PLEASE, let me know ahead of time if your pet is sick, has triggers for anything from doorbell anxiety to resource guarding to living room puddles, or whether they have a preference of food or treat that motivates them to eat/take medicine. If your dog is reactive, I need to know what basic actions/stimuli to avoid, and what can work as an immediate easy solution, even a temporary one. If your pet has a history of aggression toward people outside or other dogs, I understand it might feel scary to be upfront about this. You're worried that if you're honest, I won't want to take care of your dog. Here's how I see it: if I'm not the right fit, I'll let you know sooner rather than later, and I won't take on a booking that I don't feel confident about my ability to stay safe. If your pet truly is too much of a risk to be cared for by not just me, but anyone, that is a sign to maybe rethink your trip before figuring out a resolution or middle ground. Everyone has their limits--e.g. physically walking a full-grown mastiff is not in my wheelhouse--but I have seen enough Cesar Millan to know that a dog that's barking in distress or growling at a person on their bike is often just scared, reliving a traumatic experience, and/or in protect-and-defend mode. Having this conversation BEFORE I am alone with your dog/cat will help keep everyone safe! If your pet has a history of hiding or "disappearing" in the home, give me a heads-up--as well as how to know whether they've actually escaped, or whether they have a doggie door, or whether they are simply in one of many closets or hidey holes. If they are microchipped, share with me the number and what service you are registered with, as well as steps to take to track them down ASAP--in case of the worst case scenario (a pet has never escaped on my watch, but one hears stories!). Vet or emergency information is critical too, so make sure this is up to date in the app. On a most serious note, please make sure that when you are booking care for your pet that you are fully accommodating their basic needs during your absence. Have enough fresh food, doggie bags, litter, and/or toys to keep them occupied when alone. Remember that every dog, no matter the breed or age, needs at least two potty breaks (and ideally, two full, 20ish-minute walks) per day. If you are a dog parent, please reconsider booking a multi-day trip while only requesting once-a-day 30-minute drop-in visits. A dog who is only allowed outside once in a 24-hour period will almost inevitably have accidents, tear up the furniture, or get an infection from holding their pee/poop for so long. A 30-minute drop-in visit does not even allow time for a full walk, plus feeding/freshening water, cleaning, and/or playtime. Those visits, in my opinion, are best for dogs that can be "let out the back" to do their thing and come back in when done. Squeezing a walk into a 30-minute visit isn't impossible in certain circumstances, but it becomes a big deal when that's their only breath of fresh air in an entire day. A bare-bones visit schedule for any pet but especially a dog is a red flag for me, as understimulated dogs (and cats, and humans!) tend to exhibit more problematic behaviors, which of course become my problem as the human responsible for them, and speak to a larger pattern. Let's all make sure we're on the same team, and providing as best as we can for our beloved pets who deserve it. In the (very rare) situations when I've had clients who do not seem able or willing to provide the kind of home and care their pets need, to a level that I believe constitutes neglect, I have had to decline bookings and/or make reports to Rover. If there is a pattern of concerning things, we sitters do document this for the safety and well-being of your pet and everyone on this platform. This is how much I care about your animals. At the end of the day, animal welfare>human comfort. I never want to shame anyone, and if you're insecure about your messy home, that's one thing--I will always empathize first and judge second. If you are crating and muzzling your high-energy dog for most of the day, or leaving your cat in a tiny room without access to their litterbox, I won't participate or be complicit in that kind of situation. I keep it real for every animal species. And I'm always open to talk with someone who asks for help. <3 I hope you have a great, stress-free and delightful time away from home, even if you can't bring your animal companion. Be prepared and help prepare me before you go, and it's all good, baby!

For dog owners: Let's go to the nearest dog park, for a meandering walk, or if you’d rather we just toss around a stick in the fenced-in backyard, that’s fine too! I like to take dogs to places where there's a little novelty and time to socialize with other dogs, like a designated dog park. (This would be the only time I would allow your dog off leash, FYI.) I have also taken pups into stores like Pet Supplies Plus to get special treats, or hung out with them on a dog-friendly patio at a coffeeshop. Note: I will NEVER leave dogs tied up outside nor bring them into spaces that are not for dogs (supermarkets, etc) so if I am not 100% sure I can go into an indoor establishment, I do not bring the dog in the first place. For dogs that are a little lower-energy or can't do a full-length walk, I will follow the path of least resistance and of course, your instructions/recommendations. Please again let me know what simply low-energy looks like vs. an unusual level of fatigue--I can read dogs well, but they and cats are known for trying to "play down" their pain. For kitties, I will happily engage them, talk to them, and play with them as much as they please or don't please. As the owner of a 3-year-old cat who hasn't outgrown her kitten stage, I can say that playing with her is one of the great joys of my day-to-day life! If you're cool with it, I may put on "cat/dog TV" for cats who are more interested in watching an exciting show than playing with me directly. Don't worry, I will intervene before the TV gets knocked over :D