We offer a comprehensive range of pet care services, including dog walking, drop-in pet sitting visits, overnight in-home pet care, and professional pet photography. We cater to dogs, cats, and various small animals like birds, rabbits, and guinea pigs.

We primarily serve La Mesa, California, and surrounding communities. Please contact us if you're slightly outside this area to see if we can accommodate your needs.

Your pet's safety and your home's security are the highest priorities. That's why I've invested in being background-checked and certified, with checks updated periodically, maintain comprehensive pet sitter liability insurance, and am a member of professional organizations like Pet Sitters International (PSI). I treat every client's home and pet with the utmost respect and care, just as I would my own. My credentials provide that layer of security and professionalism.

Yes, Best Friends Pet Services is a licensed business in the city of La Mesa, CA.

Yes, Best Friends Pet Services is fully insured through a comprehensive commercial general liability policy. This robust insurance covers accidental damage to your home and belongings, as well as care for your pets, providing you with peace of mind. While "bonding" typically refers to coverage for employee dishonesty, our policy offers equivalent protection against various incidents. We are happy to provide proof of insurance upon request.

A Meet and Greet is a complimentary initial consultation where we come to your home to meet you and your pet(s). This allows us to get to know your pet's personality, routines, and any special needs. It's required for all new clients utilizing our dog walking, drop-in visits, or overnight care to ensure a smooth and personalized care experience.

We recommend booking as far in advance as possible, especially for holiday periods and peak seasons. For regular dog walking or recurring pet sitting, we suggest setting up a consistent schedule. For occasional services or pet photography, 2-3 days notice is usually sufficient, but we will do our best to accommodate last-last minute requests.

Availability for overnight care is limited due to existing commitments that ensure I can provide the highest level of focused care for all the pets I serve. I'd be happy to discuss your specific needs to see if it aligns with my current schedule.

Our "Mail & Newspaper Retrieval" service simply includes bringing in your mail, newspapers, and any packages (under 50 lbs.) from your doorstep and placing them in a visible, designated spot inside your home.

It's crucial to understand that our role as pet sitters is focused solely on the care of your beloved pets and the basic security of your home. We are not responsible for, nor will we perform, administrative tasks such as opening, sorting, scanning, or sending out personal correspondence, bills, or any other mail. Handling clients' private and sensitive documents is outside the scope of professional pet sitting and our service agreement. Our primary focus is, and always will be, providing dedicated and loving care for your pets.

Absolutely. We understand every pet is an individual, and their unique personality and needs are our top priority. That's why our complimentary consultation (Meet and Greet) is so important. During this meeting, we'll discuss any special needs (like senior care or chronic conditions), anxiety, or behavioral considerations (such as shyness or reactivity) in detail.

My American Red Cross Cat and Dog First Aid certification, combined with extensive experience, means I'm well-prepared to handle diverse situations and will meticulously follow your specific care instructions. Your pet's comfort and safety are always paramount, and I'll tailor my approach to ensure they feel secure, happy, and well-cared for.

For the safety of your pet, our sitters, and anyone interacting with your pet, we do not accept pets with a history of aggression towards humans or other animals. This includes biting, snapping, growling, lunging, or other behaviors intended to cause harm or fear. During our complimentary consultation (Meet and Greet), we will assess your pet's behavior. If we observe aggressive tendencies that pose a risk, we reserve the right to decline service. We are happy to provide referrals to qualified professional trainers or boarders who specialize in behavior modification.

For your dog's safety and our peace of mind, all walks are done on-leash unless specifically discussed, and only in securely fenced, private areas with prior client permission and understanding of potential risks.

We strive to have consistent caregivers for your pets whenever possible. As a small, dedicated business, you can often expect the same familiar face. In the rare event of illness, vacation, or unforeseen circumstances, a trusted and equally qualified backup caregiver will be assigned, and you will be notified in advance.

In case of a pet emergency, we will immediately contact you and your designated emergency contact. We will transport your pet to your preferred veterinarian or the nearest emergency animal hospital if necessary. Our priority is always your pet's well-being.

It's true that pet care services can vary widely in price. When you choose Best Friends Pet Services, you're investing in professional, reliable, and qualified care that provides significant peace of mind. My rates reflect the security of being fully insured through a comprehensive commercial general liability policy. This policy offers robust protection for your home and pet, covering a wide range of unforeseen incidents, which provides an essential layer of security.

Beyond that, my professional certifications, including Pet First Aid, and the genuine dedication I put into every visit, set us apart. Unlike a hobbyist, I operate as a professional business committed to the highest standards of animal care and client service. This level of professionalism ensures your pet's safety, happiness, and your home's security while you're away.