Please note: I can currently only do light walking or drop-in visits for dogs where they have a backyard (due to a foot injury). I'm an adult graduate student at GMU and pride myself on doing a thorough job. I'm responsible, punctual and believe in caring for my clients' pets and home how I'd want my own pets treated. When I moved to the Fairfax area several years ago, my landlords would not allow pets. Therefore, petsitting provided the perfect way for me to get my 'animal fix.' My first job was at a boarding kennel and I have worked continuously in the pet industry at both kennels and veterinary offices; totaling over 17 years of professional pet experience. I've been a petsitter roughly since 2006, working for a local pet care company since 2012. My personal interests include: pet nutrition, grooming and obedience training with a patient and gentle touch. There is no animal too big or too small! I grew up in a small zoo of dogs, cats, ferrets and small mammals. I've also kept freshwater and saltwater aquariums, and cared for birds and reptiles. I currently share my home with two pet chinchillas and own a gelding that is boarded in Warrenton, VA. I can provide up to two vacation drop-in visits per day for cats, dogs, horses, exotic mammals or even fish. I feed/water/do potty time or litter boxes and give walks or playtime, depending on the animal. I will do a general check-over of the owner's house at this time and can bring in mail/newspapers, water plants, take out the trash and wash any dishes needed. I will clean up any messes if found and even do laundry if needed. I pride myself on a thorough job of meeting all the needs of the pets. I will brush pets as requested for no extra charge but any further grooming services, such as bathing or nails will vary in cost depending on the pet's needs. I am willing to work with dogs that dislike having their feet touched but will only do so upon owner's request and as far as it is safe/comfortable for both me and the dog. I provide horse/barn care at a slightly higher rate, depending on owner's needs and distance. I can muck stalls, feed, water, turnout, hold for farrier/vet, blanket and can lunge well-mannered horses. I am not comfortable riding strange horses. For my in-house petsitting service, I will travel further distances than my drop-in service, so feel free to ask even if you think you're outside my service area.