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ABOUT ME

About Me

Hi there! My name is Gabi, short for Gabrielle, and I'm so excited to welcome you to my petsitting family! I have been a lover of animals for as long as I can remember, and it brings me all the joy in the world to spend time with them every day. I have the best job ever!

 

Before starting my petsitting business, I was a massage therapist for eight years where I found my passion for empathy and helping others. When the pandemic hit, I decided to explore a new path that allowed me to spend time with animals all day long. I carried that empathy into caring for animals and that's when I realized that petsitting was my true passion and my forever career.

One of my favorite things about petsitting is getting to know each animal's unique personality and behavior. I have a passion for learning about the different behaviors and preferences of each breed, and I am always eager to expand my knowledge.

I have a particular soft spot for elderly and special-needs dogs. I believe that every pet deserves to live their life to the fullest and be loved from the beginning to the end, and I am always willing to go above and beyond to make sure that your furry friend is happy and comfortable.

 

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me a little better. I can't wait to meet your furry family members and provide them with the love, care, fetchies and snuggles they need while you're away!

FAQ

Q/ How do you handle difficult pets?

A: Well, in my business, I like to think of myself as a bit of a dog whisperer. However, when it comes to handling larger dogs, I do have a weight limit of 80 lbs. Don't get me wrong, I love big dogs, but I don't want to end up being dragged down the street like a cartoon character. So, before booking, I always make sure to meet with any dogs over 80 lbs to ensure I can handle them safely. I mean, I'm not trying to "fake it until I make it" when it comes to dog safety - that's a bit ruff.

In the extremely rare event that a dog's behavior presents a major safety concern or becomes very destructive, I like to collect a phone number from clients beforehand for a backup sitter to come pick up pupster.

Q/ Can you guarantee my pet's safety?

A: I can guarantee that I'll do everything in my power to keep your pet safe, but unfortunately, I can't control everything. I can, however, promise that no incident will go unnoticed or unresolved as I supervise them, and I'm insured. I'll treat your pet with the same care and attention that I've given to my own pets. In 3 years, *knock on wood* I've never had any incidents between the dogs and I keep them separated when I'm not able to supervise them.

Q/ What if my pet gets sick or injured while under your care?

A: Don't worry, I have a first-aid kit on hand and I'm trained to handle minor injuries and illnesses. If it's something more serious, I'll contact you right away and take your pet to the vet. Uber Pet is always an option and I also have animal-loving friends all over the area that'd be more than willing to drive us.

Q/ How do I pay for your services?

A: I accept payment in the form of belly rubs, treats, and scratches behind the ears. Just kidding - I accept cash or Venmo. @PawsitiveRaleigh

As a friendly reminder, I kindly request that payment for the initial week of my services be made upfront to serve as a security deposit as well for the booking. This helps me to update my calendar promptly and ensures that your baby(s) receives the best possible care.

I understand the importance of flexibility and that plans can change unexpectedly. However, I do have a cancellation policy in place to protect my schedule and ensure that I am able to accommodate other clients. In the event that you need to cancel your booking, please notify me at least two weeks in advance to avoid a 50% fee. During holidays, a 75% fee will be charged for cancellations within 2 weeks.

For meet & greets, I require a zoom call first so I can get an idea of the pets and the home I'll be staying in, and if we both should decide to move forward, I charge for one way of rideshare. For example, if you live 10 miles away, I will charge the fee I'm charged for a lyft to get to your home, but I will not charge for the ride back to where I'm staying. 

Please feel free to make payment at your convenience between now and two weeks prior to the booking. Thank you for your understanding, and please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions or concerns! 😊🐶🐱

These are the commonly observed holiday dates on which you will find a 10-20% higher rate depending on the demand of the holiday:

 

Martin Luther King Day - Jan 13 - 16

Presidents' Day - Feb 17 - 20

Memorial Day - May 26 - 29

4th of July - June 30 - July 4

Labor Day - Sep 1 - 4

Halloween - Oct 27 - Nov 1

Thanksgiving - Nov 23 - 26

Christmas & New Year's Day - Dec 22 - Jan 1

Q/ What does a typical day look like for you and the dogs?

A: What does a typical day look like for me, you ask? Well, let me tell you, it's a dog-gone busy schedule! I rise and shine with the sun to tend to my furry friends, serving up breakfast (and meds) and taking them out for their morning business. I Don't worry, I'm a pro at pill-administering and litter-box-cleaning! 

Afternoons are when the real fun begins. We hit the nearby park, go for walks, and lots of playtime! I'm about as much of a fan of fetch as any border-collie so I love backyard time!

Evenings are all about winding down and snuggling up. I ensure everyone is well-fed and medicated, and then it's off to bed we go. Yep, you heard me right - all my furry friends sleep in my bed with me (if that's allowed in your household!). It's like one big slumber party every night!

So there you have it, folks. I'm a one-woman show, catering to the needs and whims of all my furry friends. And let me just say, it's the about the most awarding job around. 

Q/ What sets your services apart from others?

A: I offer a unique blend of professionalism and silliness. I'm serious about taking great care of your pets, but I'm not afraid to have a little fun while I'm at it! This is not only my job but my forever career, so I can provide 24/7 service and love to your pet, unlike the housesitters on that one website who need to work other jobs to make any income. But there's more!

 

While the apps charge extra hidden fees, I don't even expect a tip. My insurance also has more coverage and trust me, when something goes wrong, you need a sitter with integrity you can count on to jump to action, communicate with you, and make sure everything is being done (beyond only LOST signs) to make it right. Anything the apps can do, rest assured I'm determined to do it better. 

Q: What is your policy regarding cleaning when housesitting?

I aim to provide the best care for your home and pets during my housesitting and I like to leave your home exactly how I found it, or a little better. I prefer that homes are clean upon my arrival, as this allows me to focus entirely on caring for your floofers in a comfortable environment.

If I find that additional cleaning is necessary to maintain a pleasant atmosphere, I will need to charge (according to each task) for the time spent on cleaning. Rest assured, I will leave the home in the same condition it was in after my cleaning. Thank you for your understanding, and I look forward to taking excellent care of your home and pets!

 

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