Gretchen M.
Oxnard, CA
Services
Prices include all fees.
Gretchen can host
Gretchen can care for
Availability
I have used Rover sitting services in the past. Recently, I began working from home, so I am now offering my services as a sitter now that I can be available for the most part of the day and nights. Some days do require meetings or errands so in the event that comes up, we can discuss in advance how to handle. I can also bring your dog for a ride-along in these cases if possible and if they do well in cars. I live next to the beach and would love to take your pooch for a stroll or play some ball or even a swim if mom and dad allow it. I would be happy to day-sit for those working long hours and/or find some regular clients so I can build a relationship with your pet(s). I will strictly follow all rules given to me by pooch parents, as I know both pets and people have their quirks! I am open to watching more than one dog from the same home. I will never have another clients pets in my home when yours are booked to stay, unless and in case of an emergency and where I have your approval. Your pet(s) will have my undivided attention.
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About Gretchen M.
Communication
Dog skills
Safety, trust & environment
I am the only human in my househould. On occasion, I will have a visitor. I have a doggy door in the house and dog beds for your dogs use, although, I may allow them up on the couch or in the bed with me if that's what they are allowed to do at home. I have tennis balls and chuck-its for playing, as well as some toys, but best of all, the beach is only one short block away! We can take a nice long walk on the sidewalks or on the beach. My home has faux wood flooring (more of a tile laminate) and an area carpet. I have a nice cement back yard about 12 by 80 feet long where your dog and I can play and/or sun bathe. Your pet would be by my side and taken for outings if they are up to it. If they are not up for outings, they will have access to a doggy door 24/7. For cat parents, I also have cat beds and kitty toys as well as a place to set your baby's own litter box so they can have the smells of their own home! (Due to owner's allergies, some litter products may need to be swapped. Most clumping litters are okay.)
Home
Information Gretchen M. would like to know about your pet
I would like to know everything you can tell me about your dog or cat so I have an idea of their personality. Most important to me would be to know your pet's temperament. I would like to know how your dog is around other dogs so that I can have an idea during our first walks together what to expect and how much to let them interact. I would like to know how your dog is on leash with dogs that are off leash. I am interested in knowing your pet's idiosyncrasies, what they like, dislike, if they have any food or other allergies and what medications they are taking, if any. It would be important to know if they have ever been aggressive, things that may make them aggressive, and their nature just for everyone's safety overall. I would want an overview of their medical history, vet information and guidance on owners wishes or backup in the event of an emergency.
A typical day
We can walk alongside the harbor mouth up to the jetty at Silverstrand Beach. We can watch sunsets there. We can walk along the shoreline on the beach or we can take a walk through the neighborhood on the sidewalks. I can play ball or frisbee with your dog in a safe area, either outdoors or in my back yard which is about 12 x 80 feet in area. I am happy to take your dog to nearby Peninsula Park, just a short drive away or doggy park along Victoria Avenue by Channel Islands Sport Fishing, both areas of which have lots of green grass. In addition to play time, we can lounge and sun in areas and just enjoy the outdoors.
Location
Oxnard, CA
Pets
24/7 Availability for Furry Friends
Pet care experience
I've been a pet-owner since I became an adult, also growing up with pets as a child. My first pet as an adult was my cat, Carpet, who I acquired in the aftermath of the 1994 earthquake. Carpet lived with me for 20 years. During that time my cat, Rocky (aka Rocky Raccoon), joined us as a kitten. And when my neighbors’ dog Roxy needed a home due to her adoptive dad's ill health, I took her in. I adopted Roxy, my Staffordshire Terrier, when she was about 5 years old. I took great initiative to make sure she and the cats got along. Carpet, being older, liked her own space, but after she passed, Roxy and Rocky became forever friends (much like Warner Brothers' Tom & Jerry)! Both Rocky and I were devastated when we lost Roxy in the summer of 2018 at 14 years old. Roxy had struggled with many health issues and had been losing the use of her hind legs for a couple of years prior to that dreaded day. Taking care of Roxy taught me patience and a strong will to match her own. I learned how to care for an invalid and still make her smile. I know the expectations of senior dog care. I know it's hard to leave your senior dog, or any dog, in the care of a new person, but I can assure you that your dog will receive love and attention tailored to his or her needs. For active dogs, we can take a stroll to the jetty or a walk along the beach...all steps from my home.... or play ball in the park or a nearby field...or my back yard which has a nice run! On July 7, 2025, my dear cat Rocky passed away at the age of 20 from Chronic Kidney Disease. I took very meticulous care of her after her diagnosis to help her live her best life while managing the disease. When she was gone, it was the first time in my adult life that I lived in a home without a pet. I have not been ready to get another pet of my own, but I so miss having them around. That’s why I have opened up my home and offered my services to other pet owners. I know how hard it is to find the right fit and a person you can trust. I hope to be the kind of sitter I would have wanted for my own pets. I would love to have the company of your companion while you are away and provide them with a nice vacation home. *Please note: i am happy to travel further for House Sitting bookings or have your pet come to me. For Drop-In Visits and Dog Walking, I serve my local areas only in order to keep my prices low. Feel free to message me with any question. Thank you!
Cat care experience
Gretchen also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Reviews
Gretchen was so great. Gave us constant updates and I could tell the girls loved hanging out with her.
We had such a great experience with Gretchen! We were visiting from out of town, and she really went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable. She was super thorough, very communicative, and just an all-around kind, friendly person. We always felt in the loop and confident everything was being taken care of. It’s such a relief to find someone you can fully trust with your pet, especially when you’re not local. We’ll definitely be using her again!
Gretchen was wonderful! She watched our cat and dog while we backpacked the Channel Islands. She sent us updates and pictures of them while we were away, and we felt so relaxed knowing they were in a loving home. She walked our high energy husky multiple times a day, which was so great, and she gave genuine love and attention to both our girls. Very grateful for her and will definitely use her services again if we are back in the area! Thank you, again, Gretchen!
Gretchen was GREAT!! She kept us posted with photos throughout her stay with our furry family. They were well taken care of and the house was left nice and clean. Thank you Getchen.
About Gretchen M.
Communication
Dog skills
Safety, trust & environment
I am the only human in my househould. On occasion, I will have a visitor. I have a doggy door in the house and dog beds for your dogs use, although, I may allow them up on the couch or in the bed with me if that's what they are allowed to do at home. I have tennis balls and chuck-its for playing, as well as some toys, but best of all, the beach is only one short block away! We can take a nice long walk on the sidewalks or on the beach. My home has faux wood flooring (more of a tile laminate) and an area carpet. I have a nice cement back yard about 12 by 80 feet long where your dog and I can play and/or sun bathe. Your pet would be by my side and taken for outings if they are up to it. If they are not up for outings, they will have access to a doggy door 24/7. For cat parents, I also have cat beds and kitty toys as well as a place to set your baby's own litter box so they can have the smells of their own home! (Due to owner's allergies, some litter products may need to be swapped. Most clumping litters are okay.)
Home
Information Gretchen M. would like to know about your pet
I would like to know everything you can tell me about your dog or cat so I have an idea of their personality. Most important to me would be to know your pet's temperament. I would like to know how your dog is around other dogs so that I can have an idea during our first walks together what to expect and how much to let them interact. I would like to know how your dog is on leash with dogs that are off leash. I am interested in knowing your pet's idiosyncrasies, what they like, dislike, if they have any food or other allergies and what medications they are taking, if any. It would be important to know if they have ever been aggressive, things that may make them aggressive, and their nature just for everyone's safety overall. I would want an overview of their medical history, vet information and guidance on owners wishes or backup in the event of an emergency.
A typical day
We can walk alongside the harbor mouth up to the jetty at Silverstrand Beach. We can watch sunsets there. We can walk along the shoreline on the beach or we can take a walk through the neighborhood on the sidewalks. I can play ball or frisbee with your dog in a safe area, either outdoors or in my back yard which is about 12 x 80 feet in area. I am happy to take your dog to nearby Peninsula Park, just a short drive away or doggy park along Victoria Avenue by Channel Islands Sport Fishing, both areas of which have lots of green grass. In addition to play time, we can lounge and sun in areas and just enjoy the outdoors.
Gretchen M.
Oxnard, CA