Pet Sitters to the Rescue
Finding peace of mind when you are out of town
Going away to see your grandmother in Georgia, your brother in Boston or your uncle in Ukraine is something you might be looking forward to doing this holiday season. However, if you have pets, they undoubtedly would much more likely have you just stay home. Thanks to the following sampling of local—and loving—pet sitters, having to go away won’t end up being so traumatic for your furry (or not-so-furry) friends. After all, your pets will be treated to “special visits,” regular meals, nice walks and even maybe a good belly scratch or two.
Plus, while you’re away, you can rest assured that your pets are happily ensconced in the comfort of their own homes. And you can easily contact the pet sitters when you’re out of town, helping to make sure that you definitely enjoy your trip.
Samantha Hullstrung is the owner of Gulfside Pet Sitters, and she offers her services in Fort Myers and on Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel and Captiva islands. In addition to being a pet lover and pet owner herself, she received a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife ecology and conservation from the University of Florida.
Hullstrung has worked with veterinarians for more than 10 years. She also has a local veterinarian in her family—who can be called on for any immediate concerns. In addition to dogs and cats, her pet-sitting service has provided care for such species as birds, turtles, rabbits, rodents and many others. She’s also taken care of special-needs pets that have medical concerns requiring insulin, subcutaneous fluids or other medications. “My clients feel at ease knowing their pets can remain in the comfort of their own home and have someone checking in on them,” Hullstrung explains.
She says her clients also enjoy using software that allows them to record information about their pets, request visits and even view photos and journals from each pet-sitting visit.
Hullstrung offers a pet taxi service and a delivery service, and even will accept overnight pet-sitting positions. She’s a member of Pet Sitters International and is certified through the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters.
Offering pet-sitting services in Bonita Springs is Michelle Manta, owner of Michelle’s Pet Sitting, which has been providing in-home pet sitting and dog walking for more than 15 years. “We specialize in special needs, seniors and pets with behavioral issues,” explains Manta, who works with a number of local rescue groups.
If needed, Manta can administer medications and give fluids and injections. She also communicates with “parents” by sending photos or updating them with information on how their pet is doing while they are away.
In addition to caring for dogs and cats, Michelle’s Pet Sitting also can pet sit for other types of animals, such as farm animals, small mammals and reptiles. Visits can be scheduled online. Michelle’s Pet Sitting is insured and bonded through Pet Sitter Associates.
Pets ’n’ Homes offers services for all kinds of pets in the greater Cape Coral area. Owned by Lesley Staples and Ray Asper, their business is licensed and insured. They also perform household tasks while pet owners are away, such as bringing in the mail, taking out the garbage and turning lights off and on. If needed, Staples and Asper will take pets to the groomer, obedience classes or shop for supplies.
While finding the right pet sitter takes some time and research, once a good match is found, your time away won’t feel so long for you or your pet.
Ann Marie O’Phelan is a Southwest Florida resident and a regular contributor to TOTI Media.