Meet the Team
Meet Our Team of Critter Care Specialists
We are more than pet lovers; each team member has extensive experience in pet care, and are truly professionals in the field of Pet Sitting. Our Critter Care Specialists pass a thorough background check, as well as being vetted for their approach to animals and their care. All of our Critter Care Specialists are trained in Pet CPR and First Aid.
Each of our our pet families will have two pet sitters reserved for their pets. Prior to the first appointment, we schedule an in home visit with both of your sitters. We do this so you and your pets will be comfortable with the sitter and you will have a backup in case of a sitter emergency or illness.
Meet Our Owner
Jessica Rupe
Owner
Hi, my name is Jessica Rupe, and I’m the owner and operator of Critter Sitters and More. Caring for animals has been a central part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I’m proud to bring years of professional experience, education, and genuine passion into the care of your pets.
Before aquiring Critter Sitters and More, I had already spent seven successful years owning and operating Fuzzy Butts Pet Services in Virginia, where I continue to maintain a trusted reputation for dependable, compassionate pet care. That experience shaped the values that guide this business today—reliability, clear communication, attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to animal well-being.
We proudly care for a wide variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, guinea pigs, hamsters, bunnies, hermit crabs, fish, koi ponds, and many other small pets and critters. From traditional household pets to more specialized care needs, our services are designed to keep animals comfortable, safe, and stress-free in their own environment.
I hold an undergraduate degree in Biology from Christopher Newport University, as well as a master’s degree in Secondary Education. Prior to returning full-time to pet care, I spent six years as a high school science teacher. My background in science and education provides a strong foundation in animal health, behavior, and environmental needs, while also reinforcing the importance of organization, observation, and individualized care.
While I remain closely involved in overseeing operations, Critter Sitters and More is supported by a highly educated and trained team of dedicated pet care professionals. My team handles the bulk of our day-to-day pet sitting services and is carefully selected, thoroughly trained, and held to the same high standards of care that I’ve built my career on. Together, the team treats every pet as if they were their own, ensuring consistent, attentive, and compassionate care at every visit.
Family is at the heart of everything I do. I’m blessed with a wonderful husband, two amazing young children, and a home full of love—and fur. Our family includes Baxter, our sweet beagle mix, and Miss Kitty, our feisty tuxedo cat who keeps everyone on their toes. Being a pet parent myself, I truly understand the trust it takes to leave your animals in someone else’s care, and that trust is something our entire team takes very seriously.
At Critter Sitters and More, our goal is simple: to provide reliable, professional, and loving care that gives pet owners peace of mind and pets the comfort of staying in their own home. Whether you’re traveling, working long hours, or simply need extra support, you can feel confident knowing your pets are in experienced, capable, and caring hands.
Let’s meet our Critter Care Team
Andrea Dygert
Critter Care Specialist
I wanted to be a Pet Sitter because I have loved animals for as long as I can remember and the thought of being able to spend time with and loving on them for a job sounded amazing! I love getting to know the personality and quirks of each animal I meet and am happy to help give pet owners peace of mind while they are away.
Certifications: Certifications: Pet First Aid & CPCR – Completed July 2025
Additional Training: Better Never Bitten webinar by Clever Critters
PetSit Pro Courses: Cat Body Language; Dog Body Language; Cat and Dog Poop 101; Avoiding and Breaking Up Dog Fights; Reptile Care for Pet Sitters; Dog Training Basics Every Pet Sitter Should Know; Indoor Activities for Dogs; Lost Dog Behavior; Lost Cat Behavior
Annette Pedersen
Senior Critter Care Specialist
I love being a Critter Care Specialist because I love interacting with the animals and being able to provide the pet parents piece of mind that their pets are being well loved and care for while they are away
Certifications: Pet First Aid & CPCR – Completed May 2024
Additional Training: Insulin Administration
PetSit Pro Courses: Canine Body Language; Why cats stop using the litter box; Aggressive Cats and How to Handle Them; Customer Service Basics; Pet Bird Care for Pet Sitters; Separation Anxiety 101; Dog Training Basics Every Pet Sitter Should Know; Preventing Pet Poisoning from Household Products; Pet Bird Care for Pet Sitters; How to Encourage Playtime in Cats; Pet-Care Basics: Dog 101; Pet-Care Basics: Cat 101; Safe Pet Sitting in Hot Weather; Pet-Care Basics: 5 Must-Know Pet First Aid Skills; Recognizing the Signs of Cancer in Pets; Pet Transportation Tips for Pet Sitters; Lost Dog Behavior; Fish-Care Basics for Pet-Care Professionals; Reptile Care for Pet Sitters; Avoiding and Breaking Up Dog Fights; Canine Defensive Handling for Pet-Care Professionals; Caring for a Pet with Cancer; What Pet-Care Professionals Should Know About Heartworm and Chagas Disease; Lost Cat Behavior; Winter Tips for Professional Pet Sitters; Safety Concerns for Senior Pets — and How to Address Them; A Pet Sitter’s Guide to Administering Medication
Barbara Higgins
Senior Critter Care Specialist
The best part of being a pet sitter is loving on all the pets I get to care for.
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Additional Training: Insulin Administration
PetSit Pro Courses: Dog Training Basics; Aggressive Cats and How to Handle Them
Barbara C Miller
Critter Care Specialist
The best part of being a pet sitter is being able to love on all the pets and get some loving back.
Certifications: Pet First Aid & CPCR – Completed November 14th, 2025
PetSit Pro Courses: To be added.
Bella Goglia
Critter Care Specialist
I love being a part of the Critter Sitters & More team because I get to take a break from my chaotic job and go love on other animals. I have a rescue chihuahua named Stitch whom I love very much and who has made me aware of the healing powers and peaceful presence our pets give us after a long day. My goal is for owners to feel this same peace when I am caring for their animals.
Certifications: Pet First Aid & CPCR
Additional Training: To be added.
PetSit Pro Courses: Cat and Dog Poop 101; Cat Body Language
Bella Strom
Critter Care Specialist
I wanted to be a pet sitter because I have always loved animals and the idea that i get to make money just hanging out with them sounded like a dream come true. So far that’s exactly what it’s been 🙂
Certifications: Pet First Aid & CPCR – Completed June 2024
Additional Training: Insulin Administration
PetSit Pro Courses: Canine Body Language; Why cats stop using the litter box; Reptile Care for Pet Sitters; Recognizing Symptoms of Pain in Cats; Avoiding and Breaking Up Dog Fights; Pet Bird Care for Pet Sitters; Lost Dog Behavior; Lost Cat Behavior; Safety Concerns for Senior Pets — and How to Address Them; Aggressive Cats and How to Handle Them; Enrichment for Small Mammals; Cat Body Language; Dog Body Language; Pet Dental Hygiene 101; Indoor Activities for Dogs; Training Techniques for Better Dog Walks
Brook Graves
Senior Critter Care Specialist
I wanted to be a pet sitter because i know what a relief it is to know your pet is cared for while you’re away.
Certifications: Pet First Aid & CPCR – Renewed September 1st 2025
Additional Training: Insulin Administration; Better Never Bitten webinar by Clever Critters
PetSit Pro Courses: Indoor activities for dogs; Canine body language and play; Why cats stop using the litter box; Separation anxiety 101; Dog training every pet sitter should know; Rabbit nutrition and proper care; Aggressive cats and how to handle them; Master class on feline behavior; Pet bird care for pet sitters; How to encourage playtime in cats; Preventing pet poisoning from household products; Reptile care for pet sitters; Winter tips for professional pet sitters; Recognizing symptoms of pain in cats; Enrichment for small mammals; Safe pet sitting in hot weather; Pet-Care Basics: Dog 101; Pet-Care Basics: Cat 101; Recognizing the Signs of Cancer in Pets; What Pet Sitters Should Know About Caring for Chickens and Goats; Pet Transportation Tips for Pet Sitters; A Pet Sitter’s Guide to Meeting Cats and Dogs; Bird-Care Basics for Pet-Care Professionals; Canine Defensive Handling for Pet-Care Professionals; Preventing Pet Escapes—A Guide for Professional Pet Sitters; Avoiding and Breaking Up Dog Fights
Cassie Diehl
Senior Critter Care Specialist
I love being a pet sitter because I have an abundance of love for animals of all kinds. With that passion, I get to help care for pets while their owners are away or unable to. Being able to help ease the mind of the owner and make the pet comfortable and happy give me happiness as well! Good feels all around <3
Certifications: Pet First Aid & CPCR – Completed October 2024
Additional Training: Better Never Bitten webinar by Clever Critters
PetSit Pro Courses: Dog 101; Cats 101; Pet Dental Hygiene 101; Canine Body Language and Play; Pet-Care Basics: 5 Must-Know Pet First Aid Skills; Separation Anxiety 101; Administering Medications to Pets Using Fear Free Strategies; Cat and Dog Poop 101; Canine Defensive Handling for Pet-Care Professionals; Caring for a Pet with Diabetes; Recognizing Symptoms of Pain in Cats; Safe Pet Sitting in Hot Weather; Safety Concerns for Senior Pets — and How to Address Them; Caring for Dogs and Cats with Kidney Disease; Reptile Care for Pet Sitters; Bird-Care Basics for Pet-Care Professionals; A Pet Sitter’s Guide to Meeting Cats and Dogs; What Pet-Care Professionals Should Know About Allergic Skin Diseases in Pets; What Pet Sitters Should Know About Dog Breeds; Training Techniques for Better Dog Walks; Winter Tips for Professional Pet Sitters
Clayton Cooper
Critter Care Specialist
I enjoy the opportunity to meet and hangout with all types of animals and to help their people feel like their animals are safe and content while they are away.
Certifications: Pet First Aid & CPCR – Completed June 2024
Additional Training: Insulin Administration
PetSit Pro Courses: Canine Body Language and Play; Why cats stop using the litter box; Reptile Care for Pet Sitters; Pet Bird Care for Pet Sitters; Customer Service Basics; Separation Anxiety 101; Dog Training Basics Every Pet Sitter Should Know; Administering Medications to Pets Using Fear Free Strategies; Preventing Pet Poisoning from Household Products, Fish Care Basics; What pet-care professionals should know about allergic diseases in pets; A pet sitter’s guide to dealing with pet loss; Pet transportation tips for pet sitters; Basic Pet Grooming for Professional Pet Sitters; Recognizing Symptoms of Pain in Cats; Lost Dog Behavior; Aggressive Cats and How to Handle Them; Safety Concerns for Senior Pets — and How to Address Them; Indoor Activities for Dogs; Enrichment for Small Mammals; Caring for Kittens; Preventing Pet Escapes—A Guide for Professional Pet Sitters; Caring for Puppies; What Pet Sitters Should Know About Caring for Chickens and Goats; Common Undesirable Behaviors in Cats; Cat Body Language; Enriching Care for Mobility-Challenged Dogs; Bird-Care Basics for Pet-Care Professionals; Cat and Dog Poop 101; A Pet Sitter’s Guide to Meeting Cats and Dogs
Eva Klenner
Critter Care Specialist
I have been raising puppies for Guiding Eyes for the Blind for more than 10 years and got certified as a trainer. I love everything about dogs and the best part of being a Pet Sitter is that we make dogs happy one walk at a time!
Certifications: TBA
Additional Training: Insulin Administration
PetSit Pro Courses: TBA
Gianna Capozzoli
Critter Care Specialist
The best part of being a pet sitter is building trust with both pets and their owners. I love getting to know each pet’s unique personality and making sure they feel safe, comfortable, and well-cared for while their family is away.
Certifications: TBA
Additional Training: TBA.
PetSit Pro Courses: Cat Body Language; Dog Body Language; Cat and Dog Poop 101; Fish Care Basics for Pet-Care Professionals; 5 Must-Know Pet First Aid Skills
John McNeile
Critter Care Specialist
I wanted to be a pet sitter because I love animals of all varieties. I love learning about new furry, scaly, or feathered friends. It’s a pleasure to know we get to look after and care for another person’s pet. It’s awesome to let families know that their pet will get warmth, care, and affection while their away.
Certifications: Pet First Aid & CPCR – Completed June 2024
Additional Training: Insulin Administration
PetSit Pro Courses: Bird Care; Why Cats Stop Using the Litter Box; Separation Anxiety 101; Dog Training Basics Every Pet Sitter Should Know; Reptile Care; Fish Care; Pet Poisoning Prevention
Kaytlynn Lesoine
Admin Support
Being part of the Critter Sitters admin support team has been so much fun. I love being part of this very amazing team and that we are able to help pet parents with their pet sitting needs.
Additional Training: Better Never Bitten webinar by Clever Critters
PetSit Pro Courses: Canine Body Language and Play; Customer Service Basics; Lost Dog Behavior; Lost Cat Behavior; Pet-Sitter Strategies for Preventing Insurance Claims; Indoor Activities for Dogs; Recognizing Symptoms of Pain in Cats; A Pet Sitter’s Guide to Dealing with Pet Loss; Why Cats Stop Using the Litter Box; Cat and Dog Poop 101; Caring for Dogs and Cats with Kidney Disease; Preventing Pet Poisoning from Household Products; Aggressive Cats and How to Handle Them; Caring for Pets with Thyroid Disease; A Pet Sitter’s Guide to Administering Medication
Lauren Dowrey
Critter Care Specialist
I love being a part of the Critter Sitters and More Team because my family and I love our pets, and there truly isn’t an animal I am not drawn to connect with. I look forward to opportunities for furry cuddles with new friends!
Certifications: To be added.
PetSit Pro Courses: Cat Body Language; Dog Body Language; Cat and Dog Poop 101
Lisa Hansen
Administrative assistant
I am so happy to be part of the amazing Critter Sitters and More team. They truly love what they do and understand the importance of putting their clients at ease with the top notch care they give every pet.
PetSit Pro Courses: Lost Dog Behavior
Mary DiGiusto
Critter Care Specialist
I love being a team member with Critter Sitters and More because it allows me to meet all kinds of amazing pets and give them love and care when their human families are away. The love they return makes my visits so rewarding for all of us.
Certifications: Pet First Aid & CPCR – Completed May 2024
Additional Training: Insulin Administration
PetSit Pro Certificates: Canine Body Language and Play; Administering Medications; Dog Training Basics Every Pet Sitter Should Know; Pet Bird Care for Pet Sitters; Rabbit Care; Administering Med’s to Pets Using Fear Free Strategies; Separation Anxiety 101; Why Cats Stop Using the Litter Box; Reptile Care; Learn to Speak Dog and Cat; Lost Cat Behavior, Lost Dog Behavior; Avoiding and Breaking Up Dog Fights; Indoor Activities for Dogs; Safety Concerns for Senior Pets – and How to Address Them; Preventing Pet Poisoning from Household Products; Tickborne Diseases in Pets; Safe Pet Sitting in Hot Weather; Caring for a Pet with Diabetes; Caring for Puppies; Cat and Dog Poop 101; 5 Must-Know Pet First Aid Skills; Canine Defensive Handling for Pet-Care Professionals; A Pet Sitter’s Guide to Dealing with Pet Loss; Recognizing Symptoms of Pain in Cats; Fish-Care Basics for Pet-Care Professionals; Enrichment for Small Mammals; Common Undesirable Behaviors in Cats; Aggressive Cats and How to Handle Them; A Pet Sitters Guide to Administering Medications
Megan McElrath
Critter Care Specialist
The best part of being a Critter Sitter is getting tail wags, happy purrs, and slobbery kisses while knowing I’m making pets feel loved and their humans feel at ease! 🐶🐱💖 Every day brings new paws, personalities, and plenty of joy — and I wouldn’t trade it for anything! 🐾✨
Certifications: To Be Added
PetSit Pro Certificates: Dog Body Language; Cat Body Language; Cat and Dog Poop 101
Michelle (Shelly) Dana
Critter Care Specialist
I wanted to be a pet sitter because I love animals and enjoy spending time with them. I am responsible and dependable, and I want to help pet owners feel at ease when they’re away.
Certifications: To Be Added
PetSit Pro Certificates: Cat Body Language; Dog Training Basics Every Pet Sitter Should Know; Cat 101
Morgan Gowdey
Critter Care Specialist
I love being a part of the Critter Sitters and More Team because I love getting to know & spend time with animals. Animals have always been a huge passion of mine ever since I was a child.
I have always been huge into animal rescue. I have 1 dog & 2 cats which are all rescues. I have been involved in numerous animal rescue organizations over the years. This includes fostering dogs & cats, volunteering for fundraisers & events, rescuing animals in the field, and donating supplies to specific rescue organizations.
The best part of being a pet sitter is being able to spend time with animals while giving loving, trusted care to my clients’ pets while they are away.
Certifications: To Be Added
PetSit Pro Certificates: TBA.
Raegan Creekmur
Critter Care Specialist
I wanted to be a pet sitter because I love animals and want to make sure they are comfortable and happy as possible while their parents are away! I aspire to be a veterinary technician, and starting as a pet sitter is an amazing step into the animal care industry. I love getting to know and spending time with new animals to understand each animals specific needs to make sure they are safe and healthy!!
Certifications: Certifications: Pet First Aid & CPCR – Completed June 2025
PetSit Pro Courses: Cat Body Language; Dog Body Language; Caring for a Pet with Diabetes
Sharon Kressin
Critter Care Specialist
Years ago I prayed to have a job that included animals. Being hired at Critter Sitters was the answer to that prayer. To say I LOVE animals is an understatement. It’s more like they are ADORED, and being able to serve them and their owners is a blessing.
Certifications: Pet First Aid & CPCR – Completed June 2024
PetSit Pro Courses: Canine Body Language and Play; Why Cats Stop Using the Litter Box; Rabbit Nutrition; Rabbit First Aid Part 1 & 2; Lost Cat Behavior; Administering Medications to Pets Using Fear Free Strategies; Aggressive Cats and How to Handle Them; Enrichment for Small Mammals; Pet-Care Basics: Cat 101; What Pet-Care Professionals Should Know About Allergic Skin Diseases in Pets; Caring for a Pet with Diabetes; Recognizing Symptoms of Pain in Cats; Caring for Kittens; Canine Defensive Handling for Pet-Care Professionals; Canine Defensive Handling for Pet-Care Professionals; Cat and Dog Poop 101; Caring for Dogs and Cats with Kidney Disease; Pet-Care Basics: 5 Must-Know Pet First Aid Skills; Recognizing the Signs of Cancer in Pets; Pet Transportation Tips for Pet Sitters; Cat Body Language; Dog Body Language; Preventing Pet Poisoning from Household Products; Bird-Care Basics for Pet-Care Professionals; A Pet Sitter’s Guide to Meeting Cats and Dogs; A Pet Sitter’s Guide to Administering Medication; Assessing a Pet’s Health at the Pet-Sitting Visit!
Stephanie Thompson
Senior Critter Care Specialist
I am a lover of animals both big and small and our family currently has three rescues living with us: Thelma (hound), Astrid (pocket pit), and Luna (grand-cat). Being a critter sitter allows me to interact with a variety of wonderful pets and to give the fur parents peace of mind. What a perfect job!
Certifications: Pet First Aid & CPCR – Completed June 2024
Additional Training: Insulin Administration, Better Never Bitten webinar by Clever Critters
PetSit Pro Certificates: Canine Body Language and Play; Why Cats Stop Using the Litter Box; Administering Medications to Pets Using Fear Free Strategies; Indoor Activities for Dogs; Preventing Pet Escapes – A Guide for Professional Pet Sitters; Avoiding and Breaking Up Dog Fights; Cat Body Language; Winter Tips for Professional Pet Sitters; Recognizing Symptoms of Pain in Cats; Reptile Care for Pet Sitters; Safe Pet Sitting in Hot Weather; Canine Defensive Handling for Pet-Care Professionals; Finding Cats Hiding in the Home
Susan Nadeau
OPERATIONS SUPPORT
I am so blessed in my experience as a professional pet sitter, providing loving and reliable care for all types of furry (feathery & scaley) friends. My commitment is to keeping your pets happy and comfortable in their own home while you’re away, treating them like the cherished family members they are. My role in Operations also allows me serve our pet families; from your first inquiry through the end of your trip, I am ensuring the best care standards and processes are achieved for your loved ones.
Certifications: Pet First Aid & CPCR – Completed 2024
Additional Training: Insulin Administration, Better Never Bitten webinar by Clever Critters
PetSit Pro Certificates: Winter Tips for Professional Pet Sitters; Pet-Sitter Strategies for Preventing Insurance Claims; Canine Body Language and Play; Why Cats Stop Using the Litter Box; Pet Bird Care for Pet Sitters; Separation Anxiety 101; Reptile Care for Pet Sitters; Dog Training Basics Every Pet Sitter Should Know, A Pet sitter’s Guide to Dealing with Pet Loss; Administering Medications to Pets Using Fear Free Strategies; Lost Dog Behavior; Preventing Pet Poisoning from Household Products; Lost Cat Behavior; Indoor Activities for Dogs; Preventing Pet Escapes; Aggressive Cats and How to Handle Them; Safe Pet Sitting in Hot Weather; Canine Defensive Handling for Pet-Care Professionals; Enrichment for Small Mammals; Recognizing Symptoms of Pain in Cats; Fish-Care Basics for Pet-Care Professionals; Avoiding and Breaking Up Dog Fights; Caring for Kittens; Safety Concerns for Senior Pets — and How to Address Them; Caring for Puppies; Cat and Dog Poop 101; Pet-Care Basics: 5 Must-Know Pet First Aid Skills; Dog Body Language; Pet Transportation Tips for Pet Sitters; Cat Body Language; Training Techniques for Better Dog Walks; Caring for a Pet with Diabetes; A Pet Sitter’s Guide to Meeting Cats and Dogs; Caring for a Pet with Cancer; What Pet Sitters Should Know About Dog Breeds; Tickborne Diseases in Pets; Assessing a Pet’s Health at the Pet-Sitting Visit; A Pet Sitter’s Guide to Administering Medication; Common Undesirable Behaviors in Cats
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