Rachel M.
Mountain Lakes, NJ
Big and small, I love them all!
Pet care experience
I have loved cats and all animals big and small since I can remember! I’ve even worked at an alligator rescue as a handler. Animal welfare and comfort are two of my most important values. I have always "pet-sat" for people in my town starting when I was 9, and I just never stopped. I have been pet-sitting both dogs and cats of all sizes/temperaments for nearly two decades now, and for the past 5/6 years, I’ve been the second-in-command for a licensed pet-sitting company with dozens of clients.
Reviews
Rachel is the best pet sitter you could ever find to take care of your pets! She has been watching my pets for over eight years, and my dogs are so tired and happy when I return from work. Rachel also takes care of them when I am on vacation. She goes above and beyond with the care and attention she gives to them.
Rachel was extremely professional and my dog loved her!! Looking forward to hiring her again, she was a perfect fit for us! I’d love if we could use her services for our next vacation.
I am such an anxious pet parent, but I feel so good when I know that we’re leaving our pup with Rachel. She’s just such an animal lover of all shapes and sizes, and she spends so much extra time playing with our dog and actually stimulating her, besides just the walks.
Whenever we go away it is so stress-free because we trust Rachel completely to take care of our dogs. She is the biggest animal lover out there and always goes above and beyond for ours (and everyone’s) pets. I’m always so happy knowing I can leave our dog in her care and truly enjoy our vacations.
About Rachel M.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I never open a door before a leash is on securely (unless it is a fenced-in yard or there is a hidden fence and I have the owner's approval first), I pay close attention to signs of sickness/distress, I can read behavioral cues very well, and I will never smother your dog with too much attention unless they are asking for it of course! I am Animal CPR Certified by the American Red Cross, and I can also administer various medications. No matter the case (unless old age or illness prevents it) I do 4 walks a day rain or shine, and I stay alert for signs that they might have to go again in between. We also have a huge and very safe, completely fenced-in dog park near my house if that is something you would like for your pup. I have a very large SUV with a big trunk for very large dogs, dog seatbelts, and a dog "canoe" which goes in the middle seats to prevent them from pitching forward if we had to make a shortstop. Long/short hikes are always an option if wanted, and I make sure your pet is always safe while being transported. I have just about the sweetest, most lovable black lab, golden, and hound mix named Ripley that is best friends with everyone/everydog in the neighborhood. She's never had a bad response from a dog and loves snuggling if they allow it. She also has about 4 huge, plush dog beds all around the house and loves to share! Your dog will never be lonely, especially since my other human housemates are the biggest animal lovers in the world. Animal happiness and their general welfare is my utmost passion in life, so you can be rest assured I will do whatever is necessary to keep your dogs having the best time possible! P.S. Your pets are always welcome to join us on our furniture, but if this is something you don't allow in your household we will make sure not to instill any bad habits. Your rules!
Information Rachel M. would like to know about your pet
Please let me know ahead of time any pertinent information about your dog beforehand, nothing is too small. It could be anything from: -Health issues and the necessary medications. -How they walk on the leash, and if they have escaped what methods got them to come back. -What times do they typically eat, walk, go to the bathroom, etc.(Their usual routine) -Are they microchipped? -Vet contact info and emergency contact info. -What items will you be bringing with your dog? -How do they behave around other dogs, cats, people, cars, etc.
A typical day
I take any dog I'm pet-sitting or dog walking on at least 4 walks a day (health and age permitting), usually around 45 minutes long through the nice paths in the woods near my house. If they get dirty they'll get either a yard bath or a bath in our walk-in shower with whatever shampoo is your usual choice. I'll also mix it up and take the dogs for a nice hike or to an awesome, huge dog park near my house that is completely fenced in. All at the owner's approval of course. I also just love playing inside or practicing simple tricks! We have so many toys and lots of stimulating dog games that we use a lot with our own dog.
Services
Rachel can watch in your home
Availability
I recently just quit my day job as a preschool teacher (on good terms!), and I work a variety of work-from-home freelance jobs outside of pet-sitting. I also have a lot of investments that allow me whatever flexibility I need. I currently walk about 9 different dogs each week, mostly daily, and I am constantly called for extra walks and overnight stays.
About Rachel M.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I never open a door before a leash is on securely (unless it is a fenced-in yard or there is a hidden fence and I have the owner's approval first), I pay close attention to signs of sickness/distress, I can read behavioral cues very well, and I will never smother your dog with too much attention unless they are asking for it of course! I am Animal CPR Certified by the American Red Cross, and I can also administer various medications. No matter the case (unless old age or illness prevents it) I do 4 walks a day rain or shine, and I stay alert for signs that they might have to go again in between. We also have a huge and very safe, completely fenced-in dog park near my house if that is something you would like for your pup. I have a very large SUV with a big trunk for very large dogs, dog seatbelts, and a dog "canoe" which goes in the middle seats to prevent them from pitching forward if we had to make a shortstop. Long/short hikes are always an option if wanted, and I make sure your pet is always safe while being transported. I have just about the sweetest, most lovable black lab, golden, and hound mix named Ripley that is best friends with everyone/everydog in the neighborhood. She's never had a bad response from a dog and loves snuggling if they allow it. She also has about 4 huge, plush dog beds all around the house and loves to share! Your dog will never be lonely, especially since my other human housemates are the biggest animal lovers in the world. Animal happiness and their general welfare is my utmost passion in life, so you can be rest assured I will do whatever is necessary to keep your dogs having the best time possible! P.S. Your pets are always welcome to join us on our furniture, but if this is something you don't allow in your household we will make sure not to instill any bad habits. Your rules!
Information Rachel M. would like to know about your pet
Please let me know ahead of time any pertinent information about your dog beforehand, nothing is too small. It could be anything from: -Health issues and the necessary medications. -How they walk on the leash, and if they have escaped what methods got them to come back. -What times do they typically eat, walk, go to the bathroom, etc.(Their usual routine) -Are they microchipped? -Vet contact info and emergency contact info. -What items will you be bringing with your dog? -How do they behave around other dogs, cats, people, cars, etc.
A typical day
I take any dog I'm pet-sitting or dog walking on at least 4 walks a day (health and age permitting), usually around 45 minutes long through the nice paths in the woods near my house. If they get dirty they'll get either a yard bath or a bath in our walk-in shower with whatever shampoo is your usual choice. I'll also mix it up and take the dogs for a nice hike or to an awesome, huge dog park near my house that is completely fenced in. All at the owner's approval of course. I also just love playing inside or practicing simple tricks! We have so many toys and lots of stimulating dog games that we use a lot with our own dog.
Location
Mountain Lakes, NJ
Pets
Rachel M.
Mountain Lakes, NJ