Marissa B.
Kailua-Kona, HI
Services
Marissa can care for
Availability
I’m currently working part time in the tourism industry, so I have plenty of flexibility in my schedule to accommodate Rover care needs for my clients.
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About Marissa B.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
With plenty of experience pet sitting and house sitting, I realize that every situation is going to be slightly different — I try to match what the pets are used to first and foremost, the walks pet owners tend to take their dogs on and do activities that are already a part of the pets routine. Though I never let dogs off leash while dog sitting, even if owners usually do; the possibility of losing a pet is not something I’m comfortable with, so better safe than sorry.
Information Marissa B. would like to know about your pet
I have experience working with special needs, senior and behaviorally more difficult dogs — all I ask is an honest heads up of the situation before I come in to care for your pet. Whatever care needs to be provided, I’m available for to the best of my ability.
A typical day
Every pet is different and will enjoy different activities based on their normal activity levels — I try to match their current lifestyle as much as possible, sticking to the number of walks usually provided (or more if the dog is able) and toys/games the pet is already familiar with. When dog sitting for a longer amount of time, typically longer than one week, I can introduce some enrichment games and training games if requested or if schedule allows, just to keep the pet interested and distracted from missing their family.
Location
Kailua-Kona, HI
Pets
Dog Sitter with 10+years Experience
Pet care experience
Local to Big Island for the last 6 years, based in upper palisades but willing to travel up to 25 miles. I have 10+ years of animal experience - beginning with volunteering at my local humane society and animal shelters at the age of 16, to training service dogs for children with autism for National Service Dogs and later on becoming a certified dog trainer. While completing my undergraduate degree I worked at 2 different pet stores and dog walked & dog sat for cash on weekends. I have been house/dog sitting regularly for 4+ years for two local families - one of which with 3 elderly wiener dogs and the other with two high energy samoyed puppies turned adult pups. My undergraduate degree is in Animal Biology, and my graduate degree is in Animal Behaviour & Welfare - both completed at University of Guelph in Canada where I was born. Although my specialization was in African penguins, I have lots of love for fluffier animals too. I have worked in the veterinary industry for 3+ years as a vet assistant/technician, but since moving back to Hawaii I’ve moved into the tourism industry. I am comfortable working with dogs of all sizes and temperaments, and have experience working with dogs of all breeds and ages.
Reviews
Excellent choice to care for your dog. Marissa’s love in life is animals. She studied animal biology at university, raised and professionally trained a guide dog for an autistic child and loves animals more than humans. She provides reliable service, excellent structure and training all with a 1000 watt smile. Truly she will love your dog! No concerns here.
About Marissa B.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
With plenty of experience pet sitting and house sitting, I realize that every situation is going to be slightly different — I try to match what the pets are used to first and foremost, the walks pet owners tend to take their dogs on and do activities that are already a part of the pets routine. Though I never let dogs off leash while dog sitting, even if owners usually do; the possibility of losing a pet is not something I’m comfortable with, so better safe than sorry.
Information Marissa B. would like to know about your pet
I have experience working with special needs, senior and behaviorally more difficult dogs — all I ask is an honest heads up of the situation before I come in to care for your pet. Whatever care needs to be provided, I’m available for to the best of my ability.
A typical day
Every pet is different and will enjoy different activities based on their normal activity levels — I try to match their current lifestyle as much as possible, sticking to the number of walks usually provided (or more if the dog is able) and toys/games the pet is already familiar with. When dog sitting for a longer amount of time, typically longer than one week, I can introduce some enrichment games and training games if requested or if schedule allows, just to keep the pet interested and distracted from missing their family.
Marissa B.
Kailua-Kona, HI