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Pet Boarding Petersburg, VA (Contact for Free)

Going away for a few nights? Drop off your cat, dog or other special pet to one of our private pet boarders who will take care of them while you're away. See our Pay Rates.

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Daja Merrill
Petersburg, VA

Activity summary

Last seen: 2 days ago Member since: Feb 2026

Nice to meet you, looking forward to meeting!

Hello, I’m Da’ja Merrill I believe that music and poetry are more than just art forms—they are lifelines. As a passionate songwriter and poet, I’ve dedicated my life to helping others navigate their emotional landscapes. From teaching children the power of a positive mantra to helping adults rediscover their inner strength, my work is rooted in the belief that a single song or a well-placed poem can change a person's entire perspective. As well as faith included, that is something I would be comfortable sharing with others but respect if in homes there’s not able to do so.

Pet Boarding Provider, Pet sitting $15 / hour

Pets I'm comfortable caring for:

  • Dogs
  • Cats

Dog walking $15 / hour

  • Small dogs (0—22lbs / 0—10kg)
  • Medium dogs (22—44lbs / 10—20kg)

Other dog walking tasks I can do:

  • Dog jogging (for energetic pooches!)

Other pet services I can provide

  • Pet checker (home visits to check on pets)
  • Pet daycare (at my place during the day)
  • Pet boarding (at my place overnight)

Household duties I can do:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry / washing

Babysitter, Parent helper $16/hour

Child ages I'm comfortable caring for:

  • Toddlers (1 - 2 years)
  • Preschoolers (3 - 4 years)
  • Small school kids (5 - 8 years)
  • Up to 1 child at once

Childcare duties I can do:

  • Light meals
  • Cooking with kids
  • Changing diapers
  • Bathing kids
  • Preparing kids for bed / sleep routines
  • Before school care
  • After school care

I'm available for events

  • Special event babysitting
  • Corporate functions babysitting
  • Wedding babysitting

I can do house sitting

  • House sitting
    • Watering plants
    • Rotating lights / blinds (for a 'lived-in' look)

Other services I can provide

  • Elderly care / companionship

My availability

I'm looking for Casual/temporary employment.

I can travel within Petersburg for work.

Here's my weekly availability:

M T W T F S S

Morn

- -

Day

- -

Arvo

- -

Eve.

- - - - - - -

Nite

- - - - - - -

I'm available for:

  • School holidays
  • Public holidays
  • New Year's Eve
  • Valentine's Day

My credentials

I'm happy to provide written documentation of my qualifications and credentials:

  • 2 years experience working with pets
    • I'm comfortable with pets
    • I have pets
  • 1 year experience working with children
    • I'm a parent
  • General credentials:
    • Email verified
    • 30 years old
    • Non-smoker / non-vaper
    • Covid vaccinated
    • Languages I can speak: English

As both a parent and a professional childcare provider I know that great care requires more than just a watchful eye. It takes a mix of deep empathy and rock solid organization. I am looking to bring that dual lens perspective to your team combining my love for working with children with my background in high level administrative support. Here is what I bring to the table. • Heart and Education. I focus on building real trust with kids. I love finding ways to explain the world to them in a way they actually understand creating an environment that is as fun as it is safe. • The Behind the Scenes Pro. I do not just do paperwork. I am an expert in Microsoft Office and seasoned at handling personnel issues providing clear advice and keeping the gears turning. • Clear Communication. Whether I am giving an oral briefing to staff or chatting with parents about a childs day I pride myself on being clear professional and approachable. • Detail Oriented. From managing a busy office to overseeing a classroom I catch the small things before they become big problems. I am highly motivated and incredibly organized. I am genuinely enthusiastic about supporting both your team and the families you serve. Thanks for taking a look at my experience.

My skills and interests:

  • Music
  • Singing
  • Dance
  • Reading / storytelling
  • Drawing / painting
  • Arts / crafts
  • Games
  • Nature
  • Animals
  • Cooking
  • Video
  • Design
  • Computers
  • Writing

Contact Daja For Free

Your job requirements will be sent with your message.

Select the services you need:

Childcare

How many kids need care?

Pet sitting

Other pet services you need:

Dog walking

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Select the Services You Need

Do you need pet sitting services?

Other pet services you need:

Do you need dog walking services?

Do you need childcare services?

How many kids need care?

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Pet Sitting Pay Rates Petersburg, VA, United States (Updated 16 Feb 2026)

Petersburg pet sitters are paid an average of $13.83 per hour as of February 2026, which is 8.8% lower than the Virginia average of $15.16, and 11.5% lower than the United States average of $15.63. A fair pay rate depends on pet sitter credentials, specific job requirements, and local demand for pet sitting services in Petersburg.
Location Avg Rate/Hour
Petersburg $13.83
Virginia $15.16
United States $15.63

Rates are calculated weekly from our live member data. Prices are shown in United States dollars (USD). If you republish our rates please credit kidsit.com 😊



Top 10 Tips For Hiring A Pet Boarding Provider

Follow these handy tips for hiring a private pet boarding provider perfect for ensuring your furry family member is safe, happy, and comfortable while you’re away.

1. Check Their Experience

Ask how long they’ve been boarding pets and what kinds of animals they specialize in (dogs, cats, exotics).

2. Verify Training & Certifications

Look for credentials in pet CPR/first aid, animal behavior, or relevant pet care associations.

3. Tour the Boarding Environment

Visit their home or facility to confirm it’s clean, safe, and pet-friendly with secure fencing, proper ventilation, and comfortable spaces.

4. Ask About Daily Care & Routine

Understand how often pets are fed, walked, played with, and allowed outside.

5. Clarify Supervision Levels

Find out if pets are supervised overnight, how often they’re checked on, and how many pets are boarded at once.

6. Review Health & Safety Policies

Confirm vaccination requirements, flea/tick prevention, emergency protocols, and how illness or injuries are handled.

7. Discuss Special Needs Care

Ask if they can handle pets with medical conditions, medications, dietary needs, or anxiety.

8. Check References & Reviews

Read testimonials or speak with past clients to verify reliability and quality of care.

9. Understand Communication Style

Ask if they’ll provide daily updates, photos, or videos while you’re away for peace of mind.

10. Start with a Trial Stay

Book an overnight trial to see how your pet adjusts and how attentive the provider is before committing to a longer trip.


Pet Boarding Provider Interview Questions

Here’s a comprehensive list of interview questions to ask a private pet boarding provider candidate to ensure your pet is safe, happy, and well cared for.

Experience & Background

  • How long have you been providing private pet boarding services?
  • What types of pets do you typically care for?
  • Have you cared for pets with special needs, medical conditions, or behavioral challenges?
  • How many pets do you usually board at one time?

Facility & Environment

  • Can I tour the boarding area before making a decision?
  • Are the spaces secure, escape-proof, and climate-controlled?
  • Do pets have access to both indoor and outdoor areas?
  • How do you handle cleaning and sanitation?

Daily Routine & Care

  • What does a typical day look like for pets in your care?
  • How often do pets eat, exercise, and receive playtime or socialization?
  • Do you provide individual attention or mostly group activities?
  • Are you able to follow special feeding or exercise routines for specific pets?

Health & Safety

  • Are pets required to have up-to-date vaccinations and flea/tick prevention?
  • Are you trained in pet CPR and first aid?
  • How do you handle emergencies, illnesses, or injuries?
  • Do you administer medications or special treatments if needed?

Communication

  • How do you update owners during their pet’s stay (texts, calls, photos)?
  • Are you available for real-time updates if there’s a concern?
  • How do you handle special requests from pet owners?

Policies & Pricing

  • What is included in your boarding rates?
  • Are there additional fees for special care, medications, or late pick-ups?
  • What is your cancellation or refund policy?
  • Do you offer trial stays before long-term boarding?

Personality & Fit

  • What do you enjoy most about boarding pets?
  • How do you handle pets that are shy, anxious, or aggressive?
  • Why do you think your boarding style would be a good fit for my pet?