I have been a pet carer since I could hold a spoon and scoop cat food onto a plate. My family had two cats for my entire childhood; they lived to 18 and 19 years old! I have cat-sat for friends and family for all my life and through this have become extremely comfortable with cats—from the grumpy to the cuddly. I have given cats medicine in most forms that don't require a certification (pills, syringe, in food, inhalers, ointments... just no injections!) and have sitted for kittens, cats with illnesses like chronic respiratory issues, cancer, and severe skin allergies, and have no queasiness when it comes to the realities of life with cats! With dogs, I have more of the proper pet-sitting experience. That has really ramped up in the last year, since we moved to Portland and into an apartment that is pet-friendly. I have loved getting to know each dog and adjusting so they have the best time possible (it can't be easy leaving home for a stranger's house!). For example, one dog tends to have a much better, more peaceful day if I get him out to the woods for a run/walk in the morning before work (who wouldn't!) Another loves to cuddle, so we put a blanket on the couch so that she can snuggle while we watch TV at night with constant pets. Another is whip-smart, so I try to make sure we do extra enrichment/play time. With all animals, I try to go above and beyond and see them as individuals with distinct personalities and needs. :)