Margaret H.
Margaret H.
Prices include all fees.
Highlights
Pet care experience
Loving care when you can’t be there
As a lifelong pet lover with extensive experience, I offer a unique blend of compassion and expertise in caring for dogs and cats of all ages and breeds. Whether energetic and playful, shy and reserved, or bit of separation anxiety, I connect effortlessly with cats and dogs, including cherished seniors, tailoring my approach to meet each pet’s individual needs. I understand the importance of adhering to specific dietary requirements and maintaining familiar routines, providing personalized care that ensures your dog’s happiness and well-being while you’re away by creating a safe, fun, and stress-free environment. Whether engaging in playtime, maintaining exercise routines, or offering extra cuddles, I aim to make your pet’s experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Occasional trips back to Australia to visit family make full-time pet ownership challenging, so pet-sitting allows me to enjoy animal companionship while offering families a dependable and trusted sitter. With my diverse experience in handling various breeds and personalities, you can rest assured that your furry family members are in capable hands with me.
Qualifications
Ratings and reviews
There is no better feeling than coming back from a trip to find that your dog wants to stay and play some more - though it was sad to find out i was so easily replaced! Of course he was happy to see us but then pretty much went back to playing with the other dogs and then ran back over to Margaret to visit her. This was my experience when i came to pick up Snickers and this is definitely not always the case when i have had him stay elsewhere. Also, from what i can tell he seemed to have eaten all the food we had alloted and didn't seem especially hungry once we got home. All that to say that it points to him having a great and stress-free time. He was just tuckered out from playing so much :) This was our first stay with Margaret and I found her to be very responsive and clear in all our communications. Ours was a last minute request where we needed to go out of town for long weekend to finish up our move to LA. When our return trip got delayed, she accomodated a request to delay our pickup until the next day. She really removed all the stress of boarding our little pup . One the the perks of boarding with Margaret was the cast of playful dogs you might find in her shaded backyard/play area. She seems thoughtful in assessing how the various dogs will get along and has plans in place should any dogs need to be in separate areas. Mr. Snickers hasn't had a lot of opportunity to socialize with dogs since we moved so this was a real boon for us. Last point to add is that she regularly sent us updates with pix and videos so we had a sense of how it was going each day. In short, she does her best to make a home away from home for the dogs she cares for and I'd highly recommend her.
Margaret is the dog whisperer! Fabulous with our shy dog, took such great care of her. Attentive, detail oriented, accommodating, and sent amazing photos of our dog! Thank you, Margaret!!
Margaret was so wonderful to our pup. She was also able to confirm the booking last minute, and was flexible when we were a little late getting back from our road trip due to traffic will definitely book again!
Apollo had such a great time with Margaret! He opened up to her right away, which immediately made me feel comfortable leaving him with her. It was especially hot today, so I really appreciated that she has an amazing shaded backyard where Apollo could relax and enjoy time with the other pups. You can tell Margaret has a lot of experience with dogs, and she was wonderful about communicating and keeping me updated. I felt completely at ease knowing Apollo was in such good hands. We would definitely have him stay with her again!
This is the second time I’ve left my bulldog under Margaret’s care while traveling over a long weekend. Both times he’s come back home very happy, relaxed and well-looked after thanks to her love and attention. Highly recommend 💕
Margaret always takes such wonderful care of little Hazel. We take comfort knowing that she is in good hands with Margaret, and she always has such a great time with the other dogs. 😊
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
I work from home part-time, offering a flexible schedule with plenty of time to provide consistent love and companionship to keep your pets occupied and engaged throughout their stay.
Where your pet will stay
Home characteristics
Safety, trust & environment
Your pets safety and happiness is my utmost priority. Here’s how I cultivate a secure and loving environment for your furry companions Boarding I take great pride in providing my little furry friends with everything they need, from indoor and outdoor bowls—and collapsible bowls ready for our walks, and fresh bottled spring water always on hand. There is also an abundance of freshly laundered, plush blankets, a cozy, soft UGG indoor bed designed especially for the smaller pups and a matching plush bed for my bigger fur babies . For outdoor relaxation, there’s a 42-inch raised canopy bed that offers generous space for small and medium-sized dogs while creating a cool, shaded retreat on sunny days, and with our secure, fenced yard right off the back door, I feel at ease knowing they can safely frolic and play during their stay. House sitting: I care for your home and pets as if they were my own, creating a secure and comfortable environment in your absence. I follow their regular routine to maintain stability, from feeding and exercise to playtime and affection. I also stay attentive to home security, ensuring doors and windows are properly secured and keeping a watchful eye on the surroundings. Dog walks: Ensuring your dog’s safety and enjoyment during walks is my top priority. I ensure leashes and harnesses are properly fitted to maintain control and prevent potential injuries. By staying alert to traffic, other animals, and environmental hazards, I navigate routes that keep your dog safe and comfortable. Additionally, I monitor weather conditions to adjust the length and timing of walks, avoiding extreme temperatures that could affect your dog’s well-being. Transparent communication: I prioritize transparent communication by providing regular updates on your pets well-being, including photos, to ensure you feel comfortable and informed about their care. You can depend on me to create a safe and affectionate environment, ensuring your pets remain happy, healthy, and comfortable during your absence.
A typical day
I truly enjoy providing enriching experiences for the pets in my care, including taking them on walks, visiting pet-friendly cafés where they receive ample attention and social interaction, these activities keep them active and engaged. Additionally, I place a strong emphasis on maintaining each pet’s familiar routines, such as consistent feeding times and daily activities tailored to your pet, which provides a sense of stability. This approach helps reduce stress and anxiety, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for your beloved pets.
- Cats0 to 15 lbs16 to 40 lbs41 to 100 lbsSpayed and neutered dogs onlyNo females in heatMargaret can host up to 5 pets per night
- To provide the best possible care for your pet, it’s important to gather key details in advance. This helps create a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience. Please share the following information: Health & Medical Needs: Any allergies, medications, or health conditions your pet has, along with instructions for administering medication or handling emergencies. Temperament: Their personality traits, socialization level, and any history of anxiety or aggression to ensure a tailor interactions for a positive and stress-free experience. Daily Routine: Feeding schedule, potty breaks, and exercise habits to maintain consistency and reduce stress. Sensitivities & Triggers: Any fears, noise sensitivities, or separation anxiety, so I can provide a comforting and reassuring environment. Commands & Training: The words or signals your pet responds to for smooth communication and reinforced positive behavior. Favorite Activities: Whether they enjoy long walks, playing fetch, or simply lounging and cuddling, I’ll make sure they stay happy and engaged. Emergency Contacts: Your contact details, and an alternative contact person to reach in case of emergencies or questions. Veterinary Information: Contact details and location of your pet’s regular vet for any unexpected health concerns. Emergency Plan: Best contact and steps to take, incase of emergencies, including after-hours veterinary care. Emergency Care Budget: Be aware of funds for any potential medical expenses. Having these details ensures a personalized, attentive, and stress-free experience for both you and your pet. Note : There is an additional $20 fee per day for large dogs.
Prices include all fees.