Emma R.
Barcroft, Arlington, VA
Services
Prices may vary based on your selections. A booking fee of 11% will apply.
Emma can care for
Availability
I have full availability on Friday and Saturdays. Sundays I am usually busy from 8am-3pm. As for Tuesdays-Thursdays I am available throughout the morning up to 12pm and then my availability reopens at 6:30pm-7pm. I'm specifically looking for housesitting/pet-sitting jobs!
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About Emma R.
Communication
Dog skills
Safety, trust & environment
I believe that they way a person treats animals reveals their true character so I go out of my way to show honor, patience and tender love to all animals, no matter there species or personalities. I will prioritize creating a calm, safe, and loving environment for every animal. I will also follow all rules and routines to ensure that every animal under my care is comfortable and not thrown off. In a client’s home, I will maintain their established feeding schedules, exercise routines, and any training or behavioral expectations the owner has in place. I make sure water is always fresh, the space stays clean, and the pet receives plenty of attention and any reassurance they need. I’m attentive to body language and comfort levels, and I adjust my interactions to match each animal’s personality and needs. Safety is always my top priority. I double‑check doors, gates, and enclosures, monitor for any signs of stress or illness, and ensure that walks, playtime, and outdoor time are supervised and appropriate for the pet’s age, energy level, and temperament. I also keep owners updated with messages and photos so they feel confident and connected while they’re away. My goal is for every pet to feel safe, loved, and genuinely cared for, and for every owner to know their animal is in trustworthy, capable hands.
Information Emma R. would like to know about your pet
For me, I would prefer to know ahead of time if the dog is still a puppy of course. Puppies require more attentiveness, training and patience which I'm all there for. Preparing for that ahead of time does help. Also, if the dog has more aggressive tendencies and what to expect during walks and other interactions with people, dogs and other animals. I would also like to know ahead of time realistically how much attention they need so I can double check that I will be able to fulfill that. I do my best to keep my availability open during sittings but I still work and have some commitments and I do not want to accept any job if I will not be able to meet the requirements.
A typical day
When I’m dog‑sitting I usually mix in a variety of activities depending on their energy level and personality. I usually go for things like playing fetch or tug-of-war, going on long sniff‑walks, doing little training refreshers, or setting up simple enrichment games like “find it” or treat puzzles. I have spent time watching my older sister's crazy hyper Australian Shepard who only wants to play fetch and tear up the yard or else he will explode and I also live with my own little old lady, Tu who just wants to cuddle in my lap and sleep all day long. As for cats, I know when to give the space and when to engage them with neck scratches and some fun with a feather toy. I have interacted with cats who are very friendly and social such as my sister's cat, Stiles and have watched two of my Grandmother's cats who hide behind the washing machine when someone new comes around. I understand that cats can be very sensitive and unreceptive at times and I am completely adaptable to that. I know how to slowly build their trust without overstepping.
Location
Arlington, VA
Pets
Reliable Pet Companion
Pet care experience
I’ve grown up surrounded by animals my entire life — from our childhood Irish Setter, Sadie, to our five cats and three birds. Beyond family pets, I’ve also cared for my own animals, including my boss’s elderly Chihuahua, Tu, who is now a sweet 15‑year‑old “little old lady” that I look after entirely, as well as my pony, Sea Star. I bottle‑fed Sea Star as a child, trained him to ride, and taught him to pull a cart throughout high school. I have hands-on experience caring for a wide range of animals. I dog‑sat for our neighbors for two summers, managing their eight rescue dogs with no issues. I also volunteered to feed and care for a friend’s 13 horses once a week, morning and night, throughout an entire winter. Over the years, I’ve taken responsibility for all of our family pets as well. I’m comfortable with animals of every temperament, size, and background, and many people say I have a natural ability to get animals to warm up to me quickly. I treat every animal as a valuable, sentient creature deserving of respect, patience, and kindness. My priority is always to make them feel safe, loved, and well cared for.
Cat care experience
Emma also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Reviews
Emma R. cancelled a booking 2 days before it was scheduled to begin.
Emma was fantastic. She was super responsive and kept us updated on our dogs throughout our entire trip. She went above and beyond for our pups and 100% will be booking her again!
Would highly recommend! She was very calm and had no complaints walking my very hyper, bad on a leash Aussie puppy. I've actually noticed a difference when I take him on walks and he has improved a lot ever since she started walking him. She is very easy-going and responded back to me very promptly.
Emma has watched my dog multiple times and he now acts like he loves her more than me which is saying a lot as my chihuahua mix is very timid and acts very sacred towards people he does not know. She is very sweet, gentle and makes him feel safe. She is also very communicative, timely and I have never felt worried at all with her watching him. I would highly suggest her to anyone needing a sitter/walker.
About Emma R.
Communication
Dog skills
Safety, trust & environment
I believe that they way a person treats animals reveals their true character so I go out of my way to show honor, patience and tender love to all animals, no matter there species or personalities. I will prioritize creating a calm, safe, and loving environment for every animal. I will also follow all rules and routines to ensure that every animal under my care is comfortable and not thrown off. In a client’s home, I will maintain their established feeding schedules, exercise routines, and any training or behavioral expectations the owner has in place. I make sure water is always fresh, the space stays clean, and the pet receives plenty of attention and any reassurance they need. I’m attentive to body language and comfort levels, and I adjust my interactions to match each animal’s personality and needs. Safety is always my top priority. I double‑check doors, gates, and enclosures, monitor for any signs of stress or illness, and ensure that walks, playtime, and outdoor time are supervised and appropriate for the pet’s age, energy level, and temperament. I also keep owners updated with messages and photos so they feel confident and connected while they’re away. My goal is for every pet to feel safe, loved, and genuinely cared for, and for every owner to know their animal is in trustworthy, capable hands.
Information Emma R. would like to know about your pet
For me, I would prefer to know ahead of time if the dog is still a puppy of course. Puppies require more attentiveness, training and patience which I'm all there for. Preparing for that ahead of time does help. Also, if the dog has more aggressive tendencies and what to expect during walks and other interactions with people, dogs and other animals. I would also like to know ahead of time realistically how much attention they need so I can double check that I will be able to fulfill that. I do my best to keep my availability open during sittings but I still work and have some commitments and I do not want to accept any job if I will not be able to meet the requirements.
A typical day
When I’m dog‑sitting I usually mix in a variety of activities depending on their energy level and personality. I usually go for things like playing fetch or tug-of-war, going on long sniff‑walks, doing little training refreshers, or setting up simple enrichment games like “find it” or treat puzzles. I have spent time watching my older sister's crazy hyper Australian Shepard who only wants to play fetch and tear up the yard or else he will explode and I also live with my own little old lady, Tu who just wants to cuddle in my lap and sleep all day long. As for cats, I know when to give the space and when to engage them with neck scratches and some fun with a feather toy. I have interacted with cats who are very friendly and social such as my sister's cat, Stiles and have watched two of my Grandmother's cats who hide behind the washing machine when someone new comes around. I understand that cats can be very sensitive and unreceptive at times and I am completely adaptable to that. I know how to slowly build their trust without overstepping.
Emma R.
Barcroft, Arlington, VA