Since I was 12, I’ve been taking care of animals in my neighborhood. In DC, I overnight dog, cat, and house sit, as well as occasionally walk dogs and feed cats. All of the families I’ve been connected to have been through word-of-mouth referral. Below are some of the pets I currently care for.

Betty & Mac

Betty (1), a Mini Goldendoodle, is an enthusiastic and sweet puppy. She’s well trained, and loves her older brother Mac (12), also a Doodle. I house and dogsit overnight when the owner’s away, walking them 3x a day, cooking them fresh meals, giving Mac 2 pills a day, setting up overnight puppy pads, watering plants, bringing in packages, and washing the sheets before I leave.

Overnight dog and house sitting
Dog walking
Dog medicine administration
Fresh meal cooking for dogs
Puppy care
Plant watering
House care

Ranger & Mittens

Ranger (2), a King Charles Cavalier, has so much love to give! I’ve known him since he was first brought home as a tiny puppy, as I’ve babysat for his family for 5 years. His “sister” Mittens (a gorgeous outdoor/indoor cat) was wary at first, but Ranger’s kind demeanor eventually won her over. When I overnight house and petsit for them, I keep a watchful eye on Ranger at all times, walk him at least 3x a day, give him lots of attention, and freshen his food and water. For Mittens, I ensure she receives her outside stimulation and returns safely to new food and a fresh litter box. I leave the house spotless.

Overnight dog, cat, and house sitting
Dog walking
Puppy care
Litter cleaning
Plant watering
House care

King Charles Cavalier in Grass with Yellow Flowers

Finnegan

Finnegan (6) was adopted by his owner, and over the 4 years I’ve been catsitting for him we’ve become best buds. At first, he was shy, hiding under the bed, then slowly he became accustomed to me and other friends, and now I can pick him up and give him belly rubs. He’s a sweet, talkative kitty, and at each visit I feed him, clean his liter box, give him fresh water, and play with him.

Cat feeding and check-ins
Cat playtime
Litter cleaning, water refresh

Maple

Maple (2), a Golden Retriever, loves being pet and laying on cool surfaces. At each of her birthday parties, she’s celebrated with a piñata full of puppy treats. I walk her a few times a month, and stay overnight at her house when her owners are out of town.

Overnight dog and house sitting at her house and mine
Dog walking
House care

Roscoe

Roscoe (5) is a “cat dog,” as he lays quietly in my house making no noise as I work from home. I watch this Shiba Inu for a few weeks a year when his owner travels. He’s a fan favorite among friends.

Overnight dog sitting at my house
Dog walking

Steven, Leo, & Charlie

Steven (6) is a typical orange cat — talkative, friendly, and wants to be with you at all times. Leo (4) and Charlie (12) are big dogs with a lot of energy who love cuddles and siesta time. When I stay at their house, I walk the dogs, ensure the older one eats his pills, help Charlie up the stairs, and keep them company as they are very social creatures.

Overnight dog, cat, and house sitting
Dog walking
Dog medicine administration
Older dog care
House care

Doak

Doak (10) lives on my block, and I watch him at my house overnight while his owner is away. He has so much energy for his age and immediately made himself at home.

Overnight dog sitting at my house
Dog walking

Wedding Pet Attendant

I’ve also been a wedding pet attendant, which involves the following actions:

Taking sole care of the animal during the photoshoot
Holding back the dog so she doesn’t jump on the bride and groom
Directing her attention to the photographer and the camera with squeaky toys
Bringing a lint roller for the bridal party in case fur lands on their outfits
Transporting the pet to and from the wedding venue
Carrying water and treats for the animal
Watching the animal at my house, during the rest of the wedding, overnight, and throughout the honeymoon