Meet The Sitters

Carrollton

Resident Pets

We welcomed Tucker into our family in January of 2015.  We were only going to foster him until he found his forever home.  We fell in love with him!  Since then, we have enjoyed fostering several puppies and getting them into loving homes.

What is the funniest or most memorable experience you’ve have with an animal?

The funniest thing is when our dog gets the “zoomies” and he runs around the coffee table in the living room!  There’s no stopping him so we just get out of the way.

What is your ultimate goal in life?

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Rafa

Resident Pets
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I currently have 2 pets, both cats, Rafa (named after Rafa Nadal), who is a Tuxedo, 11 years old, and then Louie, 2 years old, big and getter bigger, Orange fluffy tabby.

My cats before: James, who died January 2018, at 18, He had diabetes from 16-18, so those last 2 years he got 2 shots a day of insulin. Rafa came when James was 10, so he made James (nicknamed Rudy) a much younger version of himself.

James we got in 2000, and at that time had Quista, short for Conquistador. Black cat, one of my favs. He liked to leave birds on my front steps, much to my neighbors’ chagrin. He was kidnapped over a Halloween period, never to be seen again. Before Quista, I had Corey, short for Chickory, who was a genuine Bulls-Eye Tabby. Corey would chase paper balls and bring them back to me. He died from a malignant tumor in his brain at the age of 6.

Before Corey, there was Cooper, or Joey as I called him, who I had brought down from Illinois in ‘83. He was a beautiful Chocolate Milk fluffy tabby. He almost died a couple of times from Feline Urologic Syndrome, but he lived to 10 – he happened to die at the Pet Sitters/Kennel. Never used another Kennel again.My first cat was Clark, a big orange cat, I got as a kitten from the guys at my boyfriend’s college house.

What is the funniest or most memorable experience you've have with an animal?
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I’ve had some many memorable times, but one that really sticks out is when Cooper was a baby and ran up a tree, a biiigg oak tree, and a friend of mine had to use his fireman’s ladder to get him down.

Why you became a pet sitter/dog walker!

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I’ve been an active volunteer at the Animal Shelter and work a lot with taking care of friends’ animals.

Why do you love working with animals?

I love working with animals because they like to play, do not complain, and are game for anything.

What you think your pet(s) would say about you!!

My pets think I Rock and Rule, more Rock

Dallas

Resident Pets
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Reggie is a gray Wire-Haired terrier that my family adopted from a shelter in 6th grade. He has been part of my family for so long I cannot imagine my life without him. He is a very smart dog! My other dog is Tony. I am really not sure what type of breed he is. He has the colorings and looks of a Yorkshire terrier but he is BIG. Like nearly 20 pounds!! He is about 4 years old, a total lap dog and likes to eat EVERYTHING even if it is not food.

What I enjoy most about my job?

The most recent job I had was delivering Amazon.com packages to customers in the Dallas area. I was there for a year until the company lost the account. What that job instilled in me is that I LOVE working outside. Guess what the absolute best part of that was? Getting to see all the dogs getting walked. I have always loved animals and would love to be in any field related to them in any way.

Funniest Pet Experience

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My cat, Sisqo, refuses to put his face in a water dish. Instead, he prefers to dip out small sips of water with his paw and lick it off. It is the funniest thing! I really need to get a video of it for TV.

What our pet friends teach us
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I think pets can teach us forgiveness. If you have forgotten to play a game of catch one day and your dog is disappointed, you can always count on them to be eager the next day with a clean slate ready to let you make it up to them. They don’t count your mistakes and hold them against you.

Jamie's clients say:

… We are very, very pleased with what we’ve seen of VIP so
far, and are OVERJOYED to have Jamie coming this weekend.

Our last pet-sitter was very capable, but lacked warmth and a willingness to interact with our dogs (which was one of the biggest reasons we hired them in the first place).

Our initial meeting with Jamie cheered us up right away, and
dispelled any doubts we might’ve had about changing to a new pet sitting service. She was very affectionate with our dogs (and this affection was reciprocated). She represented your company very well, and seems like a very good fit for us.

Matthew S

… We are relieved now to have found in Jamie someone who genuinely wants to keep our dogs happy while we are gone, instead of merely keeping them fed and watered. Jamie’s visits, and the care she put into her work, were in sharp contrast to what we were used to. We were not used to getting text message updates, much less a request from Jamie to contact HER when we arrived back home to let her know the dogs were okay. All doubts vanished with Jamie’s first text message, and we knew our dogs were in good hands. And it sure made it easier to enjoy our weekend at the horse show. The peace of mind Jamie gave us is a debt not easily repaid, but that won’t stop us from trying.

Matthew S

City of Dallas, Lakewood

Resident Pets

​Riley is an American Foxhound mix according to the DNA test, but looks like a Bassett/ yellow Lab mix. She is 2 1/2 years old and was adopted in May 2012 from the Texas Dog Etc. Rescue.
Miles is a Fox Terrier mix, according to the DNA test, but looks like a Corgi/ Terrier mix. He is 2 1/2 years old and was adopted in May 2012 from the Humane Society of Dallas County.

What I enjoy most about my job?

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I find pet-sitting to be very rewarding. It is important that my clients feel their pets are left in responsible, loving care. Animals are like people in that they need a sense of security, and keeping their routine offers security. It allows my clients the peace of mind that their pets are well taken care of in their absence.

What our pet friends teach us
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While our cats and dogs can’t talk, their unconditional love for us can not just improve our lives, but also teaches us to become better partners to our fellow humans. They teach us patience and commitment. My pets are a part of my life that I value everyday.

Carrollton

What can we learn from our animal friends?

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They teach us about vision, patience, endurance and live among other things.

What is the best part about being a pet sitter?
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Being with animals to experience their joy and curiosity of life.

What is your ultimate goal in life?

Happiness

North Dallas / Richardson / Carrollton

Any pet(s) you currently own or have owned in the past (all types!).

Currently share my life with 2 cat ladies that love the sun and open windows, much like their favorite human, ie, me.

Your most memorable time with a pet you've owned or taken care of.

Visiting the home of a young family who let their pet rabbits roam free in their city back yard. Nature took over and I soon noticed that the number of rabbits -and holes- kept increasing exponentially!

Why you became a pet sitter/dog walker!

They are the only work colleagues that will settle down with a treat and TLC.

Why do you love working with animals & how long have you worked with them?

Hanging out with animals on a regular basis is a very sweet way to spend your days. Getting paid while in service to them, is a perk.

All different types of pets you've worked with.

All of them! Mammals and birds are obvious favorites, but lizards can have a popping personality!

What you think your pet(s) would say about you!!

“She understands me and makes me laugh!”.

VIP Pet Services is so glad to welcome back Pilar!!  She was originally with VIP over 10 years ago and was always a great sitter and had a genuine love of animals and taking care of them!  She has since been extremely busy building a business and brand and now has decided it’s a good time to come back and we are fortunate to have her back with us!!  

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​What is the funniest or most memorable experience you've have with an animal?

I guess the funniest experience I had was playing, “Catch Me If You Can” with a roommates dog at the time. She, Samus, is a large German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Rottweiler mix who would chase you around the wall separating the living room and hall of our old house. Due to the hard floors, many times it was hard for either of us to keep our balance.

What is your ultimate goal in life?

My ultimate goal in life is enjoying my new found health. You would think that’s easy but until recently it wasn’t.

Christy's client say:

“Christy was wonderful!  She kept me informed and interacted with me during my entire trip.  And, she loves Eve.” -Brenda

“Thank you so much for taking the extra time to spend with Emi. You are a very special person Christy. We are blessed to have you in our lives.” -David

“I don’t worry at all when Christy is there! Peace of mind is great!” -Cindi

“Thank you so much for the time you spent with the puppies and making sure the house was good too!! I really appreciate you and will definitely reach out next trip we have planed!!” -Lisa

North Dallas / Carrollton

Any pet(s) you currently own or have owned in the past (all types!).

I currently have 2 adorable rescue dogs – Mason and Lane. Mason is a Schnorkie (Schnauzer Yorkie mix) we think about 8 years old. He had a particularly hard early life – being abandoned 3 times and escaping an abusive owner too until he found his forever home with us 6 years ago. He loves to chill in his bed or on the cool tiled floors, go for walks and eat (and eat some more!). Lane is a Shorkie (Shih Tzu Yorkie Mix) and is 5. We have had her since she was a 6 month old puppy and was running the house about 10 minutes after bringing her home…. She bosses everyone about!

Your most memorable time with a pet you've owned or taken care of.

Shorki loves to play ball and swim and her favorite game is racing me to the ball in the pool – she would give Michael Phelps a run for his money!

Why you became a pet sitter/dog walker!

I have always wanted to work with animals but my job has often got in the way. Now I have my own travel business I can schedule around working as a dog walker / pet sitter too!

Why do you love working with animals & how long have you worked with them?

In the past before I moved to the US from England I worked with the RSPCA fostering cats and dogs before they were rehomed. I adore all animals and think we humans can learn so much from them in how we approach every day with love and enthusiasm!

All different types of pets you've worked with.

I’ve also had Golden Retrievers, Jack Russell and Miniature Schnauzers, cats, bunnies and my first pet was a tortoise!

What you think your pet(s) would say about you!!

If my dogs could talk…. They would probably say:

Mason – Can I have another treat?

Lane – Let’s play ball!

And we love you!!!

Russell is a great addition to our Carrollton dog walkers!  He has a genuine love of animals and has volunteered for the RSPCA (in the UK) before moving to the US and here he has fostered dogs & cats & vetted homes to send them to.

Austin

Resident Pets

I currently don’t have any, though I look forward to getting a cat in the future. I did leave two cats with my parents: Misty and Smut. Misty is the oldest one; she’s timid and soft-hearted, preferring to stay out of trouble. She’ll often enter a room slowly and cautiously and tends to jump at the littlest noises. I’ve had her for her whole life, so I know this is just a nervous trait rather than anything traumatic happening. Smut’s definitely a leader, very much in charge and letting everyone, both Misty and her humans, know it. She hogs the food, so even though I’ve given my parents advice on how to fix it, she’s still become very fat and is quite happy with this. Misty was adopted from a factory cat who had kittens, while Smut was rescued from the side of a country road

What can we learn from our animal friends? 
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Compassion, empathy, patience, how to take care of a life that isn’t our own.

What is the best part about being a pet sitter?

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Getting to know the people who have these pets as their friends, and the animals as well! Plus, I love to take care of animals.

What is your ultimate goal in life?

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To travel to at least one place outside of the USA.

Megan's clients say:

“Megan is the best to take care of all my cats! I get photos and details faster than with any pet service and I’m very comfortable having her take care of everyone when I’m out of town!” -Carrie

Austin, City of Austin

Resident Pets

I have a sweet rescue dog named Alex who is 13. He comes with me everywhere he is allowed. Then we have 4 cats. Chito is an adorable white and orange kitty who walks with Alex and me. If we get too far ahead he “yells” at us to slow down. I had a stray who had kittens under my rose bush. Then mama kitty moved them and the kittens became feral. But now, three of those little kitties are my cats. They love me and play and come when I call them but are still timid around other people. Little Louise can catch a bird in mid flight. Jackie-o is very sweet and silky with a quiet meow. Oliver is a big orange lover kitty. He is friendly to every one like most orange kitties.

What I enjoy most about my job?
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Playing and cuddling with pets!

Funniest Pet Experience 

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Chito “yelling” at Alex and me when we walk too far ahead. It’s funny and my neighbors love it.

What our pet friends teach us

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Racecar

Resident Pets

I grew up with a kitty named Sassy, who's mama was a stray cat my neighbor took in when she gave birth under the porch. My sister and I bottle fed Sassy until she was old enough for us to adopt her! Over the years we also had gold fish, beta fish, a hamster, and a newt! I don't currently own any pets, which frees up my availability to hang out with yours!

What is the funniest or most memorable experience you've have with an animal?
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My most memorable time with a dog I've taken care of is a pair of pups (Rocket & Racecar!) I watched for almost 8 years in Chicago. They were the sweetest, most well behaved, well trained, hilarious, loving dogs! I miss them all the time. Luckily I took a bunch of photos and videos of them over the years before I moved to Austin to remember our time together.

Why you became a pet sitter/dog walker!

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I became a dog walker because I love animals, I love being outside, and it's a really fun way to earn a paycheck. Since I don't have a dog of my own, it's extra special for me to meet and spend time with yours. I started as a full time dog walker in downtown Chicago, walking pups from 10am-6pm five days a week. I'd be lying if I said I didn't partially take the job for the amazing exercise benefits!

Why do you love working with animals?

I love working with animals because they are pure, innocent, honest creatures that have no ulterior motives- they just want to be shown care and affection and return it! It makes my heart happy to treat your animal with kindness because they deserve it for all they do for us!

All different types of pets you've worked with.

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I've worked with dogs, cats, chinchillas, ferrets, hamsters, fish, and birds!

Cedar Park / Austin

Resident Pets

I currently share my home with Little Richard (parakeet), Tuni (hedgehog), and Rose (ancient Red Heeler). It is a diverse mix of pets, but everyone seems to do their part in keeping life exciting and making sure I get up at a reasonable time every day.

Your most memorable time with a pet you've owned or taken care of.

One of my most memorable experiences involved a pet rooster named Longshanks. He was the first chicken I hatched in an incubator, so I imprinted on him from a hatchling. It was hard to explain that this meant he didn't quite understand the transition to the chicken coop when we got him some hens, and there were few nights I had to open the back door and let him roost over the shower for about a week every evening... But he was a very calm and respectful gentleman.

Why you became a pet sitter/dog walker!

My background in fostering and working with local rescues prompted me to want to further my opportunities in helping my community. With such a strong skillset taking care of animals, and a passion for making every animal feel comfortable and loved, pet sitting just seemed like the right place for me!

Why do you love working with animals & how long have you worked with them?

I have a LONG history of working with animals, since a very young age.  Animals provide a unique opportunity for me to constantly expand my knowledge. No matter how many I've encountered, no two act alike, and I thoroughly enjoy getting to know them!

All different types of pets you've worked with.

Goats, llamas, chickens, dogs, cats, small exotic animals, birds, and reptiles.