

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 iz anazing! She was communicative and so thoughtful.


Amanda did a great job with my two cats. I came home and they’re relaxed and happy.

Amanda have been great and Bella loved being taken cared by her!


Amanda did an exceptional job taking care of my dog and senior cat while I was away. She has great communication skills and kept me informed about each animal’s wellbeing throughout my trip. She is very detail oriented and made sure she had all the information she needed for the sit. Most importantly, Amanda was amazing with my animals! They both absolutely loved her ( and my cat is very particular about people)! She took time to learn their personalities and spent time with each accordingly. I have never come back to such relaxed, happy animals after a sit! I can’t recommend Amanda highly enough!
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
