maria C.
Altamonte Springs, FL
Services
maria can host
maria can care for
Availability
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.
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About maria C.
Communication
Skills
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.
Home
Information maria C. would like to know about your pet
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. 💛
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 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.
Location
Altamonte Springs, FL
Pets
maria C. 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.
Trusted Pet Care Play Meds &Love🐾
Pet care experience
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. 🐾 Experience & Special Care Over the years, I’ve gained extensive experience working with: • Blind pets and animals with disabilities • Diabetic dogs and cats (including insulin injections) • Post-surgery and medical recovery care • IV drips with proper instruction • Senior pets needing gentle, attentive support • Rescue pets who need patience, boundaries, and understanding I am confident administering medications (oral and injectable, with clear instructions) and have over 7 years of hands-on medication experience with both dogs and cats. 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.
Reviews
She is literally the best
Maria is such an amazing dog sitter. She does such a great job communicating with us and she’s so good at understanding your pets needs. Our dog Nico always has so much fun when he stays with her!
Another successful stay with Maria! My baby absolutely loves spending time with her and might even behave better with her than with me! lol Maria takes her on long walks and dog park visits multiple times a day too. It means the world to know my baby is safe and happy while I’m away. 5/5 stars always!
Maria was great, her introduction and how she managed expectations was really good and professional. Asked all the right questions and provided a ton of pictures that are always welcome, specially on a first time. Our 70lbs Aussi clicked immediately with her which it is a great and important “check” for us to feel comfortable. Thanks Maria!
About maria C.
Communication
Skills
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.
Home
Information maria C. would like to know about your pet
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. 💛
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 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.
maria C.
Altamonte Springs, FL