Marilyn J.
Marilyn J.
Highlights
Pet care experience
Your pet's second best friend
Hi there! I’m a current veterinary student at Tufts University and a former veterinary assistant with three summers of clinical experience. I’ve cared for animals of all shapes and would love to care for your pet too. I’ve grown up with big dogs so large breeds and high-energy pups don’t intimidate me. To my mother’s dismay, I brought home snake while I was in middle school and have experience caring for lizards, turtles, and tortoises too. During my undergrad I spent time working on ranches and farms. And, finally, in my post grad I fostered cats of all ages. Basically, I can take care of whatever animal you have (except for maybe a tiger…). I’m trained in safely administering medications of all types (oral, topical, injectable), and am comfortable supporting pets with chronic or special needs. I’m big on reading body language and will always respect your pet’s needs, whether that’s extra snuggles or some alone time. My goal is to ensure that both you and your pet feel safe and comfortable. Communication is huge for me. Expect plenty of photo updates while you’re away (unless you don’t want that of course). I have reliable transportation and take pride in being punctual. Outside of school, I’m fairly active. I spent my summer hiking around Colorado and am trying to maintain a frequent physical activity while in school. I’d love to add walking your dog into my schedule. If I sound like a potential fit, feel free to reach out! I would love to meet you and your pet.
Cat care experience
Marilyn also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Qualifications
Safety, trust & environment
Due to currently living with a roommate’s dog, I am unable to care for pets in my home. When caring for people’s pets in their home, I follow their normal routines as closely as possible to keep things predictable and as stress-free for their pet as possible. I will make sure that I follow all house rules, keep a safe and clean environment, and give the pet lots of attention to make sure that they’re healthy and cared for. I provide regular updates and photos so that owners know their pet is in good-hands while they are away.
Ratings and reviews
Mar took care of my dog, Lexi, on multiple occasion and she truly does have a talent with animals. She's well versed in their needs and went above and beyond on every occasion. She watched my dog for times as long as four days and we had no issues.
Went above and beyond in every way, she was amazing throughout even with our 2 dogs. Responsive, clean area, good with animals. Thank you!
Marilyn was awesome! She helped monitor my dog while he was recovering from an injury which was really helpful. Definitely recommend!
Marilyn was my pet caregiver of choice for many years throughout her high school and college journey, and she set the standard for all preceding pet sitters. She treated our pets as if they were her own, showing extreme attentiveness and affection towards our dogs and cat. Marilyn always did more than what was expected of her, such as going for extra daily visits and steadily communicating with us and providing updates without being asked (along with cute pet photos). I will always recommend her to anyone searching for a pet caregiver as I have no complaints with how she’s cared for my own fur babies!
Marilyn has been God-sent for our fur-babies for the past several years. She is dependable and truly loves animals big and small. She has been especially great with large breeds and able to handle them safely. When she house-sat for us for our extended vacations, she kept our house plants happy as well. We love her! I hesitate to recommend her because I’m afraid she will get too busy for us!
Calendar and availability
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
27 | 28 | 29 | 30 |
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
27 | 28 | 29 | 30 |
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | ||||
4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 |
18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
Schedule
I am a full-time veterinary student with classes on weekdays. Most of my required labs take place in the afternoon, and I typically have a lunch break from around 11:50-1:00. This allows me for some shorter drop-ins around lunch if you are close to the Tufts Campus. Because of my school schedule, I’m most available in the later afternoons (anytime after 5pm), overnight, and early morning. I have some required classes that start at 8am, but our schedules are constantly changing. House sitting works especially well for me as it allows me to give your pet attention in the morning and evenings while keeping their routine consistent. (I also get a study buddy who won’t judge my old fashioned note taking).
- Cats0 to 15 lbs16 to 40 lbs41 to 100 lbsover 101 lbsDogs over 1 year oldMarilyn can host up to 2 drop-ins per day
- Before I start caring for your pet, I’d love to know: - dietary needs or restrictions - medications and how your pet prefers to take them - activity level (how far they’d enjoy walking if applicable) - favorite toys, treats, games - how do they do around other people or animals - what’s their daily routine and any house rules - anxieties, fears, special needs - any important medical information Thank you!