Frequently Asked
Questions

Instead of dropping your pet off at a boarding facility, I come to you. I stay in your home for the full duration of your trip — sleeping there, following your pet's existing feeding and walk schedules, and caring for your home as if it were my own. Your pets never leave their familiar environment, which dramatically reduces stress and anxiety compared to kennels or dog boarding facilities.

HomeStayPaws serves Ventura County, Los Angeles County, and Orange County — including Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Calabasas, Beverly Hills, Malibu, Santa Monica, Brentwood, Newport Beach, and Montecito. If you're unsure whether your address is within the service area, just reach out — I'm always happy to discuss your specific situation.

Absolutely. Multi-pet households are welcome. Whether you have two dogs, a cat and a rabbit, or a full house of animals, I'll care for each of them according to their individual needs and routines. Just include all the details about your pets when you reach out so I can prepare properly.

Your pet's safety is always the top priority. If a medical situation arises, I'll contact you immediately and — with your authorization — take your pet to your preferred veterinary clinic or the nearest emergency animal hospital. I ask every client to provide their vet's information, a preferred emergency contact, and any known health conditions before a stay begins.

A live-in house sitter is one of the most effective deterrents against break-ins — far more so than a timer on a lamp. I keep lights on at varied times, adjust blinds, collect mail and packages daily, and put out and bring in trash bins on collection day. I can also coordinate with your regular service providers — pool technician, gardener, housekeeper — so your home's normal routines continue without interruption.

A full stay includes: daily care for all pets (feeding, walks, playtime, medication if needed), overnight presence in your home, mail and package collection, trash and recycling management, vendor coordination, plant watering, and daily photo or video updates sent directly to you. Essentially, everything needed to keep your household running smoothly and your pets happy while you travel.

Not in the traditional sense — your pet will never see a kennel, a cage, or a crowded facility. The heart of HomeStayPaws is live-in care in your own home. That said, our team has grown: one of my hand-picked, personally trained, fully insured sitters can host your dog overnight in her own home, caring for one family's dogs at a time (dogs only for this option). It's a warm, quiet, single-family alternative for situations where an in-your-home stay isn't practical. Just mention it when you reach out and we'll find the right fit.

We take on a limited number of clients at a time to ensure each home receives our full attention, so we do book up — especially around holidays and school breaks. I recommend reaching out at least two to four weeks in advance for standard trips. For peak travel periods like Thanksgiving, winter break, spring break, or summer vacation, the earlier the better. Event pet sitting for weddings or corporate retreats should be booked as far ahead as possible.

Yes. I'm comfortable administering oral medications, topical treatments, and — with proper instruction — subcutaneous injections for pets that require them. I'm Red Cross Pet First Aid certified and will ask you to walk me through the full care routine before your trip so there are no gaps. Pets with anxiety, mobility issues, separation anxiety, or specific behavioral needs are very welcome.

Life happens — I understand. Please reach out as soon as you know your plans have changed and we'll work something out. I always try to be as flexible as possible, especially for returning clients. Cancellation and modification policies are discussed during the initial consultation.

Yes. Everyone on the HomeStayPaws team is covered by full pet care and in-home services insurance, and I am Pet First Aid certified through the American Red Cross. You can view my certificate on the homepage. Insurance documentation is available upon request.

Yes — this is one of my most popular offerings for executives and business travelers in the Los Angeles area. If your company is hosting a retreat, conference, or off-site event and attendees are bringing their dogs, I can provide on-site pet care so their pets are comfortable and calm while they're in sessions. I work directly with the event coordinator or hotel concierge team to arrange a quiet, dedicated space and a care schedule that fits around the event agenda. It's a thoughtful amenity that sets premium corporate events apart.

Absolutely — and it's something I love doing. Couples who want their dog as part of the ceremony, in photos, or simply present at the reception can book me to serve as a dedicated pet attendant for the day. I handle everything: keeping the dog calm and clean before the ceremony, managing their presence during the processional, stepping back discreetly during formal moments, and caring for them throughout the reception so the couple and guests can focus fully on celebrating. Venues in Malibu, Ojai, Santa Barbara, and across Southern California are all areas I serve. Reach out early — wedding dates book quickly.

Yes, and this is a growing part of my work. Hotels and boutique event venues that welcome pets — particularly in Ventura County, the Los Angeles area, and coastal Santa Barbara — can refer their guests to me or offer my services as a premium amenity. When a guest checks in with a dog and needs care during a dinner, spa day, or wedding event on property, I step in to provide attentive, professional on-site sitting so the guest can enjoy the full hotel experience. If you're an event coordinator, concierge, or hotel manager interested in a referral partnership, I'd love to connect.