I am new to using this (after registering many years ago), but I am not new to pet sitting. Please see the following link for GLOWING testimonials about my pet-sitting capabilities:
me:
My name is Paloma (she/her) and I live, work, and play on the unceded territories of the Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, and Musqueam peoples (Vancouver, Canada).
I work in the non-profit sector, most recently as a Program Coordinator for a consortium of community-based organizations that provide essential support services. I am currently pursuing my second degree, and will be a Registered Social Worker by summer 2024.
Professional development training and experience have helped me to hone skills that make me well-suited to petsitting: I am ethics-driven, reliable, and resourceful. My communication style is person-centered, empathic, and solution-focused. I prioritize self-care and care-for-others (human or animal). I am exceptionally adaptable in situations that call for thoughtful problem-solving. I have a deep appreciation for the reciprocal nurturing relationship between humans and animals, and would love the opportunity to make friends with your pets!
I love exploring new cities and rural environments and have lived in the sub-arctic where I (sort of) learned to work a wood stove, and Mexico where I (sort of) learned to surf (my true love). I spent 10 long but glorious days learning vipassana meditation in 2017 and try to practice semi-regularly. I enjoy a clean and tidy living space, and I am a non-smoker. When I was a child my family rescued a chicken that we named "Mustang Sally" and lovingly raised in our backyard, to the chagrin of our suburban neighbors.
My experience:
I understand that your ability to fully enjoy your travels is predicated on knowing that things at home are being taken care of.
Some pet owners prefer to be left undisturbed on their vacation, once they feel assured that their home is cared for and their pets are happy. Other people miss their pets, and enjoy seeing photos or videos of their daily adventures. I am happy to adapt to a pet owner's needs and communication preferences. Rest assured that I will prioritize open communication, while at the same time capably problem-solving on my own.
I have frequently house-sat for family friends in Vancouver, including pet care and plant care. I am an avid proponent of "dog sharing", and my neighbors can confirm how much their dog loves taking regular trips with me to the woods and the dog park! I was lucky to have many pets as a child: labrador retrievers, an Alaskan malamute, cats, a rabbit, love birds, and a rescued chicken.
From I lived and worked in Yukon, and part of the scope of my job included caring for a community greenhouse. If you happen to have 100 beet plants that need tending to, I can do this!
As a teenager I worked for a large pet store and dog daycare, which required me to routinely administer medication, assist with grooming, clean cages, walk large groups of dogs, and provide the usual basic daily care for virtually all kinds of pets.
Why I love pet sitting:
Living in the city simply hasn't allowed me to have a pet, despite wishing very much that I could adopt one. Having grown up on the West Coast of Vancouver, I now understand how lucky I was to be able to take my dogs on desolate beach-front and forest walks. If you have a dog that wants to take me on nature walks, this could be a really winning situation for everyone!
I don't see house sitting as merely a cost-saving solution to travel (though how great that it is also that!), but it also suits my style of exploring new places: slowly, and immersively. If you generously offer me the opportunity of a great house sit, it will be met with complete gratitude; to me this means making sure that every aspect of your home is cared for.
I look forward to speaking with you soon, and finding out if this is a great fit!
Warmly,
Paloma