Hey, pet moms and dads! My name is Mary, and I'd love to spend my free time caring for your best friends! Though I offer several different services, my specialty is in-owner's-home pet sitting. I've been sitting for neighbors, coworkers, family, and friends for over a decade, and in that time I've encountered a wide variety of experience. From administering medication to addressing minor emergencies (e.g. cuts, carpet accidents), my approach is always thorough and calm. Because I take safety seriously, I am certified by the American Red Cross in cat and dog first aid. As a full-time employee of MPI Research, I also participate in both blood-borne pathogen training annually. Naturally, I have a clean-driving record and no criminal history as well. I make it a point to follow owner's instructions exactly as I know so many of our pets can be sensitive to changes in routine, and I'm happy to write notes and send photos when requested to let absent owners know what their "kids" were up to while they were gone. I'm comfortable with any size/breed and know how to approach and interact with new animal acquaintances appropriately. I believe that compassion, patience, respect, and honesty are essential qualities of any pet sitter. It's important to note I am 100% against showing aggression, physical or verbal, towards pets and want owners to know their loved ones will always be safe and treated kindly when in my care. Additionally, I volunteer at the Kalamazoo SPCA walking dogs and socializing cats and have worked with many different species (e.g. birds, reptiles, amphibians, and exotic mammals) as a volunteer handler at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or requests. I'd be more than happy to meet with you and your pet(s) to discuss your sitting needs!