I am 33 years old with over three years of experience guiding teens and kids in wilderness and city excursions, therefore I understand the importance of caring for people's most precious loved ones- pets included! These trip leading roles have also taught me the importance of listening, communicating, being receptive to feedback, and being adaptable to changes in plans. My experience working with animals started in high school when I volunteered at the animal shelter by taking the dogs out for walks and play time. More recently in 2021-2022, I volunteered weekly at a cat shelter where the environment was cultivated to be as low-stress as possible. This was made possible by hours of extensive training to understand their instincts, needs, and body language cues. The main lessons I have learned are to develop rapport and trust through play, and to not touch or pick up a cat unless they show the signs indicating they are comfortable with that. Providing some fun and stimuli for your furry loved one while you are away I believe is very important in creating a bond with them, even if its only temporary, to help ease any feelings of stress or uncertainty that comes with sharing their space with a new human. To me, pet sitting is more than just doing the bare minimum of daily feeds or walks. I usually send pictures during overnight housesits, and can send updates as frequently or infrequently as you'd like. I am not a loud energetic person, so I think this is especially good for cats to be sharing a space with someone who will not disturb them from their hours and hours of vital nap time. I have done many volunteer work-trades where I stay in people's homes in exchange for doing work around their house, farm, or hostel. After having stayed in many new places, I am open to learn and respect any of your house rules or preferences- at this point I've just about heard it all and am not judgemental!