My name is Syl (they/them, she/her). I have one dog (Zoë Zen) and three black cats (Minerva Mayhem, Vivian Voluble, and Willow Wily). I’ve lived with pets my whole life, and have been a petsitter for friends and family with a wide range of pets. I can provide kind and competent care for your dogs and cats. For my drop-in visits, I don’t just check your pets’ food and water bowls. I clean any messes I find, check your pet over for any issues, and give them plenty of time to play and be petted. If I discover any problems, I will let you know immediately. Your pets are family, and deserve the same respect and care. When I walk a dog, the location depends on your preferences and your dog’s needs. If your dog is reactive toward other dogs, there’s no shame in saying so! If that is the case, I will work out a route that decreases our chances of running into other dogs. A walk should be invigorating for your dog, but not stressful. I’ll do my best to keep it that way. Your rules for your pets are my priority. I know that sometimes pets have allergies, or are frightened of certain things. I will always follow your instructions, because no one knows your pets better than you. Your pets’ well-being matters to me, and I won’t risk it. Most importantly, I will NEVER punish an animal. Instead, I will do my best to redirect them, and reward the desired behavior. I use positive reinforcement methods to train my own pets, and your pets deserve no less.