Before caring for someone’s pets, it’s important for me to know as much as possible about their individual needs and routines. This includes: Medical history: Any current or past health conditions, medications, allergies, or physical limitations. Behavioral traits: How they react to strangers, other animals, loud noises, or new environments. Are they shy, anxious, reactive, or high-energy? Feeding routine: What they eat, how often, any food sensitivities, and if they have specific mealtime rituals or quirks. Bathroom habits: Their normal potty schedule and any signals they use to let someone know they need to go out (or litter box preferences for cats). Exercise and play needs: What types of activities they enjoy and how much physical or mental stimulation they need. Training cues: What commands they know, how they respond to redirection or praise, and any ongoing training goals. Comfort items: Favorite toys, beds, blankets, or routines that help them feel safe and secure. Emergency contacts: Their primary vet information and what to do if something unexpected comes up. Knowing all of this helps me provide the safest, most personalized, and stress-free care possible for each pet—just like I would for my own.

When I watch pets, I love to tailor our activities to each animal’s personality, age, and energy level. For dogs, that might mean going on stimulating walks, playing fetch, working on simple training commands, or using enrichment games like puzzle toys and scent work to keep their minds engaged. For high-energy pups, I make sure they get plenty of playtime and structured exercise, while older dogs benefit from gentle strolls and extra cuddles. With cats, I focus on enrichment and comfort—whether that’s interactive play with feather wands and laser pointers, setting up cozy window spots for birdwatching, or just spending quiet time petting and talking to them (if they enjoy company). I’m also a big fan of clicker training for cats, which can be a fun way to build trust and provide mental stimulation. Above all, I make sure each pet feels safe, loved, and engaged while their family is away. Whether it’s a game, a walk, or a quiet snuggle session, I match the activity to what makes each pet happiest.