
About Me...







Born and raised in central Pennsylvania, I grew up surrounded by a mix of best furry, feathered, and finned friends—dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, a parrot, and several freshwater fish tanks. My mom was a Master Groomer and owned a dog grooming shop in Shiremanstown, where I often helped out and gained early, hands-on experience working with dogs (and a few cats too!) and learning the importance of patience, care and genuinely caring about clients.
I attended West Chester University, where I studied music education and spent four summers on tour with Drum Corps International (DCI). That experience built a strong work ethic and highly adaptable mindset - skills that translate seamlessly into caring for animals, where every day (and every pet) brings something a little different. In addition to West Chester University, I also studied at Penn State University and St. Joseph's University.
The Critter Sitter LLC began in 2006 as a way for me to be fully present to my son, who sometimes joined me on visits, with the owner's permission, and made it his personal mission to ensure no Best Furry Friend missed out on a game of fetch - or the requisite treats (plus a few bonus ones he may or may not have negotiated in). He has since grown up, graduated from college and hopes to one day start his own fine carpentry shop.
Our family also includes a Greyador (Greyhound/Black Lab mix) named Zachary and an Italian Greyhound/Dalmation mix named Elizabeth. Both are rescues from Alabama.
With The Critter Sitter LLC, I choose to do things a bit differently....
Remaining small and personal. I do not hire employees or use subcontractors. You always know exactly who is entering your home and caring for your pets. This consistency allows me to truly get to know each pet - their routines, personalities, preferences, and quirks - helping reduce stress and create a more comfortable experience while you’re away. While other pet sitters may use Time to Pet and other software programs, I communicate directly with each of my clients as it is… just me!
Privacy and safety are always a priority. I do not use vehicle signage that would alert others to the fact that you’re away from your home. I also do not share client travel plans with anyone without permission, with the obvious exception of emergency responders or contractors if needed.
House key retention. I retain a securely stored, carefully coded copy of your key that contains no identifying information about you or your home. This ensures reliable access in situations like power outages, dead garage keypad batteries, or those moments when you accidentally forget to put a key into the lockbox. Because I already have a copy of your key, it makes scheduling your next visit as simple as a text message, email or phone call!
Commitment to training. Responsible pet care involves understanding health, behavior, nutrition, and training. For this reason, I am certified in pet first aid/CPR and a member of Pet Sitters International (PSI). My commitment to training extends far beyond the initial certification. I regularly participate in continuing education programs to not only maintain my certifications, but to continually expand my knowledge on pet care, health, nutrition, animal behavior and so much more! This allows me to provide the best care possible for my Best Furry, Feathered and Finned Friends!
Fear Free Certified Professional. Your pet's emotional well-being is just as important as their physical health. That's why I chose to become a Fear Free Certified Professional - an internationally recognized certification dedicated to reducing fear, anxiety, and stress in animals through compassionate, science-based care.
The Fear Free certification goes far beyond simply loving animals. It requires specialized education in understanding animal behavior, body language, emotional health, and the factors that can cause pets to experience fear, anxiety, and stress. The program teaches professionals how to recognize even the most subtle signs of discomfort before they escalate, allowing us to adjust our approach to help pets feel safe, respected, and understood.
The Fear Free curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including:
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Understanding canine and feline behavior and communication.
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Recognizing early signs of fear, anxiety, and stress.
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Reading body language and behavioral cues.
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Positive, reward-based handling techniques.
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Creating low-stress interactions during routine care.
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Safe approaches to introducing yourself to unfamiliar pets.
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Species-specific enrichment and mental stimulation.
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Reducing environmental stressors within the home.
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Preventing fear from escalating into defensive or aggressive behaviors.
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Building trust and confidence through patience, consistency, and positive experiences.
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Supporting senior pets and those with medical or behavioral challenges using compassionate handling techniques.
Fear Free is built on the understanding that every interaction matters. Even everyday activities like entering a home, attaching a leash, administering medication, or simply greeting a pet can either increase or decrease their stress level. By applying Fear Free principles during every visit, I help pets feel more comfortable and confident while maintaining as much of their normal routine as possible.
As a professional pet sitter, this means your Best Furry Friend receives care that is tailored to their individual personality, comfort level, and emotional needs. Whether your pet is outgoing, shy, elderly, recovering from surgery, or naturally anxious, I take the time to work at their pace, earning trust rather than expecting it.
Fear Free certification is not a one-time achievement. To maintain my certification, I complete ongoing continuing education, staying current with the latest research in animal behavior, welfare, enrichment, handling techniques, and low-stress care. This commitment to lifelong learning allows me to continually improve the quality of care I provide and ensures I'm using the most up-to-date, evidence-based practices available.
For me, Fear Free isn't simply another certification—it's a philosophy that guides every visit. My goal is for your pet to feel safe, comfortable, and cared for while you're away, so you can enjoy peace of mind knowing they're receiving compassionate, professional care from someone dedicated to both their physical health and their emotional well-being.
Every pet is treated with patience, compassion, and respect. I am committed to using Force-Free handling methods that prioritize your pet's emotional well-being alongside their physical health. This means I never use punishment, intimidation, physical corrections, or coercive techniques to gain compliance. Instead, I rely on positive reinforcement, gentle handling, species-specific behavior knowledge, and careful observation to build trust and create a safe, low-stress experience for every animal in my care.
Additionally, I will not use pet products or equipment that instill fear or pain in a Best Furry Friend, including choke and prong collars, shock collars, spray collars, groin straps, or fright tools (ie spraying with water, etc). I reserve the right to refuse or terminate service if an owner is found to be using these methods or tools.
Services
At The Critter Sitter, LLC, we understand that every pet has unique needs. That's why we offer a variety of services, from an occasional drop in visit while you enjoy a special night out or a critter staycation while you are traveling. At this time, daily dog walking services are available this summer. Please contact us to schedule a meet and greet!


Drop In Visits
For those times when you just need one or two visits for your Best Furry Friends while you enjoy a day away or a special evening out.
Whether you'll be away for just a few hours or an entire day, drop in visits are perfect for those Best Furry Friends who need a potty break, a meal or perhaps medication such as insulin administered at a specific time.
Once you are an established client, depending upon availability, scheduling is as easy as a text, email or call. Advance notice of 48 hours is preferred. Although I understand that emergencies happen, I cannot promise availability without advance notice.
A meet and greet is always required prior to starting any service.
Critter Staycations
An at-home retreat for the furry elite...
A Critter Staycation helps minimize the fear, anxiety, and stress that many pets experience when they're away from their familiar home and the people they love. Staying at home also reduces their exposure to common illnesses and parasites often associated with boarding facilities, including kennel cough, canine influenza, parvovirus, giardia, and other contagious diseases.
While on their Critter Staycation, your Best Furry, Feathered or Finned Friend's daily routine is maintained as closely as possible through personalized drop-in visits.
During our Meet & Greet, I'll take the time to learn about your pet's feeding schedule, dietary needs, medications, health concerns, favorite toys, exercise routine, and any special accommodations they require. By getting to know your pet before your trip, I can provide the individualized, professional care they deserve while keeping them happy, comfortable, and relaxed until you're home again.
At this time, it is difficult for us to do overnight visits as we have our own Best Furry Friends at home who need us. We find that most Best Furry Friends do well with drop-in visits. However, we do understand the concern about extended periods of time that you'll be away. Ask about "Almost Overnight Critter Staycations" that include a morning visit and bedtime visit, with additional time spent during the late afternoon/early evening time period.
Almost Overnight Critter Staycations require advance notice and are subject to availability.


Critter Staycations Include:
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Fresh food and water
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Medication administration - including insulin injections
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Potty breaks, walks and enrichment time
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Cleaning litter boxes and cages
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Watering and caring for plants as requested
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Bringing in mail and packages
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Home security check, adjusting window coverings and lights
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Critter staycation photos and updates
Drop-In and Critter Staycation rates*:
$30 per 30 minute visit
$45 per 45 minute visit
$55 per 60 minute visit
Daily Dog Walking rates:
$30 per 30 minute visit
* Additional fees may be applicable for major holidays, last minute requests and multi-pet households where our visits may require additional time.
Critter Staycations for our Smaller Best Furry, Feathered and Finned Friends
Every pet deserves exceptional care - no matter their size! We provide loving, reliable care for rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, chinchillas, ferrets, rats, hedgehogs, and other small companion animals along with birds, aquarium and pond fish. We understand that each species has unique needs, and we'll follow your pet's routine to keep them happy, healthy, and comfortable while you're away.
Specialized Care includes:
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Oral and transdermal medication administration
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Insulin injections for diabetic pets
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Subcutaneous (Sub-Q) fluid administration
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Monitoring food and water intake and notating changes
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Monitoring for medication side effects
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Wound care and bandage monitoring (non-invasive)
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Incision monitoring following surgery
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Hot/cold compress application as directed by a veterinarian
Senior Pet Care
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Support with stairs, harnesses, and slings
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Frequent potty breaks
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Incontinence care and cleanup
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Monitoring for changes in appetite, thirst, or behavior
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Extra comfort and companionship
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Gentle, patient care for vision or hearing-impaired Best Furry Friends
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Keeping detailed observations for owners and veterinarians
Post-Operative Recovery Care
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Strict activity restriction monitoring
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Leash-only potty breaks
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Incision checks
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Medication administration
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Recovery progress updates
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Preventing excessive licking or jumping
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Following veterinarian discharge instructions
Puppy & Kitten Care
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Frequent potty breaks
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Bottle feeding (newborn care)
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Reinforcing house-training routines
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Special feeding schedules
Nutrition & Feeding Support
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Prescription diet preparation
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Fresh or homemade meal preparation
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Slow-feeding management
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Monitoring food and water intake
Hospice & End-of-Life Comfort Care
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Gentle comfort visits
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Keeping pets comfortable in familiar surroundings
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Providing compassionate companionship
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Maintaining routines that reduce stress
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Supporting quality-of-life care as directed by the family and veterinarian

Leaving a pet with special medical or individual care needs can make time away feel especially difficult. You deserve the confidence of knowing that your Best Furry Friend is being cared for by someone who understands the importance of consistency, patience, and attention to detail. Every visit is tailored to your pet's unique needs, with their health, comfort, and emotional well-being always at the forefront. Care is never rushed, and every visit includes careful observation to help ensure your pet remains happy, comfortable, and thriving while you're away.
Your veterinarian's instructions serve as the foundation for every aspect of your pet's care. From medication schedules and dietary requirements to activity restrictions and recovery protocols, each directive is followed per their instructions. In the event that your Best Furry Friend requires medical attention, with your permission, I am prepared to administer first aid to stabilize them and seek immediate care from your veterinarian.
I use low-stress handling techniques designed to minimize fear and anxiety, helping your pet feel secure in the place they know best—their own home. My goal is to provide the same care I would want for my own pets, so you can relax and enjoy your time away, knowing your Best Furry Friend is in experienced, caring and compassionate hands.


Who can benefit from Scoop Fairy visits?
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Expectant Mothers – Healthcare providers often recommend that pregnant women avoid cleaning litter boxes due to the risk of exposure to Toxoplasma gondii, the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis.
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Individuals recovering from surgery or managing a chronic illness – After surgery, bending, lifting, and twisting may be restricted.
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Senior Citizens – Scooping litter, lifting heavy bags of litter, and bending over a litter box can become increasingly difficult with age. Regular litter box maintenance allows seniors to continue enjoying the companionship of their Best Furry Friends without the physical strain.
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Individuals with mobility challenges or with back, knee or joint problems – Individuals with arthritis, chronic pain, disabilities, balance concerns, or limited mobility may find litter box maintenance difficult or unsafe.
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Busy Professionals – Long workdays, demanding careers, and hectic schedules can make daily litter box maintenance easy to overlook.
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Anyone who hates scooping litter boxes!

Plant Care Services Include:
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Water indoor houseplants along with outdoor container gardens, hanging baskets, flower beds and gardens.
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Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continued blooming
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Harvest ripe fruits, vegetables, and herbs
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Monitor plants for signs of pests, disease, or stress
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Checking soil moisture before watering to avoid overwatering
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Mist humidity-loving houseplants (upon request)
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Light pruning or pinching back annuals and herbs
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Bring potted plants indoors or moving them to sheltered locations during severe weather
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Follow customized watering and fertilizing instructions provided by the homeowner
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Provide updates if concerns arise while you're traveling

The Scoop Fairy Litterbox Maintenance
A clean litter box isn't just about reducing odors - it's essential for your cat's health, happiness, and overall well-being. Our professional litter box cleaning service helps ensure your cat always has a fresh, sanitary place to go while giving you one less chore to worry about.
Benefits of a Clean Litter Box:
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Encourages healthy litter box habits and helps prevent accidents around the house.
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Enables better monitoring of litterbox habits to detect any changes in habits that may be due to underlying health issues.
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Reduces unpleasant odors and keeps your home smelling fresh.
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Helps minimize bacteria, germs, and parasites that can build up in soiled litter.
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Promotes your cat's physical and emotional well-being by providing a consistently clean environment.
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Extends the life of your litter box through regular maintenance and deep cleaning.
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Gives you back valuable time to spend with your family—or your Best Furry Feline friend!
Regular Scoop Fairy Visits: Rates start at $25 for up to three litterboxes and includes scooping the litterbox, replenishing with fresh litter as needed and sweeping around the immediate area. Visits can be scheduled as needed.
Note: Regular Scoop Fairy litterbox maintenance is included in a Critter Staycation.
Scoop Fairy Godmother Visits: Rates start at $35 for up to two litter boxes. Deep cleans include dumping the dirty litter and waste, cleaning and sanitizing the litter box and refilling it with fresh litter. Deep cleaning visits can be done weekly, monthly or bi-monthly.
Care for our Best Leafy Friends...
Your Best Furry, Feathered and Finned Friends aren't the only ones who deserve exceptional care while you're away—your plants do too. Whether you have a collection of rare tropical houseplants, succulents, orchids, patio containers, a vegetable garden, flower beds - or even just that one lone plant that refuses to die, you can leave knowing they'll receive the same care as the rest of your home. I completed training as a Penn State Master Gardener and understand that healthy plants require more than simply turning on a hose. Different plants have different watering, humidity and lighting needs - and proper care helps prevent common problems such as overwatering, underwatering and unnecessary plant stress.

Miscellaneous Services:
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Feeding and care of pond fish
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Care for backyard flocks - feeding, watering and egg collection
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House sitting for those without Best Furry Friends
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Checking bird feeders. Cleaning and refilling as requested
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Refilling bird baths and water features as requested
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Checking backyard pools and ensuring the perimeter is secure
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Bringing trash and recycling bins to and from the curb for pickup
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Bring in dry cleaning and other reasonable deliveries
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Coordinate with contractors upon request*
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Pickup grocery order upon request*
*Additional fees apply
Why choose a professional pet sitter vs using a "concierge service?"
While concierge services may offer pet care as one of many conveniences, caring for pets is not simply another item on a checklist - it's a profession that requires specialized knowledge, training, and experience. Your pets deserve more than someone who can simply fill a food bowl or take a dog for a quick walk. They deserve a professional who understands animal behavior, species-specific care, recognizes subtle signs of illness or distress, and knows how to respond appropriately if something doesn't seem right.
A professional pet sitter understands that every pet is unique. Whether your dog thrives on routine, your cat hides from strangers, your rabbit has specific dietary needs, or your senior pet requires medications several times a day, individualized care makes all the difference. Through ongoing education and hands-on experience, professional pet sitters learn to recognize subtle changes in behavior, appetite, mobility, and overall health that could indicate a problem. Those observations, combined with prompt communication, can provide valuable peace of mind while you're away.
At The Critter Sitter LLC, providing exceptional pet care means continually investing in education and professional development. As a Fear Free Certified Professional and a proud member of Pet Sitters International (PSI), I stay current on best practices in species-specific care, animal behavior, nutrition, enrichment, senior pet care, medication administration, and caring for pets with special medical needs. My goal is to provide more than basic pet care - I strive to provide knowledgeable, compassionate care that keeps your Best Furry Friends safe, healthy, and comfortable in the place they know and love most: home.
Why choose The Critter Sitter, LLC?
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Pet care is my profession, not simply another household chore, service, hobby or side hustle.
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Specialized education in animal behavior, body language, and communication.
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Knowledge of species-specific care for dogs, cats, birds, fish, rabbits, guinea pigs, and other companion animals.
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Fear Free Certified Professional training focused on reducing fear, anxiety, and stress during every visit.
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Proud member of Pet Sitters International (PSI), demonstrating a commitment to professional standards and continuing education.
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Ongoing training to stay current on the latest advances in animal health, behavior, nutrition, and welfare.
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Experience caring for puppies, kittens, senior pets, and pets with special medical or behavioral needs.
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Skilled in administering medications, including oral medications, topical and transdermal medications, insulin injections, and subcutaneous (Sub-Q) fluids.
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Able to recognize subtle signs of illness, pain, injury, or changes in behavior that may require veterinary attention.
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Your veterinarian's treatment plan is followed and your pet's established routine is maintained.
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Provides individualized care based on your pet's personality, health, and daily habits.
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Communicate updates so you always know how your pet is doing.
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Prepared to handle an emergency or unexpected situation should it arise.
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Focused on building a trusting relationship with your pets, reducing stress while you're away
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PA State Police and FBI Criminal Background Clearances
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Keep pets comfortable in their own familiar environment, helping avoid the stress and exposure associated with boarding facilities
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NOT associated with Wag, Rover or Care.com
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Proudly celebrating 20 years in business!
The Difference Is in the Details
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A concierge service may visit your pet; we take the time to know your pet.
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We recognize that a skipped meal, excessive thirst, unusual litter box habits, or a subtle change in behavior or mobility may be early signs that something isn't right.
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Continuing education and professional certifications reflect a commitment to providing the highest standard of care - not just completing a task.
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Your pet receives dedicated attention from someone whose expertise, training, and passion are centered entirely on animal care.
When it comes to your Best Furry, Feathered and Finned Friends, experience, education, and compassion matter. Choosing a professional pet sitter means choosing someone who is committed to protecting your pet's health, preserving their routine, reducing their fear, anxiety and stress, and giving you confidence that they're receiving exceptional care every time you are away.




Every visit includes:
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Fresh food and clean, fresh water
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Cage, tank or habitat spot cleaning and bedding maintenance
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A visual wellness check to monitor your pet's health and behavior
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Species-appropriate enrichment and mental stimulation
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Supervised playtime, exercise, or social interaction
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Medication administration when needed
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A check of your pet's habitat to ensure proper temperature, cleanliness, and safety
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Detailed visit reports with photos for your peace of mind
Santa Paws and the Easter Beagle never miss a visit to their favorite Best Furry, Feathered and Finned Friends! (We'll celebrate Hanukkah too!)
Birthday coming up? Let us know!
Business Policies
In order to be able to provide the best quality care for your Best Furry, Feathered and Finned Friends, we have a few policies in place....

Vaccines
Flea and Tick Preventatives
It is the law in Pennsylvania that all dogs over 3 months of age and cats over 4 months of age must be current with their rabies vaccines. We require that your Best Furry Friends are up-to-date with their rabies vaccine.
We also recommend that your dogs are current with Bortadella, distemper and parvo as these are highly transmissible diseases. Even though your Best Furry Friend will be cared for in the comfort of their own home, this is for their protection. Ask your vet what is appropriate for your Best Furry Friends.
We do require that all Best Furry Friends be free of fleas and ticks. Your vet can recommend maintenance flea, tick and heartworm preventatives.
Pets with a bite history or history of aggression and reactivity
Pets with Special Needs
Emergency Veterinary Care
If your pet has a history of biting, nipping or aggression, this MUST be communicated immediately. For our safety, we cannot provide care for any animal who has a history of biting or aggression.
If your Best Furry Friend has a history of reactivity, fear, anxiety and stress, this also must be communicated during the initial meet and greet. As a Fear Free Certified Professional, we are committed to caring for our Best Furry Friends in a manner that helps alleviate fear, anxiety and stress. Triggers for fear and anxiety can include loud noises, thunderstorms, high winds, men, children, hats, other animals, separation anxiety, containment anxiety (confinement in a crate or room), etc.
We welcome Best Furry, Feathered and Finned Friends who have unique needs such as puppy and kitten care, senior pet care, diabetic pets, disabled pets, pets with special diets and other special care requirements!
If your Best Furry, Feathered or Finned Friend is on any medications, a current list of medications along with dosage and any special administration needs must be provided prior to the start of any service. We cannot administer prescription medication to a pet other than to the pet to whom it was prescribed.
In the event of a medical emergency, we reserve the right to seek immediate medical care from a licensed veterinarian. A signed vet release form is required prior to the start of service.
House Keys and Security Alarms
Please provide a copy of your house key at the initial meet and greet. Because safety is a top priority, all keys are kept and labeled in a secure manner. We typically keep keys for each of our clients for the ease of scheduling future services.
There will be a charge of $10 to return house keys after service has been completed. Please do not request that we leave the key locked inside your home at the final visit. In the event that you have a delay returning home or another emergency, it prevents us from accessing your home and Best Furry Friends.
If you have a security alarm, we ask that you alert your alarm company to our presence in the event that we need to communicate with them.
Severe Weather "Common Sense" Policy

Enrichment time keeps our Best Furry, Feathered and Finned Friends entertained and engaged

The safety and well-being of our Best Furry, Feathered and Finned Friends are always our top priorities, and we closely monitor weather conditions throughout the year. We ask for an emergency contact who lives nearby and has access to your home in the event of severe weather or other unforeseen emergencies.
Snow & Winter Storms:
If a significant snowstorm is forecast, we'll leave extra food and water during the visit before the storm if there's a possibility weather or road conditions could delay our next visit. As soon as roads are safe and passable, we'll get to your pet as quickly as possible. Best Furry Friends with special needs will require an emergency contact who can access your home in the event of impassable roads.
You are responsible for arranging snow and ice removal from driveways and walkways in the event of snow so that we can have safe access to your home.
Thunderstorms:
For your pet's safety, we do not take dogs on regular walks during thunderstorms or when lightning is present. Instead, we'll provide a brief potty break and plenty of indoor attention. If your pet experiences anxiety during storms, please let us know so we can do our best to keep them comfortable and calm.
Extreme Heat & Cold:
We take extreme temperatures seriously, especially when it comes to protecting your pet's paws and overall health. If we determine that conditions are too hot or too cold for a full walk, we'll provide a shorter walk or potty break, followed by indoor playtime, enrichment, and lots of affection.
Severe Weather Events:
If a tornado or other severe weather event impacts our area, we'll return to check on your pet and your home once conditions are safe—at no additional charge.
Payment and Fees

Miscellaneous Policies
Cancellation Policy

Payment is due at the time of service. We accept cash, checks, Venmo and PayPal.
A late fee of $10 will be applied one week after service.
A $36 fee will be incurred for returned checks.
While we do not charge extra for medication administration, there will be an additional fee charged for litter box deep cleans or instances when your pet's area requires extra cleaning for their health and safety (beyond the normal scope of cleanliness). Additional charges will apply if we need to purchase food or supplies that were not sufficiently provided at the beginning of service.
Holidays:
An extra charge may apply for major holidays including:
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Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
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Easter
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Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day weekends
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Thanksgiving weekend
We require a minimum of 1 visit per 24-hour period for cats, birds, fish and small caged animals. Dogs require a minimum of 2 visits, but preferably at least 3 visits daily.
All pets must remain secure within the home in between visits. We do not allow pets to have access to the outdoors unattended in between visits. This is for their safety and wellbeing as well as liability reasons.
Unfortunately, we cannot "job share" with a neighbor, friend or relative due to safety and liability reasons - unless it is a true emergency situation and it has been agreed upon in advance.
Cancellation Policy:
We understand that plans can change. To ensure we can effectively manage our schedule and availability for all clients, the following cancellation policy applies:
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Cancellations made more than 7 days before the first scheduled visit will receive a full refund with no cancellation fee.
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Cancellations made between 7 days and 48 hours before the first scheduled visit will be charged 50% of the total reservation cost.
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Cancellations made within 48 hours of the first scheduled visit are non-refundable, and 100% of the total reservation cost will be due.
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Cancellations for major holidays will require payment in full.
When returning home from traveling, we kindly request that you take a few minutes to let us know you have arrived home safely by texting or calling. If we do not hear from you, we will assume you have not returned home yet and will continue to provide care until your return.


































