Hi! My name is Renee! I have what I like to call 'animal magic.' I've been good with animals since I was a little girl. I connect so well with pets and most importantly know how to read an animal’s behavior. Some pets take time to warm up to folks, I’m happy to do multiple meet and greets if this is the case. I started a career in pet care back in 2012, working for a dog daycare and training center in Evanston, IL. I worked with a professional dog trainer, who taught me how to maintain a balance of affection and discipline. My general training experience is in reinforcement training. This means if you have any at home rules, I will continue to make sure your dog listens. I also have experience in clicker training, if you would like me to work on clicker training your pet on walks and visits. I’m happy to start the clicker training process with your dog or cat (yes cats can be clicker trained - check out the Instagram @cat.school !) If you have a younger dog, I’m also happy to work with them on crate training - or start the process for older dogs. I like to stick to with animals’ regular schedule this way their most comfortable. I started sitting when clients from my dog day care/ training needed someone who their pets knew to take care of them. This expanded into a grand love of taking care of other people's pets. I don't have any pets of my own because I'd much rather provide snugs to pets across the city who need cared for and some extra attention when their owners are out of town. I have spent my entire life loving dogs, I grew up raising them on a farm in Ohio and have owned them myself. Currently, I live with a 1.5 year old doggerino named Bollo, he's my housemate's pet. I have a lot of experience with reactive, temperamental, and 'high maintenance' pets. If you are at all worried about your pet staying with someone new or having a new handler then I'm your girl!! Every dog has a different personality and should be treated as such. I always make sure to sit down and get a good idea of what the dog is like during meet and greets. This means finding out about any quirks your dog may have - for example some breeds just don't like other breeds for whatever reason, or maybe your dog gets reactive when it sees people with their hoods up walking towards them. But its not all about dogs! I love kitties too! My love of cats came later in life when I was asked to long term sit a cat (for 3 months!) The kitty's parents were in the process of moving across the country and needed a home for their cat that was stable during the move. I am still happy to provide this service if you're in a similar situation. Some final quick details about myself: 1. I am doing home stays as of July. I am following social distancing precautions, mask wearing and have not been going to restaurants, bars, etc. I have also been permanently working from home since March. 2. While I love petsitting and all the love that comes with hanging out with other people’s pets I do ask that there is some sort of early disclosure on sleeping arrangements. I’ve been burned before by folks not even leaving a pillow/blanket/sheet for a couch. 3. I primarily bike as my main source of transportation so it’s important we talk where I can securely lock my bike up overnight. 4. I’m happy to travel anywhere in the city! 5. If you work for a non-profit or as an educator I do have a different rate. For this option, I do require proof (some people try to abuse this - if you do, I may not be the right sitter for you.) 6. I have a dog and two kitties that live with me and my partner which is why I don't do boarding/day care at my own home. You made it through my whole description!! Please feel free to reach out with any questions. I want to make sure that I’m the right sitter for you!