I specialize in rescue pets and separation anxiety

About this sitter

I’m new to MindMyHouse, but certainly not new to house and pet sitting. I’ve been caring for pets for as long as I can remember and began doing it professionally after my retirement from Disneyland in 2017. I’ve been using another house-sitting website for several years.

I’m James, a retired Disney cast member who now focuses full-time on house and pet sitting. While I’ve been professionally house and pet sitting for over seven years, my passion for caring for animals goes back to my childhood, starting around age 10 or 11. Over the years, I’ve cared for a wide range of pets and am well-versed in administering medications, ensuring every pet’s needs are met with love and care.

Why they want to house sit

After retiring, I began house and pet sitting, and it’s been one of the most fulfilling chapters of my life. I’ve cared for beloved pets across the globe, each one with their own quirks, routines, and charm. My own cat, Mully—who passed in 2020—was not just a companion but a connector, drawing in a whole community of neighborhood cats who continued visiting long after he was gone, offering their quiet company in ways that still move me.

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.)

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.