5.0

Having grown up all my life with pets- hamsters, chinchillas, parrots, rabbits, cats, and dogs, I have deep reverence for the human-animal connection. Their impact on my life has been filled such love, healing, inspiration, and joy. When I was a kid, I would obsessively watch Animal Planet and read all of my library's books about pet care and training. I’ve helped rehabilitate foster animals and train my family dogs through advanced obedience classes, Canine Good Citizen test, and therapy dog training through positive reinforcement, mental enrichment, trust building, and having fun! My bonds with them have been some of the most fulfilling parts of my life. I've raised my pets throughout all their life stages, as well as helping care for friends', neighbors', and 100+ Rover clients’ pets, all of a variety of sizes, ages, breeds, temperaments, and special needs. I'd love the privilege to do the same for you. My dog Pearl is my cherished adventure buddy all across the east and west coast, but I too have trips I cannot take her on. I understand the stress and worry of finding care for your furry friends when those events arise, and I will strive the best I can to ease your and your pet's worries with quality care and communication, and treat them as I'd want mine to be treated. I'm available for house sitting in lower Manhattan, downtown Brooklyn, and downtown Jersey City (I will consider farther locations if your pet is comfortable with being independent for longer periods of time due to the longer commute time to my office in FiDi). I used to also do dog boarding and daycare services on Rover for 3 years before moving to NYC, but my current housing restrictions don't allow for that at the moment. I conduct all pet sitting services solo and do not bring other people or pets with me. I book one house sitting client at a time and do not currently offer other Rover services (dog walking, drop-in visits) to other potential clients, so I would be fully devoted to your pet(s). While I have my own dog, Pearl, my family takes care of her while I'm away, so I would not need to bring her. Note: The house sitting rate listed is for overnight sitting for pets that can be independent at home for a few hours at a time. Single-day/constant care will be charged a rate of $50/hour with a minimum of the overnight rate, plus additional fees for late night departures (detailed in the section below). My goal is for your pets to feel as if you've never left by following their daily care routine in an environment that feels like home to them. I’ll give them the VIP treatment loving them as my own, engage them in play sessions and mental enrichment, and meet their daily exercise needs. As a dog owner myself for many years and from my experience doing dog boarding/daycare, I'm very used to tailoring my daily schedule to giving my and clients' dog(s) an enriching daily life and meeting their every need, so I'd similarly live with your pet(s) as if I am their temporary owner. 😊 Whether they enjoy being active through long walks and playtime, love snuggling next to a human for a cozy nap, or even if they're more reserved or independent in nature, I adapt to their personality and preferences! I'm patient and observant in reading animal body languages and signals, then adjusting my approach. I truly find joy in the simplicity of their company, from active play and cuddles to watching them adorably sleep. I’m also happy to keep up with their regular grooming routine, training reinforcement, and administer any other special care. I have experience administering oral and topical medication, raising young puppies from 8 weeks old, tending to the sensitivity of senior animals, and caring for animals with vision/hearing/mobility impairments. I can also help with any basic household upkeep like bringing in mail, watering plants, and laundering used sheets/towels. I value cleanliness and respect and will strive to leave your home in the same or better condition than I found it. "In Hawaiian, you don't call yourself your pet's owner. You are their kahu. Kahu has many meanings, among them: guardian, protector, steward, beloved attendant—basically, someone entrusted with the safekeeping of something precious, something cherished. What a Kahu protects is not their property. What they protect is a part of their soul." When sending a booking request, more advance notice has a higher likelihood of guaranteeing my availability. I can get booked many months in advance especially during holidays or peak travel seasons. I'm not guaranteed to be available on short notice, but feel free to inquire if my calendar shows I'm free.