KayMaria D.
KayMaria D.
Contact KayMaria D.
Highlights
Pet care experience
Compassionate, Conscientious Care
I've lovingly cared for cats, dogs, fish, hamsters, rabbits, and rats since I was eleven years old. The past decade, I've cared for African grey parrots bearded dragons, cats, dogs, fish of multiple varieties, geckos, hamsters, lizards, rats, rabbits, and tortoises throughout California, England, Greece, Italy, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, and Peru. It is my great joy and privilege to care for animals while their humans are away. The safety, health, contentment, and overall well-being of the animals in my care are my priorities at all times. The American Red Cross's Cat and Dog First Aid class has enhanced my capacity for providing excellent care for dogs and cats at all stages of life who may require insulin injections or other medical attention. When I care for animals in their home, I follow all instructions their humans give me to ensure the animals' best possible staycation. I provide focused one-on-one time throughout the sit or drop-in visit. During a sit, I rarely leave animals home alone for more than a total of 4 hours in a day -- and most days, I don't leave animals home alone at all. I work remotely, part-time, and according to my own schedule, so I'm able to provide abundant time and attention to the animals for whom I care. For twenty-six years, until our last dog died in February 2025, my family included large dogs who were triggered by other dogs, mail carriers, skateboards, scooters, and more. If they saw cats, squirrels, skunks, opossums, or any other small four-legged creatures they would throw all their weight into chasing and hunting those innocent little creatures. As a result, I'm accustomed to being perpetually alert while walking dogs and proactively prevent chase-and-hunt types of situations. As a single, middle-aged woman who has lived in the heart of cities such as San Francisco, Oakland, Los Angeles, Savannah, and Athens (Greece, not Georgia) and who has done extensive international travel alone, my default state of being is one of alertness. I'm hyper-alert when caring for animals -- you can count on me to protect your animal's well-being and safety at all times while they're in my care. I'm also fastidious and will do my very best to leave your home as clean and tidy as I found it.
Cat care experience
KayMaria also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Qualifications
Ratings and reviews
An absolutely wonderful experience! Our dog was treated with so much love and care. We cannot wait to have KayMaria stay again.
We were thrilled to KayMaria take care of our cats again, as were they! Hopefully she'll be free when we travel again 😁
We can't say enough good things about KayMaria. Our cats were thoroughly spoiled and absolutely adored having her stay with them. She was over-the-top conscientious about their well-being and took great care of the house and garden to boot. We will book her in a heartbeat (assuming she's available!) for future travel. Shinju and Kameko give her a total paws-up positive rating, and want to know when she's coming back to play with them...
KayMaria was amazing with Kuma. She was a very happy puppy under her care while we were out. She sent us many updates and photos about what they were doing. We will absolutely use her services again in the future!
KayMaria was so loving and attentive to my cat Mac. Mac had eaten some ribbon and seemed mostly fine but needed close monitoring in case she started to show signs of distress. KayMaria gave her undivided attention for the twelve hours or so I was out of the house. Mac is cautious around strangers but instantly warmed up to KayMaria. I'll definitely book with KayMaria when I need another catsitter!
KayMaria is the BEST Rover I think anyone could ever have. She develops a great bond with your pet! My fiancé and I joke that our cat is probably upset when we come home from trips because he doesn’t get to see her daily. Would recommend KayMaria to anyone looking for someone to not only take care of their pet while they’re away, but to ensure they feel loved, happy and fulfilled the entire time!
Calendar and availability
Schedule
I'm a full-time student so am only available to dog- and cat-sit on weekends. When I care for animals, I prioritize their needs first and then build the rest of my daily schedule around them. I stick to the routines their humans lay out for me to follow, only adding to them with their humans' explicit permission. For instance, maybe you'd like to take your dog for trail hikes but your current work schedule doesn't allow for that and you'd be happy for me to take your dog on such adventures. Or perhaps you'd like for your cat to sleep on the bed but your partner doesn't go for that, so you're happy for me to let your cat sleep on the bed while you and your partner are away.
Where your pet will stay
Safety, trust & environment
I give animals my undivided attention when I'm with them. My primary concerns are the safety, health, contentment, and overall well-being of the animals in my care. The only time my phone will be out during walks with your dog, for example, will be when I'm photographing them so I can send loads of photos from their outdoor adventures to you. Of course, I'll have my phone's ringer on at its highest level for phone calls, in case you need to reach me while your dog and I are out enjoying the area's gorgeous natural spaces. [Please note that when I am not dog- or cat-sitting I turn my notifications off so I may not be as quick to respond during those times.]
A typical day
CATS: Cats who like to play will find an avid playmate in me. One human for whose cats I cared told me after watching a video I sent him, "I couldn't tell who was having more fun -- you or the cats!" I love to play games with cats and engage them in playing with their toys. I'm also an avid snuggler and will cuddle with cats as much as they like, let them sleep on the bed with me if you permit that, and keep my lap and shoulders available for them at all times, even while I'm working on my laptop. During a recent virtual Feldenkrais class the teacher told me, "I think this move may be easier for you to do without a cat on your shoulder, KayMaria." But no way was I going to force the cat I was caring for to move. Check out my photo gallery for numerous examples of play time and cuddle sessions I've had the opportunity to share with dozens of feline friends in recent years. DOGS: I have a hammock over the back seat of my car for dogs' safety and comfort. Depending on what you tell me is permissible, I may walk your dog on frequent neighborhood walks or I may take them on outings to regional, state, and national parks for on- and off-leash adventures. After a full day of outdoor exploration and naps, I'll cuddle with your dog wherever they're allowed in your home and watch a movie or read a book. If your dog is allowed on the furniture and the bed, great; if your dog is not permitted on your furniture, I'll cuddle with them on the floor. Take a look at my photo gallery for abundant examples of outdoor adventures, naps, and cuddle sessions I've had the opportunity to share with dozens of canine friends in recent years.