Jay A.
Longmont, CO
Jay A. has Star Sitter status
The Star Sitter program highlights responsive sitters who deliver highly rated care and have a history of listing accurate availability and preferences, making it easier for pet parents to find the best care for their pets.
Helping anxious pet parents relax
Pet care experience
People tend to assume that cats can just be left alone with an automatic pet feeder for days on end, but research these days shows cats thrive most with engaged play and regular social interaction with humans. They get separation anxiety and need reassurance the same way dogs do. For that reason, I choose to specialize in watching cats. I'm trained to administer both oral (pill and liquid) and sub-q injected medications and am comfortable taking on emergency vet visits in addition to watching, playing with, feeding, and just generally caring for pets from kittens to elders. And as a cat parent who knows separation anxiety, I will send tons of photos of your babies and be in regular communication to make sure you're able to relax while away from them. While I specialize in caring for cats, especially those who are elderly and disabled, I'm more than happy to take on clients who have dog siblings under fifty pounds. I worked as an in-home dog sitter for several years in Chicago, serving busy clients whose dogs needed attention while they were away. While I love dogs, I'm not a good fit for single or multiple large dogs who need a lot of activity. Basically, I'm like you: I want your pet to be safe, comfortable, and cared for with someone they can come to trust. A little about me as a person (since that's something I like to know when choosing a pet sitter!) - I'm 25, graduated with a degree in writing in 2020, now pet sit as my main job, and am obsessed with my cat and cats in general (as you could probably tell). After six years in Chicago, I moved to the area in 2021 and am thrilled to be here with my wife and family. I'm happy to answer any questions you have about me as well. As for my calendar, I try to keep things updated but assume I am free unless it's specifically marked as unavailable! Safety & security are always going to be my top priority. I will actively communicate with you about your pet's routine, asking questions to ensure I'll care for them exactly as you would. Plus, I want to know any quirks of your building/home including plant care and random needs you may have. I'm happy to be a house sitter as much as a cat sitter to make sure you don't have a thing to worry about while you're away, no matter why you're traveling or out of the home. **If you feel I would be a good fit but are in need of financial assistance, please reach out to me regardless. I am currently able to take on a limited number of clients in difficult financial situations who need accommodation.**
Reviews
Jay is wonderful! She’s reliable, communicative, super attentive to details, and our cats love spending time with her. She also takes great photos and writes hilarious, super detailed visit notes. Highly recommend Jay!
Jay exceeded my expectations when taking care of my kitties. Every visit, I got a humorous breakdown of how the visit went along with some pictures of them eating and playing. It really put my mind at ease to be able to leave town for a few days. I would definitely recommend Jay to other pet parents!
Jay has been great with our young energetic cats, is an awesome communicator, and willing to help out with our older kitty who was recovering from some health issues. Thanks Jay!
Jay provided great daily updates on all our cats. She communicated well and spent quality time with them.
About Jay A.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
When it comes to animals, I believe it's key to come from an approach of cooperative care and meeting the pet where they are. If your pet needs to hide to feel safe, that's okay. If they're super social and want to come snuggle, that's okay too. I prioritize the safety and comfort of each individual animal to ensure that their time away from their parents is as stress-free as possible, whatever that means for them. During drop-ins, I'll follow whatever routine you've already established for your cats from feeding to medication to playtime. I typically schedule a meet-and-greet to get a feel for both you and your pets in the days before you head out and to make sure I have all your information.
Information Jay A. would like to know about your pet
One word: Routine. I want to know when and how much your pets eats (do they free feed? have set meal times? raw diet? mixed wet food and dry food? special diet? etc.), what their favorite toys are, the likely spots they go to hide or behaviors they exhibit when stressed out, any signs they show when they're stressed or not feeling well, whether or not they like belly rubs, chinny rubs, butt pats. And if you have multiple pets (lots of cats or a pack of pets), I want to know how they get along, what I can expect from their interactions, all that good stuff. Basically, I want you to info dump about your babies! Anything and everything you want to share with me to make both you and them feel completely comfy.
A typical day
Pets are complicated creatures, so it's important for me to take them at their own pace. Some pets want to chase around a wand toy all day and some want to sleep under the bed and ignore the world. If you have a playful bean, I'll make sure to give them all the zoomies they need to tucker out and rest well. If you have a hider and sleeper, I'll make sure to find them and check on them without disrupting their natural schedule. I want to know YOUR pet, not just any pet.
Services
Jay can watch in your home
Availability
Currently pet sitting is my main job, which means I’m fortunate enough to make most schedules and routines work for your pets and for me. Otherwise, I freelance as a writer, so my schedule is very flexible. When I have other clients besides yours, I always make sure to be communicative about times and flexibility in order to make sure you’re completely comfortable.
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About Jay A.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
When it comes to animals, I believe it's key to come from an approach of cooperative care and meeting the pet where they are. If your pet needs to hide to feel safe, that's okay. If they're super social and want to come snuggle, that's okay too. I prioritize the safety and comfort of each individual animal to ensure that their time away from their parents is as stress-free as possible, whatever that means for them. During drop-ins, I'll follow whatever routine you've already established for your cats from feeding to medication to playtime. I typically schedule a meet-and-greet to get a feel for both you and your pets in the days before you head out and to make sure I have all your information.
Information Jay A. would like to know about your pet
One word: Routine. I want to know when and how much your pets eats (do they free feed? have set meal times? raw diet? mixed wet food and dry food? special diet? etc.), what their favorite toys are, the likely spots they go to hide or behaviors they exhibit when stressed out, any signs they show when they're stressed or not feeling well, whether or not they like belly rubs, chinny rubs, butt pats. And if you have multiple pets (lots of cats or a pack of pets), I want to know how they get along, what I can expect from their interactions, all that good stuff. Basically, I want you to info dump about your babies! Anything and everything you want to share with me to make both you and them feel completely comfy.
A typical day
Pets are complicated creatures, so it's important for me to take them at their own pace. Some pets want to chase around a wand toy all day and some want to sleep under the bed and ignore the world. If you have a playful bean, I'll make sure to give them all the zoomies they need to tucker out and rest well. If you have a hider and sleeper, I'll make sure to find them and check on them without disrupting their natural schedule. I want to know YOUR pet, not just any pet.
Location
Longmont, CO
Pets
Jay A.
Longmont, CO