

Amanda B.
Somerville, MA






Services
Availability
I’m typically available weekday mornings before 7:30 AM and weekday evenings after 5:30 PM, with some flexibility on remote work days, the middle of the week, and holidays. On weekends, I’m typically in the Cambridge/Somerville area and available most of the day.
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About Amanda B.
Communication
Cat skills
Safety, trust & environment
I’m a patient, down-to-earth caregiver who takes the time to get to know each pet and go at their pace. I take safety seriously while keeping things calm and low-pressure. I follow your instructions closely and keep routines consistent to make sure your pet's day feels as familiar and stress-free as possible. I'm especially mindful around transitions, i.e. coming and going, leasing up, or introducing new outdoor areas, and I always let pets opt in to interaction rather than pushing them past their comfort zone. Before leaving, I make sure pets have access to fresh water, get any meals or medications on schedule, and are comfortably settled before I leave.
Information Amanda B. would like to know about your pet
I always appreciate knowing about any special needs, medical concerns, or behaviors to be aware of. For dogs, it's especially helpful to know how they respond to other dogs, cats, people, cars, and new environments while on walks. For both cats and dogs, I'd love to know what makes them feel comfortable (or anxious), any triggers such as noises or smells, and their general personality, i.e. quiet or talkative, independent or very people-oriented. The more I know, the better I can tailor my care to help your pet feel safe, relaxed, and happy.
A typical day
For dogs, I tailor each day to their energy level, age, and routine. Walks are a mix of sniffing, exploration, and movement, depending on what your dog(s) enjoy(s) most. I pay close attention to their cues - whether they want to keep moving, take breaks, or just stand and watch the world go by. If a dog has higher energy, I’m happy to include longer walks, light jogging, or fetch. For calmer or older dogs, I focus on slower walks, mental enrichment, and lots of positive attention. That could look like incorporating short training or engagement moments, i.e. checking in, name recognition, or simple cues, to keep walks structured and rewarding. With cats, I’m very mindful of body language and boundaries. I typically spend time playing (about 20–30 minutes if they’re interested), followed by sitting quietly with them, brushing, or gentle petting once they’ve settled, always respecting their comfort level. Wand toys are my go-to for play, especially in the mornings and evenings when cats tend to be most active. I try to mimic the natural prey sequence so play feels enriching and satisfying, and I like to end sessions with treats so they get that full "hunt-catch-reward" experience.
Location
Somerville, MA
Pets
Amanda B. has Star Sitter status
The Star Sitter program highlights responsive sitters who deliver highly rated care and have a history of listing accurate availability and preferences, making it easier for pet parents to find the best care for their pets.
Gentle & Thoughtful Care for Cats
Cat care experience
I’ve been caring for cats since I was 8 years old, beginning with my own and continuing through fostering and shelter work. Since 2021, I’ve volunteered and fostered with Gifford Cat Shelter in Brighton, MA, where I work with cats of all ages and temperaments—including under-socialized, shy, fearful, and occasionally more defensive cats. I’m comfortable administering medications, including insulin injections, ear medications, and mixing medication into food, and I’m happy to learn new medication routines to meet your cat’s needs. I’m especially attentive to body language, consent, and stress signals, which helps cats feel safer and more at ease. I also have experience with clicker training for socialization, confidence-building, behavior support, and fun tricks (like high fives!). This approach allows me to build trust gently and adapt care to each cat’s personality and comfort level.
Reviews

Amanda was great! Very communicative and sent so many pictures.

Amanda was the best you can find. My cat actually peed on bed because of new people coming in, but she even helped me wash and dry them and fold everything for me to use later, yeah that’s how considerate she is. She knows cats well, their behavior, their personalities…You can trust her to take care of your cat for sure!

Amanda took such good care of our kitty and home while we were away! She was super thorough, gave great updates and I could tell Maxine warmed up to her right away. 🩷 Our place was in great shape when we returned and our girl seemed very happy. Thank you again!


My two cats warmed up to Amanda very quickly. They were happy and chill when I got home. Great communication and attention to their needs. Have already used her twice and will do so again.
About Amanda B.
Communication
Cat skills
Safety, trust & environment
I’m a patient, down-to-earth caregiver who takes the time to get to know each pet and go at their pace. I take safety seriously while keeping things calm and low-pressure. I follow your instructions closely and keep routines consistent to make sure your pet's day feels as familiar and stress-free as possible. I'm especially mindful around transitions, i.e. coming and going, leasing up, or introducing new outdoor areas, and I always let pets opt in to interaction rather than pushing them past their comfort zone. Before leaving, I make sure pets have access to fresh water, get any meals or medications on schedule, and are comfortably settled before I leave.
Information Amanda B. would like to know about your pet
I always appreciate knowing about any special needs, medical concerns, or behaviors to be aware of. For dogs, it's especially helpful to know how they respond to other dogs, cats, people, cars, and new environments while on walks. For both cats and dogs, I'd love to know what makes them feel comfortable (or anxious), any triggers such as noises or smells, and their general personality, i.e. quiet or talkative, independent or very people-oriented. The more I know, the better I can tailor my care to help your pet feel safe, relaxed, and happy.
A typical day
For dogs, I tailor each day to their energy level, age, and routine. Walks are a mix of sniffing, exploration, and movement, depending on what your dog(s) enjoy(s) most. I pay close attention to their cues - whether they want to keep moving, take breaks, or just stand and watch the world go by. If a dog has higher energy, I’m happy to include longer walks, light jogging, or fetch. For calmer or older dogs, I focus on slower walks, mental enrichment, and lots of positive attention. That could look like incorporating short training or engagement moments, i.e. checking in, name recognition, or simple cues, to keep walks structured and rewarding. With cats, I’m very mindful of body language and boundaries. I typically spend time playing (about 20–30 minutes if they’re interested), followed by sitting quietly with them, brushing, or gentle petting once they’ve settled, always respecting their comfort level. Wand toys are my go-to for play, especially in the mornings and evenings when cats tend to be most active. I try to mimic the natural prey sequence so play feels enriching and satisfying, and I like to end sessions with treats so they get that full "hunt-catch-reward" experience.


Amanda B.
Somerville, MA
