Jennifer Rust, Owner, Pet Sitter, Monroe, Mint Hill, Indian Trail, Ballantyne, Charlotte, South Charlotte, South Park, almost everywhere else.

Pets have always been my passion. We lived on a farm when I was little and always had pets after that. I moved to the Charlotte area, with 6 cats and 4 birds (that was a fun 10 hour drive), from PA in July 2001 for a position in Human Resources for a local company.  During this time I was pet sitting part time here in the Carolinas.  In June 2006, I decided to leave the company that I had been with for 5 years and provide pet care in the Charlotte area full time.  I have a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration from Kutztown University in Kutztown, PA.  I also have an MBA from LaSalle University in Philadelphia, PA. Additionally, I am a Certified Professional Pet Sitter through the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, a member of Pet Sitters International, and I completed the American Red Cross Pet First Aid class.
I am thrilled to be able provide pet care and live my dream.

Andrea Long, Pet Sitter, greater SouthPark area of Charlotte

I am a rare Charlotte native and a graduate of UNC Charlotte and Winthrop University. I have been pet sitting since March 2009, and am so happy to have found a wonderful outlet for my love of animals!
I am mom to 18-year-old Tabitha, my beautiful tiger cat, and to a recent rescue, 8-year-old Oliver, my handsome tuxedo cat. They are very spoiled, but don’t mind if I come home smelling like other people’s pets! I enjoy caring for animals in all stages of their lives, but I am especially sensitive to senior and special needs pets since I live with a senior kitty myself. Pet sitting also gives me the opportunity to walk and cuddle lots of sweet dogs, which I love since I don’t have a dog at home.
I am a member of the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, and I have completed the Red Cross Pet First Aid course. I am active with OTRA (On The Road Again), a volunteer animal transport group that helps move rescue animals to their foster and forever homes. I look forward to caring for your pets!

Dan Roberts, Pet Sitter, greater Charlotte area, Ballantyne and SouthPark, holidays and summers

Hi! I am currently a senior at Appalachian State University. I"m going to school to become a National Geographic Photographer. I live in Boone most of the time, but I am excited about the opportunity to be a critter sitter when I come home to Charlotte for vacation and holidays! I have been a pet lover my whole life. I have helped to care for 3 cats and 1-2 dogs since I was about six. Also, I've taken care of the occasional snake and lizard. Barney, Marley and Oreo are the cats. Oreo has recently passed away. Maxie and Molly are the dogs. Maxie is pretty much my best friend. Here in Boone while I'm at school, I volunteer at the humane society about twice a week, in hopes of getting a part time job there. Pit bulls and pit bull mixes are my weakness. They make my heart melt they're just so cute! Of course I love all animals I can't wait to help Jennifer take care of your pets while you are away!

Kathy Cleaver, Pet Sitter, greater Charlotte area, Steele Creek, Fort Mill, Tega Cay, Dilworth, Uptown / Downtown

I grew up in the beautiful state of Maryland. I have also lived in Los Angeles, Charleston and now in Charlotte. My parents live in Fort Mill and I came here from Los Angeles in 2008 to be closer to them. I have a wonderful husband and a son in college!
I have had pets all my life - dogs, cats, bunnies, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, fish, birds, pygmy goats, pot bellied pig and horses! As a teenager I was the kid in the neighborhood who took care of people’s pets when they went on vacation. At this time I have 4 dogs, 2 cats, and 2 horses! My dogs could play ball all day long! They are each very different and I love them all dearly!
I am looking forward to having fun as a pet sitter! And look forward to meeting you and your pets and to giving them the care they are accustomed too while you are away!

Shelley Thornton, Pet Sitter, Monroe, Mint Hill, Indian Trail, Uptown / Downtown Charlotte

I am one of the few born and raised here in Charlotte, NC. I went to high school in Myrtle Beach and college at Appalachian State then headed west. While out west, I was a care taker for numerous homes, dogs, cats and horses. While I loved the 10 years I lived in Wyoming and Idaho, Charlotte is home and I felt too far from my family.
So, my yellow lab Hank & I moved back to Charlotte in 2005. Since moving back, I got married and added two more dogs to my family. I am proudly owned by Hank the yellow Lab, Mack the American Bulldog and Hailey the Boxer.

Katie Corona, Pet Sitter, greater Ballantyne area, Indian Land, Fort Mill, South Charlotte

I was raised in Lake City, Minnesota until the age of 15 when my family and I moved to Seminole, Florida. Since then I have lived in Connecticut and Southern California. My husband, our son and I moved here 7 years ago from the Los Angeles area and love it!
I was born with a deep love for animals and have had a rabbit, 4 cats, a turtle, a lizard, 2 hamsters, and some fish. Currently we have 2 dogs (a 9 year old Pekingese, and a 1 year old Boxer/Lab mix) and a Beta fish.
My long term objective is to open and run an animal shelter or rescue to help homeless and abandoned animals and give them a chance at not only surviving but thriving.
I look forward to the opportunity to meet you and your critters and giving them much love and attention while you are away!

Debbie Kilduff, Pet Sitter, South West Charlotte area, Steele Creek, Fort Mill, Tega Cay

I am originally from New Jersey and have been living in Charlotte for almost 10 years. I am an elementary school teacher. I have 2 Maltese dogs that are spoiled to no end. I am very kind, loving and patient when it comes to people or animals. I’ve always had a pet growing up- dogs, goldfish and I’d often rescue an animal and bring it home for my mom! I met Jennifer in 2001, when she moved into my neighborhood. We became friends through the adventures of our dogs. I still enjoy pampering pets, long walks and taking care of my furry friend. I know how important it is for them to have lots of TLC when you can’t be home.

Pam Roberts, Pet Sitter, greater Charlotte and South Park area, Arboretum area

I actually grew up without pets, but now that we have had them for so long, I can't imagine not having them. Whether taking care of our cats and dogs at home or helping my daughter with her horses, pets have been a big part of our lives since our children were quite small. My kids have always been fascinated by and in love with animals. My daughter is in her first year at NC State Vet School and my son, Dan, is a pet sitter for Carolinas' Critter Sitters too. I'm happy to be able to work with Jennifer at Carolinas' Critter Sitters, because it's so important for people to have peace of mind knowing that their pets are well cared for and loved while they are away from them. I look forward to meeting you and taking great care of your pets.

Wendy Garmon, Pet Sitter, Weddington, Waxhaw, Indian Trail, Ballantyne, Matthews

I’ve lived in North Carolina since 2001. I love the beautiful blue skies and sunshine. I’ve been an animal lover my entire life and have always had pets, (hamsters, chinchillas, a hedgehog, cats and dogs). Our kitties lived to the ages of 17 and 20 years. My beloved schnauzer, Cricket, lived to be nearly 15 years old. So I have extensive background in caring for senior pets. I currently have an older schnauzer who thinks she’s still a puppy as well as a wild, strong-willed Shiba Inu puppy. I know how dear our pets are and how important it is to provide them with quality loving care in our absences. I’d be honored to provide your furry, feathered, or scaly family member with the special attention and individual care they deserve.

Lisa Higgins, Pet Sitter, Indian Trail, Mint Hill, Monroe, Hemby Bridge, Lake Park

I was born the sixth of seven children so pets were limited to the ones that found me and included horned-toads, tree frogs, chicks and every once in a while a lost kitten. When I had a family of my own, my daughters were allowed to have everything from fish to hamsters to rabbits, cats and dogs. I currently have two German Shepherd/Lab mixes, brothers and litter-mates, Jake and Elwood. I also have 3 grandcats and 2 granddogs!
When I lost my job in bank operations in the recent recession, it became my opportunity to find work I really love. Providing a worry-free solution to your pet care needs while you are away is a responsibility that I take very seriously. I live in the Mint Hill area and pet sit for the greater Mint Hill area. I will care for your pets like they are my own, and hope to develop lasting relationships with you and your pets.

Charlene Smith, Pet Sitter, Ballantyne

I am a Scottish born, Swiss raised, Charlotte - dwelling pastry chef and animal lover. I moved to the US at 18 to go to culinary school in Providence, RI, where I met a boy from Charlotte. Five years later, we got married and I moved to the sunshine and we found our first child, Princeton. Having grown up with two cats, I felt our apartment was missing something, so we went out to find a little kitty. On our way there we saw this little black and tan newborn Cavalier King Charles and fell madly in love with him. We took him home that day and never looked back. Growing up, I was the babysitting queen- I always enjoyed interacting with and taking care of little ones. These days my passion has shifted more so towards animals, their rights, and caring for them. I have always had a special place for all animals in my heart and I promise to love yours like my own. I look forward to meeting you and your critters!

Lindsey Albright, Pet Sitter, Arboretum area, Ballantyne, Matthews, East Charlotte

Animals have always been a part of my life! I love them!! I was born in Michigan, but have lived in Charlotte since 1998. We have always been animal lovers in my family and when I grew up we had a big golden retriever named Lucky, also lots of different fish, gerbils, hamsters, a turtle and a bird at one point!! I also rode horses for close to ten years and mucking stalls was my first job. I have taken care of animals for neighbors and friends over the years and also have taken classes at Gaston College in pursuit of a degree as a Veterinary Technician. Now, I am a new mom !!! Graham, who sometimes comes with me to visit and take care of the critters, was born in September 2010. He loves animals already!!! He is my pet sitter in training. I also have an almost 5 year old Westie with a BIG personality named Jackson. I look forward to meeting your critters and giving them lots of love while your away!!

Courtney Albright, Pet Sitter, Arboretum area, Ballantyne, Indian Land, and almost anywhere else

I, like many of the sitters of at Carolinas’ Critter Sitters, am a bit of a Jack of all trades, or would that be a “Jill” of all trades.
My family moved a lot when we were young and ended up in Charlotte due to our father’s job. We had dogs, hamsters, gerbils, fish, and a bird. The bird was a parakeet I actually found in the woods behind our house. I was notorious for bringing stray animals home and begging my parents to allow them to become members of the family. Now, I have a dog that I rescued and trained name Sadie. Sadie is absolutely my best friend!
I am currently working on my Anthropology degree at UNC Charlotte and plan to pursue a degree in Primate Conservation in graduate school. I truly have an innate drive to care for and understand animals as well as to help others gain a respect for them. In fact, since I was very very young, I have been riding horses. My focus is hunter/jumper. I have been training and caring for up to 14 horses since 2001. On top of all that, believe it or not, I spend my spare time learning as much as I can about animal and human diversity on our planet.
Aside from saving the world's animals, studying for my Anthropology degree, training for horse shows, and snuggling my own dog, I am excited to meet you and your critters, (whatever they may be)!

Susan Reichenbach, Pet Sitter, Arboretum area, Ballantyne, Matthews

I was born and raised in Wisconsin and have lived in Charlotte area since 1990 with my husband and two daughters. I have had all sorts of pets growing up such as turtles, rabbits, lizards, cats, and dogs. My family and I have two yorkies, two rescue kittens, and a rat. I love caring for animals and have been pet sitting for family and friends for the past 3 years. I will treat your furry family members like they are my own, and can’t wait to get to know each and every one of them.

Diane Popieski, Pet Sitter, Dilworth, Cotswald, South End, Uptown / Downtown Charlotte, South Park

I am originally from PA, but have lived in Charlotte for since 1997. From when I can remember, animals have always been a love of mine. After reading that almost 18 MILLION U.S. households own pets*, I know I’m not alone. Pets are family! Growing up, playing with animals was something I didn’t have to be told to do. I have always been that friend who would watch your pets while you went out of town b/c the love I have for animals comes natural to me. I do enjoy pampering pets and taking them for walks and watching them play! Essentially, I live through the pet owner and treat the pet as my own when helping out. The love, loyalty and excitement that comes from animals is genuine and is always something I want to be around :) I will be an enthusiastic, organized, proactive planner for you are your family.
*2009/2010 APPMA National Pet Owners Survey

Valerie Unger, Pet Sitter, Uptown / Downtown Charlotte, Dilworth, Cotswald, South End, Plaza Midwood, NODA

Howdy! Just moved to the beautiful Charlotte area in April ‘11. Lovin it so far! Before that I resided in Phoenix, Arizona, where I lived since 2nd grade. Can’t wait to see what all the talk about humidity is about here since I’m used to the oven-like dry heat of AZ! Always have enjoyed working with animals. As a kid, I did pet sitting all summer long every year for my best friend’s family. As an adult, I became involved volunteering at the Arizona Humane Society. Liked working at AHS, but soon realized that Maricopa County Animal Care and Control needed even more help so I began volunteering there and soon after began working as their Foster Care/New Hope Coordinator. After 5 years of heart wrenching work, I decided it was time to go. Soon after, I found a wonderful job coordinating adoption events for Phoenix Animal Care Coalition (PACC911). I will miss my job helping the Arizona rescue groups to get their animals adopted and pet sitting for many of them too, but decided to move to NC with my fiancé when a great job transfer opportunity came down the pike. After a long drive across the country with my Aussie girl Taylor and a very unhappy cat named Garrett, we finally arrived. Happy to be in Charlotte and can not wait to get started taking care of your much loved furry family members.

Mackenzie Reichenbach, Pet Sitter, Arboretum area, Ballantyne, Matthews

Hi! I am currently a sophomore at North Carolina State University and am majoring in Biomedical Engineering. When I’m not in Raleigh, I am home in Charlotte with my family. All my life, I have had a weakness for animals, especially dogs. I am truly an animal lover and have grown up with many different pets. I currently have two Yorkshire terriers, two cats, and a rat. I have also had experience caring for friends and neighbors pets while they are on vacation. I cannot wait to meet your pets and give them the love that they deserve!

Su Kelley, Pet Sitter, greater Ballantyne area, Indian Land, Fort Mill, South Charlotte

After living in Las Vegas, NV for about 12 years I moved to Charlotte in 2009 along with my husband, my son, and our pug Spencer, (which I often refer to as our first born). We are happy and blessed to be able to call this amazing city home and I'm pretty sure Spencer approves as well.
I started pet and house sitting for friends in Las Vegas. Word of mouth spread and my client base spread from friends to friends of friends. Before I knew it, I had a very busy part-time job caring for pets and homes in addition to my full-time job at a casino. It quickly became apparent to me that caring for pets was a far more gratifying way to spend my time.
In my experiences in pet sitting, I had the opportunity to care for all different kinds of critters including birds, turtles, fresh and salt water fish, ferrets, rabbits, rats, cats, and even a couple of snakes. I found a lot of happiness in getting to know each critter in addition to being able to offer pet owners the sense of security that their precious pets are being cared for in a safe and familiar environment. This is why I am absolutely thrilled to become part of the Carolinas' Critter Sitters team. My goal is to provide each and every pet owner with satisfaction of knowing that their beloved pet will be receiving the same care and attention that I would give to my own.

Jenny Smith, Pet Sitter, Indian Land, Fort Mill, Tega Cay, Steele Creek

I was born and raised in Maryland and headed south almost 20 years ago after my parents retired to Mt. Pleasant, SC. They later moved to the Charlotte area and I have recently relocated with my own family to Fort Mill. I have a wonderful husband and 3 beautiful daughters. We moved here to be closer to family (my husband’s family is from Charlotte) and we thought this would be a great area to raise a family. Growing up, my two siblings and I, each had our own dogs. My sister was always bringing home strays and I would take care of them when she was not home! I absolutely love animals. Currently, we have 3 rescue dogs. We are not quite sure what they all are, but they are very loving and unique. I’m looking forward to pet sitting for you your animals as if they were my own!

Katie McVay, Pet Sitter, Matthews, Stallings, East Charlotte, Indian Trail, Mint Hill

I have been an animal lover all my life: my first words were Kitty Cat! I have had animals all my life including cats, dogs, mice, hamsters, gerbils, turtles, snakes, lizards, fresh and saltwater fish and even rescued birds. I also began horseback riding at 8 years old and ride every chance I get. I have worked with Operation Care and as a Pet Care Associate with Petsmart. I have lived in Matthews and Mint Hill all my life and now have three cats, two dogs and one turtle. I graduated from Trinity Prep High School in 2009 and currently attend CPCC and Kaplan College. I am looking forward to meeting all your wonderful pets and taking excellent care of them.