I have had about 5 years of dog care experience and 10 years of cat care experience. When I was 13, my family adopted a cat and I was taught the responsibility of cleaning the litter box, getting him on a food schedule, playing with him and ensuring he uses a scratch pad. When I turned 18, I decided to try out dog sitting for a few neighbors where I had to walk them twice a day, get up early to feed them and then come home during my lunch breaks to let them out (and occasionally walk them again during this time, just depended). From this, I advertised a bit by word of mouth and received a few takers but with the stipulation that I stayed at their house. I love going to the client because not only does their pet not have to leave their comfortable environment they are accustomed to, but also because their house does not have to sit idle while they are away. I thoroughly clean up after the animals and especially after myself - nothing is worse than coming back from a vacation and having to clean up after the sitter. I like to make it look like I was not there at all! I have dog sat for a wide age range and a species range of dogs - from golden retriever puppies to adult German shepherds to middle age Yorkies, Chihuahuas, and pugs to a grand Pomeranian puppy - I accept them all! I will give the same care, if not better, for someone else's dog than I do mine.