Kelly G.
Bend, OR
Services
Kelly can care for
Availability
I house and pet-sit full time while traveling, so animal care is primarily what I do. When I’m at a sit, pet care takes full priority of my time and energy and my entire routine revolves around making sure your pets get the care they need. I intentionally choose work that is flexible so that I can prioritize time with your pets, but pet-sitting is my main form of income now so I can often afford to focus 100% of my energy on looking after your fur babies. I have always been able to accommodate pets that cannot be left alone for more than 4 hours at a time. More often than not, I am present at the home during the entirety of the sit because the opportunity to watch over your pets is a welcomed and rewarding break from the constant movement and change that comes with the travel lifestyle I have. More on my scheduling preferences and availability: - I am comfortable with longer stays (my longest sit so far has been longer than a month). - I love pet-sitting in rural areas and enjoy driving out from the city. My one condition is that the road to your home should be accessible by most cars and not require high clearance or four wheel drive.
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About Kelly G.
Communication
Dog skills
Safety, trust & environment
I don’t currently offer services in my home (yet). You can help support a boarding service in the future by booking a dog walking or pet-sitting now. :) When I care for pets in their own home, I try to replicate their routine as closely as possible to what they are used to at home when their owners are present. I wake up at the same time homeowners do, feed pets at their usual time, and take them on walks when they would typically go out at home. That being said, because this is what I do for a living, I have so much more extra time to spend with pets. I’m often able to give pets more loving attention and care than they typically receive in a household where homeowners leave for work during the day. I’m extremely conscious of any potential hazards to pets that may be around the home and keep a clean environment. Homeowners always report their home being cleaner after they return than when they left it. Safety is a top priority of mine. Since I began house-sitting as a service to others, I have experienced situations where pet health was thrown into jeopardy and I was tested on my ability to respond calmly and effectively. During my first-ever house-sit for a client, I navigated a wildfire evacuation and prepared the property according to the homeowners’ instructions (no animals were harmed and no damage to the property). In an another house-sit on a rural farm, I encountered a possum attempting to steal one of the chickens from the coop and successfully secured the safety of the farm animals and caught and relocated the possum (no animals were injured). I understand that unexpected scenarios pop up and I’m proud to house-sit for pet owners knowing that they can rely on me and feel safe leaving their pets in my care. I’m currently working on improving my skill set to include more medical and emergency response care for animals in some capacity. I usually send photo and message updates every other day for homeowners to see how their pets are doing, but I have adjusted this to more or less frequently depending on homeowner preference. Once during a sit, in addition to regular photo and text updates, I also accommodated frequent video calls for an owner to allow her to talk to her chihuahua while she was overseas. They both seemed to appreciate that very much. :)
Information Kelly G. would like to know about your pet
Does your pet love cuddles or prefer space? What are their quirks? The questions I typically ask at some point during the pet-sitting process are as follows: 1. Does your dog require any medication or have any health conditions we should be aware of? I typically like to ask about medication or any other health conditions before accepting a sit, just so I can be aware of whether I am able to fully care for your pet’s needs. 2. How does your dog get along with other dogs or animals? I would also like to know how your pet gets along with other pets, because that will influence whether I take them to dog parks or opt for more solo enrichment activities. I like to mirror the owner’s preference on those options. 3. Does your pet currently have any dietary restrictions or conditions we should be aware of? If your pet’s routine involves only feeding them their special brand of kibble or formulated diet, I can cater to that with no issue. Many of the pet owners I work with encourage me to feed their pets treats and preference varies on what kind (training treats, banana slices, specially-baked doggy snacks, etc.). I have experience with administering some medications and special diets. 4. How does your pet handle being alone? (For how long?) I have completed sits for animals who range in independence from outdoor cats who needed no supervision to dogs who struggle with separation anxiety and cannot be left alone for more than a couple hours at a time. I am comfortable with taking care of pets on either end of this spectrum, but I ask this so that I can adequately prepare to give your pet the proper attention it needs.
A typical day
Some patterns I’ve noticed with my pet-sits over the years: I often give pets nicknames in addition to referring to them by their regular names, and I’ve been known to sing to pets during a sit. I talk to them like they’re people so we have conversations throughout the day. In my personal free time I like to crochet and work on other craft projects, bake on occasion, and explore the local plant diversity. I have plenty of spare time to spend playing with pets. When appropriate and with the homeowner’s permission, I can also provide light training for dogs and puppies. I like to spend time outside in nature and will happily take your pet on walks to their favorite locations, as well as on day trips if homeowners feel comfortable with that. When walking dogs, I like to allow them to get all the smells in because I know that’s part of the fun for them. Unless otherwise communicated, I don’t allow dogs to greet other dogs or people for their own safety. Pet cuddles and relaxation are my favorite part of my pet care routine. When a pet is fully relaxed and enjoying themselves at home, I know I’m doing a good job! For pets that enjoy it, I like to put on dog/cat TV and music during our downtime. I love sleeping with pets at bedtime for sits that last multiple days, but have also had sits where homeowners preferred they stay in their own bed/kennel at night. The same goes for sitting on furniture; I will maintain the owner’s preference.
Location
Bend, OR
Pets
Kelly G. 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.
Nature-loving animal whisperer
Pet care experience
I have lived with animals almost my entire life. These animals consisted of several dogs and cats, a rabbit, guinea pig, chinchilla, hamster, hedgehog, bearded dragon, some fish, a miniature horse, goats, hens and roosters, peafowl, ducks, turkeys, and geese. Oh my! My experience with animals continuously grows as I pursue this work. Since August of 2022, I have been house and pet-sitting full-time in nine different states across the US, looking after over 80 homes with a combined total of upwards of 30+ cats and 30+ dogs, some farm animals, and recently, reptiles! Many of these homes also had houseplants and gardens that needed looking after, and I have experience with growing plants from studying horticulture in college (not a single plant has died under my care yet, fingers crossed). I am newer to the Rover platform but can demonstrate my experience to homeowners in interviews and meet-and-greets with pets. During my time pet and house-sitting around the US, I was often told by homeowners that I take excellent photos of their pets (see profile pics). I take pride in the level of care I provide to pets, including the cute photos I take of them. I can hardly take credit, though, as all of the pets I look after happen to be incredibly photogenic. ;)
Cat care experience
Kelly also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Reviews
I highly recommend her! She takes exceptional care of my dog, Raina. Every photo she sends captures Raina looking relaxed and happy, enjoying her time. Her communication is excellent, she's always reliable, and I truly appreciate the peace of mind she provides. I've booked with her more than once and will absolutely continue to do so.
Kelly is an absolute animal lover and clearly enjoys tending to our furry loves ones, Bella and Brutus. She has done an extended home sit for us as well as drop-in visits - both at an exceptional high level of quality care. With two senior kitties that both require medication, it’s a relief having someone like Kelly to trust their care to.
Kelly is amazing - professional, experienced, and incredibly thoughtful. She has great energy and our dog was enamored with her from the moment they met. Dog was happy and calm as can be when we got home, great communication before & throughout the stay, and the home was even more tidy than when we left. THANK YOU KELLY!!
Cats love Kelly. Glad we found her.
About Kelly G.
Communication
Dog skills
Safety, trust & environment
I don’t currently offer services in my home (yet). You can help support a boarding service in the future by booking a dog walking or pet-sitting now. :) When I care for pets in their own home, I try to replicate their routine as closely as possible to what they are used to at home when their owners are present. I wake up at the same time homeowners do, feed pets at their usual time, and take them on walks when they would typically go out at home. That being said, because this is what I do for a living, I have so much more extra time to spend with pets. I’m often able to give pets more loving attention and care than they typically receive in a household where homeowners leave for work during the day. I’m extremely conscious of any potential hazards to pets that may be around the home and keep a clean environment. Homeowners always report their home being cleaner after they return than when they left it. Safety is a top priority of mine. Since I began house-sitting as a service to others, I have experienced situations where pet health was thrown into jeopardy and I was tested on my ability to respond calmly and effectively. During my first-ever house-sit for a client, I navigated a wildfire evacuation and prepared the property according to the homeowners’ instructions (no animals were harmed and no damage to the property). In an another house-sit on a rural farm, I encountered a possum attempting to steal one of the chickens from the coop and successfully secured the safety of the farm animals and caught and relocated the possum (no animals were injured). I understand that unexpected scenarios pop up and I’m proud to house-sit for pet owners knowing that they can rely on me and feel safe leaving their pets in my care. I’m currently working on improving my skill set to include more medical and emergency response care for animals in some capacity. I usually send photo and message updates every other day for homeowners to see how their pets are doing, but I have adjusted this to more or less frequently depending on homeowner preference. Once during a sit, in addition to regular photo and text updates, I also accommodated frequent video calls for an owner to allow her to talk to her chihuahua while she was overseas. They both seemed to appreciate that very much. :)
Information Kelly G. would like to know about your pet
Does your pet love cuddles or prefer space? What are their quirks? The questions I typically ask at some point during the pet-sitting process are as follows: 1. Does your dog require any medication or have any health conditions we should be aware of? I typically like to ask about medication or any other health conditions before accepting a sit, just so I can be aware of whether I am able to fully care for your pet’s needs. 2. How does your dog get along with other dogs or animals? I would also like to know how your pet gets along with other pets, because that will influence whether I take them to dog parks or opt for more solo enrichment activities. I like to mirror the owner’s preference on those options. 3. Does your pet currently have any dietary restrictions or conditions we should be aware of? If your pet’s routine involves only feeding them their special brand of kibble or formulated diet, I can cater to that with no issue. Many of the pet owners I work with encourage me to feed their pets treats and preference varies on what kind (training treats, banana slices, specially-baked doggy snacks, etc.). I have experience with administering some medications and special diets. 4. How does your pet handle being alone? (For how long?) I have completed sits for animals who range in independence from outdoor cats who needed no supervision to dogs who struggle with separation anxiety and cannot be left alone for more than a couple hours at a time. I am comfortable with taking care of pets on either end of this spectrum, but I ask this so that I can adequately prepare to give your pet the proper attention it needs.
A typical day
Some patterns I’ve noticed with my pet-sits over the years: I often give pets nicknames in addition to referring to them by their regular names, and I’ve been known to sing to pets during a sit. I talk to them like they’re people so we have conversations throughout the day. In my personal free time I like to crochet and work on other craft projects, bake on occasion, and explore the local plant diversity. I have plenty of spare time to spend playing with pets. When appropriate and with the homeowner’s permission, I can also provide light training for dogs and puppies. I like to spend time outside in nature and will happily take your pet on walks to their favorite locations, as well as on day trips if homeowners feel comfortable with that. When walking dogs, I like to allow them to get all the smells in because I know that’s part of the fun for them. Unless otherwise communicated, I don’t allow dogs to greet other dogs or people for their own safety. Pet cuddles and relaxation are my favorite part of my pet care routine. When a pet is fully relaxed and enjoying themselves at home, I know I’m doing a good job! For pets that enjoy it, I like to put on dog/cat TV and music during our downtime. I love sleeping with pets at bedtime for sits that last multiple days, but have also had sits where homeowners preferred they stay in their own bed/kennel at night. The same goes for sitting on furniture; I will maintain the owner’s preference.
Kelly G.
Bend, OR