IN-HOUSE PETSITTING

Providing overnight petsitting, daily visits, housesitting, plant care, mail and newspaper retrieval

About Me

Penny

When I was growing up my brother and I had hamsters as pets. I acquired my first dog before coming to Alaska. I’ve owned a dozen different dogs over the 35 years I’ve lived here. My current dog is named Katie. I started housesitting/ petsitting for a friend in 1998. She referred me to a friend with a Persian cat. I found professional petsitting is something that’s really needed and is a very rewarding job.

I belong to Pet Sitters International, I am bonded and I can provide references.

WHAT SERVICES I PROVIDE

I have three separate services I provide:

  • Twice daily visits
  • Once a day visits
  • An overnight stay

The overnight stay means that I move into your home and make it my home base. If I have other clients that require once or twice daily visits I will be leaving from your home. I usually leave early in the morning to go to the gym and then start my rounds. I find out how long your dog can go between visits and I will be back then to let them out and give them TLC.

For all these services I let the pet tell me what they want from me. Small dogs and cats like to sit on my lap; some dogs like to play fetch others just want to be with me. Weather permitting I love to walk with a dog, if you have a treadmill I can teach your dog how to run/walk on the treadmill. On once/ twice daily visits I usually spend 30 to 45 minutes per visit. My dog Katie is an outside dog and she stays at my cabin while I’m petsitting. I come back to my cabin once a day to feed, water and give her quality time. I also check my snail mail, email, phone messages and take care of other business during that time.

I always bring my own food. I live in a dry cabin and appreciate the use of your washer/dryer and dishwasher while staying at your home.

I can take care of your indoor/outside plants while you’re gone. I will bring in your mail and newspaper. I make your home look lived in; I always check your house on my visits to assure that all is well. If you have shy cats I try to locate them on each visit to make sure they are well.

I can bring you to the airport and pick you up so you won’t have to leave your vehicle at the airport or call a cab. I prefer to use your vehicle because my truck only has room for one passenger.

  • These services are all included in the base rate.

 

The largest number of animals for one client that I have cared for was 21 sled dogs and a cat. If you only have fish I will take care of them or if you have lots of indoor plants and you’re going to be away for a while I can come in once a week or so to water, dead head and basically clean up the plants. I only charge for the days I come to care for the fish and/ or plants. Birds could also be included in this category except they probably would be every other day visits, more if that’s what you want. If you plan to be gone for an extended stay, like over 30 days I can negotiate a special rate for that time. I have no problem giving pets their medications. Having been a medic I know how to give an injection.

In my free time I enjoy going to sled dog races, in fact I have recently been the race announcer at the ADMA races. I used to skijor, but due to two knee surgeries on my left knee I am unable to skijor anymore. I do try to help the skijor club whenever I can. Katie and I bikejor and walk in the spring, summer and fall. I have two male Betta fish named Lex Luthor and Clark Kent. I am a lifelong TV addict and Trekie. I also enjoy weight lifting and doing Group Exercise classes at the Alaska Club, both north and south clubs. I collect all things Star Trek and Star Wars; I have a GI JOE collection and just started collecting novelty clocks.

Getting Started

  • At the initial interview I will come to your house to meet you and your pets. I have a housesitting and a petsitting contract for you to fill out where you tell me all about your house and then all about the pets.
  • Please refer to the Zone Map of the FNSB, find what zone you live in and find your zone on the Rates Schedule to determine your base rate. The base rate covers the first two (2) animals.
  • I prefer to be paid in full either at the initial interview or when I come to take you to the airport. I need the money for expenses especially gas. I can arrange other payment plans if needed after you become a regular client.