Heather H.
Upper Lawrenceville, PA
Pets love to staycation with me!
Pet care experience
I became a full-time professional pet- and house-sitter in July 2021. I moved to Pittsburgh in 2001 and it remains my homebase where I spend about 50% of my time, but I also get many referrals to work in Ohio, Philadelphia, Maryland, and North Carolina. Since the majority of my time is spent sitting in the homes of others, I gave up my own residence a couple of years ago and became a nomad of sorts. The great thing about this for pet parents is that I'm never worried about stopping back to my home to check on anything, collect mail, deal with maintenance of any kind, etc - your home will actually 100% be my home for the duration of my stay! Prior to beginning pet care professionally, I had both cats and dogs growing up. I also pet-sit for friends regularly. I quickly make friends with most animals and I am especially known for winning over choosy pets who don't like many people or strangers. Many of my clients actually schedule their time away from home around my availability because of how bonded their pets become to me! I will do everything I can to make sure your furry friend is happy and comfortable on a little staycation of its own while you're away, so you can travel worry-free. A few notes about my rates: -The prices quoted here reflect standard care, e.g., staying overnight, offering 2-3 feedings, doing a morning/midday/night walk or potty break, scooping litter once per day, regular snuggles and some playtime. Before I confirm these rates for bookings, though, I will need to learn more about the needs of your pet(s). E.g., Are they on medications; if so, how are they administered and how often? How many potty breaks or walks will they need per day? How long can they be left alone? Do they sleep through the night? Is it common for them to have accidents in the home that need cleaned up? Is any grooming care needed? -In addition to the above, I will also aim to have a clear sense of what level of home care is desired. E.g., Collecting mail and keeping an eye for packages? Washing used linens? Sanitizing kitchen and bathroom before departure? Vacuuming, sweeping, or mopping? Trash or recycling days? Plant care? Any outdoor tasks (e.g., water plants or grass, snow removal)? -I welcome sitting opportunities of any length. If you're scheduling a trip of 10+ days, we can discuss a discounted daily rate.
Reviews
Heather was absolutely amazing! With a senior dog with some medical issues we had her come stay in our house while we were away. She followed all instructions and gave us a daily update of cuteness with a picture. All of the dogs meds were administered and he got a daily walk. I would absolutely recommend Heather to others.
Heather has stayed with my very energetic young pup several times and is always great!
There are not enough words to explain how amazing and truly incredible Heather is!!! We have 4 dogs with 4 different personalities and needs. It was instant love for her by them! It would be your dogs loss if you don’t use her services! She’s an amazing person and true dog lover!
Heather was fantastic. 10/10 would (will) book again!
About Heather H.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I will do my best to keep their eating and bathroom break schedule on their normal routine while you are away. I will gladly snuggle them at night in bed if your pets are permitted on the furniture and can ensure observing any rules of the house in relation to where the pet can/can't access. I'm a tidy person who is known by my clients for high-quality care of both the pets and the home. In my college days, I worked as a hotel housekeeper and it taught me to be a neat freak. In general you can expect to find your place the way you left it if I sit for you! I send at least one check-in per day that includes photos to make sure you get a daily dose of cuteness and know that all is well! I can arrange for this check-in to occur at whatever time works best for you. I'm typically a speedy responder to other messages, too, though I do silence my phone while I sleep and occasionally during brief parts of the day, e.g., for meditation, yoga, or virtual meetings. Some clients are comfortable with their sitters having visitors, but I never expect nor assume that's the case and would certainly not bring anyone into your home without discussing the possibility in advance. It's completely fine if clients have a no-guest policy. Even when permitted, guests are uncommon for me, but may include my teen mentee of 5 years from Big Brothers Big Sisters or an occasional gal pal for a movie night. Some clients welcome sitters to eat perishables that will spoil while they're away, others encourage sitters to help themselves to any food in the house. I will never assume either, however, and there's no pressure. Unless I'm explicitly told otherwise, rest assured that the only consumable goods I may use are essentials like cooking oils, spices, and occasionally milk/creamer for my tea.
Information Heather H. would like to know about your pet
I always like to check on the following: -what is the maximum length of walk (time/distance) that the dog will be up for so I don't over-exert them? -do they like/dislike car rides and/or hiking adventures? -is the dog reactive to other animals on walks? how do you manage that personally? -have they ever bit a sitter or other person before? what was the situation? -how long do you feel comfortable leaving them home alone? what can be done to make them the most comfortable when doing so? -is there a particular time of day that you do/don't want my daily check-in messages to occur?
A typical day
I love long walks and appreciate chances to explore with willing pups. If they enjoy car rides, then I may take them on hiking adventures with your permission. I also enjoy playing with dogs and cats as long as they're up for it. If your pet is living at a slower pace, though, worry not - I also am an avid reader and couch potato who is happy to just chill and snuggle too!
Services
Heather can watch in your home
Availability
Pet care is my primary work, so it's the crux of my routine! I also do some freelance work remotely so pet care always fits well into my schedule any day of the week. It's easy and enjoyable for me to take breaks to ensure that furry friends receive regular walks and/or snuggles, plus they can hang with me if I'm working. For dogs who like going on adventures, I am always happy to take them on longer walk/hikes, as I'm an active and outdoorsy person. But I'm also quite a homebody in general, so I will definitely be a couch potato with pets that don't go out exploring too.
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About Heather H.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I will do my best to keep their eating and bathroom break schedule on their normal routine while you are away. I will gladly snuggle them at night in bed if your pets are permitted on the furniture and can ensure observing any rules of the house in relation to where the pet can/can't access. I'm a tidy person who is known by my clients for high-quality care of both the pets and the home. In my college days, I worked as a hotel housekeeper and it taught me to be a neat freak. In general you can expect to find your place the way you left it if I sit for you! I send at least one check-in per day that includes photos to make sure you get a daily dose of cuteness and know that all is well! I can arrange for this check-in to occur at whatever time works best for you. I'm typically a speedy responder to other messages, too, though I do silence my phone while I sleep and occasionally during brief parts of the day, e.g., for meditation, yoga, or virtual meetings. Some clients are comfortable with their sitters having visitors, but I never expect nor assume that's the case and would certainly not bring anyone into your home without discussing the possibility in advance. It's completely fine if clients have a no-guest policy. Even when permitted, guests are uncommon for me, but may include my teen mentee of 5 years from Big Brothers Big Sisters or an occasional gal pal for a movie night. Some clients welcome sitters to eat perishables that will spoil while they're away, others encourage sitters to help themselves to any food in the house. I will never assume either, however, and there's no pressure. Unless I'm explicitly told otherwise, rest assured that the only consumable goods I may use are essentials like cooking oils, spices, and occasionally milk/creamer for my tea.
Information Heather H. would like to know about your pet
I always like to check on the following: -what is the maximum length of walk (time/distance) that the dog will be up for so I don't over-exert them? -do they like/dislike car rides and/or hiking adventures? -is the dog reactive to other animals on walks? how do you manage that personally? -have they ever bit a sitter or other person before? what was the situation? -how long do you feel comfortable leaving them home alone? what can be done to make them the most comfortable when doing so? -is there a particular time of day that you do/don't want my daily check-in messages to occur?
A typical day
I love long walks and appreciate chances to explore with willing pups. If they enjoy car rides, then I may take them on hiking adventures with your permission. I also enjoy playing with dogs and cats as long as they're up for it. If your pet is living at a slower pace, though, worry not - I also am an avid reader and couch potato who is happy to just chill and snuggle too!
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
Heather H.
Upper Lawrenceville, PA