Learn More About Me, My Services & How it Works

I offer only one service: Private, professional, in-home pet & house sitting.

I am a mature, older woman. I could be anybody's grandma! But, I don't have any family of my own, and it's been lonely ever since I lost my beloved Gracie (above). I have embraced the nomadic lifestyle while I can, so it is not really practical to get another pet of my own right now, but I still have so much love to give! I have found so much joy & fulfillment in pet sitting, as it allows me to combine my wanderlust with my love to love and my need to be needed! ❤️

My exclusively in-home pet sitting service aims to provide a nurturing and loving environment that will allow your pets to thrive! I can arrange my schedule according to your pets' routines, ensuring that they receive consistent care and attention. With my undivided attention, your pets will receive individualized love, playtime, exercise, and tailored care suited to their unique needs.

Unlike the restrictive nature of boarding, where your beloved pets may feel confined and stressed, in-home pet sitting offers your fur babies a sense of familiarity, security, and comfort. They can continue to enjoy their daily routines and sleep in their own beds. This minimizes anxiety and promotes overall well-being while fostering a deep, emotional bond.

Additionally, in-home pet sitting eliminates the risk of exposure to illnesses commonly found in boarding facilities, ensuring a healthier and safer environment for your precious companions.

When you choose Paula's Happy Pets in-home pet sitting, you are not only prioritizing your pets' happiness and comfort but also providing them with the peaceful environment they deserve while you are away. 

When you book my professional, in-home pet sitting service, you can rest assured that your babies are in good hands!

I am: 

1. Certified in Pet First Aid & CPR

2. Insured up to $15,000 for any accidental injuries to your pets while under my care

3. Bonded for up to $10,000 for any accidental damage or breakage of personal property 

4. A proud member of Pet Sitters Associates

5. A proud member of Professional United Pet Sitters

*Clean background check and spotless driving record

What exactly do I do?

I agree to provide personalized, round-the-clock pet and house sitting services in your home.  It is my intent to "leave no trace" when staying in and caring for your home, so that when you return, it's almost as if I had never even been there! This includes: taking out the trash/recycling, washing any towels or linens used during my stay, re-making the bed, doing the dishes, dusting, vacuuming & tidying up the house before I leave, etc. 

Pricing is per night, and based on your location with a minimum of 5 nights.
Please see the pricing page for more information.

I will care for a maximum of 2 dogs and 3 cats.    
I will also care for small mammals, reptiles, birds, or farm animals with a maximum 5 (Five) animals in total.
I do not handle reptiles, but I can feed them.
Farm animals are on a case-by-case basis. No stable mucking or heavy lifting (over 40 lbs).
Fish, house plants, mail collection and accepting package deliveries are no extra charge!
*All dogs and cats MUST provide proof of current immunizations prior to confirming booking.
*No dogs over 100 pounds.
*All dogs MUST be housebroken, leash trained, and know basic commands: Come, Sit, Stay, Leave It, Etc. 
*No incontinent dogs or dogs in season.
*No pregnant or seriously ill animals.
*No aggressive dogs or dogs with any bite history.
*No injectable medications.  I will give meds in food only.

Pet care includes: Feeding and watering per your schedule and instructions, potty breaks as needed, up to 2 walks every day (each walk up to one hour or 2 miles), brushing and ordinary grooming, cleaning the litter box(es), lots of play time and cuddles as needed.

I DO NOT
 take dogs to vet or grooming appointments (except in case of emergency), doggy day care, dog parks or play dates. I take my responsibility for your pets safety very seriously, so I avoid interactions with all unknown humans or animals as I cannot be responsible for the actions of other humans or animals.

What do I need from you?

1. You agree to leave your home in a clean, safe & habitable condition for your pets and myself.
2. You agree to leave an adequate amount of food, treats, toys, medications & any other supplies needed for the care of your pets for the duration of your absence.
I will not make any purchases or payments for your home or pets for reimbursement at a later time. 
3.  You agree to leave the contact information of your veterinarian with an open account on file or a blank check made out to your vet in case of emergency.
3. A comfy guest bed is nice, but I'm also OK with a comfy couch or sleeping in the Master bedroom, whatever you are comfortable with.  
4. I will need a TV or monitor with at least one free HDMI port and decent WiFi for streaming.  
5. I bring my own entertainment and pretty much everything I need (coffee pot, toaster, etc.), but I will need some space in the fridge for my food.
6. You can provide towels or I have my own.
7. I will need a free, close, and safe place to park my car.
8. Feel free to lock/block off areas of your home that I won't need access to.  
9. I'm OK with cameras in outdoor and shared spaces. You agree to disable any cameras in my sleeping space and bathroom.
10. You agree that there will be nobody else occupying the premises during the sit.  No roommates, romantic partners, family, friends, or tenants. No exceptions. This is for insurance purposes, as well as to guarantee the safety of your pets and myself.  

What are my rates?

Pricing is by night or week and varies by your location with a 5 night minimum. Please see the pricing page for more information. There are no hidden fees.  I have my own vehicle and pay for my own transportation and accommodations between bookings.  I also pay for my own food.

*Please let me know if you are in need of pet transportation services!

Payment Schedule:
50% down when contract is signed.
Balance due 14 days before day sit begins.

Cancellation policy:
100% refund when cancelled 30+ days before sit begins
50% refund when cancelled 14-30 days before sit begins
No refunds when cancelled 13 days or less before sit begins

So how exactly does this work?

If you like what you have read so far and you are interested in booking my services, please follow these steps:
1. Please check my availability calendar here
2. If I am available for your travel dates, please fill out the contact card here with some basic info and the best time to set up a phone or video call to get acquainted, and I will respond within 24 hours with a few choices for appointment times and types. There is no charge for this initial call.
(If I am not available for your dates and you would like to be put on my waiting list, please email me using the link at the bottom of the page.)
3. At the scheduled time, we will have a phone or video call to get acquainted, to virtually meet the pets or any other family members, and discuss the pets routine and individual needs.
4. If we reach a mutual agreement on the initial call, I will send you a contract to sign and return with your deposit.
5. When your deposit is received, I will confirm your booking and block those dates off in my calendar. I will then send you a Welcome Guide and questionnaire for each pet to fill out and return. Please return these with or before your final payment.
6. One week before departure I will reach out to set up a tentative time for a "Meet & Greet" in your home. There is no additional charge for the Meet & Greet.
7.  Approximately 1-2 days before your planned departure I will arrive in your area and confirm the date and time of the Meet & Greet. Then I will come to your home at the agreed upon time to meet you and your pets in person, and to get a tour of the house and collect the keys.
ABSOLUTELY NO FIRST TIME SITS WITHOUT A MEET & GREET/ORIENTATION. 
8. Day of departure: I can time my arrival before or after your departure, depending on your preference. I will send photo proof of arrival in case of your absence.
9. Each day that you are gone, I will send you at least one daily text or email update with photos and sometimes video of your pets and myself interacting with your pets. I don't leave the house often, and I am very responsive should anything come up requiring my attention, please text me.
I WILL NOT ANSWER UNEXPECTED OR EXCESSIVE VOICE OR VIDEO CALLS.
10. Day of return: I will coordinate with you regarding your planned ETA to ensure that all chores are completed and your home is ready for your return so that you can just relax as soon as you get back! I can either meet you or be gone before your arrival.
11. If you appreciated my services, I would appreciate a review and/or a referral! I offer discounts for repeat customers and referrals, just ask!