About
I have been house and pet sitting since the age of 14. Since then I have been working as a zookeeper since the age of 16 both as a volunteer and intern. Because of this, I have a broad experience with animals and have a unique passion for animals of all different species. How often do you get to hire a zookeeper as your pet sitter?
I am also learning about photgraphy of animals and have been practicing on pets and would love to photograph your pet for no charge! If you would like some photos taken, I only ask that you allow me to post them to my social media and use them as I continue exploring this passion!
I love animals. I have always found joy in caring for animals in any capacity I can whether or not they are my own pets. Spending time with so many breeds of dogs and personalities of cats is something that cannot be matched. When in college, I could not have a dog so I found myself going to dog parks for my walks in order to get som puppy love time! I just have a special passion for animals and this is one of my favorite ways to fill that passion.
Highlights
Photos and videos
Reviews
Ron C.
Grant
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
The first information I get is which fluffy friend (or scaley or feathery etc) will I be spending time with! Next, I like to learn about what a regular day is for your pet so that I can make sure that I disrupt that routine as little as possible no matter the job I am taking on. From dog walking to house sitting, a pets routine is important its better for the animals to have as little change as possible. From there, I like to work out details such as how often should I come by, is this an over night job, and other questions that pertain to the actual work being done.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have my B.S. in Wildlife Science and have studied animal behavior exstensivley in that degree. I have various exotic animal handling trainings and lots of general animal care experience. In one of my zoo opsitions, my main task was training and caring for the shows terrier Aspen!
Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.
Each case is different and I perfer to take into account the pets, their care needs, and the amount of work needing to be done to decide my official process. I try to keep my prices for hourly work around minimum wage. Each starts from the following basics:
FULL DAY CARE
- $40 per full day for 1 dog, + $20 for each additional pup depending on care
- $30 per full day for up to 3 cats, +$10 for each additional kitten
- Additional $15 per overnight stay
- Different prices for puppies and kittens depending on ages, amount of training and care needed.
- $25 per full day with pets with basic care (ex: lizards that only need food and water), +$10 for overnight stays
- $20 per full day of house sitting, +$10 for overnight stays (No pets but includes plant watering and all general house sitting tasks)
- Bird Care prices negotiated at time of contact
OTHER CARE
- $20 per dog walk (1 dog, 1 hr), can negotiate shorter walks, discounts for regular walks (weekly and monthy) , + $10 for each dog that can be walked at the same time (up to 3)
- $15 Check-ins (1 hr min) - for when you need someone to let your dog out, check on food/water, give attention to pet in other capacity.
- Other: can be negotiate upon contact! I try to be super flexible so just let me know what your needs are and we will make something work!
How did you get started in this business?
My love for animals drove me to find a way to fill my passion in any way I could. At the age fo 14, this was the only way I could! Now that I am an adult, I cannot afford to have a pet in my current place of living and find myself in need of extra income and a place to fulfill my love for animals again.
What types of customers have you worked with?
I have worked with all sorts of people from all walks of life! I have worked for busy families needing me to care for their brand new puppy whiel they go on vacation to working couples who just need someone to give their pets some love and a walk in the middle of their busy days. I have even cared for pets of elderly families who love having a pet around but can't always give it the full time care it may need. Whatever your needs, I can help or even help you find someone else that can!
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
As a zoo fanatic, it has been so amazing to see zoos all over the US continue their amazing conservation work and broadcast their amazing animals along the way! I love getting to live stream the baby rhino at the Denver Zoo or see Fiona the hippo up close on my comuputer.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?
Look for someone that fits your lifstyle, scheduale, and personalities. I am a fun loving, sarcasti person and that is not for everyone! You need to find someone who connects wiht your pets how yyou want them too, they are apart of your family after all. This is especially important if you are looking for a long term dog walker/house sitter/care taker for your pet. They should mean as much to the care taker as they do to you.
What questions should customers think through before talking to pros about their needs?
I have basic things that i would prefer my customers have in mind before reaching out to me.
- Is this long term or short term?
- Does you pet have any specific extra needs?
- Do you have a budget you'd like to stick to so we can cater my services to your needs?
- What do you look fo rin a caretaker?