Desert DogFather
Pet Care and House Sitting
These sweet terriers (Molly, left and Tyler, right), were my four-legged kids and boon companions when I lived in Seattle and Portland. .
When you go on vacation, I’ll stay with your pet(s) — caring for them, and your home.
2023 PRICES
Move-in /Overnight-Stay: $80-per-day/night for one animal; $15-per-day/night for each additional animal.
PSP Airport Drop-Off /Pick-Up: $25 each way —
Let me drop you off and/or pick you up at Palm Springs International (PSP) airport... just let me know well in advance. If you need a ride to-or-from Ontario International (ONT) or Los Angeles International (LAX) I’ll work up a bid, so you can price compare.
Daytime Visit: $35 for a one-hour visit —
This includes a walk, treats, a little loving and play, administering meds (if needed), and freshening the water bowl; $10 for each additional animal. If you have something different /specific in mind, please contact me. We can discuss your need(s) and I’ll create a customized proposal / rate for you,
A two-night deposit will be required at time-of-booking any stay (via Venmo, PayPal, or check). This amount will be non-refundable should you cancel. Your remaining balance will be due at completion of service. (Desert DogFather is a first-come-first-served, sole-proprietor business. When you book, I turn down other loyal clients. Your deposit lets me to hold your booking; it’s also a gentle reminder that my time is valuable, and that I’ve disappointed other clients requesting my services to hold / honor your dates.
SERVICES / WHAT YOU GET
I care for your pets as if they were my own; and I strive to leave your home as if no one was there, right down to washing towels and bedding that I’ve used on the final day.
2 walks, and daily feedings (as you specify)
Administering meds (sorry, no injections)
Litter-box cleaning and/ or yard “poop patrol”
Mail and newspaper pick-up (no need for starting and stopping)
Plant watering (as you specify)
Rotation of lights on-and-off; and opening / closing blinds
Take out the trash and recycling / bringing the cans in
Home security checks
Periodic update texts, with photos of your pet(s)
QUALIFICATIONS
As a responsible “50-something”, I opted-out of the executive-level corporate rat race to downsize and simplify my life in Palm Springs.
Having welsh and wire-coated fox terriers when I lived in Seattle and Portland, I know the peace-of-mind when someone you know and trust stays in your home, caring for your beloved pet(s).
I bring my 22-years of experience as a pet- and home-owner to my service for you, and your animal(s). Plus, my sister and I were raised loving and caring for our toy-poodle "sibling" for 14 years.
During my 2015-16 “radical sabbatical” I pet-sat in Madison, WI, Portland, OR; Santa Rosa, CA; and Palm Springs, CA. Since I no longer have pets of my own, the experience brought me joy — and my friends / clients were very happy with my services.
My “day job,” as proprietor of Full Plate, LLC, is to cook and grocery shop for desert residents in their homes. It allows me ample time to devote to house and pet sitting, too!
REFERENCES AND CUSTOMER REVIEWS —
TOM T. AND PAUL G. - Palm Springs, CA
Jay spent extended periods house sitting and taking great care of Rusty, our Lakeland Terrier. He follows all the routines we outline — and sends us updates and photos.
Rusty adores Jay! And we do too; he provides tremendous peace of mind — plus he leaves our house in better shape than when we left! We strongly recommend him to anyone who loves their animals and wants a responsible person house sitting while they travel..
ANDY W. - Palm Springs, CA
I recently had Jay stay at my house to keep the household running smoothly and, more importantly, to be an “uncle” to my dog, Silas.
It worked out perfectly. Jay met with me before I left to easily gather information about my expectations. On the day I left, he even chauffeured me to the airport! I received pictures of Silas and updates on important issues around the house every few days while gone. Jay always replied promptly to my questions from afar.
The true test was coming home. Silas was happy to see me, but I could tell he had enjoyed Jay’s stay. (You just know). Plus everything in the house was in tip-top order. The bed had been made with clean sheets and all towels were freshly laundered. Because of his great cooking skills, I even had a yummy treat prepared by Jay, lovingly saved in my freezer. Many of my neighbors met Jay while he was walking Silas during my absence. They all commented on how friendly he’d been and how frequently they saw him out with Silas.
Not only was I thrilled and comforted by Jay’s efforts, I’ve already booked him to stay again on my next vacation, and have given his name to friends — highly recommending his service. Say “yes” to Jay!
NANCY & FRANK L. - Palm Springs, CA
It was our good fortune to meet Jay through neighbors who use his outstanding services. Now "Uncle Jay" is greeted enthusiastically by our dogs, Molly and Chester, when he arrives. They're happy to have him all to themselves for play, care, feeding, walks... and when he lays on our sofa to read, the dogs just pile on! Even our cat, Pebbles, is comfortable with Jay in the house (and you know who's "boss" if you own a cat!)
We have great confidence in Jay's care of our pets — and his texts and pictures of the day assures us that all is well. He's thoughtful, understanding, has a great sense of humor, and gives us peace of mind. A taste of his cooking just adds to the "frosting on our cake" when Uncle Jay is in residence in our home!
RIO R. - Santa Rosa, CA
Jay cared for my house and my 2 dogs and my particularly ornery cat for 3 weeks while I traveled to the UK. Having worked with him for a number of years in Seattle, I felt completely at ease — something I don’t usually feel when others care for my critters.
Jay sent regular photos and witty updates, which gave me a snapshot into the daily goings on — I’d look forward to hearing his amusing take on my pets various adventures.
On my return, my house was immaculate, something delicious was in the oven, and my critters were all happy and well-cared for. “Uncle Jay” (which is how I refer to him when I talk to my critters) is now part of our family. When he visits, they promptly forget who I am, in favor of loving on Jay. Yeah, he's that good.
I whole-heartedly recommend having Jay take care of your pets, home…as well as his cooking! Seriously, you really can't go wrong. Three very-enthusiastic paws up!
BELINDA G. - Portland, OR
When we took a trip to Spain last year, one of our biggest concerns was leaving our 20-year-old cat, Kanji, in good hands. It was obvious a pet hotel wouldn't work and we rejected the idea of a daily drop-in because her advanced age and medication needs seemed to dictate more oversight.
Jay came to our rescue, giving us peace of mind that our old kitty would be in good hands, and our home would be safe while we were gone.
We’ve been frequent travelers over the years, and have occasionally had to send frantic email requests to friends or family to check the house, manage the trash pick up, or do drive-bys to assure our stopped paper and mail delivery hadn't mysteriously started back up. Jay's presence relieved us of any of those concerns, and we were able to thoroughly enjoy our trip without any concern about our home and pet.
Not only did Jay take us to the airport on our departure day, but we came home to a house that I suspect was cleaner than we left it! I only wish Jay still lived near us, so we could always use his services.
ROBIN W. - Madison, WI
Jay stayed in our home and watched our high-maintenance cat for a month while we were out of the country.
Not only did Jay care for the cat so well that she exhibited none of her usual "retaliation" habits in our absence, but our house and yard were actually in better condition than when we left it. If only I could have Jay all the time!
CLAUDIA P. - Madison, WI
I highly recommend having Jay look after your fur babies’ emotional and physical needs when you travel.
My kitty, Ole, suffers severe separation anxiety — which he expresses by peeing outside the litter box. I’ve learned to prepare a special rag basket for him (it’s tough to outsmart a 5-year-old cat…but hey, I’m trainable!). But when Jay’s taking care of him, Ole doesn’t feel the need to use it! His sister, Lena, thinks Jay is the cat’s meow, too — even sleeping with him, which is the ultimate kitty compliment!