I have been house/pet/horse/farm sitting for over 26 years. (I’m 42) From cats, dogs, rabbits, horses, birds, chickens, goats, horse-breeding facilities, and clients with over 20 animals, I’ve done it. I am great with and love all animals-young to very old. I have a lot of experience with dog-aggressive and human aggressive/untrusting dogs, and handling difficult horse & animal situations. I’m very comfortable taking care of special needs animals; there’s really nothing I can’t handle (except shots). Your house and your beloved pet are my #1 priority at all times. I also believe that one should ALWAYS leave the house & animals in better shape than when I got there. All animals are treated as if they were my own. Time & love are precious & that’s what all pets deserve. Your pet will be so engaged in fun, they won’t have time to miss you. Many references available with phone numbers. Most people respond to texts, as it’s uncommon for most people to respond to an unknown phone number. Contact me at any hour. Literally. I also appreciate homes with cameras since that way you know that your pet(s) & house are being properly cared for. There have been many terrible things that some people have experienced through services like this. There was recent news on CBS reporting animal abuse and neglect. So, I want you to feel completely comfortable if you have cameras. If you don’t have them, you will get updates ASAP & photos & videos if you’d like to show the health & well-being of your pet(s) I do REQUIRE that your dog(s) (& cats, hopefully) wear collars while they are under my care, & require that your pet(s) have tags collars (not necessary for a cat that doesn’t wear a collar, but highly preferred-Microchipping cats it the best!). That way if somehow your pet sneaks away, I can retrieve them. I also have a tag I put on for sitting with my info on it, so that if need be, people will get a hold of me while you’re gone. As well as vet forms I need filled out before my stay. Also detailed instructions on how you feed, medication schedule , etc. for your animal(s) care. I do require that you contact ALL of your vets in regards to my stay BEFORE I take care of your animal(s), in order to let their clinic(s) know that you will be out of town & I am the one caring for said pet(s), & that they (the vet) may start treatment upon arrival. MOST VETS REQUIRE UPFRONT PAYMENT—I have found that leaving your credit card on file with them (NOT ME!) while they (your vet) know you’re gone is best for prompt treatment. I also need to know what after-hours emergency vet you prefer-if you’re not sure, I know many! * I do not sit in smoking households * **summertime info** I do get hot very easily & do require that you have air conditioning in your house/in the bedroom that I will be staying in—for my own health & well-being. Please be aware that there are fees for numerous animals-it is all listed on my rates page. Please remember that I am much much more affordable than a boarding facility. After doing research, most boarding facilities charge $60+ PER ANIMAL; most of the time that does not include play time (& if so, play time is a very limited amount of time & usually costs more money than just the basic boarding rate). In a kennel/boarding situation do remember that your pet will be in a cage/kennel alone most or all of the time-therefore, my rates aren’t “outrageous”! If you live outside of the west Madison area, (over 10 miles) there MAY be a travel fee, which we can discuss. After doing my taxes for 2018, I’ve realized I have spent MORE $ on gas traveling than just housesitting. As most of you know, I do not leave your home while I’m sitting except to walk clients dogs or grocery shop. Even if you decide to use another sitter, they too have to pay for gas! (And that doesn’t include travel time) Also be aware that Rover takes *20%* of all services! I’m also a professional freelance photographer, specializing in portraiture & animals, a freelance graphic designer, and professional house cleaner. ($35/hr for basic cleaning & $50/hr for deep/specific cleaning) Currently I’m also working on writing a novel, so I don’t “go to work” I can work anywhere there’s WiFi.