The Pet Nanny of Mount Vernon
Pet Nanny will love and care for your family pets in your home when you cannot be there.
Pet Nanny will love and care for your family pets in your home when you cannot be there.
Pets are family! My primary role is caretaker of your family pets in your home when you cannot be there. Your pets look forward to seeing me and you have peace of mind knowing they are cared for in your absence. Prior to pet sitting, we schedule a (no charge) meet and greet at your home so that your pets meet me, I meet you and we talk about your pet(s) routine and needs while you are away. As your pets' needs change over the years, I will ensure each pet is cared for according to your routine: changes in mobility; daily medication; increasing the time I am with your pets, arranged in advance. I have served the Mount Vernon, Lisbon, Ely, rural Anamosa, and Solon areas since 2014. At this time, Lisbon and Mount Vernon are where I pet sit. I support local & other state rescue and foster organizations by raising awareness as part of my job as an animal advocate. I also promote healthy lawn care and pollinators by encouraging our community to use fewer or no pesticide/herbicide on their lawns. I volunteer with our local sustainability committee and the city of Mount Vernon to plant native seeds on city property, which sustains healthy soil and plant biomes. Pet Nanny has purchased two dog poo stations for our public walkways, working with the city to maintain dog-friendly walkways. Our German shepherds Frida (age 13 1/2) and Nash (age 8) journeyed over the rainbow bridge in 2023, and we miss them dearly. Nash died of cancer, which was unexpected and sorrowful for us. We rescued and adopted a 4-year-old female German shepherd, and now we also have a nine-month-old male German shepherd, diagnosed with elbow dysplasia. Through the years we have learned so much from our caring knowledgeable veterinarians. I have worked with a trainer for our rescued female GSD, addressing her anxiety. My availability changes week to week, 12 months of the year. I've reached a 10 year plus anniversary of pet sitting and foresee a near-future where my hours/days of availability are reduced so that I spend more time with our growing grandchildren. I'm grateful for all the time & years I've cared for your family pets.
"The Pet Nanny was a professional, caring part of our dogs life. She showed a great deal of perseverance with our challenging elderly Maltese who is deaf and visually impaired. She provided us with advise on dealing with her separation issues. I would say she went above and beyond her duties as a Pet Nanny. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for an educated, caring and persistent professional in her field. Very thankful for her services."
—Jaclyn Westhoff
"Gretchen is absolutely amazing! She’s a beautiful person and she does amazing work with pets! She’s thoughtful and trustworthy. I will use her again!"
—Sarah Gross
"I highly recommend Gretchen, The Pet Nanny of Mt Vernon. She goes above and beyond in sitting our high-energy, large breed dogs when we have to leave home. Her fees are fair, she is trustworthy, and accommodating. We always come home to happy, healthy pets after traveling, and it's great to know our house has been checked on several times a day. "
—Michele Wilson
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