I specialize in rescue pets and separation anxiety

About this sitter

About This Sitter

I’m James, a retired Disneyland Cast Member who now works full-time as a professional house and pet sitter. I’ve been caring for animals since childhood, beginning around age 10 or 11, and have been professionally house and pet sitting since retiring from Disneyland in 2017.

I’ve had a profile on MindMyHouse for several years, but I’ve primarily stayed busy through other house-sitting platforms and, fortunately, several repeat clients who have kept me booked six months to a year in advance. I’ve now decided to focus more of my attention on MindMyHouse and connect with homeowners looking for an experienced and trustworthy sitter, both domestically and internationally.

One of the comments I hear most often from clients is that I seem to have a natural ability to connect with their animals. Many have told me they’re amazed at how quickly their pets trust me and how I seem to understand what they’re trying to communicate through their behavior, body language, and routines. It isn’t something I consciously do—it simply comes naturally to me. Whether I’m caring for dogs, cats, horses, chickens, farm animals, or exotic pets, I seem to naturally tune in to their individual needs.

Why they want to house sit

After retiring, I began house and pet sitting, and it has become one of the most fulfilling chapters of my life. I’ve had the privilege of caring for beloved pets in many different places, each with their own quirks, routines, personalities, and charm.

My own cat, Mully, who passed away was not only a wonderful companion but also seemed to have a way of connecting me with the neighborhood cats. Many continued visiting long after he was gone, offering their quiet companionship in ways that still move me.

After several years of accepting back-to-back assignments, I once thought I needed to take a break from house and pet sitting. What I discovered instead was how much joy being around animals, providing them with love and care, and receiving that love in return brings me. I hadn’t fully realized until then that caring for animals isn't simply a part of my life—it fills my heart with an immeasurable sense of happiness and purpose.

Their experience

My animal encounters have run the gamut—from a neighbor’s 22-year-old turtle to a family of ducks who turned my front yard into their annual vacation retreat. I’ve trained squirrels (they’re bright, opinionated, and highly food-motivated), and even welcomed a pair of coyotes who raised their two pups in the brush behind my home. They peacefully coexisted with the local cats, including my own, without a single incident. Nature knows when it’s respected.

And then there’s the raccoon story. One spring, a mother raccoon decided I was trustworthy enough to introduce me to her seven babies—right on my property. I didn’t feed or interfere; I just watched from a respectful distance as she raised them under the stars. It was one of the most beautiful, National Geographic-level things I’ve ever witnessed. (Video proof available upon request, and yes, it's adorable.) I have several references I was unable to post on here and will provide by request.

What can they bring to the assignment

What I bring to the assignment is a deep, intuitive understanding of pets. I’m skilled at reading their unique preferences, from their favorite spots for food and water to their individual likes and dislikes. My intuition has often helped me detect potential health issues early, sometimes even leading to emergency vet visits that save pets’ lives. In short, I bring empathy, attentiveness, and a genuine connection with animals to every assignment. You can also read reviews from my past clients to get a better sense of what I bring to the table.