maria C.
maria C.
Contact for Boarding
from $89 per night
Highlights
Pet care experience
❤️Home•Medical•Senior•Special Needs
carmec31137 – $20 Off Your First Booking! Hola! I’m Maria — originally from Costa Rica, where caring for animals is a way of life, not just a job. I bring that same heart, intuition, and hands-on experience to every pet I care for — from cats and dogs to horses, farm animals, and pets with special needs. For private bookings: I am a certified pet sitter and insured to work inside the US, Canada, and parts of Mexico. Overseas options available upon request. I believe experience should keep evolving. I’m currently completing professional dog training coursework through GoodPup to stay current with modern approaches to canine behavior, communication, and training, while continuing to strengthen the skills I bring to every pet in my care. 🐾 Experience & Special Care Over the years, I've gained extensive experience caring for pets with unique medical and behavioral needs, including: • Blind and visually impaired pets • Reactive dogs who need calm, patient handling • Diabetic dogs and cats (including insulin injections) • Senior pets requiring gentle, attentive support • Post-operative and recovery care • Wound care and medication monitoring (following veterinary instructions) • Oral medications, injectable medications, eye and ear medications • IV fluid administration with proper veterinary instruction • Rescue pets who need patience, boundaries, and confidence-building • Cat nail trimming, including cats who are fearful or reactive • Feline behavior and stress reduction techniques • Exotic pet care, including reptiles and other small exotics (feeding live insects, refreshing water, monitoring behavior, and following detailed care instructions) I have over 7 years of hands-on medication experience with both dogs and cats and am comfortable administering medications with clear veterinary instructions. I’m also a proud pet parent to two rescue cats — Panda (8-year-old Siamese) and Tigre (8-year-old Maine Coon mix). Feline behavior is one of my specialties, and I deeply understand how to make cats feel safe and respected in their own space. 🐶 My Care Philosophy 💛 Respect & Communication Every pet has their own personality. I meet them where they are — calmly, patiently, and with love. I respect boundaries and build trust naturally. 🎾 Engagement & Enrichment Walks, playtime, puzzles, cuddles, training reinforcement — I focus on mental and physical stimulation tailored to your pet’s needs. 🏡 In-Home Comfort I care for pets in their familiar environment so they feel secure while maintaining their routine. 🕒 Reliable & Flexible From last-minute visits to long-term sitting, I adapt to your schedule and your pet’s needs. 🌙 After-Hours Visits Visits requested before 7:00 AM or after 6:30 PM may include a small after-hours fee ($5–$10 per visit). This is always confirmed in advance. 🐾 Add-On Services 📸 Pet Photo Assistance Holiday photos, birthdays, or special everyday moments — I’m happy to assist with positioning, calming, outfit changes, and keeping your pet focused so you can capture beautiful memories. Hourly rate applies. Travel fee may apply. Personalized Care Enhancements • Pawdicure (Nail Trim) – $10–$15 • Extra Adventure Play (30 mins) – $8–$12 • Puppy Power Play (30 mins + command reinforcement) – $10–$15 • Cat Enrichment Time (15 mins) – $5–$8 • Senior Comfort Support – $5–$10 per day • Oral Medication – $5–$8 per administration • Injectable Medication – $8–$12 per administration Let me know if you’d like to customize your pet’s experience! 📍 Location & Service Area I primarily serve Altamonte Springs/Longwood (32714 and a 6-mile radius) and am open to discussing travel when needed. If you’re looking for an experienced, attentive, and deeply caring sitter, I would love to support you. Your pet will be treated like family — safe, respected, and genuinely cared for. 🐾
Cat care experience

maria also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Qualifications
Ratings and reviews
I have such peace of mind when our pups are in Maria's care! They are excited to see her when she comes so I don't have the guilt of leaving them (as much). She walked our energetic boy twice a day, for much longer than we walk him--I'm sure he was in heaven. She played toys with our other dog as much as he wanted. She often even brings them something special, which is so nice for the boys! (But definitely not needed or expected) Maria shares lots of updates and I can tell the dogs are having a great time being spoiled by Maria. She's very aware of their behaviors and needs and meets them in every way possible. I feel like she loves our dogs as if their own when she’s with them!


Maria has done an excellent job with Atticus. This is the most relaxed he has been with someone outside of our immediate family.

Maria came & house sat while I was away on a trip and I have to say Titan loves spending time with her! She is so communicative and sends tons of photos & videos to keep me updated throughout the day which helps me feel more secure when I am gone. I also love how informative she is. She goes above & beyond everytime!! This time around, she brought titan a toy and calming treats that worked wonders for him and calmed him down tremendously. She also brought him a new leash and a brush to help remove his undercoat because he sheds a lot when he is excited. ALL of this to say, she really cares about your pets like her own and wants them to be as happy and comfortable as possible. I would 10/10 recommend her & cant wait to rebook!

Maria is amazing! This was just a day visit, but she made it just as special as a longer stay. She brought a special toy to keep the boys active and engaged. She loved on our boys and walked and played with them. I received lots of photo and video updates. The pups are excited for her to come back!


Maria is truly the best! Our cat is a diabetic old lady who dislikes more people than she likes. Maria won her over and successfully administered two insulin shots a day. This is an amazing accomplishment since our old girl is feisty and stubborn. Thank you Maria! You are the spicy cat whisperer. 😻

Maria is so patient with Atticus. It is great to have her help out during the week.

Calendar and availability
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Schedule
Schedule & Availability Pet care is intentionally built into my daily routine. My flexible work-from-home structure allows me to prioritize medication timing, feeding schedules, enrichment, and consistency without rushing visits. I do not stack excessive bookings, which allows me to give each household focused, attentive care. When I commit to a time, your pet receives my full presence. Clear communication and confirmed scheduling are part of my professional standard. Evening & Late-Night Visits For visits scheduled during the following times, a premium rate applies: • 7:30 PM – 9:59 PM: +$10 per visit • 10:00 PM and later: +$15 per visit These premiums reflect extended availability and structured late-hour scheduling. All pricing is confirmed in advance. Service Area & Travel I primarily serve the Altamonte Springs (32714) area within a 6-mile radius. Travel outside this area and long-distance house sitting are available upon request. Travel fees are discussed and confirmed in advance.
Where your pet will stay
Home characteristics
Safety, trust & environment
Safety, Trust & Environment Safety is my first priority in every home I enter — including my own. In My Home🏘 My property includes a fully fenced yard for secure outdoor time. In addition, there is a secondary enclosed exterior area directly accessible from the home, allowing dogs to step out for quick potty breaks without needing to leave the secured perimeter. Outdoor access is always supervised. I do not allow unsupervised yard time unless specifically discussed and approved. Pets are never left unattended outside, and I carefully monitor interactions in multi-pet situations to maintain a calm, balanced environment. In Your Home When caring for pets in your home, I maintain their established routines, feeding schedules, medication timing, and household structure exactly as instructed. I double-check doors, gates, and entry points before and after every visit. I am attentive to behavioral shifts, appetite changes, litter box or potty irregularities, and subtle signs of stress or discomfort. Early awareness prevents larger issues. Medication is administered precisely according to written instructions, and I document anything out of the ordinary. Your home, privacy, and pet’s emotional safety are always respected.
Pets
A typical day
A typical day is active, structured, and centered around your pet’s natural rhythm. For dogs staying in my home or during house sitting, I provide two intentional one-hour walks daily (morning and evening), focused on both physical exercise and mental stimulation through scent work, varied routes, and structured engagement. In addition, I offer regular potty breaks approximately every two hours throughout the day to ensure comfort and consistency. Between walks, pets enjoy enrichment activities such as puzzle toys, light training reinforcement, interactive play, and calm companionship. I balance stimulation with rest so they remain happy without becoming overstimulated. For senior pets, I prioritize gentle movement, mobility awareness, and comfort. For higher-energy dogs, I incorporate structured play and purposeful activity. For cats, I believe in the benefits of mental stimulation and nature connection.I provide interactive play sessions, litter box maintenance, feeding routines, and quiet presence that respects their space and personality. Throughout the day, I observe appetite, hydration, behavior, and overall mood. I send updates so you feel informed and reassured. My goal is simple: your pet feels secure, exercised, mentally engaged, and emotionally balanced while giving you piece of mind while you are away.
- Cats0 to 15 lbs16 to 40 lbs41 to 100 lbsover 101 lbsmaria can host up to 4 pets per night
- To provide the best care possible, please share: • Feeding schedule and portion details • Medication instructions (dosage, timing, and method) • Any medical conditions, allergies, or sensitivities • Behavioral tendencies (anxiety triggers, reactivity, escape tendencies, etc.) • House rules (furniture access, sleeping arrangements, crating preferences) • Commands or training cues you are currently reinforcing The more I know, the more consistent and secure your pet will feel while in my care. Health & Vaccinations To keep everyone safe and healthy — including the pets in my home — I kindly ask that all dogs and cats staying with me are up to date on their core vaccinations. For dogs: Rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella. For cats: Rabies and FVRCP. I also ask that pets are free from contagious illness and on regular flea prevention. I’ve been on the client side before, and I know how reassuring it feels to know everyone is protected. My goal is to provide that same peace of mind to you. 💛
