First, this site needs to be updated. Amanda is now located in Napa. We have worked with at least 5 petsitters over the years and, until now, have found them all to be delightful to at least reasonable. 1 1/2 weeks prior to our departure on a trip to Europe our regular petsitter had to cancel due to a medical emergency in his family. Other petsitters we knew were already booked and we ended up calling Amanda of Manda's Ark. She was available but had many requirements which needed to be met in our 1 remaining week. First, a meet and greet which is a normal and wise requirement for all. However, she also required a day visit and an overnight visit that week which she insisted upon (not clarifying that there would be a $100 charge). The meet and greet went well but we were not allowed to see the inside of her house, which from our perspective was part of our assessment. She claimed they were redecorating and there was no room due to boxes. I wondered how there could be room for dogs if there was no room to even look inside the house but I didn't press it because we were desperate at that point. While she had been very demanding in her rule setting on the phone, she was cordial during the meet and greet, but did stick to her over the top requirements for a day and overnight visit that week. The day before we were to drop off our dog I received a text saying we would have to drop him off no later than 4pm. I texted back that we had a tight schedule getting things done the day before our departure and had planned on dropping him off at 8pm. No previous petsitters had any issue with this drop off time. She texted back that it needed to be 4pm. I responded that we would make some adjustments and have him there by 6:30pm. She called with an attitude demanding that he be there by 4pm. I asked why and she said it was so that the dog would have time to "settle in". She added that she didn't want to get "stuck with a dog who didn't settle in". I found that offensive and nonsensical but responded that we had scheduling difficulties and would do our best. She said if we did not arrive by no later than 4:05 she would not come out to the car to get him and we'd have to cancel our trip. We had to cancel a long awaited for medical appointment to meet her unreasonable, self serving, rigid demands. She also required that we pay in full up front - never a requirement with any other petsitter, NEVER AGAIN! read more

Our precious pup Princess Zoe LOVES Manda's Ark! She always has a great time with Amanda and her family and we have big piece of mind when travelling, knowing our pup is well cared for and loved. Princess Zoe even manages to steal coveted lap time and under cover snuggles! Amanda send pics which is much appreciated and great to see when away, helps ease the guilt of being away from our pup. We highly recommend Manda's Ark and rest assured your pet will be in fantastic hands! read more

We have worked with Amanda for almost two years caring for our dogs and can't recommend her highly enough. She has been very accessible with regards to bookings and questions. Her care when our pups are with her could not be better. They get tons of exercise and play (with her little Wicket) and she always provides detailed updates with photos. She also collects and returns them to our home. We're very happy with Amanda and rest easy when we're away because of her!! read more