Call Me!

My phone hours are 7am – 6pm
7 days a week
818 726-PETS
818 726-7387
Open daily including all Holidays.
I return most phone calls the same day. Calls received after 6pm are returned first thing the next day. Because I am often driving from home to home, I may be unable to safely answer when you first call. Please leave a detailed message.

Pet Sitting in Los Angeles California areas. 

In-home daily care and feeding keeps me happy and healthy!

Orientation for first time clients

First, please call to book the dates for your services. We will schedule a new client visit and consultation.

1. During this initial consultation, I will meet both you and your pets. 

2. I will provide several forms that need to be completed, so I can get to know you and your pets better. 

3. Upon signing a service agreement (contract), the client will provide a copy of the house key.


I understand the importance of you knowing that a trustworthy, individual is entering your home and caring for your pets.


Upon request, I am happy to provide references so that you are comfortable working with me.

Pasadena professional pet sitting.

Menu of Services

The Critter Sitter offers a variety of pet sitting and home sitting services in the Crescenta Valley and surrounding Los Angeles California communities. 

The following is a breakdown including pricing of the most requested services. 

Daily Visit

$20.00 for the first visit, each additional visit in the same day is $15. 

Each visit is catered to the pet's needs which include:

• Dog walk/ playtime

• Kitty playtime

• Feeding - fresh water

• Cleaning the yard, litter box and any accidents

• Administering medications

• Pets remaining in the safety and comfort of their own home

• Mail/packages/newspapers being brought in

• Watering house/outdoor potted plants

• Alternating blinds and lights, so the house looks occupied

• Trash cans put out and retrieved

Pet Taxi Service

For established Critter Sitter clients only. Advanced reservations required.

This includes Vet and groomer drop-off and pick-up

• One way drop-off (or pick-up) - $20

• Both drop-off & pick-up (same day) - $30

• Round Trip Vet Visit (I stay with pet) - $40

Overnights

Starting at $50 per night. Fees vary according to distance and other factors. Limited availability.

Although most pets are fine left to themselves during the day, some need companionship and attention overnight. When left alone at night, some pets show anxiety by inappropriate chewing or soiling personal property. This destructive behavior can be alleviated by having someone in the home with them overnight.

All overnights include am/pm walks, feeding with lots of love and attention, plus overnight snuggling.

24 hour stays

Starting at $100 per night. Fees vary according to distance and other factors. Very limited availability.
This service includes the physical presence of the Critter Sitter in your house full time while you are away. This can be for pet sitting or house sitting.

Emergency services

I watch over your homes as well as your pets. I have dealt with evacuations due to floods, fires, power outages, and broken water pipes. The unforeseen can happen when people are away. I can and will handle any emergency that may arise and will diligently attempt to contact my client to keep them aware of problems.

Other services 

Additional services such as outdoor watering may be added for an additional agreed-upon fee. Out-of-area services may be negotiated. Additional fees will always apply.

Use of contracts

I put our agreement in writing to make sure both client and service provider are completely aware of the nature and scope of all services to be provided and the actual cost.

Please note, we reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.

Burbank in-home pet sitting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why hire a pet sitter?
Professional pet sitters can do a great deal more than merely provide food and water for pets. A good pet sitter will give precious pets individual love, attention and care.

Why leave my pets at home?

Most pets thrive on routine in their own home environment. They feel safer and less likely to become anxious. A good pet  sitter provides a continuation of security and comfort while the pet's family is away. Many veterinarians recommend that pets stay at home when their owners are away so that they maintain their diet and routine. There’s no risk of acquiring diseases or parasites from other animals in a kennel. With familiar sights and smells, separation anxiety is greatly reduced or altogether avoided.

What about my pet's special needs? 

As an in-home pet care specialist I have years of experience providing special attention and medications for sick, injured, mobility challenged and/or senior pets.

Why can't I just get a neighbor kid to feed my dog?

You could. But he/she might forget or lose your key. Getting a professional is the responsible thing to do for your pets and your home. Relatives, friends or neighbors will not be inconvenienced or burdened by the additional responsibilities that would come with caring for your pet and securing your home.

Why chose the Critter Sitter?

Experience – 25 years caring for many types of animals ranging from mice to horses and everything in between.

Knowledge – Direct care of special needs pets including those with diabetes, spinal injuries, congestive heart failure, kidney and renal failure. Expert in administering medications including daily IV solutions.

Professionalism – Clean, organized and dependable providing satisfaction, safety and security.
Best of all, I love my job!

Who comes into my home? 
I do not employ any other people. I am the one clients meet and I am the only one that cares for their home and pets. 

Do you charge extra for holidays?
My rates are the same all year

Do you provide pet boarding services?
I do not run a kennel. I go to the pet's home, where the pet is much more comfortable, happy and relaxed.

Will you provide services outside of your usual area?
Yes, for an additional agreed-upon fee.

Will we sign a contract?
Yes. I always meet new clients ahead of time and fill out a complete contract that details what services will be provided and what they will cost. This also includes getting more information about the pets' veterinary care and emergency contacts.

How long have you been in business?
Professionally Since 1994

How much notice do you require for booking?
The more notice the better. At least two weeks. This is why you need to call, text or email as soon as possible so I can check my availability. Usually I can fit in a drop-by service on short notice, but not always. My availability for overnights/24 Hr. stays is very limited so it is wise to contact me as soon as you know your plans. I have some bookings made a year in advance. 
     
Do you have a back-up plan in case an emergency prevents you from providing service?
In 25 years, I have never had an emergency that prevented me from providing any service. Pets put in my care are always cared for. My contingency plan includes having two in-home pet care specialists on call that can take over for me should an emergency arise.

Are you certified?
Some websites issue pet-sitting certifications after an online test. I think my years of experience, knowledge and love for animals are better qualifications than a so-called "pet-sitter certification." I am trained and certified by the American Red Cross in Animal CPR and first aid.

Are you bonded?
Yes, I am bonded.

Burbank in-home pet sitting.

Testimonials

The Critter Sitter believes that her clients' words speak louder than her own. Read all about what they have to say about her pet sitting services in the areas of Los Angeles country surrounding La Crescenta, La Cañada / Flintridge, Tujunga, Sunland, Montrose, Glendale, Eagle Rock, Pasadena, Altadena, Burbank and more.

Dusty is the best. She is the only one that takes care of our puppies. They love her. From the moment she comes through the door they are at her side. We plan our trips only after we know she is available to be with the puppies! 
N. Bixby

I have been using The Critter Sitter pet sitting service for many years now whenever I have to leave home for work or vacation. My pets include dogs, birds and a tank of fish. Dusty takes great care of them all as well as watering plants and bringing in the mail. I really don't know what I would do without her. Thanks a lot, Dusty! 
Steve Babcock
Glendale, CA

I have been using The Critter Sitter for many years, Dusty is their second mother. She takes care of them and the house as if they were her own.
Julie Ramirez

Dusty is the best! I never have to worry about my Nova when I have to go away. I know Dusty will take excellent care of her and my home as well. Thank you Dusty!  
Jodie B

For over 10 years I have trusted The Critter Sitter to take care of my pets. She provides peace of mind when I go out of town. She has always gone the extra mile to provide superb service and to treat my furry companions with love. 

Thanks Dusty!

Considering how much time she spends each time she comes to my home, she provides great value. Dusty always plays with my dogs, feeds them, medicates them and gives them treats. She washes and refills all their water bowls. She turns on and off lights and checks that the house is safe and secure. She brings in the paper and the mail. She picks up solid waste in the yard. And she is always just a text, email or phone call away if I feel the need to check up on my home or my pets. 

Dusty sends me photos of my happy dogs while I am away. I feel confident they are being loved and spoiled.

When I arrive home after a trip, I am greeted with happy tail wags and face licks. I have rescue dogs with issues and they do best remaining at home when I am away. I can tell they have been getting loving attention twice daily in my absence. I rely on Dusty to keep them safe and happy.

Whenever I make travel plans, my first call is to Dusty, to book her services. 

Madeleine St. Michael

Dusty is a trustworthy and experienced pet sitter. She has taken care of our collection of diverse animals over the years with big success. We feel very happy to have found her. I highly recommend her.

Helena Bowman

About me

I grew up on a working horse and cattle ranch. It was there I developed my deep love for all animals. Over the years my pets have included a pig, a raccoon, a peacock, a skunk, a spider monkey, a coyote pup and for a short time, a mountain lion cub. Most of my adult life I have lived with an assortment of animals including horses, cats, dogs, chickens, turtles and fish.

I went pro in 1994 and since then I have been providing loving one-on-one pet care and pet sitting in the foothill communities of Los Angeles.

Life on the ranch gave me a strong work ethic.

I know I have the best job in the world. I get to love and care for beloved pets while their family is away. I take this responsibility seriously. I provide peace of mind and the assurance that I am always there for them. 

I am certified by the American Red Cross in Pet First Aid and CPR. I am bonded.

Proudly providing pet sitting and house sitting services in La Cañada, La Crescenta, Glendale, Montrose, Sunland, Tujunga, Shadow Hills, Lake View Terrace, Burbank, North Hollywood, Toluca Lake, Pasadena, Altadena, Eagle Rock and surrounding areas in Los Angeles County!

Is it suppertime?