Pet Sitter, Dog Walker_About Us_San Mateo, Redwood City, Belmont CA 94002

ABOUT ERIKA, AND HER PET SITTER HISTORY...

Erika Hathaway, owner of Summerhill Pet-Sitting Service, has been a "pet sitter" since she was ten years old--she has over thirty years experience. At that time, she was hired by a neighbor to "corral" over ten cats into a kennel each night, feed them, give them water and "give them love." The corral part was difficult for someone her age; the love part was always easy.

Besides this first cat sitting job, Erika grew up in the country and cared for horses, dogs, cats, pigs, a beautiful goat named Mandy, and many chickens (one of them, "Henrietta", is pictured below with her as a child).

"In my youth I developed a deep love for animals, so over the past 23 years, while owning my own house cleaning business, and later working in the corporate world and then for the government; I always kept at least three pet sitting jobs per year. One day I decided, 'Why not return to my first love--animals--and become a pet sitter?'"

Since making that decision, I have brought the highest ethical standards to my pet-sitting business which I always carried with me at my previous employ: I am conscientious and honest to a fault; I will always take the time to play with your pet(s) and I will always follow the routine you specify for them; you and your pet(s) can count on me to put your pet(s) first.

When I am ill or go on vacation, I contact a fellow member of the Premier Pet-Sitters of Greater San Mateo (PPSM). She, like me, is an extremely reliable, honest and caring pet sitter. She is bonded and insured (one of the requirements of being a PPSM member), is an excellent dog walker, and has excellent references. Upon request, I can introduce you to her during our initial Pet Sitter/Client interview at your home.

As a pet sitter and dog walker, I have also successfully worked with many dogs on various dog training issues, such as: leash manners (utilizing clicker training), recall, retrieval, inappropriate mouthing, excessive barking, jumping up (on persons as well as furniture, counters, etc.), destructive chewing, begging at the dinner table, and house training. I have cared for pets suffering from separation anxiety, as well as extremely high energy and temperamental dispositions with great success.

Additionally, I have studied cat behavior--through books and videos--and was also was the owner of a beloved Persian cat. I have a definite way with shy cats, (through my study, training and personal observation) as many clients have commented to me on how rapidly their timid cats warm up to me (no hiding under beds during your trip).

Please read the web page: Benefits_Pet Sitting_Dog Walking, to learn about the many benefits of hiring an in-home pet sitter to care for your pets when you are away; as well as a midday dog walker, to provide ample exercise for your dog.

Above all, I will always treat your pet(s) with loving kindness.

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Please take a moment and read the following testimonials of some of the clients and loved pets I have worked with over the years.

Each of these loved pets is illustrated in the photo gallery below...

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"Erika is honest to a fault. She has taken care of our animals since 1985. She loves pets and pets love her. She takes time to play with them and whatever they need she's always there. She puts pets first. Our dog (Laddy) suffered from severe separation anxiety and after we returned from our first trip away from him, he was calmer on subsequent trips. Also, our pond man accidentally left the gate open one day and since Erika took him on so many walks all over the neighborhood (even organizing a play date with a neighbor's dog) he easily found his way back home. She has also done an excellent job of taking care of our red-ear slider turtle (Claire) and cleaning out the tank when we are on vacation. I would not hesitate to hire her." ~ John Low, San Mateo, CA

"I've had the good fortune of having Erika care for my dog (Sophie) and cat (Luna) many times. Sophie generally becomes very anxious when I go away and usually refuses to eat for the first day or two. This is not the case with Erika. Sophie seems to enjoy my being away so that she can spend time with Erika. Sophie has never gone on a food strike with Erika and she is always very calm when I get home. Erika has taken the time to learn Sophie’s personality and tailors her service to Sophie’s needs.

Erika is also very good with Luna. Luna is the type of cat that stays under the bed or in the closet while I travel. Luna does quite the opposite with Erika. She seeks Erika out and loves the special attention Erika gives her. Just as with Sophie, Erika has taken the time to learn Luna’s personality and works incredibly well with her.

Erika is very accommodating and has found a way to help me every time I’ve needed last minute service. She is willing to do a midday walk during a specific time even if it isn’t exactly midday. She is very dependable and I can leave my girls in her care with great confidence. She exercises great judgment in the care that she provides which lets me travel with peace of mind.

Each time I’ve called Erika to check in, she sounds as though she is the one on vacation. She clearly loves what she does and it shows in the excellent service she provides. Erika always leaves a note with detailed information of her time with my girls and calls to make sure I’ve made it home.

It is with great pleasure that I recommend Erika for your pet sitting needs." ~ Lindsay Lee, Redwood City, CA

"Erika is extraordinary.

We needed an overnight dog sitter on short notice, and Erika was eager to accommodate our schedule and watch our Akita, Persey. Our dog and home were wonderfully cared for, and Erika now gives our spoiled fur-baby a regular afternoon walk. Persey generally likes people, but is absolutely crazy for Erika. It's obvious that Erika has great experience caring for animals and is dedicated to their well-being. Erika even called to make sure we got home on time - I have no doubt that if we were delayed she would have come over to make sure Persey was ok!
I highly and enthusiastically recommend without reservation. Your pets will thank you!" ~ John Dimos, San Mateo, CA

"We just started using Summerhill Pet-Sitting a couple of months ago for taking care of our two cats. One of our kitties has some health issues and I am confident in Erika's skills and attentiveness to take care of her while we're away. Erika asks that toys and brushes be left for her so she can spend quality time with them during her visits. She even indulged us in preparing them a special holiday meal on Thanksgiving, no questions asked. Summerhill's rates (really reasonable) and availability (does her best to accommodate short notice) are great. But the best part? We consistently come home to two happy, healthy cats - that's what matters. :-)" ~ Alithea Morasca, Belmont, CA

“From the first time Erika walked my dogs, they loved her. When she left that day, Foxy and Lela just sat by the door for a long time. I guess you'd say they were smitten! Erika is always on time and always lets me know in advance if we might need to adjust the schedule. I will continue to use her service and highly recommend her." Top qualities: Good Value , On Time , High Integrity. ~ Gary Gaffney, San Mateo, CA

"Summerhill Pet Sitting.... We have used their services with great success. We just returned from a trip of 5 days to find our pets, happy, calm (from all the great walking) and loved up. Erika the owner, is excellent at what she does down to the smallest detail. She even took one of my pets to the vet while I was gone with great success. We have a couple of pet sitters but I have to say Erika is now our first choice for watching our pets." ~ Frances Himes Cairns, Belmont, CA

References Available Upon Request

I have been trained in Pet CPR and hold a current certification
I have been trained in Pet First Aid and hold a current certification
I am a proud member of Pet Sitters International (PSI)
I am the founding member of Premier Pet Sitters of Greater San Mateo (PPSM)
I have been trained on how to administer Insulin and Sub-Q fluids.
I am proficient in Pet Massage and TTouch
I am proficient in Dog & Cat Acupressure.

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Summerhill Pet-Sitting Service provides pet services to clientele in the Mid-Peninsula region of San Mateo County, specifically:

San Mateo, Belmont, Redwood City, Foster City, San Carlos, and Burlingame CA.

You can be sure that I will always treat your pet with loving kindness.

Henrietta and I (when I was nine years old).

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Laddy (from the Low home--the Low's dressed him up to the nines one day!); and Claire, red-ear slider turtle (also from the Low home). San Mateo, CA

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"Erika gives me neck scratches--ahhhhhh!"

Atley, from the Steven's home, Belmont, CA

"Erika is the only pet sitter I've allowed to hold me."

Scarlet, from the Steven's home, Belmont, CA

Sophie and I, from the Lee home (midday dog walking), Redwood City, CA.

"We always have fun with Erika!" Cassidy & Felicity from the Ho-Lam home (cat sitting), Belmont, CA.

Persey, from the Dimos home, San Mateo, CA.

Stella & Luna from the Morasca home (cat sitting), Belmont, CA

"Erika is my dog walker, and she cares about me a great deal!" Foxy, from the Gaffney home, San Mateo, CA.

"I've got CATITUDE! Erika immediately recognized this; I'm glad she's my pet sitter." Bella from the Speier-Schmitz home, Belmont, CA

From left to right: Jakers, me, Abbey & Casey, enjoying our dog walking, from the Cairns' home, Belmont, CA.

From left to right: Daisy, me and Dash from the Miles home, at a dog park in San Mateo. "Erika is our dog walker, and has helped me with my recall." Dash.

From left to right: Strauss, me and Amber from the Burtschell home, Redwood City. "Erika is our overnight pet sitter and has helped me not to pull when loose leash dog walking." Amber.

"Erika is helping me with leash etiquette; I also suffer from terminal cuteness." Cooper from the Hessel home, Redwood City.

2200 Village Court Suite No. 4 Belmont, California 94002

Cellular Phone: 650-766-5856

Other zip codes served: 94403, 94402, 94404, 94065, 94062, 94063, 94070, 94401, 94010