
Maria N.

Maria N.
Contact for Drop-In Visits
from $20 per visit
Highlights
Pet care experience
Animal Lover Funding College
Hi! I’m a junior at the University of Pittsburgh and a lifelong animal lover with extensive hands-on experience caring for pets of all sizes, temperaments, and needs. I currently have two dogs: Whiskey, my 6-year-old Yorkie, and Cosmo, my 4-year-old cockapoo. I’ve raised both since they were puppies. I’ve also cared for a golden retriever named Kimba from puppyhood, which gave me valuable experience handling larger, high-energy dogs as well. In addition to dogs, I’ve grown up around a wide variety of animals including goats and chickens, so I’m very comfortable with different environments and levels of care responsibility. Because I’ve personally raised dogs from puppy stage through adulthood, I understand the full range of needs pets can have — from training and leash manners to patience with shy or high-energy personalities. I’m confident handling walks, feeding routines, and multi-pet households. Both of my dogs have needed oral medications before (pills and liquid), so I’m familiar with getting pets to take medicine when needed. I’ve also taken care of goats and helped apply eye and ear medications, so I’m comfortable with administrating treatments. As a college student, I’m responsible with my schedule and only accept bookings I can fully commit to. My priority is making sure every pet feels safe, comfortable, and cared for while you’re away. 🐾 EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS * Raised and trained multiple dogs from puppyhood * Experience with small and large breeds * Comfortable with leash training, pulling, and energetic dogs * Experienced with shy and anxious pets * Familiar with multi-pet households * Farm animal experience (goats + chickens) * Experienced with giving medication I’m happy to care for pets who may need extra patience, structure, or attention during walks or drop-ins. 🐾 CARE STYLE I focus on making pets feel safe, calm, and comfortable. I always adjust my approach based on the animal. Whether that means more structured walks for high-energy dogs or a gentler, more reassuring approach for shy pets. I also make sure owners feel updated and at ease with clear communication and photos when requested. 🐾 MEET & GREET I’m always happy to do a meet and greet before any booking so I can get to know you, your pets, and their routine to make sure everything goes smoothly. Hope to meet your fur-babies very soon!
Qualifications
Pets
Safety, trust & environment
When caring for pets, my main priority is making sure they feel safe, comfortable, and relaxed whether I’m in my home or the client’s home. I always follow the pet’s normal routine as closely as possible, including feeding schedules, walk routines, and any specific instructions from the owner. I pay close attention to doors, leashes, and overall safety during walks and visits, and I make sure pets are never in stressful or unfamiliar situations unnecessarily. In a client’s home, I’m respectful of the space, keep things clean, and make sure everything is left how it was found. I also give pets calm attention, playtime, and supervision so they feel secure while their owner is away. If any issues come up, I communicate right away so the owner is always informed.
Ratings and reviews
She handled both of my pets with no issues and followed their routines perfectly. You can tell she has real experience with different types of animals. Everything was smooth and stress-free.
Maria took great care of my dog while I was away. She was reliable, communicated clearly, and sent updates with photos. My dog warmed up to her quickly, and I felt completely at ease knowing she was in good hands. I would definitely book her again!
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
I’m usually free after 3:30pm on weekdays except Tuesdays. I always make time for my own pets and can adjust my schedule around pet care when needed. Most weekends I have open availability and can be flexible with timing depending on what is needed. I’m good at planning ahead, so I only accept bookings I know I can fully commit to and show up on time for.
