My Policies/Info

Please let me know anything you think I should be aware of before I watch your dog. The more I know, the better I can prevent issues and keep everyone safe.

For peace of mind, I’ve never lost a dog or cat, had an injury, or had a dog fight at my home in all my years of doing this (as of 2/2026). That said, no environment is ever 100% risk-free.

I’m extremely cautious and go out of my way to prevent problems before they happen. I also have cameras throughout the property, so even when I’m inside, I can monitor what’s going on outside at all times.

1. Where will my dog sleep?

That depends on your dog. If they get along with others, they’ll roam my home freely, just like they would at yours. I have a dog door connected to my bedroom, so they can go in and out as they please.

If a dog won’t settle at bedtime, I may kennel them (rare, but it happens). Very small dogs are kenneled at night for safety so they don’t go outside unsupervised.

If your dog doesn’t get along with others, they’ll have their own space in the living room and a separate yard. My backyard has four large yards that can be combined or kept separate as needed.

2. How many dogs do you watch? I always have dogs here. Typically 2–5 overnight dogs at a time, with a constant rotation of arrivals and departures.

I also have daycare dogs Monday–Friday, so overnight dogs usually have plenty of social time.

3. Do you have any dogs?

No. I had to put my last Great Dane down in June 2021. I chose not to get more, but I still get my dog fix through pet sitting.

4. Can you introduce my dog while I’m there? No. Dogs often behave differently around their owners—they may feel protective, jealous, or anxious.

I don’t force interactions. After drop-off, your dog gets time alone in the yard to decompress, explore, and smell everything. They’ll meet other dogs through the fence first, and I’ll introduce them when they’re ready.

5. Do you do meet & greets?

No, for the same reasons above. I don’t force interactions.

At drop-off, I also don’t approach or overwhelm new dogs. The best way to greet a dog is to let them come to you when they’re ready. Most warm up quickly, but it’s always on their terms.

6. What do I need to bring?

Just food.

Label your dog’s name on it
It must be in a sealed container or a bag I can hang (due to wildlife getting into the garage)

No bowls or leashes needed. Older dogs may benefit from bringing a bed or blanket from home.

7. Do you take dogs that don’t like other dogs? Yes. I regularly care for dogs that need to be separated. My setup makes that easy and safe.

8. Will my dog stay outside the whole time? No. I have two dog doors, so dogs can go in and out freely.

Things Not To Do

Don’t show up without an appointment
Don’t arrive more than 15 minutes early without approval
Don’t say “on my way” without a scheduled time
Don’t repeatedly message for updates

I post videos on Instagram (and sometimes Facebook/TikTok) when I can. I’m a one-woman operation with a full daily workload, so I can’t provide constant updates. If there’s ever an issue, I will contact you.

If frequent communication is a priority, I may not be the right fit.

Boundaries Matter

Please respect my time and home. I’m very easygoing, but I do enforce my boundaries. I take pride in providing a safe, fun environment for every dog here.

TWO IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE BOOKING

1. I no longer allow anyone inside my home

When I first started in 2008, I welcomed every client inside. Over time, I had items go missing, so I began setting boundaries.

The final straw was about 6 years ago when a client attempted to take an expensive watch from my home during drop-off. I addressed it directly, and while it was ultimately returned, that experience made it clear that allowing strangers inside my home was no longer worth the risk.

Since then, I meet all clients outside. I’m happy to show photos and videos of my home and yard, which are also available on Instagram.

For peace of mind: my home is very clean and completely alcohol-, smoke-, and drug-free. I take pride in maintaining a safe, professional environment.

2. Updates & communication expectations

When I’m able, I’ll post photos or videos on Instagram. However, updates are not guaranteed.

In summer, dogs often don’t want to be outside due to the heat
Some dogs simply don’t like being photographed
I do not chase dogs around with a camera

I take natural, unplanned photos throughout the day when possible.

I also do not provide constant messaging or updates. I run a busy, one-person operation and focus my time on caring for the dogs—not being on my phone. If there is ever an issue, I will absolutely contact you.

If you need frequent check-ins, updates, or reassurance while you’re away, I may not be the right fit.

My approach (keeping it real):

I’m reliable, experienced, and have been doing this for decades without incident. My priority is providing a safe, structured, and fun environment for your dog.

I care deeply for the animals in my care—but I don’t provide “hand-holding” for owners. There are other sitters who offer that level of communication, and that’s completely okay—I’m just not one of them.

If you’re looking for someone trustworthy who will treat your dog like their own, you’re in the right place.