https://pethousepetcare.wordpress.com/

Pet & House, Westfield, MA (2026)

07/26/2026

📢 IMPORTANT NEWS: PLEASE READ 📢

I never thought I'd be writing this... at least not for a very long time.
After four incredible years of pet sitting, I've made the difficult decision to close my business on July 30th.

Truthfully, this business wasn't supposed to exist. I started pet sitting because I couldn't find a job elsewhere and needed a way to provide for my puppy. It was meant to be a temporary solution to a permanent situation. I always assumed I'd find a traditional job quickly, and that would be the end of it.

Instead, within a few short months, I fell in love with the adventure, the relationships, and all the animals that came with it. What started as a backup plan became my passion, and I found myself dedicating the next four years of my life to building this business. Along the way, I grew more than I ever imagined and was even able to pay my way through a certificate program that will allow me to begin my next adventure.

I had hoped to wind things down in phases, but life had other ideas, and a series of unforeseen circumstances forced my hand.

There are so many reasons behind this decision that I can't even begin to fit into one Facebook post. What I can say is that somewhere along the way, running a business started taking more from me than it was giving back. It wasn't a fun realization, and it certainly wasn't an easy decision.

To every single client who trusted me with your pets—thank you.

You didn't just hire me to feed your pets or let them outside. You trusted me with members of your family, welcomed me into your homes, and allowed me to build relationships with some truly incredible animals.

Your dogs greeted me like I was part of their pack. Your cats eventually decided I was acceptable. Your birds cheered me on, and the goats... well, rumor has it I'm still scratching their ears to this day. 😉

I got up at all hours of the day and night to care for senior pets. I learned everyone's routines, favorite treats, medication schedules, weird little habits, and all the tiny details that made them who they were. I stood in for owners who couldn't be by their pets' sides during illnesses and emergency vet visits, and I grieved alongside families when beloved companions crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

The 4 a.m. wake-up calls, muddy paws, potty breaks, sleepless nights, happy dances at the door, and those impromptu comfort cuddle sessions are things I'll miss more than I can put into words.

This business has been one of the greatest joys of my life, and closing it is something I've cried many tears over.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for every booking, every recommendation, every kind review, every Christmas card, every conversation, and, most of all, for trusting me with the animals you love. You gave me a career when I needed one most, but more importantly, you gave me purpose. I will never be able to thank you enough for that.

It has truly been an honor and a privilege to serve this community in such a unique way. I'm sure I'll see many of you around as I begin this next chapter, so please don't hesitate to say hello.

Give your pets an extra hug and kiss from me today. ❤️🐾

With all my gratitude,

Katiann Stone
Owner, Pet & House

06/24/2026

Important Notice:

I will be unavailable June 26th–29th as I will be in the hospital and will not have access to my phone during that time. Messages, calls, and booking requests will be returned as soon as possible after I return.

Thank you for your understanding.

09/24/2025

Hello everyone, I am currently accepting new clients for fall 2025. My availability is open as of right now but won't be for long.
For new clients:
I accept dogs of all shapes and sizes. I am insured and reliable with plenty of references upon request.
Sadly, I cannot accept NEW clients with cats. Or pets from smoking homes.

My services:

First meet & greet- FREE!!

Drop ins
30 minutes-$35
1 hour-$40

Walks
30 minutes-$35

Day sitting(In your home)
1+ hours-$55
5+ hours-$65

Overnights
$120+ per night

I service Westfield as well as Connecticut.

Feel free to TEXT me at 413-729-2532 if you are interested in my services.

My hours are 10am-5pm Monday-Friday

08/26/2025

Happy National Dog Day!
Here is my crew. 🥰

08/24/2025

🐾 Important Update Regarding Cats 🐈

I want to be open with you all.
When I first started pet sitting, I had a mild, manageable cat allergy. Most of my clients have cats and were at some point made aware of this. Since it wasn’t something that affected my safety or the safety of the animals, I was able to continue without concern.

Over time, though, my cat allergies have gotten worse. Attempts to manage them with daily interventions haven’t been successful, and this summer has left my body scrambling to keep up. Even though I’ve never had a severe reaction, I can’t ignore the downward trend that’s pointing in that direction. For my health and safety, I can no longer take on new households with cats.

If you’re an existing client with cats, please know that if I keep you on, it’s because I believe I can safely manage it while still giving your pets the quality care they deserve. That said, if you’d feel more comfortable transitioning to someone else, please reach out. I’d be glad to recommend other trusted sitters.

Moving forward, my focus will be on dogs and other non-cat pets. This wasn’t an easy decision, but it’s the best way to keep my business sustainable and ensure I can continue showing up fully for every animal in my care.

Thank you so much for your understanding and continued support. 💙🐾

~Katiann Stone
Pet & House

07/05/2025

⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
I’ve gone back and forth about posting this, but it needs to be said.
Pet sitting is my full-time job. It’s not a side hustle or a weekend gig—it’s how I pay my bills, put food on the table, and make a living. But the reality is, I’ve been working 24/7 without actually being paid a livable wage.

So, I’m making a change.

After careful thought, I’m updating my overnight pet sitting rate to $120 per night (typically for me that’s 5 PM–10 AM), effective July 22nd, 2025.
I understand that this may feel extreme to some so I want to be transparent about why I am making this change.

💵 Let’s talk numbers.

My previous rate was $70 for 24 hours, which breaks down to just $2.92 per hour. That’s not even close to sustainable—not when federal minimum wage is $7.25/hour and Massachusetts minimum wage is $15/hour.

The new overnight rate of $120, for a 9-hour stay, breaks down to $13.33 per hour. That’s still slightly below state minimum wage—and as a small business owner, I pay for all taxes, travel necessities, supplies, and insurance out of pocket. I get no benefits, no paid time off, no sick leave, and no guaranteed hours.

There are also stretches—sometimes weeks or even a full month—when I don’t get booked at all. But I can’t just pick up another job in the meantime. Finding another job takes time, and most traditional jobs wouldn’t allow me to remain on-call or flexible enough to be available for my clients. That doesn’t make me lazy—it just reflects how unpredictable and demanding this kind of work is.

This isn’t just about money. It’s about respecting the time, effort, and care that goes into what I do.

🐾 What does pet sitting actually involve?

People often assume pet sitting is just “staying with the dog,” but here’s what you're really hiring me to do:

⏰ 1. Be on your pet’s schedule, not mine.
I plan my life around your pet’s needs—early mornings, late nights, timed meds, and more. I’m often working while others are relaxing, asleep, or off-duty.

🏡 2. Stay overnight in someone else’s home.
I give up the comfort and privacy of my own space to care for your pet where they’re most comfortable. That means adjusting to your routines, your neighborhood, your appliances, your thermostat, and your expectations.

🐶 3. Provide skilled animal care.
I care for senior pets, anxious dogs, multiple pets at once, and pets with strict medical or behavioral needs. I administer medications, track symptoms, and know when something isn’t right.

📞 4. Act as your stand-in.
While you’re away, I’m the one responding to emergencies, coordinating vet visits, keeping your pet safe, and keeping you informed—with regular updates and full transparency.

🧽 5. Leave your home better than I found it.
That includes cleaning pet messes, washing dishes, vacuuming fur, bringing in mail, watering plants, and making sure everything is secure when you return.

💼 6. Run a fully insured business.
I pay for pet sitting insurance to help protect you in the event of property damage or an emergency involving your pet. It’s a layer of security many sitters don’t offer—and it comes out of my own pocket.

I’ve kept my rates low for a long time, but I simply can’t keep working 24/7 for less than minimum wage.

If $120 per night is outside your budget, I understand completely—and I hold no hard feelings.
But I won’t apologize for valuing my time, my labor, or the care I provide.

Before asking a potential sitter how much they charge, ask yourself this:
“How much would I want to be paid for the work I’m asking them to do?”

To those who have supported me, trusted me, and treated my work like the profession it is: thank you. You make this possible.

Sincerely,

Katiann Stone

P.S. This rate change does not affect any current bookings already scheduled for this month or next month.

07/04/2025

Happy 4th everyone! Be safe today.
Iris and I had the privilege of representing Whip City Animal Sanctuary today in the Hamden Ponds 4th of July parade!

06/25/2025

Looking for Dog-Friendly Spots in Westfield and Nearby? 🐾☀️

Stimulation and exercise are essential for your dog’s well-being—even during these hot summer days! If you're looking to get your pup out of the house without risking burnt toe beans, here are a few local, dog-friendly places to visit and stretch your legs:

🐶 Dog-Friendly Stores
✅ Home Depot – Westfield
✅ PetSmart – Westfield
✅ Tractor Supply – Southwick
✅ Smithland Pet & Garden Center – Westfield (temporarily closed)

📍 Small Local Businesses
✅ Westfield Feed – Westfield

I’ve personally visited these places with my dog or know others who have. That said, store policies can vary, and management has the right to ask you to leave if your dog is disruptive or aggressive—even if they’re a service dog.

🚫 Please don’t claim your dog is a service animal just to get in. It makes access harder for legitimate service dog teams and can be dangerous if your pet is reactive or anxious in crowded settings.

📞 When in doubt, call ahead. It’s always better to check first than to be surprised!
🚗 And please, never leave your dog in the car in this heat!

🍦 Bonus: Cool Treats for Hot Dogs
🐾 The Summer House – Southwick
🐾 Northside Creamery – Westfield

These places offer special doggy dishes to help your pup cool down. I get doggy dishes from the Summer House for my own dogs but I’ve also been known to spoil my clients dogs as well. 🥸
Both are local, family-owned businesses, so you're supporting a good cause!

I’m sure there are more dog friendly spots around town, these are just the ones I know for certain.
Got more suggestions? Drop them below! I’d love to check them out with my own dog.

(Pic of my dog Iris post kiddie pool party)

Pet & House

07/26/2026

06/24/2026

09/24/2025

08/26/2025

08/24/2025

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