Unique LIFELONG professional and personal experience with all types of pets and plants!
Servicing Sacramento, Roseville, Folsom, Elk Grove
Available for travel with negotiation
Call Dusty @ 858-444-5603
Special Needs Pets OK
Clean Background Check
References Available
After a childhood filled with pets of all kinds, my first job at 15 was as a dog groomer’s assistant at Petco and I took to it like a fish to water. I’m naturally very good with all animals and providing grooming services for pet parents was so satisfying! After a year of grooming, I transferred to the fish and reptile department of the store where I fell in love with fish and aquatic plants. I had been a pet parent to many reptiles already and working with them at the store was a dream come true.
After 2 years of working with Petco, I moved to So Cal and got a job at Petsmart in the pet care department where I worked with fish, reptiles, rodents and birds. I absolutely loved the 2 years I spent in pet care, taking care of animals, helping people set up great homes for their new pets and keeping pet parents informed on how to care for their animals.
I’m a particularly good option for puppies and kittens, elderly pets and special needs pets. Though not professionally, I’ve trained puppies and kittens, including housebreaking. I’ve leash trained dogs and cats. I nursed my cat of 19 years through cancer at the end of her life. Currently my dog is 15. He went blind and deaf about 6 months ago and we are in his twilight time. I can offer gentle patience for animals who need an extra level of care.
I was also lucky enough to be blessed with a strong green thumb and it was working with aquatic plants at Petco that got me hooked. When I moved to an apartment and couldn’t have tanks, I switched to carnivorous plant terrariums. Eventually I ended up with a small flower farm and botanical garden in Placerville. I invited the public to visit the farm and provided arrangements for local hospitality and farmers markets. These days I live in Sacramento on a smaller plot where I focus on growing enough food that I’m able to contribute to the River City Food Bank regularly during the summer.
My services are for people going on extended trips who want an extremely high level of care, joy, communication and expertise in taking care of their pets, plants and home.
Pet and Plant Care Experience
Pets
- Dogs of all sizes
- Cats
- Fish of all types
- Reptiles of all types
- Tarantulas and scorpions
- Rats
- Guinea Pigs
- Hamsters
- Mice
- Chinchillas
- Birds of all sizes
- Chickens
Plants
- Many flowers: Dahlias, Roses, Zinnias, Gladiolus, etc
- Fruit trees
- Berries
- Melons
- Vegetables
- Pumpkins and squash
- House plants
- Succulents
- Carnivores
- Aquatic plants
- And many more!
I’m fortunate to be a writer as my ‘day job’ so I easily bring my work to your home, which means I am with your pets and protecting your home 90% of the time you’re gone. I only have to visit my home every 2 or 3 days to take care of my own plants and I’m never away from your home for more than 4 hours. Luckily my partner and mother in law are home to take care of our pets.
If you’re leaving early in the morning, I’m happy to spend the night before your trip for the cost of half a day.
I currently have 2 cats and recently nursed my dog through his fifteenth and final year of life where he was blind, deaf and affected by neurological issues. One of my cats is fourteen and has hyperthyroidism and diabetes so I’m well versed in administering pills and injections.
I’m extremely affectionate and loving to my pets and yours. I know just how much your animals are going to miss you and I strive to be their new beloved auntie so that they’re less distressed by your absence. I understand just how much your pets mean to you and I strive to make your time away as stress free as possible so you can focus on the moment.
I’m self-taught, soon to be certified in pet first aid and I travel with an emergency first aid kit. I’m insured and bonded by Pet Care Insurance. References are available on request.
BLM-friendly and LGBT+, trans/nonbinary family. You can feel safe with me in your home, no matter who you are.
I like to schedule a cost-free appointment to meet you and your pets a few days ahead of the stay. This way I’m less of a stranger when you leave and we can take our time reviewing the care of your animals, plants and home.
Security and Safety for Your Pets and Home
Aside from all the basics of tending your pets, services include in your base cost:
- Two 15-20 minute walks a day
- Lots of play and outside time, weather permitting
- Frequent photos and updates about how your pets are doing
- Trips to the pet/feed store if live food or other supplies are needed
- Regular poop pickups/litter cleaning
- Plant watering and sprinkler monitoring
- Regular house care like trash out, package receiving, etc.