Desert Whiskers Cat Sitting

$40/visit

starting price

Zip code

Length of sitting

Frequency of sitting

Requested services

It’s free, with no obligation to book

Introduction

Hello, I’m Shawn, Owner of Desert Whiskers Cat Sitting. As a Certified Professional Pet Sitter, this is my full-time job. I specialize in caring for cats. With over 40+ years of paid experience, I’ve developed a deep understanding of feline behavior and needs. Here’s why you should consider hiring me: Insured and Bonded: Your peace of mind matters to me. I am fully insured and bonded, ensuring that your beloved cats are in safe hands. First Aid & CPR Certified: I take pet safety seriously. My certification in first aid and CPR means I’m prepared to handle any situation that may arise. Flexible Schedule: I adapt to your cat’s routine. Whether it’s feeding, playtime, or cuddles, I keep the same schedule (or close to it) that you do for your own pets. Daily Drop-In Visits: While you’re away on business or vacation, I provide 1 to 2 daily drop-in visits to your home. Your cats receive personalized attention and care. My love and passion for cats drive me to be the perfect fit for any feline companion. I treat them as if they were my very own, ensuring they receive the care they deserve. Let me give you and your cat the best experience without the worry! 🐾

Overview

Hired 13 times

4 similar jobs done near you

Background checked

1 employee

26 years in business

Business hours

Sun7:00 am - 6:00 pmMon7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Credit card, and Zelle.

Social media

Facebook, Instagram

Top Pro status

Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.

2021

Featured Projects

21 photos

Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, responsiveness, and work quality.

Exceptional 5.0

19 reviews

100%

Read reviews that mention:

Tammy G.

Sep 29, 2020

Hired on Thumbtack

So happy to have found Shawn’s Pet Sitting. She was great with all 4 pets, kept them satisfied with her attention until her next visit. Everything went so smooth. Will use everytime we go away and would highly recomend.

Details: Dog • 3 pets • Giving food and water • Providing exercise • Standard visit (60 minutes) • Two times a day • My home, venue, etc.

Pet Sitting

Aulani G.

Jun 5, 2021

Hired on Thumbtack

I thought I would finally have a pet sitter come to our house to take care of our 4 dogs having zero luck with boarding and boy am I happy I did. I was recommended to Shawn and wow she’s amazing. Text you every visit with a summary and photos of our babies. I can’t say enough about her she’s that good. Our pups love her too.

Details: Dog • 4 pets • Dispensing medication • Standard visit (60 minutes) • Two times a day • My home, venue, etc.

Pet Sitting

Kathy G.

Aug 5, 2020

Hired on Thumbtack

After only living here in Arizona for 3 months I was a little nervous about finding a pet sitter. Shawn was fantastic. She did a great job in caring for my cats and my rabbit. She was punctual and did a great job cleaning up after my cats and the rabbit. She sent me pictures everyday of my pets and gave me an update on how they were doing. I will definitely be hiring here again whenever I go out of town

Details: Cat • 5 pets • Changing litter or bedding • Giving food and water • Standard visit (60 minutes) • Once a day • My home, venue, etc.

Pet Sitting

SHERRIE M.

Jun 15, 2020

Hired on Thumbtack

We are so happy with Shawn’s work! She was our “5 kitty care taker” for a week, she administered needed medications, and followed every request made by us to a “T”, she sent multiple pictures of our fur kids each time she was in our home. The kitties played, ate and hung out with Shawn each time. It’s so hard leaving your pets with a stranger but Shawn made it easy to relax and enjoy our time away from home. She’s a keeper!! Highly recommended by us and 5 fur kids!!

Details: Cat • 5 pets • Dispensing medication • Changing litter or bedding • Giving food and water • Short visit (30 minutes) • Two times a day • My home, venue, etc.

Pet Sitting

Thumbtack Customer

Jan 16, 2018

From Google

Shawns pet sitting is an amazing service I highly recommend! She comes to your own home which makes it a lot less stressful. I dont have to worry about my animals when I am away which makes my trip a lot more enjoyable and stress free. Shawn sends me pictures daily, on every visit she comes over, to show me how well my animals are doing and how much fun they are having. For anyone who needs a trustworthy professional pet sitter, Shawns pet sitting is the way to go! She is amazing at her job and my pets are considered her family as well now.

Credentials

Background Check

Shawn Firek

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My Services & Rates: Cat Sitting: 30 minutes: $40.00 per visit 45 minutes: $55.00 per visit 60 minutes: $65.00 per visit All rates can be customized to fit your specific needs. I follow a straightforward pricing model: I do not charge per pet; instead, I charge based on my time and per household. So, whether you have 1 cat or 10 cats, the fee is determined by the duration of my visit. Additional Information: As a Certified Professional Pet Sitter, I require a minimum of once-a-day visits for all pet clients. I do not accept every-other-day visits. Service Areas: Desert Whiskers Cat Sitting offers pet sitting services in the following areas: Buckeye Goodyear Litchfield Park, AZ Zip Codes Covered: 85326 85396 85338 85395 85340 Also providing service to: Tartesso Estrella Mountain Canta Mia Verrado Litchfield Farms Palm Valley Please note: I do not provide service to Sun City Festival (out of our service area).
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Initial Contact: I send an email to all new potential clients with a link to fill out their information. The form includes about 5 questions related to: Location Area where they live Types of pets they have Dates of service Meet and Greet (Mandatory): Before any services begin, we schedule a meet and greet. This step is essential and ensures a smooth experience. It’s best to plan ahead before your travel dates, as I do not accept last-minute requests. The meet and greet is a one-time visit, unless you acquire a new pet later on. During the Meet & Greet: I meet with you and your pets in person. My goal is to let your pets get to know me and ensure they feel comfortable. We discuss: Scheduling: We go over the dates and times for pet visits. Pet Details: I learn about your pet’s routine, quirks, and preferences. This includes where they eat, drink, use the litter box, and sleep. Paperwork: We review any paperwork you’ve entered on the portal (which should be completed prior to the meet & greet). Access: I collect keys, door codes, and any necessary deposits. Duration of Meet & Greet: A typical meet & greet lasts about 30 minutes to an hour. Please plan accordingly for this time. After Each Visit: After every pet visit, you’ll receive a text message from me with an update and pictures. Rest assured that your pets are always provided with the best care during my visits.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Education and Training: Animal Science & Animal Behavior: Your educational background in animal science and behavior provides a solid foundation for understanding pet needs and behavior. Experience: 40+ Years of Paid Experience: Your wealth of experience spanning over four decades demonstrates your commitment and expertise in pet care. Continuous Learning: Online Courses and In-Person Seminars: Staying up-to-date with industry trends and best practices through online courses and seminars ensures that you provide the highest quality care to your clients’ pets. Certifications: First Aid/CPR Training for Pets: Your certification in first aid and CPR ensures that you’re prepared to handle emergencies and keep pets safe. Fear Free Certified: Your commitment to reducing stress and anxiety in pets during their care is commendable. Certified Professional Pet Sitter (Pet Sitters International and National Association of Pet Sitters): These certifications validate your professionalism and dedication to pet sitting. Specialized Knowledge: Cat Health and Care: Your expertise in feline health and well-being ensures that cats receive optimal care. Dog Health and Care: Although you no longer accept dogs, your knowledge of dog health and care adds to your comprehensive skill set. Small Animal Health and Care: Your ability to care for small exotic animals is valuable for clients with diverse pets. Basic Obedience for Dogs: Your past experience with dog obedience training showcases your versatility. Additional Skills: Agility Training: Your familiarity with agility training adds an extra dimension to your services. Socialization: Understanding the importance of socialization helps pets thrive in various environments. Professional Memberships: PSI (Pet Sitters International) NAPPS (National Association of Pet Sitters) PUPS (Professional United Pet Sitters) American Pet Professionals BBB (Better Business Bureau)