Out of the dozens of sitters in our area, there are only a few to whom I’m comfortable referring people when I’m unavailable or am not the ideal fit for them. Based on comments I’ve heard from their clients and also my own interactions with other pro sitters, I’ve whittled down my short list of “the best” sitters in our area to those listed below. (Overnight pet sitting/house sitting are listed at the bottom of this page.) I do know others sitters who I can recommend if none of the people below are a good fit for a particular family.
I suggest meeting several pet sitters before deciding who to work with. Since you’re leaving your animals (and your home) in a sitter’s hands, you should trust the sitter to act on your behalf in any emergency. By meeting several reliable professionals, you can choose the person who you and your pets best click with. Also, if your usual sitter isn’t available, it’s helpful to already know another sitter who can be your Plan B.
- Amy Garrison (and co) of Oh My Dog (https://ohmydogsitters.com/) provides overnight or daily visits for all types of animals in the greater Olympia area. Like me, Amy specializes in companions with special medical or mobility needs. They provide excellent care and get rave reviews from everyone I’ve talked with about working with them. Amy is especially gifted with timid and cautious cats and dogs.
- Julie Norton of Tails and Trails (https://www.tailsandtrailsllc.com/) works will all types of companion animals, primarily in the southeast Olympia/Lacey area: Boston Harbor, South Bay, Hawks Prairie, Jubilee, etc. Julie came to pet sitting from a career as a veterinary assistant so she’s comfortable and experienced handling any health issue you can imagine. She gives their mental and emotional health as much weight as their physical health, so she’s like me when it comes to ensuring they remain engaged and stimulated while their human family members are away. Like me, she feels like everyone she cares for is part of her extended family and she treats them as if they were her own.
- Deanna McKinney of Home Sweet Home Pet Care (http://homesweethomepets.net or 360-292-9401) works with all types of domestic and farm animals in downtown Olympia and eastern areas of our cities – including DuPont! She also does great work with special needs pets, including helping her own animals go through chemo. Deanna has decades of pet care experience and for years has volunteered with animal welfare groups and wildlife rehabilitation. She’s a consummate professional who is always doing professional development of some kind.
- Daniel Bernstein ( https://pet-and-house-sitting.org/ ) is someone I’ve known Daniel for years. My other favorite sitters also know him & refer lots of clients to him. Many of our clients use Daniel instead of us when our clients want overnight sitting for their longer trips or when animals are ill & people want someone at the house longer than our usual visit times. Everyone I know who’s used Daniel raves about him. Bonus: His overnight rates are low-ish yet the service is still top-notch. Extra bonus: He also does pet photography so the photo updates he sends are stunning!
Overnight pet sitters/house sitters
- Sabrina ( https://www.facebook.com/24HourSittingService ) is a former employee of Amy Garrison who Amy helped start her own business. Sabrina is THE BEST local overnight pet sitter. Her rates are high, but she’s worth it. Some of my clients have used her & they give extremely high praise. She’s the best local option for medically fragile animals, those with separation anxiety, or those who get bored or lonely quickly. She’s young but experienced, great skills, good with special needs (astute & alert for signs of potential health problems), & gives all types of meds. Sabrina is also perfect for worriers cuz she stays at the house with the animals 24 hrs/day except for necessary errands!
- Brenda McGurn ( Darlingduopetcare@gmail.com or 360-989-5910 ) is currently Amy Garrison’s employee who Amy is helping start her overnight sitting business. She falls in love with every cat she meets & is esp great with shy cats. Brenda is a delightful, older (retired) lady. Professional yet very warm, friendly, & touchy-feely.
- Daniel Bernstein ( https://pet-and-house-sitting.org/ ) is someone I’ve known Daniel for years. My other favorite sitters also know him & refer lots of clients to him. Many of our clients use Daniel instead of us when our clients want overnight sitting for their longer trips or when animals are ill & people want someone at the house longer than our usual visit times. Everyone I know who’s used Daniel raves about him. Bonus: His overnight rates are low-ish yet the service is still top-notch. Extra bonus: He also does pet photography so the photo updates he sends are stunning!
If none of the sitters above are available, visit my “Finding Professional Pet Care Providers” page for tips on getting exhaustive lists of professional pet sitters in our area and on how to choose a reliable, professional sitter.
