Jennifer S.
Santa Cruz, CA






Services
These prices are for 1 dog.Prices include all fees.
Jennifer can host
Jennifer can care for
Availability
I’m a dedicated, part‑time pet care professional with the flexibility to devote quality time to your fur baby. Tuesday–Thursday: before work (early mornings), at lunch, and after 5 PM • Friday: after 12 PM • Saturday, Sunday & Monday: wide open
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About Jennifer S.
Communication
Dog skills
Safety, trust & environment
When I step into your home to care for your pet, I prioritize creating a secure, comfortable atmosphere—for both your animal and your space. Here’s how: 1. Pre‑Visit Preparation • Consultation & House Tour: Before our first visit, I’ll review your written care plan and tour your home (virtually or in person) to learn entry/exit points, alarm codes, and any “off‑limits” areas. • Emergency Contacts On File: I’ll confirm your preferred veterinarian, nearest 24‑hour clinic, and a local backup contact in case you’re unreachable. 2. Secure Entry & Exit • Lock & Alarm Protocol: I follow your exact instructions for disarming/rearming alarms and securing doors and windows each visit. • Key Management: Keys are transported in a locked pouch and never duplicated. 3. Hazard Assessment & Pet‑Proofing • Safety Sweep: I do a quick check for small objects, toxic plants, loose wires or open gates before your pet explores. • Containment Checks: Fences, baby gates and crate latches are inspected to prevent escapes. 4. Medication & Health Monitoring • Accurate Administration: I use dedicated, labeled pouches or pillboxes and log every dose—oral or injectable—following your meds chart to the letter. • Behavioral & Physical Checks: I note appetite, water intake, energy levels and any signs of discomfort, sending you a same‑day update if anything changes. 5. Clean, Respectful Environment • Tidy Up: I remove pet hair from commonly used areas, wipe paw prints and return toys/bowls to their designated spots. • Shoes & Supplies: I arrive with boot covers or remove shoes per your preference and bring my own leashes, waste bags and grooming wipes. 6. Building Trust with Your Pet • Calm, Positive Approach: I let your pet set the pace—using treats, praise and gentle play to earn their confidence. • Routine Adherence: Whether it’s a midday nap, play session or meal time, I stick as closely as possible to your pet’s regular schedule. 7. Transparent Communication • Photo & Text Updates: After each visit, I send a brief report (plus sweet snapshots!) so you know exactly how your fur baby fared. • Incident Reporting: Any unexpected event—illness, injury or home issue—is communicated immediately, along with next‑step recommendations. By combining meticulous home‑entry protocols, thorough safety checks, clear medication logging and loving, consistent interaction, I ensure your pet feels safe, happy and well‑cared‑for—even when you’re away.
Home
Information Jennifer S. would like to know about your pet
Name, age, breed, and personality •Any special quirks (e.g., scared of thunderstorms, doesn’t like certain noises) Health & Safety: •Medications or health issues •Vet contact info •Emergency instructions •Allergies (foods, products, plants, etc.) Feeding & Water: •Feeding schedule and portion size •Treats – how many and when? •Food restrictions •Water preferences (some like fresh/fountain water) Routine: •Walk times and routes (for dogs) •Bathroom routine (litter box habits, potty breaks, etc.) •Sleeping arrangements (where they like to sleep) Behavior: •Aggression or fear triggers (e.g., other dogs, loud noises, strangers) •Things they love vs. things they hate •Are they allowed on furniture? House Rules: •What’s off-limits? (rooms, furniture, etc.) •Cleaning instructions (litter box, accidents, cages) •Alarm codes, keys, WiFi, etc. Fun & Comfort: •Favorite toys, games, or activities •Comfort items (blankets, beds, shirts with owner’s scent) •How they like to be comforted when anxious
A typical day
Walks and adventures – Explore the neighborhood or a nearby park. •Playtime – Classic fetch, tug-of-war, or even hide-and-seek with treats. •Training games – Teach new tricks or reinforce commands with treats. •Snuggle time – Couch cuddles or just hanging out together. •Photo shoots – Dress them up or catch candid moments to share with the owners. For Cats: •Interactive play – Wand toys, lasers, or crinkly tunnels. •Chill time – Cats love cozy naps nearby while you read or watch TV. •Treat hunts – Hide treats around the room to let them use their senses. •Brushing/grooming – If they like it, it’s relaxing for both of you. •Window watching – Open a window (safely!) and let them birdwatch. For Other Pets (rabbits, birds, reptiles, etc.): •Enrichment time – New toys, rearranging their space, or offering puzzle feeders. •Out-of-habitat time – Supervised playtime in a safe area. •Gentle handling – For pets that enjoy interaction, just hanging out can be great stimulation.
Location
Santa Cruz, CA
Pets
Former vet tech, animal lover
Pet care experience
I’m a lifelong animal enthusiast with hands‑on experience caring for dogs, cats, horses and more. Over the years I’ve built a reputation as the go‑to pet sitter—walking, playing with, feeding and bathing neighbors’ pets—and as an adult I honed my skills as a veterinary technician. My vet‐tech training and practical experience mean I’m confident administering oral and injectable medications (including fluids), monitoring fragile or recovering animals, and handling any unexpected situation with calm professionalism. Now that I’m settled with my own cat, I’m excited to bring my passion and expertise to caring for your fur baby—whether it’s daily visits, long walks, or overnight stays, you can count on me to keep your companion happy, healthy, and safe.
Cat care experience

Jennifer also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Reviews

Jennifer did very well with my extremely shy young dog. This was the first time that I had someone take care of him while my husband and I had a 2-day getaway. I was so happy he got used to her quickly, and she could put his coat on and off and take him for several walks. She was very patient and communicated with me well! I would definitely recommend her.

Jennifer was amazing and I can tell my dog was very well taken care of


Jennifer was great! Did not have to worry about a thing while out of town. Great communication, pictures, updates and all. Had a last minute medical issue and she gave medication to the doggie with no problems. Would have Jennifer back to watch the herd anytime! Thanks.

Jennifer is great. Communicated clearly throughout the stay. Was really patient with our dog and took care of the house while we were away.
About Jennifer S.
Communication
Dog skills
Safety, trust & environment
When I step into your home to care for your pet, I prioritize creating a secure, comfortable atmosphere—for both your animal and your space. Here’s how: 1. Pre‑Visit Preparation • Consultation & House Tour: Before our first visit, I’ll review your written care plan and tour your home (virtually or in person) to learn entry/exit points, alarm codes, and any “off‑limits” areas. • Emergency Contacts On File: I’ll confirm your preferred veterinarian, nearest 24‑hour clinic, and a local backup contact in case you’re unreachable. 2. Secure Entry & Exit • Lock & Alarm Protocol: I follow your exact instructions for disarming/rearming alarms and securing doors and windows each visit. • Key Management: Keys are transported in a locked pouch and never duplicated. 3. Hazard Assessment & Pet‑Proofing • Safety Sweep: I do a quick check for small objects, toxic plants, loose wires or open gates before your pet explores. • Containment Checks: Fences, baby gates and crate latches are inspected to prevent escapes. 4. Medication & Health Monitoring • Accurate Administration: I use dedicated, labeled pouches or pillboxes and log every dose—oral or injectable—following your meds chart to the letter. • Behavioral & Physical Checks: I note appetite, water intake, energy levels and any signs of discomfort, sending you a same‑day update if anything changes. 5. Clean, Respectful Environment • Tidy Up: I remove pet hair from commonly used areas, wipe paw prints and return toys/bowls to their designated spots. • Shoes & Supplies: I arrive with boot covers or remove shoes per your preference and bring my own leashes, waste bags and grooming wipes. 6. Building Trust with Your Pet • Calm, Positive Approach: I let your pet set the pace—using treats, praise and gentle play to earn their confidence. • Routine Adherence: Whether it’s a midday nap, play session or meal time, I stick as closely as possible to your pet’s regular schedule. 7. Transparent Communication • Photo & Text Updates: After each visit, I send a brief report (plus sweet snapshots!) so you know exactly how your fur baby fared. • Incident Reporting: Any unexpected event—illness, injury or home issue—is communicated immediately, along with next‑step recommendations. By combining meticulous home‑entry protocols, thorough safety checks, clear medication logging and loving, consistent interaction, I ensure your pet feels safe, happy and well‑cared‑for—even when you’re away.
Home
Information Jennifer S. would like to know about your pet
Name, age, breed, and personality •Any special quirks (e.g., scared of thunderstorms, doesn’t like certain noises) Health & Safety: •Medications or health issues •Vet contact info •Emergency instructions •Allergies (foods, products, plants, etc.) Feeding & Water: •Feeding schedule and portion size •Treats – how many and when? •Food restrictions •Water preferences (some like fresh/fountain water) Routine: •Walk times and routes (for dogs) •Bathroom routine (litter box habits, potty breaks, etc.) •Sleeping arrangements (where they like to sleep) Behavior: •Aggression or fear triggers (e.g., other dogs, loud noises, strangers) •Things they love vs. things they hate •Are they allowed on furniture? House Rules: •What’s off-limits? (rooms, furniture, etc.) •Cleaning instructions (litter box, accidents, cages) •Alarm codes, keys, WiFi, etc. Fun & Comfort: •Favorite toys, games, or activities •Comfort items (blankets, beds, shirts with owner’s scent) •How they like to be comforted when anxious
A typical day
Walks and adventures – Explore the neighborhood or a nearby park. •Playtime – Classic fetch, tug-of-war, or even hide-and-seek with treats. •Training games – Teach new tricks or reinforce commands with treats. •Snuggle time – Couch cuddles or just hanging out together. •Photo shoots – Dress them up or catch candid moments to share with the owners. For Cats: •Interactive play – Wand toys, lasers, or crinkly tunnels. •Chill time – Cats love cozy naps nearby while you read or watch TV. •Treat hunts – Hide treats around the room to let them use their senses. •Brushing/grooming – If they like it, it’s relaxing for both of you. •Window watching – Open a window (safely!) and let them birdwatch. For Other Pets (rabbits, birds, reptiles, etc.): •Enrichment time – New toys, rearranging their space, or offering puzzle feeders. •Out-of-habitat time – Supervised playtime in a safe area. •Gentle handling – For pets that enjoy interaction, just hanging out can be great stimulation.
Jennifer S.
Santa Cruz, CA
