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
Jennifer Morrone
Owner
Jennifer is a native of the Virginia Peninsula and has lived in Newport News all of her life. Her experience as a pet owner began early as there were always a couple of cats in the home when she was growing up. Her knowledge in animal care expanded in the late 80’s when she started working for Value Pet, a local pet store that had several locations across Newport News, Hampton, and the South Side. Eventually, she managed one located near Fort Eustis.
Over the years, Jennifer has been a pet parent for two domestic shorthair Cats, Taffy and Raja; 55 Gallon Fresh Water Tank; a 35 Gallon Salt Water Tank; two Parakeets, Chirp and Tweet; a Rat named Icus; 3 Mice and a 2 Anoles. In 2017 She adopted a Dachshund mix named Hot Sauce from Saver of Souls (SOS) Rescue in Va. Beach. Hot Sauce is the love of her life and her husband knows it.
Jennifer started Critter Sitters and More, LLC in October of 2013 after her beloved cat Raja passed away from kidney failure. Prior to his passing, she had been planning a trip out of town and like many people, she “hired” the neighbor kids to come over and feed the kitties and take care of their needs. However, Raja’s health was deteriorating and she knew that she could not expect the neighbor kid to administer medications, monitor his health and care for his needs. That’s when she decided to find out what other options there were and began researching professional pet sitting. After Raja’s passing Jennifer decided to start own pet sitting business as a way to be around animals again.
In October of 2013 Jennifer started her career as a professional pet sitter. Jennifer manages a team of 5 Critter Care Specialists, actively pet sits, and personally meets with all new families who are looking to book pet sitting and dog walking services with Critter Sitters and More.
In January 2021, she launched the Peninsula Pups Dog Walking Club as a community outreach program of Critter Sitters and More The goal of the Dog Walking Club is to bring dog lovers together in a community atmosphere for exercise, fresh air and to meet new friends. Additionally, the Peninsula Pups Dog Walking Club is a platform to raise awareness and money for local rescues. Continuing education is a high priority for the Critter Sitters Team. Jennifer is a member of the Pet Sitters International (PSI) has earned the designation of Certified Professional Pet Sitter. The entire team maintains their Pet First and CPCR Certification and participates in many of the education programs that PSI offers.
Jennifer produces a monthly podcast “Did Fido Poop Today?” to share what she has learned with other pet lovers.
Currently, Jennifer is certified to teach Pet First Aid and CPCR Instructor through the “Pet Safety Crusader” – Denise Fleck.
Certifications: Pet First Aid & CPCR Instructor, Certified Professional Pet Sitter, and Fear Free Certified
Additional Training: Insulin Administration
PetSit Pro Courses: Rabbit Care; Pet Transportation Tips for Pet Sitters; Winter Tips for Professional Pet Sitters: Administering Medications to Pets Using Fear Free Strategies; Separation Anxiety 101; Preventing Pet Poisoning from Household Products; Tickborne Diseases in Pets; Caring for Kittens; Pet-Care Basics: Dog 101; Pet-Care Basics: 5 Must-Know Pet First Aid Skills; Pet-Care Basics: Cat 101; Cat and Dog Poop 101; Reptile Care for Pet Sitters; Disaster Preparedness for Pet-Care Professionals; Recognizing Symptoms of Pain in Cats; Recognizing the Signs of Cancer in Pets
Let’s meet our Critter Care Team
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 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
Barbara Higgins
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
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.
Additional Training: Insulin Administration
Certifications: Pet First Aid & CPCR – Completed 2023
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
Cassie Diehl
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 2024
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
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 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
Colleen Larkin
Critter Care Specialist
The best part of being a pet sitter is the rewarding opportunity to build close relationships with the pets in our care, ensuring their happiness and well-being while providing peace of mind to their owners.
Certifications: Pet First Aid & CPCR – Completed 2023
Additional Training: Insulin Administration
PetSit Pro Courses: Why Cats Stop Using the Litter Box, Separation Anxiety 101, and Dog Training Basics Every Pet Sitter Should Know; Lost Dog Behavior, Pet Bird Care, Canine Body Language and Play; Defensive Canine Handling; Administering Medications to Pets Using Fear-Free Strategies; Preventing Pet Poisoning from Household Products; What Pet Care Professionals Should Know About Allergic Skin Diseases in Pets; Indoor Activities for Dogs; Enrichment for Small Mammals; Pet-Care Basics: Dog 101; Safety Concerns for Senior Pets — and How to Address Them; Avoiding and Breaking Up Dog Fights
Isabella 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 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
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 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.
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
Leslie Werner
Senior Critter Sitter Specialist
I love being a part of the Critter Sitters team and being ‘Aunty’ to furred, scaled, and feathered pet family members. We build special bonds while walking and playing (not to mention meal and treat time). Purrs, tail wags, and kisses are the best!
Certifications: Pet First Aid & CPCR – Completed 2023
Additional Training: Insulin Administration
PetSit Pro Courses: Canine Body Language and Play; Administering Medications to Pets Using Fear Free Strategies; Separation Anxiety 101; Why Cats Stop Using the Litter Box; Recognizing Symptoms of Pain in Cats; Pet Bird Care; Lost Dog Behavior; Reptile Care for Pet Sitters; Lost Cat Behavior; Learn to speak Dog and Cat, Mini-course on caring for pets with cancer; Canine Defensive Handling; What Pet-Care Professionals Should Know About Allergic Skin Diseases in Pets; Winter Tips for Professional Pet Sitters; Aggressive Cats and How to Handle Them; Preventing Pet Poisoning from Household Products; Indoor Activities for Dogs; A Pet Sitters Guide to Dealing with Pet Loss; Preventing Pet Escapes—A Guide for Professional Pet Sitters; Fish-Care Basics for Pet-Care Professionals; Enrichment for Small Mammals; Safe Pet Sitting in Hot Weather; Dog Training Basics Every Pet Sitter Should Know; Caring for a Pet with Diabetes; Caring for Kittens; Caring for Puppies; Enriching Care for Mobility-Challenged Dogs; Cat and Dog Poop 101; Cat Body Language; Dog Body Language; Caring for Dogs and Cats with Kidney Disease; Pet Dental Hygiene 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.
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 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
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 2020
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
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 2024
Additional Training: Insulin Administration
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
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
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
Suzanne Brown
CRITTER CARE SPECIALIST
The best part of being a Pet Sitter is getting to care for so many great animals. Nothing beats those walk in the door tail wags or meow’s!
Certifications: Pet First Aid & CPCR – Completed 2023
Additional Training: Insulin Administration
PetSit Pro Certificates: Separation Anxiety 101; Why Cats Stop Using the Litter Box; Dog Training Basics Every Pet Sitter Should Know; Cat Body Language; Enrichment for Small Mammals
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