Erin S.
Eugene, OR
Zookeeper for hire!
Pet care experience
(Please note - I am currently not petsitting due to being abroad. Please message me if you are a former client and have any questions or wish to contact me.) Hello! I am an experienced zookeeper, former humane society kennel technician, and former ranch hand. As I'm looking to work "closer to home," I am temporarily stepping back from my career and am taking petsitting gigs in and around Eugene/Springfield. I have extensive experience with not only domestic dogs, cats, birds, and livestock, but also with large predators, marine mammals, small mammals, reptiles/herps, and a massive variety of bird species and orders. I have a Bachelor's of Science degree in Zoology from Oregon State University and have worked at institutions including Oregon Zoo (Portland, OR), Tracy Aviary (Salt Lake, UT), Chintimini Wildlife Center (Corvallis, OR), and Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium (Tacoma, WA). I have also worked as a kennel technician at Greenhill Humane Society. Further experience includes years as a wildlife rehabilitator volunteer and as working in farm settings with animals such as horses, donkeys, goats, sheep, and poultry. I've taken several professional workshops in positive reinforcement based animal training as well as numerous in-facility courses. All in all, I have been pet-sitting intermittently for at least 10 years. All of my work is conducted with care, respect, patience, and attention to detail.
Reviews
Erin was amazing!! Our dogs were happy and so well cared for. Would highly recommend her.
Erin was absolutely amazing! Our dogs aren’t easy and especially hesitant with new people. Erin took the time to come meet the pups beforehand and took a lot of time to get to know the pups and their unique needs. By the end of the first day she was sending pictures of our dogs cuddling with her on the couch. I truly felt comfortable with her being in our home and taking great care of our dogs.
Erin is wonderful! We knew our fur babies would be in good hands from the first meeting, and she did not disappoint by keeping us well informed and updated with photos of the babies having a blast.
Erin has been so great with our senior dog. She is caring and compassionate as well as reliable. We have booked her multiple times and would highly recommend her.
About Erin S.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
My work is conducted with an emphasis on quality of life - all life, at a minimum, deserves access to a clean, comfortable living space, clean water, regular and good nutrition, and mental enrichment. I deliver the same level of care to all animals in my care, from polar bears down to housecats. Your pet is cared for with the ultimate level of professionalism (and, of course, chin scratches). Additionally, your home and private space will be treated with the ultimate respect and right to privacy.
Information Erin S. would like to know about your pet
When you book me, we'll first schedule a free at home consultation where I meet you, your pets, and take notes on your daily routine. Both you and I reserve the right to not proceed with booking if it doesn't look like a good fit - zero hard feelings. We'll go over your animal's behavioral and individual history, personality, preferred routine, medical needs, and much more. During this time we can also go over house and caretaking needs if need be. I am more than happy to collect mail, care for plants, or conduct other household tasks.
A typical day
For an in-house job I will be living out of your home to provide your pet with near-constant companionship. From the time I wake up to the time I go to bed, the vast majority of time will be spent with your animal - either on walks, playing, or just lounging together. It all depends on what your animal is used to and needs! I do require that all animals on walks stay on leash. We will also not go to dog parks unless very specifically requested. I enjoy walks around the neighborhood, backyard romps, and long scenic hikes. Depending on your animal's comfort, I would love to bring them out into nature! I may leave the house and your animal for short intervals (grocery trips, errands) on an as-needed basis. However, for the most part I will be working out of your home as a "home base."
Services
Erin can watch in your home
Availability
I am available for in-house petsitting on a regular basis every day of the week. I may not be available for specific stretches of time if I am otherwise booked or out of state, but my schedule is very flexible. I am more than willing to travel for work! If your location is outside my range, feel free to message and talk to me about it.
About Erin S.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
My work is conducted with an emphasis on quality of life - all life, at a minimum, deserves access to a clean, comfortable living space, clean water, regular and good nutrition, and mental enrichment. I deliver the same level of care to all animals in my care, from polar bears down to housecats. Your pet is cared for with the ultimate level of professionalism (and, of course, chin scratches). Additionally, your home and private space will be treated with the ultimate respect and right to privacy.
Information Erin S. would like to know about your pet
When you book me, we'll first schedule a free at home consultation where I meet you, your pets, and take notes on your daily routine. Both you and I reserve the right to not proceed with booking if it doesn't look like a good fit - zero hard feelings. We'll go over your animal's behavioral and individual history, personality, preferred routine, medical needs, and much more. During this time we can also go over house and caretaking needs if need be. I am more than happy to collect mail, care for plants, or conduct other household tasks.
A typical day
For an in-house job I will be living out of your home to provide your pet with near-constant companionship. From the time I wake up to the time I go to bed, the vast majority of time will be spent with your animal - either on walks, playing, or just lounging together. It all depends on what your animal is used to and needs! I do require that all animals on walks stay on leash. We will also not go to dog parks unless very specifically requested. I enjoy walks around the neighborhood, backyard romps, and long scenic hikes. Depending on your animal's comfort, I would love to bring them out into nature! I may leave the house and your animal for short intervals (grocery trips, errands) on an as-needed basis. However, for the most part I will be working out of your home as a "home base."
Location
Eugene, OR
Erin S.
Eugene, OR