Before caring for a pet, I like to have a clear understanding of their routine, personality, and any special needs so I can provide the safest and most comfortable care possible. Important things to know ahead of time include feeding schedule and diet details, any allergies or medical conditions, and whether they require medications. It’s also helpful to know their typical behavior—such as how they do with new people, other animals, children, or being left alone—as well as any triggers like fear of loud noises, reactivity on leash, or separation anxiety.

A typical day depends on the service booked, but I always structure my visits around keeping pets safe, comfortable, and on their normal routine. For pet sitting or drop-in visits, I start by following the owner’s instructions exactly—feeding meals at the scheduled times, refreshing water, and doing any required medication administration. After that, I focus on the pet’s energy needs, which might include walks, yard time, play, enrichment activities, or just calm companionship for more relaxed pets. I also make sure to handle the basics of care like cleaning litter boxes, picking up after dogs, checking that the home environment is safe, and ensuring doors/gates are secure before I leave. I pay attention to behavior changes, appetite, bathroom habits, and overall demeanor so I can quickly notice if something seems off. If I’m dog walking, a typical visit includes a leash check, a structured walk based on the dog’s energy level and training needs, and making sure they get both physical exercise and mental stimulation while staying safe in the environment. Throughout the day, I communicate with the owner with updates and photos so they know their pet is doing well.