I grew up in the woods surrounded by a constant menagerie of beloved animals, from kittens and hamsters and goldfish to an energetic black lab and her tumbling litter of puppies, to parakeets and cockatiels and the wild baby hawks my mother rescued. Though I never had a snake growing up, I lived with two ball pythons in college and learned about reptiles petsitting for iguanas. Because I travel regularly, I’m not in a position to have pets of my own, and so petsitting is not only a way to earn extra income, but also to fulfill my longing to connect with animals. Life is better with creature friends! I’ve been petsitting for 21 years, and I have experience with a wide variety of animal, both long- and short-term stays, and with boarding cats, dogs, and snakes at my home for weeks at a time. I’ve provided long-term care for kitties and pooches who need diabetes injections twice a day, and I’m no stranger to following *very specific protocols* to get an aged friend to take their daily pills. I’ve cared for nervous nellies and pandemonius puppies and cats who need to chase lots of things in order to stay sane. I enjoy learning your pets’ favorite games to play, and I’m also experienced with supporting any training and boundaries you’re working on with them. I understand that when I’m petsitting, it’s like nannying children (which I’ve also done for over a decade!) I’m committed to providing your pets with safety and care, as well as showing them love, energy, and attention while helping them navigate what it’s like to miss their favorite human. I treat petsitting as a great responsibility, not only regarding practical logistics, but also for your pets’ enrichment and quality of life!