Gina S.
Elmhurst, IL
Experienced and Flexible Pet Care
Pet care experience
I know firsthand that leaving you pet for the first time (or anytime after that) can come with a handful of concerns, and after all, why wouldn't it? Our furry friends quickly become parts of our families, and when we go away, I know how important knowing your pets are in good hands is to enjoying your trip! Because of that, when caring for other people's animals, I treat them like I would if they were my own, and make their comfort and safety my top priority. I've been surrounded by animals all my life, and have 12+ years experience working with animals in various capacities. Some of my experience includes: - Walking dogs in my neighborhood, including for family members, friends, and other members of the community - Petsitting and providing overnight/constant care for cats, dogs, chickens, birds, hamsters, rabbits, lizards, ferrets, etc - Working in a cat shelter preforming tasks that include socializing, grooming, and medicating cats. I am a trained medical volunteer, and am experienced working with feral/semi-feral cats as well. - Working with a humane society to walk, feed, and care for animals that are in the shelter as well as teaching animal safety at children's camps in the shelter - Working with dogs that have a history of aggression or other behavioral issues - Red Cross certification in Cat and Dog First Aid, and I always carry a pet first aid kit with me I work from home as a web designer, so my schedule is flexible, and can be built around what you need. I’m fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and am following all suggested protocols in order to ensure safety for my clients. Please contact me with any questions you may have! I look forward to watching your pets for you! As someone who predominantly works from home, I’m more than happy to follow whatever your pet’s usual schedule is in order to ensure they have continuity even when you’re away. I spend my days (and my evenings, if housesitting) taking care of animals, and build my schedule around the needs of the animals I’m taking care of. When I’m caring for pets, I strive to keep their routine as normal as possible in order to ensure they’re as comfortable as they can be while you’re away. I also take time to learn about each individual pet, noting their likes and dislikes, as well as any anxiety triggers or stressors, so I can provide a fun filled and stress free experience for them while they’re in my care.
Reviews
Gina responded very quickly and was prompt. My dog loved her.
Great experience. It's clear Gina loves dogs and they responded well to her.
This was the 1st time that we entrusted the care of our 3 dogs with someone and Gina made the entire experience flawless. I cannot express how wonderful Gina was with our dogs. She truly is a dog whisperer!!
Gina responded so quickly and really helped us in a bind! She communicated well and sent pictures of our pup! It was a pleasure to work with her and we’d love to use her services again soon.
About Gina S.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I strive to spend as much time as possible getting to know and building trust with the animals that I work with, and work to keep their schedule and routine as normal as possible, while incorporating lots of playtime, affection, and attention!
Information Gina S. would like to know about your pet
When I pet sit, I like to know the following: 1) Does the dog have any allergies or anything they can't be around? 2) What is your dog's personality/temperament like? Do I need to meet them first for them to feel comfortable with me, or will they be okay with me coming into your house the first day I watch them with no prior introduction? 3) Does your dog have any behavioral quirks? (This won't deter me from watching your dog, I just like to know ahead of time so I can plan ahead to ensure your dog is as comfortable with me as they can be). 4) Does your dog need any medications? If so, what, when, and in what quantity? 5) What are your dog's favorite treats/toys? I have no preference in breed, and have worked with dogs of all sizes, ranging from miniature yorkshire terriers to great danes/huskies/etc. I also have experience working specifically with pit bulls.
A typical day
I'm happy to schedule my day around what your dog needs! If they're active and high energy, I'm more than happy to take them for walks around the neighborhood, through local parks and forest preserves, or wherever you usually walk them! I'm also willing to go to dog parks/beaches/etc so they can play, swim, and interact with other animals as well. I also will bring treats (if the dog can have them) and some new toys for them to play with so they stay occupied and having fun while you're gone!
Services
Gina can watch in your home
Availability
I work from home, so when house sitting, I can spend time with the pets, and fit in walks and drop in visits as needed throughout my days on both weekdays and weekends.
About Gina S.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I strive to spend as much time as possible getting to know and building trust with the animals that I work with, and work to keep their schedule and routine as normal as possible, while incorporating lots of playtime, affection, and attention!
Information Gina S. would like to know about your pet
When I pet sit, I like to know the following: 1) Does the dog have any allergies or anything they can't be around? 2) What is your dog's personality/temperament like? Do I need to meet them first for them to feel comfortable with me, or will they be okay with me coming into your house the first day I watch them with no prior introduction? 3) Does your dog have any behavioral quirks? (This won't deter me from watching your dog, I just like to know ahead of time so I can plan ahead to ensure your dog is as comfortable with me as they can be). 4) Does your dog need any medications? If so, what, when, and in what quantity? 5) What are your dog's favorite treats/toys? I have no preference in breed, and have worked with dogs of all sizes, ranging from miniature yorkshire terriers to great danes/huskies/etc. I also have experience working specifically with pit bulls.
A typical day
I'm happy to schedule my day around what your dog needs! If they're active and high energy, I'm more than happy to take them for walks around the neighborhood, through local parks and forest preserves, or wherever you usually walk them! I'm also willing to go to dog parks/beaches/etc so they can play, swim, and interact with other animals as well. I also will bring treats (if the dog can have them) and some new toys for them to play with so they stay occupied and having fun while you're gone!
Location
Elmhurst, IL
Gina S.
Elmhurst, IL