Mari

Hello! I'm your friendly neighborhood nerd/goblin :) 

You might often see me at a local park or coffee shop with a book in hand, but one of my biggest hobbies is cozying up to play games while my cat Benny keeps me company. 

I have roughly 5-7 years as an experienced cat foster through VOKRA. I've had a lot of experience with young, senior (who needed special diet and medication), and feral/skittish cats. Cats are my absolute favourite animal (quickly followed by owls and dinosaurs- we can still count dinos around here, right?).

I haven't fostered with VOKRA since we adopted Benny. Benny is an anxious kitty so I would need a separate room to slowly introduce any new cats to the house (he's still getting used to his sister!). I, unfortunately, cannot take any pets into my home for this same reason, but I am happy to offer overnight and full-time care for any pets that need it. 

I have found pets often just enjoy the presence of someone with them; I used to sit in the same room as my shy fosters and read books aloud to them or play music. I also enjoy working with very casual training for both cats (Benny sits before his meals, and is learning new tricks slowly!) and dogs (I had German Shepherds and Golden retrievers growing up so I have plenty of experience with dogs as well, it's just been a while).

My main motivation to be a pet sitter is to help ensure that anyone who needs care for their pets can find someone who really will care for their pet's needs. I love spending time with all kinds of animals, and will happily keep you updated with pictures while you are away (I know I always appreciate that when I am not around my Benny and Chai).

I have an Instagram now! Please visit me here (@cozy.critters.petcare) to check out some photos of purrfect pets and a few fun facts!
- Please let me know if you are comfortable with me sharing photos of your pet online when you book :)

Find our Instagram here: https://tinyurl.com/4nkmvyd2

--------- IMPORTANT: Due to health reasons, I will be focusing my services offered to cats and small animals only, for the foreseeable future. Currently, I cannot guarantee that I would be able to walk pets or offer sufficient play to dogs and larger animals. If you have small dogs who do not need much walking you can contact me to see if we are a good fit :) (updated March 2023) ---------------- 

I have chronic migraines and hEDS, and occasionally my joint pain does not permit me to do a whole lot. For this reason, my focus in pet care is limited to small animals, small dogs, and cats, as I cannot lift heavy weights or walk long distances. This is also the reason why I am looking to supplement my income with pet-sitting, as most retail jobs would be too physically demanding for me.

I am fully COVID-vaccinated, as is my partner, and I will happily abide by any house rules you might have in regard to the care of your pets, plants, and home.

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SERVICES OVERVIEW:

* Home visits (1 or 2x day): Each visit will be between 30-90 minutes, when possible I will aim for an hour on average. It will include feeding, fresh water, and litterbox cleaning. Depending on the comfort level of your pet, I will also gladly shower them with pets and playtime, or simply keep them company and chat with them :) 

If you need plants watered or mail brought in, please let me know- I'm happy to help with that!

* House sitting: 

Full round-clock care, feeding, litterbox changes, and playtime. Please let me know of your pet's full routine and needs, as well as any other care your home might require, like watering plants, bringing in mail, trash/recycling taken out, and how long your pets are comfortable on their own in case I need to step out for 2-3 hours and can't bring them with me (do they have separation anxiety?)

I look forward to hearing from you soon and helping you look after your pets whenever you need! :)