Hi, my name is Sarah. I have been housesitting in Michigan, USA (where I’m from), as well as in California, the Caribbean, England, Scotland, Wales, the Channel Island of Jersey, and France. I have found it a wonderful way to meet new people and explore new places that I might never have known otherwise, while enjoying the comforts of home and the angelic energy of animals! I have experience with many dogs and cats, as well as farm animals. How my housesitting process works: New clients start with a meet-and-greet, generally at the client's home, but I have also done this over video call for long-distance. Client introduces animals and gives a tour of the property, goes over any details and questions, and we agree to booking. I send the client a reminder text two days before sit is scheduled to begin. Upon arrival for the sit, I send a photo to check-in after I have let pets out to potty. I review homeowner’s instructions and house manual (if supplied) and connect with pets to help them get comfortable with me. They usually miss their family for the first day or two, so I find treats and walks to be essential for boosting their mood and getting them to adjust to me. By the end of the sit, we are usually good friends and their family comes home to find them happy and relaxed. My petsitting philosophy is to simply be a friend who cares for them and helps them enjoy life until their family comes home. Although it is generally preferable for all pets to stay home rather than be boarded, this is an especially ideal situation for dogs that have separation anxiety. I am content to stay at home with the pet for the entire duration of the sit, with occasional short trips for shopping, sightseeing, church, etc. of not more than 1-2 hours. I give 1-2 walks per day and petting and play, such as throwing the ball or playing tug-of-war. I may also allow pets to sleep on the bed or floor in the bedroom with me. I can give medication according to instructions. I am aware of dangerous foods for dogs, including chocolate, onions, and grapes, but I may give them a piece of deli meat, cheese or eggs, unless instructed otherwise. I text or email once or twice daily updates with photos, or at frequency the client requests. I also collect mail and packages, put out trash and recycling, water plants and greenhouses, and more as requested. I am fairly perceptive of what needs to be done, however to ensure that something gets done to your specifications, please put it in a manual or text message. I also have experience with larger home organization and improvement projects, so just ask if you'd like anything else to be done. I keep the home tidy for the duration of the sit, and on the final day, I thoroughly prepare it for clients’ return, including stripping the bed (if time permits I’ll run bedding and towels through the laundry cycle), sweeping/vacuuming, wiping down bathroom and kitchen surfaces, and straightening and tidying as needed. I give pets a final potty break, secure them in the home, and send the client a text message to check-out. Notes for clients: Please double-check that your dates are accurate, as I can only guarantee availability for the dates we have booked. If it turns out your travel time extends beyond these dates, or if you are delayed, you can check my calendar or ask if I’m available, and I’ll do my best to help, but I can’t guarantee I’ll be available. Please be sure your pets and home are treated for fleas, as I am going into many different homes with pets. This is for your own protection as well as respect for other homes and pets. I reserve the right to decline or cancel a sit if I detect the presence of fleas. To get rid of them, I have found it works to use a dropper of clove oil applied to the pet's neck/shoulders as a topical treatment once per week or as needed until scratching stops, and vacuuming and washing your pet's bedding regularly. Dogs must be leash-trained in order to be walked. I can handle two large dogs on a walk at a time. If a dog is not leash-trained, ie, pulls on the leash excessively, does not respond to commands, or is aggressive toward other dogs, I may decline walks. If your dog is a rescue, please specify this in your initial inquiry and any behavioral training/rehabilitation that has been completed. I expect a reasonable standard of cleanliness and accommodation that is suitable for a guest (me). I do not bring anyone else onto the property. My rates are reasonable and competitive with the cost of boarding, allowing for the far more desirable situation of pets staying at home!