Cat Sitting in Tamalpais Valley

winslow

I am struggling with naming our top adjective to describe Michael and Jeanne.  "Conscientious" will likely be it but then again, "personable," "reliable," "organised," and "animal-loving" are top contenders. 

If you are reading this review and contemplating inviting this couple to watch your pets, then look no further. We have had a number of excellent house sitters but this pair was next level in terms of the love they showed our cats, Maxx and Nala.  When we came back, we could our animals already missed them.  These cats, who have never slept with anyone other than us, were getting in bed with them each night -- and that meant climbing stairs! 

The day before our trip, Nala got an ear infection and had to be put on steroids for asthma.  Michael and Jeanne did not sign up for that when the sit was booked but they took it in stride.  In the last-minute rush, I relayed that Nala needed her oral steroids morning and night.  Michael read the RX label, indicating one dose a day, and contacted the vet to clarify.  So you can see why "conscientious" is right up there.  They saved Nala from an overdose!

We were gone three weeks and they sent us just the right amount of pictures and videos.  They bought cat toys (I forgot to put ours out!) and actively engaged with them, including 20-minute massages for Maxx.  I truly believed them when they said they fell in love with our fur babies.

The house was spotless (which was not important to me but truly appreciated) but I smiled when all six water stations in our yard were filled.  They took seriously my love for and the needs of the wildlife in our yard.  Our plants were all in good condition as well.  

Sensing they were "next level" when I met them, I predicted they would want to leave a meal for us upon our return.  I asked them not to but they found another way to bow out with class.  They made a donation to a nonprofit I work with instead.  This I learned from the lovely thank you note they left. 

I hope they will consider Charles and I friends because we certainly feel that way about them now. What special people.  If you book them, treat them well because they are going to do that for you for sure.

Lisa

I'm delighted to have found Lisa as a sitter and hope to have her back again! She was detail oriented and clearly cared about my cats' well being. She asked good questions about the cats' routines and needs and about the house to be sure she'd meet my expectations and have a comfortable and successful sit. She communicated very well before and throughout the sit and even though I was unreachable for much of the time I was confident everyone was in good hands. Lisa left the house in immaculate condition and the cats were relaxed and happy when I got home. What a delight!

Adrienne

Stefany helped me out big time by stepping in when I asked.  She's a local sitter and I wasnt' having any responses so I contacted her and she fit me into her schedule even during the holidays and right after another sit across the country.   She took great care of my two cats and home and I very much appreciate it!

Anne

Wow, what a find Justin is! I feel as though I won a lottery. As I was revelling in the communication we were having during his stay, I looked over his profile and realized either that he had updated it during his stay OR I never even read it. I was so impressed with his initial application that described multiple stays taking care of cats in Turkey that I knew he was going to be a great choice. So I'm not sure that I even read his profile or reviews. Turned out...he was more than I could have EVER hoped for.
Justin is VERY organized and clear with his communication. Just  as--or maybe more--important, he is a poster child for what zeewoi can be: more than just an economical way to get a pet sitter or a place to stay.
Justin embraces the barter economy and the opportunity it presents to get to know people. Although we only met the day that I turned the house and my 2 cats over to his care, we had delightful communication throughout his stay. He wanted to be sure he was providing the right care to all living and non-living elements of my home as well as just chat beyond what we'd had an opportunity to cover when we were face to face on the handoff day.
Bottom line: I'd have Justin back even if I wasn't going anywhere! I've met a friend. And my neighbors did as well!
Oh yes, and my two cats were well looked after, the house was in ship shape, and Justin was able to brief the next sitter in person (I'd had to extend my time away and Justin already had another commitment). To say I felt confident leaving my pets and home in Justin's care is an understatement.
Justin is a real adventurer and believer in the power of both human and animal connection. Without a doubt, I would recommend him as a sitter...and a friend!
Thank you, Justin for a great example of how to wrestle so much more meaning out of zeewoi.

Tiffany

Paige, David, and family were WONDERFUL sitters for my crew! They were so pleasant and personable, and the pets warmed up to them very quickly. Even my rescue cat who tends to stray away from men loved David. I received regular updates and communication (before and during the sit). I truly did not have any concerns while I was away knowing that everyone had such great care and attention given to them. (I know the dogs had a good time because when I came home there was no commotion over my return.) I was away on NYE and Paige had no issues keeping an eye on one of the dogs who has anxiety surrounding loud noises. The family cleaned up after themselves and may have left the house cleaner than when I left! Truly such a great family who I would welcome back any time!

Alexey

I highly recommend Daniel as a pet sitter and house sitter! He took care of Pipa for over three months this winter and did an outstanding job. From the first day, it was clear that he had a genuine love for animals and a great deal of experience with pets. He was very attentive to his needs and always made sure he was comfortable, well-fed, and had plenty of playtime.

In addition to his pet-sitting duties, Daniel also went above and beyond by processing my postal mail and keeping the house well-organized. He was very responsible and reliable, always arriving on communicating, putting the bins out, and watering the plants on time, and keeping me updated with photos and messages. I felt completely at ease knowing that my cat was in such good hands and that my home was well-cared for while I was away.

When I returned from my trip, Pipa was happy, healthy, and well-adjusted, thanks to Daniel's excellent care. I would definitely hire him again and recommend him to anyone in need of a trustworthy, caring, and responsible pet and house sitter!

Erin

Ruthee was a fabulous pet sitter for our three cats while we were gone for a month. Prior to the sit, she was consistent and communicative; she even came over early for a meet and greet to learn the routine. During the sit, she took great care of our three cats by playing with them (she made a fun cat toy!), scooping litter, feeding and watering them, and sent us text updates and pictures. We came home to happy fur babies and a clean home. She left the place very tidy which was greatly appreciated! We are so thankful for Ruthee and would recommend her should the opportunity arise. Your fur babies would be lucky to spend time with her. Thank you again for everything, Ruthee!

Deb

Kathy and Ron are the most accommodating sitters you will ever find. At my request they arrived a few days early and also made it clear they would be willing to extend their stay as needed. While at first they were a little uneasy about giving pills to our cat Sparky, they soon got the hang of it and did an excellent job caring for both cats even though the cats have very different schedules and needs. Kathy was great about keeping in touch with us and we knew they would be just fine for the several days when we were out of communication range. I would gladly invite Ron and Kathy back anytime and highly recommend them to you for your next getaway!

Steven

Kristine was wonderful again as our local sitter from just down the street. 
The boys take to her like she is their best friend whenever she comes to sit with them. She sent us photos of them playing, relaxing, drinking water and eating so we knew they were well taken care of. 
The house and the cats were in excellent shape and excellent hands while we were away. It is wonderful that she enjoys the house and the cats so much and tells us so.
Kristine comes with our highest recommendation!
Thank you Kristine!

Cynthia

I whole-heartedly recommend Carly and her partner Fanny to sit for you! They were fabulous and reliable house sitters from start to finish. Carly was timely and thoughtful in all of her communications and let us know the state of affairs in our apartment with our cat and plant babies while we were away. They followed our directions to a 'T.' We came home to find a happy cat, thriving plants, a spotless apartment and laundered linens. We would definitely consider contacting them again to house sit for us!