Nicole D.
Nicole D.
Contact for Drop-In Visits
from $10 per visit
Highlights
Pet care experience
10+ years of loving pet care
What sets me apart is my combination of hands-on animal experience, responsibility, and genuine love for pets. I have 10+ years of experience caring for animals and currently have a 4-year-old dog and two cats, including a senior cat. I’ve also rescued pets of my own, fostered cats, participated in TNR (trap, neuter, release), and volunteered with animal shelters. I also have experience with puppies, as I adopted my dog when she was just a two-month-old rescue. That experience gave me firsthand understanding of puppy care, including training, socialization, establishing routines, managing high energy, and supporting them through early developmental stages. My professional background has also given me experience in environments where safety, attentiveness, and responsibility are essential. I spent two years working at Two Shepherds Taproom, a dog park and taproom, where I was regularly around dogs of all ages, sizes, breeds, personalities, and energy levels. Before transitioning careers, I also spent over six years as an elementary school teacher for Pasco County, where I was trusted with the safety, care, and well-being of 22–28 children every day. These experiences taught me patience, attentiveness, organization, communication, and how to stay calm when unexpected situations arise. I’m also a licensed real estate professional and understand the level of trust involved when someone allows you into their home. When I’ve pet sat or completed drop-in visits in the past, I’ve always made communication with pet parents a priority. I send updates and photos so you can see how your pet is doing and feel connected to them while you’re away. As a pet parent myself, I understand how important that reassurance is, especially when you’re traveling or away from a pet who truly is part of your family. Most importantly, I’ll treat your pets with the same patience, attention, affection, and care that I would want someone to give my own. Whether your pet is energetic and playful, shy and needs time to warm up, or a senior who prefers a slower pace, I’m happy to meet them where they are and help them feel safe and comfortable while you’re away.
Cat care experience
Nicole also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Qualifications
Pets
Safety, trust & environment
When caring for pets in a client’s home, my goal is to keep their routine as familiar and comfortable as possible while their family is away. I carefully follow each pet parent’s instructions for feeding, walks, potty breaks, medications, playtime, enrichment, and any other individual needs their pet may have. For drop in visits, I make sure pets receive plenty of attention in addition to their basic care. Depending on their needs, that might include a walk, backyard playtime, enrichment, cuddles, refreshing food and water, cleaning litter boxes, or simply spending time with them so they have companionship during the day. For house sitting, I treat both your pets and your home with the same care and respect I would want someone to show my own. I’m happy to maintain established routines, provide regular updates and photos, and pay close attention to changes in behavior, appetite, or anything else that may seem unusual. Most importantly, I want your pets to feel safe, loved, and comfortable in their own environment while you’re away.
Ratings and reviews
Nicole is a wonderful pet sitter! She has taken care of my cats many times. She is reliable, thoughtful, and caring. Even my shyest kitty would come out for her food when Nicole was caring for them. I would recommend Nicole to anyone looking for a responsible caregiver for their fur babies.
Nicole is wonderful with animals! She cares deeply for them and will give them the attention they want. Animals also like her, going to her when in a group of people. She will be great for helping to care for others animals, very trustworthy and responsible.
Nicole does exceptional well with animals. Treats them amazing and cares for them thoroughly. She is reliable, dependable and extremely trustworthy. She would be a great addition to your company.
I highly recommend Nicole to anyone looking for someone who truly cares about their pets. She is loving, attentive, responsible, and naturally connects with animals. Nicole treats every pet as if they were her own, making sure they feel safe, comfortable, and cared for. She is dependable, patient, and always attentive to each pet’s individual needs and personality. I would feel completely confident trusting Nicole with any pet and know they would be in wonderful hands!
Nicole is so caring and kindhearted! She is always making sure everyone around her is taken care of of. She is a wonderful pet momma and she has great experience caring for other people’s pets in her previous role at a dog bar. Nicole is loyal, trustworthy and dependable! She will care for your pets just like her own.
Nicole watched my cats while I was out of town and was very reliable when I had to extend her services when my flight home was unexpectedly canceled! She showed my kitties a lot of love, spent time with them, and followed all of my instructions! She is very trustworthy and a big animal lover.
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
Pet care is already a big part of my everyday routine! As a dog and cat owner myself, my days naturally include walks, feeding, playtime, enrichment, cuddles, and plenty of attention. I currently have a flexible schedule, which allows me to plan my day around the pets in my care and provide frequent potty breaks, walks, playtime, and companionship rather than leaving them alone for long periods. I’m also happy to follow each pet’s normal routine as closely as possible, including their feeding schedule, walks, medications, and any special care instructions, so they can feel comfortable and secure while their family is away.
- Cats0 to 15 lbs16 to 40 lbs41 to 100 lbsover 101 lbsNicole can host up to 3 drop-ins per day
- For both cats and dogs, I’d make it broad enough to cover either: I’d love to know about your pet’s normal routine, feeding schedule, personality, energy level, and favorite activities. Please let me know about any medications, allergies, health concerns, or special care instructions. It’s also helpful to know how they behave around new people and other animals, any fears or triggers they may have, and any behaviors I should be aware of, such as resource guarding, reactivity, hiding, or trying to escape. For dogs, please share their usual walking and potty routine, and for cats, their litter box routine and favorite hiding spots. Most importantly, let me know what helps your pet feel safe, happy, and comfortable while you’re away.