
Pet sitting may sound like an easy part time gig, but Frase and McNichols are true professionals. Their business is licensed, bonded and insured, and they are members in good standing of Pet Sitters International. McNichols, who does much of the primary pet care, has taken courses in animal nutrition, basic obedience and even pet first aid. It may be a job they love, but they are committed to making sure that your pet is safe and having a good time while you can't be with your four-footed friend.
So what precisely does a pet sitter do? Well, for $18/day, Frase and McNichols will come to your house twice a day, spending no less than forty-five minutes each time with your cat or dog. Standard included with that price is feeding, watering and cleaning up the yard or litter box after your pet. That's not forty-five minutes of watching kibble collect dust, though. That includes making sure your pet gets some extra attention to tide them over until their beloved owner can return.
"There's a lot more to it than putting down a dish of food," McNichols explained. "We try to make a connection with every [animal] client."
Laughing, the women related a story of one particular job where they received a compliment from their client. The pet owner had returned from vacation to hear from her neighbor that Frase and McNichols had indeed been outside, frolicking with the dog. How did the neighbor know? He was watching from his two-story window next door. "People probably think we're crazy," said Frase with a smile. "We don't wear good clothes when we work, because we really get down and play with the animals."
"You've got to prove yourself every time. The neighbors watch," McNichols added.

So who hires a pet sitter to come out to watch their animal companion? For the most part, their clients are people who go on vacation and either want their canine security system left on while they're away, or who want to make sure their pampered pooch doesn't get too lonely. Sunshine is a trained, first level attack dog whose mistress was going out of the country. Because of the animal's training, it could not be allowed outside to play, so Frase and McNichols were hired to spend two full hours a day inside the house with the hundred pound Rottweiler. Not every client fits that model, however. Bubba the bulldog gets to see Frase and McNichols once a week year round. His owners both work full time and don't like the idea of him being stuck in the house alone for so long. Frase and McNichols are more than happy to come by and give him some exercise and attention.

McNichols and Frase keep a daily log of the activities they perform with their animal clients, as well as the animal's general behavior and condition. They also have a cell phone on them at all times, and owners are encouraged to use the number. "For the most part, these are people's babies," Frase admits. "We have no problem with putting the phone right down to their ear, if that's what the owners want."
If pet sitting sounds like a lot of work, it can be. But these two business women love their job, and their clients love them. "All our clients are repeat clients," McNichols said. Sometimes very affectionate repeat clients, but neither woman minds. "We've been in business for several years," McNichols chuckled, "and I have yet to come down with some horrible disease from dog kisses."
"We've never had any cat or dog that hasn't been an absolute charm," Frase agreed. "We have a special love for each one of them."
A brief pause, then McNichols adds, "Even the bearded dragon."
For more information, contact 2 by 2 Petcare at (209)599-4684.
This article first appeared in the Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin.
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