Heather P.
Maple Grove, MN
Heather P. has Star Sitter status
The Star Sitter program highlights responsive sitters who deliver highly rated care and have a history of listing accurate availability and preferences, making it easier for pet parents to find the best care for their pets.
Dogs, Cats & Exotic Pets
Pet care experience
-BIO- I've been around dogs and cats my whole life - at home and in the workplace. I've worked as a dog walker and kennel attendant at a local boarding facility, managed a pet store, and I'm an experienced reward-based dog trainer. I have a good understanding of dog behavior and body language, and I am striving to learn more every day. Not only will I care for your dogs and cats, but I'm experienced with exotics too! I've lived with and taken care of various reptiles, and I'm particularly savvy with pocket pets. I currently own two rabbits, I volunteer with a local pocket pet rescue, and I have experience caring for and administering medication to many species of animals. I'm comfortable handling different types of animals and can read their body language quite well. (It is worth mentioning that I am comfortable with and enjoy caring for ALL pets, including all reptiles, amphibians, insects, and arachnids.) Thank you for the read, and I hope to meet you and your pet soon! -STANDARD RATES- House-Sitting: Dog overnight: $70/night Cat overnight: $35/night Pocket Pet/Reptile/Other overnight: $35/night Drop-In visits:* Dog visit/walk: $32/30 min. Cat visit: $30/30 min. Pocket Pet/Reptile/Other visit: $30/30 min. *Additional $16 if you would like me to stay for a 60 min. visit. **Additional charge up to $10 may be added for the care of more than 3 animals, or if extra/special care needed. If you have an "exotic" pet you would like care for, please set up their profile as a "cat" so the correct rates will apply.
Reviews
I highly recommend Heather to take care of your pets. I went abroad for a week and half, and I would be nervous leaving them this long, as I rarely leave my rabbits and cat for longer than a weekend, but I knew they would be in great hands with Heather. She provided excellent care, not just with food, water, litter boxes, etc, but also spending time playing with them and giving them affection. She also has great communication with detailed daily updates including photos.
Heather was great staying at my house with my kitties for a week. They just love her!! And so does her owner!! They were given lots of love and care while I was away. I got updates and pictures. Heather was also very accommodating with the communication methods - since I was not able to get the Rover updates. Heather kept my house nice and tidy when I returned as well. Another awesome stay with her - thanks so much Heather - we really appreciate you! Bliss and Zion say meow. Highly recommend Heather for your pet care needs!
Our boys had another wonderful stay with Heather. They absolutely adore her and she takes such great care of them. We received daily check-ins and photos. One of our cats suffers from corneal ulcers and had a flair-up during our trip. Heather monitored his eye and administered his medication (we need to know her magic ways because it's usually a difficult two-person job for us).
Another great experience with Heather watching our rabbits and cat over the holidays! I can't imagine trusting their care to anyone else.
About Heather P.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
During walks, I take a number of safety precautions to keep your dog and myself safe: - Get ready for 20 questions, because I want to know everything about your dog on walks! I want to know about any possible triggers to avoid, how your dog does with approaching dogs, adults, and kids, etc. - I always carry a treat pouch and a backpack with me, containing a water bottle and bowl, a can of SprayShield for the unlikely event of a dog fight or attack from an approaching animal, and yummy treats for aiding in distracting your dog from commotion, to lure your dog away from a triggering situation with an emergency retreat, and to help keep your dog calm, happy, and engaged when I need them to be. - I'm an experienced leash handler and have worked with a variety of walking equipment (gentle leaders, harnesses, waist clip, etc.) - I'm aware of my surroundings and do my best to avoid anything that may put your dog and myself in a stressful situation. Ex. I walk on the opposite side of the road when passing other dogs. - Each dog has their own levels of comfort when it comes to outside temperature. I will never walk your dog in any extreme weather conditions. If we are out for a walk and your dog seems uncomfortable or stressed, I'll cut it short and spend the rest of the time playing and/or providing mental enrichment to make up for it. - If you couldn't tell from the list, I'm experienced in handling reactive dogs, which is why I take so many extra precautions. I want your dog to have lots of fun on our walks! To do that, I try to facilitate a low or stress-free environment so they can get the most out of our time together. The more I get to know your pets, the better I can identify any uncharacteristic behaviors that could be a sign of illness or injury. When I notice anything out of the ordinary, I will contact you right away to let you know. In a medical emergency, I will take your pets to an emergency vet and contact you immediately.
Information Heather P. would like to know about your pet
Prior to the stay, please let me know about: - Any behavioral issues or things your pet might be afraid of. - When we go on walks, are adults, kids, or other dogs allowed to come say hi? - Any past or present medical issues. - Allergies or sensitivities to common ingredients found in food and treats. - How long can your pet be left alone? - Is your dog crate trained and/or potty trained? - How YOU administer any medication so that I know the best way. - Feeding and and potty schedule. - How will I be able to get into your house? (spare key, garage code, etc.) - Emergency contact information in case I can't reach you, and vet clinic information. - What a typical day looks like for your pets so that I can follow it as closely as possible!
A typical day
Walks with me aren't just about the exercise, but also mental enrichment. Your dog will take the lead and we'll go where they want to go (as long as it's safe). We'll sniff the fun and unfamiliar smells, find interesting pathways or trails, and just have a good time! We can even switch up each walk so every day is a new adventure. And I will have treats for very good dogs (ie; yours)!
Services
Heather can watch in your home
Availability
I'm currently working full-time in Maple Grove and am unable to care for any dogs or other pets that can't be left for 10 consecutive hours in a day. I anticipate my work schedule to become more flexible in 2024. I have two rabbits and fish of my own that I need to care for as well! Twice per day, I'll need to leave your home to clean, feed, and snuggle my own animals. This typically doesn't take more than a few hours and then I can come right back to your pets.
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About Heather P.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
During walks, I take a number of safety precautions to keep your dog and myself safe: - Get ready for 20 questions, because I want to know everything about your dog on walks! I want to know about any possible triggers to avoid, how your dog does with approaching dogs, adults, and kids, etc. - I always carry a treat pouch and a backpack with me, containing a water bottle and bowl, a can of SprayShield for the unlikely event of a dog fight or attack from an approaching animal, and yummy treats for aiding in distracting your dog from commotion, to lure your dog away from a triggering situation with an emergency retreat, and to help keep your dog calm, happy, and engaged when I need them to be. - I'm an experienced leash handler and have worked with a variety of walking equipment (gentle leaders, harnesses, waist clip, etc.) - I'm aware of my surroundings and do my best to avoid anything that may put your dog and myself in a stressful situation. Ex. I walk on the opposite side of the road when passing other dogs. - Each dog has their own levels of comfort when it comes to outside temperature. I will never walk your dog in any extreme weather conditions. If we are out for a walk and your dog seems uncomfortable or stressed, I'll cut it short and spend the rest of the time playing and/or providing mental enrichment to make up for it. - If you couldn't tell from the list, I'm experienced in handling reactive dogs, which is why I take so many extra precautions. I want your dog to have lots of fun on our walks! To do that, I try to facilitate a low or stress-free environment so they can get the most out of our time together. The more I get to know your pets, the better I can identify any uncharacteristic behaviors that could be a sign of illness or injury. When I notice anything out of the ordinary, I will contact you right away to let you know. In a medical emergency, I will take your pets to an emergency vet and contact you immediately.
Information Heather P. would like to know about your pet
Prior to the stay, please let me know about: - Any behavioral issues or things your pet might be afraid of. - When we go on walks, are adults, kids, or other dogs allowed to come say hi? - Any past or present medical issues. - Allergies or sensitivities to common ingredients found in food and treats. - How long can your pet be left alone? - Is your dog crate trained and/or potty trained? - How YOU administer any medication so that I know the best way. - Feeding and and potty schedule. - How will I be able to get into your house? (spare key, garage code, etc.) - Emergency contact information in case I can't reach you, and vet clinic information. - What a typical day looks like for your pets so that I can follow it as closely as possible!
A typical day
Walks with me aren't just about the exercise, but also mental enrichment. Your dog will take the lead and we'll go where they want to go (as long as it's safe). We'll sniff the fun and unfamiliar smells, find interesting pathways or trails, and just have a good time! We can even switch up each walk so every day is a new adventure. And I will have treats for very good dogs (ie; yours)!
Location
Maple Grove, MN
Heather P.
Maple Grove, MN