities that allow your animals to display natural behaviors in a safe and fun way. Some common options include frozen treats, puzzle toys with or without food, and scent buffets. If you prefer, I can offer short training sessions of 10-20 minutes depending on the animal's enjoyment and engagement that focus on basic obedience or any commands you specify an interest in. I do not allow animals in my care off-leash for any reason, as often I find they are much less likely to return to me even if they do so reliably for their parents. Instead, I offer long-line exercises where they can frolic and run attached to a 30 or 50-ft lead. This ensures I still have a safe amount of control over where your pet wanders while allowing more enthusiastic dogs to run around to their heart's content. If you have any activities you know your kids are fond of, please let me know! My goal is to make their day look as normal as possible while you are away.
Location
Ames, IA
Pets
Emily M. 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.
Your Pet-Parent Understudy!
Pet care experience
I completed my bachelor’s degree in Animal Science specializing in companion animal studies from Iowa State University in 2022. I have multiple years of experience working as a kennel technician for rescues, boarding, and daycare facilities, and have been offering services on Rover since May of 2024. When I come home, I care for one Domestic Shorthair cat named Spook (age six) and my newest member Twig, a two-year-old corn snake. I have experience in multiple training methods for basic skills and obedience in both puppies and adult dogs, and I also can provide basic grooming services during my visits for both dogs and cats. I have extensive experience handling reactive and selective dogs, as well as pets who suffer from increased anxiety. I have been PackPro certified since 2023, with my most recent recertification completed early 2025, and constantly supplement my knowledge with a variety of informational courses and articles from credible sources like AKC Canine College, USARK, and the AVMA to name a few. I am familiar with administering medications, providing special diets, and pet first aid. I am very meticulous when learning, understanding, and meeting your pet's needs both before and during their time in my care. I also do exotic pet care, so please ask about my rates for your not-so-furry family members! Regardless of the age or species, rest assured I will put all my knowledge and experience into making sure they feel just as safe and comfortable in my care as they do in yours!
Cat care experience
Emily also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Reviews
Emily was fantastic, as always! She writes detailed Rover cards and takes tons of pictures
Emily did a great job giving Cleo her meds, and Cleo is not the easiest!
Emily writes detailed Rover cards and treats my animals with care.
Incredible as always :)
About Emily M.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
When providing services in your home, I will ask that you either provide care instructions for each animal I will be responsible for or ensure we have time to discuss your expectations and care schedules together before you leave. This meeting usually takes around 30 minutes and ensures I understand your expectations and care schedules for each of your pets. I will ask questions regarding feeding, medication, grooming expectations, and any specific routines or boundaries you have for me or your pets. I am a firm believer in "no bad kids", so your animal having behavior concerns such as reactivity, anxiety, or aggression will not immediately disqualify them from my services. As long as I can safely interact with your pet and provide the services you request, I have no problem spending extra time to offer them the same quality of care I would any other pet. I will inform you of any concerns that arise throughout the booking and can offer suggestions that I have found helped in similar experiences. I will always outline your preferred emergency clinic and the circumstances in which you want me to transfer your animal into emergency care before the start of service. I understand leaving your pet is stressful, so I love to send updates and photos throughout my services!
Information Emily M. would like to know about your pet
Let me know if your animals have any special needs, handicaps, diet restrictions, triggers, or medications that will need extra attention during care times or consultations. Please also inform me of any behaviors that I will need to manage when I am with them, especially for escape artists!
A typical day
I prefer to balance activity between physical and mental stimulation. I can provide multiple options for mental enrichment activities that allow your animals to display natural behaviors in a safe and fun way. Some common options include frozen treats, puzzle toys with or without food, and scent buffets. If you prefer, I can offer short training sessions of 10-20 minutes depending on the animal's enjoyment and engagement that focus on basic obedience or any commands you specify an interest in. I do not allow animals in my care off-leash for any reason, as often I find they are much less likely to return to me even if they do so reliably for their parents. Instead, I offer long-line exercises where they can frolic and run attached to a 30 or 50-ft lead. This ensures I still have a safe amount of control over where your pet wanders while allowing more enthusiastic dogs to run around to their heart's content. If you have any activities you know your kids are fond of, please let me know! My goal is to make their day look as normal as possible while you are away.
Emily M.
Ames, IA