I know firsthand that leaving you pet for the first time (or anytime thereafter) can be nerve-racking, and after all, why wouldn't it be? Our furry friends are part of our families, and knowing that they’re in trustworthy and reliable hands when we aren’t around is important. When you leave me to care for your pets, their comfort and safety is my priority, and I’ll always care for and love them as if they were my own. I’ve been surrounded by animals my entire life, and have worked in the pet care industry for over 14 years. Working with animals is my passion, and when I’m not housesitting, you can find me volunteering with local animal rescues or bringing foster animals into my home until we can find their perfect forever family. I have an experience working with a wide variety of animals, and specialize in working with dogs that have fearful, reactive, and aggressive tendencies. I believe that every dog deserves to be cared for by someone who’s willing to invest the time it takes to understand them, and I make it a point to allow your pup to set the pace to ensure that they feel as safe as possible while getting to know me. Over the years I’ve also completed multiple Fear Free certifications, and am a certified Fear Free pet sitter, trainer, and boarding & daycare provider. In addition to those certifications, I also have extensive experience caring for senior pets and pets that have medical conditions including diabetes, epilepsy, kidney disease, FIV, loss of hearing/vision, and arthritis. I am able to administer medication as needed, including insulin and subcutaneous fluids. Your pet’s safety and health come first when they’re in my care, and I always carry a well stocked pet first aid kit with me, and am certified in pet CPR and first aid. Beyond my experience with dogs and cats, I’m also well versed in caring for exotic animals. Exotic animals often have a unique set of needs, and my experience with having exotic pets of my own through the years (including rabbits, hamsters, birds, guinea pigs, ferrets, turtles, snakes, a bearded dragon, and a gecko) has equipped me with the knowledge of how to properly care for exotic pets, as well as what signs to watch for that would indicate stress/illness/etc. Outside of pet care, I run a web development business and predominantly work from home. I can generally build my schedule in a way that accommodates your pets needs and maintains the schedule that they’re used to. I am also a night owl and am able to provide late night walks and drop in visits for anyone who may need it (service industry professionals/medical professionals/those who work third shift/etc). When it comes to meeting prospective clients, I prioritize taking time to learn about each individual pet, noting their likes and dislikes, as well as any triggers or stressors, so I can provide a fun filled and stress free experience for them while they’re in my care. Additionally, for your peace of mine, I carry my own personal petsitting and boarding insurance in addition to the coverage that Rover offers as well.