Mark W.
Tustin, CA
Care that makes a best friend!
Pet care experience
My name is Mark. I’ve had pets my entire life and for the past four years, I’ve started caring for others in addition to my own. I have experience caring for dogs with special needs, and of all different sizes and breeds. For me, it’s their way! They lead me on their walks, so I allow them to safely do what they want, within reason of course. I might even bring them along for a walk request and make a new friend! Pet stores are a given. Any specific requests for them? Let me know! I always keep the water bowl full and pets happy and healthy. Allow me to meet y'all and let’s play fetch! I will love on your pooch with everything I have. I am incredibly reliable, trustworthy, and flexible
Reviews
Mark has worked by my side for over two years with my pet boarding/pet care Rover business. I can tell you first hand Mark is the most loving to all the dogs we have watched! He plays with them, snuggles, loves walking dogs, and is so attentive! He follows dogs routines, schedules, and instructions. He administered insulin to our diabetic dog for a few years. He has cared for over 200 dogs with our joint business. I promise you your dogs/cats will love Mark! They will have their tails wagging every time they see him!
About Mark W.
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Managing the pet parent’s expectations is crucial and can be the difference between success and failure at the job. It’s essential that we are both on the same page. Get down on the pet’s level and interact with them. Reassure my client that I’ll attend to and care for their cat or dog in the best possible manner. Be sensitive to the fact that leaving a pet at home can be stressful for both the pet and pet parent. Record all pertinent information, including emergency contacts, veterinarian information, feeding instructions, medications, alarm codes, etc. This might be the last time I see the (human) client, so be as thorough as possible. We will discuss what each visit will entail and go over a typical day in the life of your cat or dog. Be realistic with clients about what time I will be at their home for each visit and for how long. Make sure I discuss any secondary tasks I might be expected to perform, such as watering plants, bringing in mail, or turning the lights on and off each day. Don’t wait for my client to “check in” with me. Instead, proactively communicate with my client. Text them when I arrive at their house and give a status update, reassuring them everything is in order and their pets are doing well. Recognize the needs of the pets and respond accordingly. Be patient and calm with pets that are withdrawn or scared. Pets are sensitive to change and may be missing their people; maintain their schedule as much as possible. When the pet is feeling comfortable, send pictures to the client, letting them know i’m giving them extra attention. When the client gets that text with the smiling face of their pet, they’re going to know they made the right decision in hiring me. On my last visit, tidy up the client’s home and brush the pets, so they look good for their parents’ return home. Leave a handwritten note sharing an anecdote or two about an adventure I had with their pets. Express gratitude and interest in any future pet-sitting opportunities while assuring my client they can contact me if they have any specific questions.
Information Mark W. would like to know about your pet
Let me know if your dog has any special needs or behaviors that I need to attend to. I look forward to meeting your pet.
A typical day
Dogs are individuals, as are people. I would ask the owners what kinds of activities, games their dog enjoys, and go along with those. Walks, nice long walks in parks or trails or other pleasant places are always appreciated. Games, interactive play with toys, balls, even a stick are fun. Some dogs really enjoy chilling, watching TV while laying in/on your lap, being scratched and stroked. Some dogs love having their ears played with, others not so much. Some know and like doing tricks for praise and treats. Some dogs just love having someone talk to them! And many really enjoy going for rides in the car. I’ve had dogs that wanted to be brushed for hours, and some who saw the brush or comb, and left the room. If it’s your first time, take the suggestions of the people who live with him, at least as the basis.
Services
Mark can watch in your home
Availability
I have determined the best way to space these outings in my individual schedule. I take my own dog out on waking, before I leave the house, when I get home, after eating and then once before bedtime. They are fed twice each day. Generally, a meal in the evening, at our family dinner time helps prevent ‘accidents’ while we’re away during the day. Puppies need more frequent feedings. Fresh water is available throughout the day. I wash and fill the water bowl before I leave in the morning. In addition, our dogs enjoy a bit of daily grooming or playtime with us as a family unit. A regular schedule makes a dog feel secure. They know what to expect, and won’t become anxious about changes.
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About Mark W.
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Managing the pet parent’s expectations is crucial and can be the difference between success and failure at the job. It’s essential that we are both on the same page. Get down on the pet’s level and interact with them. Reassure my client that I’ll attend to and care for their cat or dog in the best possible manner. Be sensitive to the fact that leaving a pet at home can be stressful for both the pet and pet parent. Record all pertinent information, including emergency contacts, veterinarian information, feeding instructions, medications, alarm codes, etc. This might be the last time I see the (human) client, so be as thorough as possible. We will discuss what each visit will entail and go over a typical day in the life of your cat or dog. Be realistic with clients about what time I will be at their home for each visit and for how long. Make sure I discuss any secondary tasks I might be expected to perform, such as watering plants, bringing in mail, or turning the lights on and off each day. Don’t wait for my client to “check in” with me. Instead, proactively communicate with my client. Text them when I arrive at their house and give a status update, reassuring them everything is in order and their pets are doing well. Recognize the needs of the pets and respond accordingly. Be patient and calm with pets that are withdrawn or scared. Pets are sensitive to change and may be missing their people; maintain their schedule as much as possible. When the pet is feeling comfortable, send pictures to the client, letting them know i’m giving them extra attention. When the client gets that text with the smiling face of their pet, they’re going to know they made the right decision in hiring me. On my last visit, tidy up the client’s home and brush the pets, so they look good for their parents’ return home. Leave a handwritten note sharing an anecdote or two about an adventure I had with their pets. Express gratitude and interest in any future pet-sitting opportunities while assuring my client they can contact me if they have any specific questions.
Information Mark W. would like to know about your pet
Let me know if your dog has any special needs or behaviors that I need to attend to. I look forward to meeting your pet.
A typical day
Dogs are individuals, as are people. I would ask the owners what kinds of activities, games their dog enjoys, and go along with those. Walks, nice long walks in parks or trails or other pleasant places are always appreciated. Games, interactive play with toys, balls, even a stick are fun. Some dogs really enjoy chilling, watching TV while laying in/on your lap, being scratched and stroked. Some dogs love having their ears played with, others not so much. Some know and like doing tricks for praise and treats. Some dogs just love having someone talk to them! And many really enjoy going for rides in the car. I’ve had dogs that wanted to be brushed for hours, and some who saw the brush or comb, and left the room. If it’s your first time, take the suggestions of the people who live with him, at least as the basis.
Location
Tustin, CA
Pets
Mark W.
Tustin, CA