Meet the Sitters

James

Owner

James has always had a great love & respect for all animals. He has over 20 years of experience caring for animals in zoos, aquariums, animal shelters, hospitals, through pet sitting and wildlife rehabilitation volunteer work.

Diane

I have been doing private pet care since 2012 in several Manhattan neighborhoods including UES, UWS, Harlem and Hell’s Kitchen. I also have worked as an independent contractor with pet care companies providing  dog walks, pet sitting and overnight animal care.  Additionally, I have volunteer experience with the ASPCA and the Wild Bird Fund of NY.

I will do my very best to provide your pet with an enjoyable, energetic, (or relaxing) and well structured session.  Your pet’s welfare and safety is my first priority, and I will give them the same personal, detailed care as I do my own.  Working with animals is not only a responsibility, but a privilege, and I would love to be your pet’s next friend.

Stephanie

As a life long animal lover, Stephanie realized her dream of caring for animals by becoming a keeper at the WCS New York Aquarium. She worked there for 21 years, dedicated to helping the animals under her care live their best lives.

Additionally, Stephanie has walked dogs both privately and as an independent contractor for a dog walking company and has been a pet parent to cats all of her adult life. 

After experiencing some recent life changes, Stephanie decided to transition to being a full time dog walker/pet sitter.

As an employee of Urban Animal NYC, Stephanie is looking forward to sharing her extensive animal care experience with the clients. She looks forward to building relationships with the clients’ fur babies and providing them with the best care possible.

Kate

Kate has been both a Dog Walker and Cat Sitter with Urban Animal since 2007.

She is also a Zookeeper at the Bronx Zoo, specializing in Giraffes, Tigers, and Gorillas.

She grew up with dogs and cats, and loves that she has a career where she can continue to interact with animals.

She has also volunteered her time to care for Elephants and Bears at Wildlife SOS Sanctuary in India.

Emmy

I have a deep love, respect and commitment to all creatures big and small. I consider myself a passionate animal activist and advocate. I was fortunate to have grown up with a wide variety of pets including dogs, cats, birds, hamsters and rabbits. I blissfully reside with two cats – a male and a female – both of whom were rescues. 

I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and lived in Manhattan most of my adult life until I got married seven years ago. I currently reside in Jersey City, NJ though I am typically in Manhattan Monday thru Friday. 

I began working in veterinary hospitals in the early 80’s while an undergraduate at NYU. I worked a total of ten years in veterinary hospitals in Manhattan both as head receptionist and eventually, hospital manager.

Over the course of my career in the field, I adopted many abandoned pets many of whom had special needs. I have been pet sitting for over 35 years and can administer insulin, sub-q fluids and oral antibiotics. 

I will make sure your beloved kitties are well taken care of in your absence and you will receive daily updates including photos.