Why Choose Miss Jane

I'll Do Anything For You!
I'll Do Anything For You!

Miss Jane's House & Pet Sitting, providing overnight pet sitting, daily dog walks and cat sitting, primarily to East Asheville, was founded in Asheville, NC about 5 years ago, although it had previous incarnations in Massachusetts, where I lived before coming to Blue Ridge country.

I came to pets and pet sitting "later in life", and discovered, with great gratitude, a passion and a gift for taking care of your precious animal companions... because that is what they are, for you and for me.

I'm not a casual caregiver, or a friend; I'm not walking your dog or feeding your cat or talking to your bird as a favor to you or as a part-time job or hobby. Nor am I in a hurry to get out of your home, or to 'fit you in' between errands.

My total focus is your two most precious possessions: Your pets and your property...all day long, 7 days a week! I'm a full-time professional pet sitter, dedicated to the loving details of caring for your cats, dogs, birds and even chickens! I believe that pets should be as happy with a sitter as they are when their owners are at home (or close to it!). As one new client put it: "I enjoy your notes immensely. I feel like you know my cats as well as I do after a few short days."...Viki Austin, Beverly Hills (Asheville), NC

The most important goals for me are providing a consistently high quality of pet care service and developing lasting relationships with East Asheville, Asheville and Swannanoa pet owners. Because I am the sole owner, I provide most of the services myself, most of the time; however, I do occasionally use other qualified, professional pet sitters whom I personally know and trust, as backups , should any emergency or personal need arise. I also refer clients to other East Asheville and Asheville pet care providers, including a wonderful, home-like cattery in Swannanoa and several pet care boarding facilities here in Haw Creek, Beverly Hills and Swannanoa - when I cannot personally fulfill your pet sitting requirements in the best way possible.

Here are just a few of the ways that Miss Jane's House & Pet Sitting can make a difference in your pets' (and your) lives:

Details

  • I'm a detail-oriented business person who knows how important it is to follow through, in a meticulous way, the instructions you give me for the daily care of your dogs and cats (and other small animals) as well as your home.

    When I mull over situations with your pets and think about how important your home is to you, I always ask myself: "What would they do if they were here? How would they want me to proceed?" If there is any question in my mind, I contact you before taking action.

  • Consultation - My pet information sheet/questionnaire is extremely detailed - which allows me to give you and your pets the best pet care possible. Nothing is assumed; no detail is too small!

  • I document all my actions for you, in my daily journal or email, so that you don't have to wonder or worry about the quality of care your pets and your home have received while you're gone. As one client put it: "Our goal in going with a professional pet sitter was...wanting the best for our two dogs while we were away. The bonus was that Miss Jane "camps without a trace", returning the house to you as you left it. To list all the tasks she does to keep things ticking while we're gone is more work than I want, so let's just say, hire this intelligent woman who takes pride in her business and find out the true meaning of "getting away." Carol Jones, Asheville

Nutrition/Activity

Loki
Loki

I believe strongly that good pet nutrition and regular activity affect your pets' behavior, health, well-being and longevity.

  • I subscribe to periodicals such as Whole Dog Journal and Cat Watch (Cornell University Veterinary School) and take regular continuing education courses to keep up with the latest information in pet care, pet exercise and pet health issues.

  • I'm an advocate of, and have several clients who feed, (as I do for my own cat, Flanagan) raw/homemade/dehydrated food to their pets.

  • I can provide you with the best local nutritional options available for pets in Asheville and East Asheville...and beyond, from grain-free dry food to high quality wet food. I'm well acquainted with the most reliable LOCAL and INDEPENDENT pet food supply vendors, including Asheville Pet Supply, Green Earth Pet Food (raw/frozen for dogs and cats), and Weaverville Pet Pantry. Another wonderful resource is Best Bites for Pets, out of Hendersonville, which also offers FREE delivery of its 30+ brands of healthy pet food to Asheville metro customers - all types of natural food: Wet, dry, dehydrated, frozen raw, etc.

  • Dog Walks - I follow closely all general reinforcement commands that owners want practiced while they're away; I request this information at the consultation.

  • Dog Walking 'Hardware' - I research and recommend, if requested, dog collars or harnesses that might make dog walks more fun for owners or improve certain behaviors (e.g. Gentle Leader/non-slip collars, etc.)

  • I partner with several well-qualified dog obedience trainers to whom I can refer clients.

  • Overweight cats - As part of its interest in finding ways to combat obesity in indoor (especially) cats, Miss Jane's House & Pet Sitting has participated in local columnist Edgy Mama's (aka Anne Fitten Glenn) ongoing food and exercise/play experiment with her own 'Sumo' cat, Rocky (see ongoing series Mountain Xpress).

  • Call Miss Jane's House & Pet Sitting at 828-545-0679 about these issues or other nutrition/exercise questions you may have! Because I talk to so many clients, other pet sitters/providers, vets, groomers (AND PETS, too!), I can provide you with lots of good information as to where you can get the best quality food and/or professional services for your best friends.

High Standards

Savannah's Aura
Savannah's Aura

  • I strive to be Pro-Active. As your pet sitter, if I see an item that needs attention, I take care of it (or, if there is any question, call you first), even if the service was not specifically requested.

  • I maintain Open Communication at all times. Great communication is the key to all successful relationships. I always email clients a confirmation of their pet sitting arrival and departure dates/times, so there are no missed appointments or misunderstandings. I also write an incredibly detailed daily diary or e-journal of your pets' behaviors, including any changes I notice in their eating/sleeping/pooping patterns - in addition to all their fun and funny "adventures" when you're gone! Alternately, I can provide a nightly phone call. My communications with you, before and while you're away, exemplify the observation skills and the focus you desire in your pet and home caregiver!

Credentials:

How does your current pet sitter compare?

  • Memberships: I am an active member of our local Asheville Area Professional Pet Sitters Association (AAPPS) group, and NAPPS, the oldest and largest national non-profit organization dedicated to the pet sitting industry. It provides continuing education in pet sitting and good business practices.

  • I'm Bonded and Insured...important protection for your home and your pets!

  • American Red Cross Pet First Aid Certified - Is your pet sitter certified? Does your pet sitter carry a pet first aid kit every time s/he walks/visits your pets? Does s/he have R.E.A.C.H (emergency animal hospital) and the National Poison Hot Line on speed-dial?

  • I volunteer at the Asheville Humane Society, and have given time or money to various local animal welfare organizations, including Chain Free Asheville, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, Animal Compassion Network and Hope for Horses.

  • Veterinary Assistant Completion Certificate through AB-Tech.

  • Customer Reviews - see my partial list of testimonials

The most important credential for you and your family, however, will be meeting me and experiencing the security, comfort and relaxation you will feel in leaving your precious companions and your valued home in my hands.

Customer Service/Resources & Referrals

  • Need a veterinarian or a new groomer?

  • How about doggie daycare for your high energy dogs that need more than pet sitters can offer?

  • Are you satisfied with your pet food?

  • I can pass on recommendations I gather from my clients and colleagues as well as my own experience.

  • I also offer FREE pet-related support and advice for established clients. If I don't have the answer, I'll research your question and find some options for you to consider!

As an Asheville small business owner, in the 'business' of pets, different from ANY other kind of 'product', I believe in finding the best providers for both my potential customers or for my current, satisfied clients. As such, if I cannot deliver the service you require, I will, with pleasure, make a referral to another qualified pet service provider - Asheville and East Asheville (and beyond) small businesses that I trust and which, I know from my and others' experience, will deliver excellent service to your pets.

Over the years, I have gathered unofficial 'customer satisfaction reviews' from my own clients, other pet sitters, catteries, kennels, groomers, pet food suppliers and veterinarians; if I can't find you the 'right fit', I'll at least narrow your search and send you in the right direction.

For more Asheville Pet Articles, Pet Tips and EXTRAS, see 'Miss Jane's Asheville Pet Talk' BLOG!