Rachel H.
Monroe Ward, VA
Services
Rachel can care for
Availability
I'm available everyday except Tuesday after 2, on Tuesdays I’m available after 2 and before 4! Weekends I can usually plan around visits. If for any reason we need to shift things around I’m open to talking about it, life happens and we'll problem-solve if it does.
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About Rachel H.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
My services will be pickups for walks or pet care within my client's home! *I also have a car with a dog cover and would love to talk about some walks around green spaces like Maymont or hikes! -I will treat your home with the respect I'd want a sitter to respect mine -I like to schedule a meet and greet for new clients
Information Rachel H. would like to know about your pet
-I like to schedule a meet and greet for all new clients -We arrange a key/fob drop-off plan for drop-ins during the meet and greet -I'd like a list either on paper or through text of the pet's basic routine for the stay and likes/dislikes before the first booking. This can also include anything else you think would be important or requests for how to lock up the house. -Be sure to list if your dog plays nice with other dogs or people and how you usually break it up if they're not and a situation arises -I'd also like to know if they enjoy being pet and if they have areas or injury spots I'd need to avoid. -I'd like a disclaimer if a certain pet is aggressive. It's better to manage care pet-to-pet. If there are safety concerns I'd rather you reach out then we work around them. This is not only for my physical safety but also to make sure I do not trigger any trauma responses in your pets. -On that same note please mention triggers (such as busy streets, loud noises, clapping, etc...) so I can be mindful.
A typical day
WALKS: We will go to a nice nature spot around the neighborhood, the first time I meet a dog after a meet and greet I'd like to bring them somewhere they know. If they're adventurous and comfortable I may ask you if we walk somewhere new or can go on a hike or to offer more stimulation, sights, and smells. After playing games with them in a green space or heading home tuckered out I'd bring them back for a cool-down. We'd cuddle or just hang out and play Lofi to wind down from outside time and this lets them know the walk is concluding. DROP-IN I always first implement owner instructions on how to plan out the drop-in. I like to play Lofi for cats and dogs because it reduces stress. I give them lots of love if they're affectionate. If they're energetic, I play with them outside after their bathroom break. Drop-ins are more custom to the animals' energy and stress levels so after my first drop-in, I can get a much better gauge of how they are feeling. I like to follow up after the first visit with a detailed report and some things that I think they'd enjoy moving forward.
Location
Richmond, VA
Pets
Rachel H. has Star Sitter status
The Star Sitter program highlights responsive sitters who deliver highly rated care and have a history of listing accurate availability and preferences, making it easier for pet parents to find the best care for their pets.
Energetic&Loving Care For Cats&Dogs
Pet care experience
I've grown up caring for dogs, cats, chickens, fish, and even a turkey! This has given me a varied understanding of pet care and multi-pet dynamics, I also found my love for pet care! I have had my cat, Kitten, for 7 years and I'm a full crazy cat lady at home! Living mostly with dogs I'm knowledgeable in training strategies and have been able to implement the same techniques on my cat. I can usually give tips or quick fixes if your pet is feeling anxious while you're gone and carry some pet first aid items with me if worse comes to worst (not a vet). Animals tend to like me, I have a non-threatening demeanor that I think helps with shy animals. For discipline training, I can be strict if you request but I see that as a push-and-pull that doesn't have to sacrifice love or comfort for pets. I prioritize outdoor time every day, I believe this makes the walks and visits I make special time for animals because I come with the same enthusiasm to get out there! -I've raised bunnies, cats, chickens, dogs, and ducks from baby to adult -I have fish, I'd be happy to feed yours and do basic maintenance at no extra charge on a booking -I've lived with and cared for senior dogs and dogs with illness. I'm able to administer medications to dogs with pill aversions (and give tips if you need some!). I don't like to administer injections but will always be willing to give an emergency/PRN injection. -I'll treat your pets as my own and will always do what I have to keep them healthy and safe. -I'm very comfortable with large-breed dogs, I've lived with Boerboels so I'm not easily intimidated!
Reviews
Rachel does a great job. She sends pictures and is very communicative. I've used her twice now and she did an excellent job both times.
Rachel is THE BEST! Always takes such great care of my high maintenance, high energy young pup and my senior pup!
Rachel is the best! Always punctual and spoils my boy.
Rachel came highly recommended by a friend who said she was the best pet sitter she had ever used, and after meeting her, I immediately understood why. Before my trip, Rachel asked all the right questions, was attentive, and clearly detail-oriented. My cat warmed up to her right away. Throughout her visits, she was communicative and thorough in her updates, and I returned to a spotless home. Most importantly, I came back to an incredibly happy cat. I can’t recommend Rachel enough!
About Rachel H.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
My services will be pickups for walks or pet care within my client's home! *I also have a car with a dog cover and would love to talk about some walks around green spaces like Maymont or hikes! -I will treat your home with the respect I'd want a sitter to respect mine -I like to schedule a meet and greet for new clients
Information Rachel H. would like to know about your pet
-I like to schedule a meet and greet for all new clients -We arrange a key/fob drop-off plan for drop-ins during the meet and greet -I'd like a list either on paper or through text of the pet's basic routine for the stay and likes/dislikes before the first booking. This can also include anything else you think would be important or requests for how to lock up the house. -Be sure to list if your dog plays nice with other dogs or people and how you usually break it up if they're not and a situation arises -I'd also like to know if they enjoy being pet and if they have areas or injury spots I'd need to avoid. -I'd like a disclaimer if a certain pet is aggressive. It's better to manage care pet-to-pet. If there are safety concerns I'd rather you reach out then we work around them. This is not only for my physical safety but also to make sure I do not trigger any trauma responses in your pets. -On that same note please mention triggers (such as busy streets, loud noises, clapping, etc...) so I can be mindful.
A typical day
WALKS: We will go to a nice nature spot around the neighborhood, the first time I meet a dog after a meet and greet I'd like to bring them somewhere they know. If they're adventurous and comfortable I may ask you if we walk somewhere new or can go on a hike or to offer more stimulation, sights, and smells. After playing games with them in a green space or heading home tuckered out I'd bring them back for a cool-down. We'd cuddle or just hang out and play Lofi to wind down from outside time and this lets them know the walk is concluding. DROP-IN I always first implement owner instructions on how to plan out the drop-in. I like to play Lofi for cats and dogs because it reduces stress. I give them lots of love if they're affectionate. If they're energetic, I play with them outside after their bathroom break. Drop-ins are more custom to the animals' energy and stress levels so after my first drop-in, I can get a much better gauge of how they are feeling. I like to follow up after the first visit with a detailed report and some things that I think they'd enjoy moving forward.
Rachel H.
Monroe Ward, VA