Gillian's Pet, House, and Babysitting

02/06/2025

On February 12th, I conclude my journey of pet sitting. I will post more in depth soon, but for now, I would like to say how grateful and blessed I am to have met so many wonderful people and pets. Pet sitting has been part of my life for almost 7 years. My life during this time has seen many ups and downs, but I can definitely say my life is in a perpetual up currently. I can't wait for my future and to see where life takes me and my family. Thanks to EVERYONE ❤️

01/21/2025

How to Build a Winter Shelter for Outdoor Cats

Providing a warm, safe shelter for outdoor cats during winter is simple and inexpensive. Here are key tips to keep in mind when constructing your shelter:

1. Design

Use strong insulation to trap body heat; cats become little radiators!
Use straw (not hay or blankets) as bedding. Straw stays dry and provides warmth.
A smaller interior area retains heat better than a large one.
2. Size

Small shelters heat up faster and stay warm with just one or two cats inside.
Two smaller shelters are better than one large one.
3. Location

If dogs are a threat, place the shelter behind a fence where dogs can’t reach it.
Face the entrance toward a wall to ensure only cats can access it.
Keep shelters and feeding stations out of sight for added safety.
4. Elevate the Shelter

Raise the shelter off the ground using 2x4s or other materials.
Place straw underneath for added insulation.
5. Small Door

Cats only need an entrance about 5.5–6 inches wide (or the width of their whiskers).
A small door helps retain heat and keeps larger animals like raccoons out.
6. Prevent Dampness

Tilt the shelter slightly so rainwater drains off the roof and doesn’t pool inside.
Drill a small hole in the bottom or side for drainage.
7. Secure the Shelter

Add heavy rocks, bricks, or pavers on top to keep it in place.
Place two shelters facing each other with a board on top to create a protected entryway.
8. Insulation Matters

Use materials cats can burrow into, like straw.
Avoid blankets, towels, or newspapers as they retain moisture and can make the shelter cold.
A little effort can make a big difference in keeping outdoor cats safe and warm during the winter months. Let’s protect our feline friends! 🐾

11/17/2024

I am posting a brief update on the rest of my 2024 and what my plans are for 2025. November and December are officially full for me. If you have last minute dates, I may be able to accommodate, but I am focusing on family the rest of the year and enjoying the holidays. As for 2025, I am only working through January and that month is already about full. Pet sitting has been great to me. I've met many great people, taken care of wonderful pets, and have learned so much. I've had lots of changes in the past almost two years of my life, all for the better, and it is now time for me to move on to something different. A new adventure. I will be posting more and reaching out to everyone the best I can. Many thanks to EVERYONE who has made my little business into what it is now. If anyone knows anyone who would be interested in starting pet sitting, please let me know. I've been trying to find people I can refer my pet owners to. More updates to come

08/19/2024

Come September, I will be out of town most of the month/taking time off. I have some availability at the beginning of the month, so please check my calendar, or send me a message for availability. September 14-26 are dates where I will be very limited checking my phone for work. Thanks for your understanding! I am currently only taking bookings for the rest of 2024 (based on my current calendars) with the exception of the jobs I already have booked for 2025. I'll be posting updates the rest of the year with my outlook on 2025 scheduling. Thanks to everyone for a great year so far!

06/07/2024

I will be out of town June 23-July 4. Please continue to reach out and I will respond when I am able or upon return. Thanks! 🐾

05/13/2024

December calendar is up!
Paw Wreaths mean that I am already scheduled for an overnight and/or my day is fully booked
Turquoise lines mean I currently have nothing scheduled
*Red lines mean I will be out of town and will be returning calls, texts, and messages when I return*
*This year I am planning to keep any days I have open for myself or small daytime jobs (Pet Check-ins)*
Please continue to reach out and I will let you know if I have availability. Text message and/or Messenger is the quickest way to reach me. If you know dates let me know ASAP and that will determine quickly if I will be able to offer my services or not. Thank you!!

05/13/2024

November calendar is up!
Orange Paws mean that I am already scheduled for an overnight and/or my day is fully booked
Turquoise lines mean I currently have nothing scheduled
*Red lines mean I will be out of town and will be returning calls, texts, and messages when I return*
*This year I am planning to keep any days I have open for myself or small daytime jobs (Pet Check-ins)*
Please continue to reach out and I will let you know if I have availability. Text message and/or Messenger is the quickest way to reach me. If you know dates let me know ASAP and that will determine quickly if I will be able to offer my services or not. Thank you!!

04/26/2024

October calendar is up!
Kitties mean that I am already scheduled for an overnight and/or my day is fully booked
Turquoise lines mean I currently have nothing scheduled
*Red lines mean I will be out of town and will be returning calls, texts, and messages when I return*
*This year I am planning to keep any days I have open for myself or small daytime jobs (Pet Check-ins)*
Please continue to reach out and I will let you know if I have availability. Text message and/or Messenger is the quickest way to reach me. If you know dates let me know ASAP and that will determine quickly if I will be able to offer my services or not. Thank you!!

04/26/2024

September calendar is up!
Paws mean that I am already scheduled for an overnight and/or my day is fully booked
Turquoise lines mean I currently have nothing scheduled
*Red lines mean I will be out of town and will be returning calls, texts, and messages when I return*
*This year I am planning to keep any days I have open for myself or small daytime jobs (Pet Check-ins)*
Please continue to reach out and I will let you know if I have availability. Text message and/or Messenger is the quickest way to reach me. If you know dates let me know ASAP and that will determine quickly if I will be able to offer my services or not. Thank you!!

04/26/2024

August calendar is up!
Dog bones mean that I am already scheduled for an overnight.
I currently do have openings for pet check-ins during the daytime for this month.
Please continue to reach out and I will let you know if I have availability. Text message and/or Messenger is the quickest way to reach me. If you know dates let me know ASAP and that will determine quickly if I will be able to offer my services or not. Thank you!!

04/26/2024

July calendar is up!
Paws mean that I am already scheduled for an overnight and/or my day is fully booked
Turquoise lines mean I currently have nothing scheduled
*Red lines mean I will be out of town and will be returning calls, texts, and messages when I return*
*This year I am planning to keep any days I have open for myself or small daytime jobs (Pet Check-ins)*
Please continue to reach out and I will let you know if I have availability. Text message and/or Messenger is the quickest way to reach me. If you know dates let me know ASAP and that will determine quickly if I will be able to offer my services or not. Thank you!!

04/22/2024

Here is the link to the Google Doc:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1phjRPkFgHpmpjqoIj15FJp2r92nXvnb6QNIIReMSd7A/edit?usp=sharing
This can be found on my profile under the website tab and under pinned posts.
Please feel free to comment on the doc if you have any questions or please message me. Thank you!

04/22/2024

It has been almost two years since I have revamped and set in stone my pricing.

I have done quite a bit of updating to the document I had originally posted in 2022.

My prices have made a small jump as everything around us seems to be climbing, including gas prices.

There are new fees I have put into place for cancellations as last year I experienced more cancellations than I have any previous year.

I am, of course, going to work with existing clients to make sure everyone is on board and answer any questions one may have. I am always willing to work with new and existing clients, but with prices on the rise with just about everything, my pricing will be quite firm from here on out.

I will continue to post my calendars and availability throughout the year. I want to make things as simple as possible and hopefully with the revamped document, most questions can be answered with that.

I look forward to answering any questions if more arise. Messenger or a text message is the quickest way to get a hold of me. If you call, please leave a voicemail and I will get back with you as soon as I am able.

I will also be in the process of updating my voicemail with more information and my availability for that current month.

Thank you all for understanding and keeping me busy!!

Send a message to learn more

01/25/2024

June calendar is up!
Goats mean that I am already scheduled for an overnight and/or my day is fully booked
*Red lines mean I will be out of town and will be returning calls, texts, and messages when I return*
*This year I am planning to keep any days I have open for myself or small daytime jobs (Pet Check-ins)*
Please continue to reach out and I will let you know if I have availability. Text message and/or Messenger is the quickest way to reach me. If you know dates let me know ASAP and that will determine quickly if I will be able to offer my services or not. Thank you!!

01/08/2024

May calendar is up!
Dog bones mean that I am already scheduled for an overnight and/or my day is fully booked
Turquoise lines mean I currently have nothing scheduled
*This year I am planning to keep any days I have open for myself or small daytime jobs (Pet Check-ins)*
Please continue to reach out and I will let you know if I have availability. Text message and/or Messenger is the quickest way to reach me. If you know dates let me know ASAP and that will determine quickly if I will be able to offer my services or not. Thank you!!

01/08/2024

April calendar is up!
Paws mean that I am already scheduled for an overnight and/or my day is fully booked
Turquoise lines mean I currently have nothing scheduled
*Red lines mean I will be out of town and will be returning calls, texts, and messages when I return*
*This year I am planning to keep any days I have open for myself or small daytime jobs (Pet Check-ins)*
Please continue to reach out and I will let you know if I have availability. Text message and/or Messenger is the quickest way to reach me. If you know dates let me know ASAP and that will determine quickly if I will be able to offer my services or not. Thank you!!