Jessica

Hi there, I'm Jessica - I recently completed my PhD in Microbiology at the University of Alberta. I grew up in Lacombe, Alberta. Currently I run a startup company related to helping combat antibiotic resistance. I am a horse owner and a cat owner, and I have owned dogs, cats, hamsters and fish for most of my life. I love animals of all kinds and would be happy to come and check on/care for your pets while you're away, and/or walk your dogs. A few years ago I was a Pawshake petsitter and it was a great experience! I mostly fed and played with people's cats, walked dogs, and occasionally stayed overnight while dogsitting. All of it was great! Last summer I did some pet sitting through the app in Calgary, and now I'm living in Penticton and finding myself with some extra time, so I thought I'd rejoin the platform.

I can walk dogs, cuddle with all creatures, distribute food and water, take pictures and send them to you, and call you if needed. I am responsible, reliable, I absolutely cherish animals, I have excellent time management skills, and I am friendly and helpful. I'm happy to clean up after animals and don't mind being slobbered on, running around with dogs outside (even when it's freezing), and am respectful and kind toward all pets, especially timid ones. I am comfortable exercising reasonable judgment regarding when to call or take an animal to the vet. I'm most comfortable/experienced taking care of cats, dogs, horses.

As someone who has experience deciding on the right person to take care of my own pets (after spending 2.5 years living abroad and needing some help with my cat and horse before and after moving, and during visits home and lots of travels in between), I am very empathetic about how important it is to choose someone you can trust to look after your pets. I'd be happy to be that person for you and your furry family members, to answer any questions you have, and to otherwise do whatever I can to make you feel 100% relaxed about your pets' care.

For home visits: I will check on and play with your pet, replenish water, give food and medications, take dogs out for a bathroom break and some outdoor playtime, according to your instructions. I’ll take pictures to show you how they are. I’ll aim to spend 30-60 minutes at your house, depending on your preference.

For dog walks: I’ll come to your house and get your dog, happy to do so if you’re not home or if you are, depending on what works for you. I’ll pick up after your dog and make sure he/she gets a good bout of exercise (generally I would aim for an hour brisk walk or jog depending on the dog’s activity level). Then I’ll return him or her to your home, provide fresh water, and make sure everything is secure before leaving (gates closed, doors locked, etc).

Of course in this time of coronavirus, I will be wearing a mask at all times, I will wash and sanitize my hands frequently, and if I am in your house I will wipe down any surfaces or items I touch. As a microbiologist by training, I am very comfortable being hyper aware of opportunities to pass on infectious agents like viruses, and I am comfortable with the necessary precautions. I will also not be pet sitting for two homes in one day without going home to change clothes, change my mask, and thoroughly wash my hands in between. I take this pandemic extremely seriously.

My availability is very open, as I work from home and work for myself. My calendar will reflect the days I am available, and on those days, I’m available from 10am to 8pm for dog walks and home visits.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me with questions or special requests! Happy to accommodate your pets’ needs!