Hey there! My legal name is Mary but everyone calls me Elle. I was a zookeeper in Florida for 8 years specializing in great ape training (chimpanzees & gorillas). I have always worked with animals & that is how it will always be for me! Last year I decided to move back home to be closer to my family. I am now working part time as a vet assistant at the animal shelter while building my pet sitting career here in my hometown. :) Currently I offer a variety of services, whether you are looking for someone to care for your pets while you travel, or if you are in need of a regular pet sitter to drop in as needed. I have experience with special diet & lifestyle requirements, insulin injections, & *unique* personalities. Here are some deets: House sitting- I'll stay overnight at your house, arriving around dinner time. I will feed, walk, & play with your pets, then sleep over. In the morning I'll take care of everyone before leaving. A midday visit at your house of about 1 hour is included. Your pets will not be left alone for more than 6 hours at a time. I'll also bring in mail, water plants, rotate blinds, etc. This includes a consultation where I will come to your house at a prearranged date to meet you & your pets, get your instructions, & a copy of your key. Boarding- currently I can only accept small & medium sized dogs (under 40 lb). You can drop off your pets at my house at a pre-arranged time. I have a large backyard surrounded by a privacy fence, with plenty of squirrels to chase, & pedestrians walking by to bark at. I do have dogs of my own (a rat terrier & a pomeranian) but there are multiple doors into the house from the backyard, so it is easy to keep your pets separated from mine if that will make them more comfortable. If they do want a playmate, the pomeranian is very friendly & playful! I may have to leave for a few hours at a time (never more than 5), but your pet can have his or her own comfortable room. I will black out dates on my calendar for boarding when I have house sitting clients booked. Drop-in visits: Ideally we will meet at a prearranged time at your house but I can accommodate for last minute emergencies. This service works for cats, dogs or any other pets. You can select for 30 or 60 minutes which can include letting dogs out into the backyard & playing outside, feeding & giving medications, scooping the litter box, changing potty pads, checking the mail or whatever else you may need. This is most often used by people who are going out of town & need someone to come by to check on their pets but don't necessarily need someone to sleep over. I recommend booking 3 visits a day for dogs & 1 a day for cats. This is also a useful service if you are occasionally gone for a really long day & need someone to stop in here & there. Dog walking- Ideally we will arrange a meet & greet beforehand, when I can get to know you & your dog & get a copy of your key. I can accommodate for emergencies if you need me to come walk your dogs without meeting first as long as you promise they won't bite me :) We will go on a 30 minute leashed walk around the neighborhood. Water refill, treats, & head scratchins are included :)