Your Critter & Castle Carer

About this sitter

Hello, so nice to meet you! I’m Shannon, a friendly though introverted work from home homebody who actually still likes an adventure now and again, though! Sitting helps me travel a bit, while still working, and see new places at a slower pace than a shorter full vacation trip would.

Like you, it’s equally important to me that we find a good match. It can be daunting for home owners to invite a new sitter into their home to care for their pets I'm sure.

I get it! Sitters actually feel the same about coming into a stranger’s home.

In your mind, you may be thinking “Will the sitter show up? Will my pet be happy and relaxed with them? Will my home and pet be well cared for?” For me, I’m always wondering “Have they been upfront about their pet’s behavior/needs? Is there something not mentioned about the location/neighborhood? Are there hidden cameras?" and so on. So many things we all wonder about no doubt.

It’s an exercise in mutual trust and consideration to be sure!

So, with all that in mind, in the spirit of transparency, I’ve tried hard to create my profile to paint a pretty full picture for you of what to expect from me as your sitter. Questions are also always welcome!

I hope your ad, photos and messages will do the same.

I've met some wonderful pet owners doing this - I hope you may be the next one!

THINGS TO SHARE WITH ME:

I'd love to hear *specific details* about your pets - their schedules, where they sleep (what's flexible, what's not), quirks, special needs, etc, and, about your home (plant care, pool care needed, etc.)

Details are most appreciated, so we know if I can meet the sit's needs.

Your trip - are your dates here exact or approximate right now, and please include your departure/arrival times from the house. (if you aren't 100% sure yet, that's fine, estimates also help)

What are you looking for in a sitter?

For me, in a nutshell, I value in pet owners what I strive to provide in turn:
--clear, timely communication, and
--a partnership approach

I've had some wonderful, generous sit clients with a similar style over the years. I hope you may be the newest one!

WHAT I OFFER – ABOUT ME:

** I owned a home independently for 17 years. I care for yours not as mine, but as YOURS -- as you request and with the extra special care and concern I believe one should give when responsible for other people's pets & property.

**Friendly, down to earth, & conscientious, I've been told I put animals at ease

**I have many repeat pet/housesits over many years, the ultimate compliment

** I love cats AND dogs, and have a good amount of experience with both

** Responsible, professional, service oriented - I have an online business

** Yes, I do have my own reliable car.

My background is in education and customer service supervisory roles (which means I'm collaborative, and/or, will make a quick independent decision/take action, depending on the situation)

I'm not just an animal lover that likes to travel (though I am also those things), I treat this with the same professionalism as my other business clients, with a personal touch.

Why they want to house sit

I like to explore new areas & am considering possible relocation areas as well. I also don't own any pets of my own, but I LOVE animals, so I really enjoy time with yours!

Their experience

More than most sitters: As mentioned, I have 15+ years house/pet sitting experience with multiple (enthusiastic!) references (I was doing this before sitting was big and these sites existed!) in 7 states + one international sit, too

My reviews have gotten all spread out! You'll see some sample screen shots of additional recommendations from several others sitter sites in my photos. I have plenty more to share upon request.

What can they bring to the assignment

In addition to the above:

** Non-smoker, no drugs. No drinking also fine, no problem

** Clean, neat, detail-oriented. All will be in order as you left it, or better, when you return

** Plant/pool care/etc. all fine. Yard care: probably (explain what you need and we can discuss)

** Questionnaire/ checklist provided! I use this to gather vital info and instructions, which many clients have commented impressed them and was very useful.