Temperament is especially important to know in advance—**whether your pet tends to be energetic, anxious, shy, or reactive around other animals, I like to understand their personality so I can provide the best care possible and ensure a safe, comfortable environment. It’s also helpful to know their typical daily routine, including any medication needs, feeding schedule, and preferred walking route. The more I can stick to what they’re used to, the more at ease they’ll feel while you’re away.

In Your Home: I love going on long walks and, if your pet enjoys playing fetch in the yard, I make it a priority to include at least 30 minutes of active play a few times throughout the day. On especially hot days, I adjust our play sessions to around 20 minutes to keep them safe and prevent overheating. In My Home: I live in a second-floor apartment, accessible by a few steps, with a dog park just behind the building and several walking paths nearby. When boarding pets here, I typically start the day with a 15–20 minute walk. If the dog park is available, I let them explore and roam freely for a while before we head back for breakfast. I also have a balcony, and I love keeping the door open so they can move freely between indoors and outdoors while supervised.