Michelle N.
Michelle N.
Highlights
Pet care experience
Westside Pet Whisperer
You know the pet that “doesn't like new people”, is “grumpy”, and “always hides”? Give me ten minutes and that cat or dog will be eating out of my hand. Call it a talent. Call it a gift. I’ve had it since birth, and I’m pleased to share it with discerning pet parents on the west side of Los Angeles. I’ve lived with cats my entire life. My Maine Coon mix Dallas passed at age 15, and since then have fostered 20 cats via the Stray Cat Alliance with every age and temperament. I’ve volunteered at the NKLA adoption center, doing enrichment and writing/shooting adoption videos. I’ve also served as Marketing Director at the Paw Project, the only animal rights organization dedicated to outlawing cat declawing. I've lived with dogs for shorter periods, and am most comfortable with smaller to medium-sized dogs. Cats: I have experience administering probiotics, pills, liquid medicine, eye drops, and injections. Dogs: I have less experience administering medication, but am happy to follow specific directions. Please feel free to reach out with any questions!
Cat care experience
Michelle also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Qualifications
Ratings and reviews
Michelle gives us such peace of mind when we are out of town. Third time watching our two cats. She's communicative and helpful.
Second time Michelle has watched our cats. Her communication is timely and clear. Our cats are contentedly themselves after being in Michelle's care - that's the best! We appreciate Michelle SO MUCH!
Round 3 with Michelle and we’re still in love. After our cat Oliver had his seizures and put on a rigorous medication schedule, I thought we’d never travel again. But finding Michelle changed that. She’s been there for us for each trip and we are forever grateful. Thank you, Michelle!
This will be Oliver’s second time choosing Ms. Michelle to stay with him. He absolutely loves her! He has psychogenic alopecia and wicked anxiety; finding a sitter was always a problem until Michelle. I mean, he practically bum rushes her, and he never approaches strangers. Michelle is an absolute treat to have and we actually just booked her to drop in on Oliver for our next trip.
Michelle was wonderful! She stayed at my place for 4 nights. She was so kind and took great care of my dog with CHF. She sent photo updates and was respectful of my home leaving everything neat as a pin. Will definitely use her again
Michelle is incredible. For ten days she looked after our two cats and our home. She sent daily photos and updates. She thoughtfully took care of our home, leaving it clean and tidy for our return. It's clear she truly loves cats - ours were so relaxed and chill when we got home. She's a great communicator, a cool and reliable human. We feel lucky and grateful to have found her, ❤️
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
I'm currently working part time with flexibility; my schedule should easily mesh with yours. I understand that some pets are on more of an exact schedule and I'm happy to honor that.
Where your pet will stay
Home characteristics
Safety, trust & environment
Physical safety: Having hosted certain foster pets who rush the door or otherwise attempt escape, I'm accustomed to ensuring all doors and windows are secured and triple checking escape routes when entering/exiting the home. Medical safety: I'll be on the lookout for any behaviors indicating stress or illness, including monitoring the litter box/poop activity and for cats having the Feline Grimace Scale handy. Please leave your vet's information in case of an emergency. My backup is the VEG Veterinary Emergency Group in Santa Monica. Emotional safety: I know what to do and how to show up energetically in order for your pet to feel safe with me. Being a cat foster parent I've delved deeply into Jackson Galaxy's videos and books. Pets are extremely sensitive and intuitive, and any stress can cause illness - we'll have neither stress or illness on my watch.
A typical day
Whatever they like to do! Please indicate their favorite toys / games / treats. And let me know how much affection they usually want/need. I can provide overnight, in-home care so your pet can stay comfortable in their own environment while you’re away. In that case, I structure my time around your pet’s schedule — feedings, medications, and playtime. During the day, I spend dedicated time in the home and also step out for errands, meetings, and other commitments for chunks of time. Your pet’s feeding times, comfort, and safety are always prioritized.