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If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
CURRENTLY BOOKED THROUGH
SEPTEMBER 2026
I graduated from Northwestern University and worked in the corporate environment for 20 years. After both my children entered school, I wanted a career which combined my love for the outdoors with my passion for animals. That is how I chose pet sitting and pet care as my career of choice. Over the years, my business has developed from part time job to a full time Professional Pet Care Provider career. I am Red Cross Certified in Dog/Cat CPR and Pet Emergency First Aid. I am also insured through Pet Sitters Associates LLC.
My love for animals is simply a huge part of who I am. I also do volunteer work & foster for Animal Rescue & Foster of Greensboro, NC. Rest assured... I am also insured through the Pet Sitter Association. As you can see, I am also background checked through Thumbtack. You need someone who is mature, responsible and flexible. I work with my customer's and their pet's needs. I also provide daily status reports via text with photos of your pet(s). I give each animal the specialized love and attention as if they were my own. I have over 20+ years of experience in the pet sitting, equestrian care and dog walking business.
I love working with pets of all sizes, types and temperament. My best days are getting out, getting physical exercise, caring for other people's pet families and making sure their pets get the ultimate in loving care when my customers can't be home.
**At time of Meet & Greet” proof of current vaccination is required. If your pets are not vaccinated- I shall not take the position**
Please note: There is an additional charge for major Holidays.
Overview
Hired 32 times
23 similar jobs done near you
Background checked
1 employee
25 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash and Check.
Services offered
Type of animal
Dog
Cat
Fish
Bird
Requested services
Giving food and water
Taking pet outside
Providing companionship
Changing litter or bedding
Work location
I travel to my customers
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for responsiveness, professionalism, and work quality.
Excellent 4.9
19 reviews
5
95%
4
5%
3
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2
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1
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Read reviews that mention:
Laurie O.
Nov 30, 2020
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Hired on Thumbtack
Joan took care of our babies as if they were her own. She was a godsend over the holiday. She was hired to take care of our 2 dogs and our cat for 4 days, 3 visits a day. She was always on schedule and sent photos of each visit. She took care of Bella and contacted us when she was showing signs of separation anxiety. We could not have asked for more in a human being or a sitter. We will certainly recommend her over and over again. Yeah Joan
Details: Cat • 3 pets • Giving food and water • Taking pet outside • Changing litter or bedding • Providing exercise • Standard visit (60 minutes) • Three times a day • My home, venue, etc.
Pet Sitting
Lydia C.
Oct 20, 2021
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Hired on Thumbtack
Joan is wonderful! She is extremely professional, responsive, communicative, and a gentle human being who obviously loves animals. She came to meet my kitties before the actual requested dates so they could get to know her and we could review my cat care needs. She also offered to take care of household items while I was away. Every day she sent me pictures and updates of the cats. She also brought in my mail and watered plants for me. Her cost is very reasonable. Will definitely have her come again!
Details: Cat • 2 pets • Giving food and water • Changing litter or bedding • Dispensing medication • Short visit (30 minutes) • Once a day • My home, venue, etc.
Hounds & Home's reply
Thank you so much Lydia! I loved pet sitting for your sweet fur Babies. It was so nice and care for them again over this past Thanksgiving weekend
Pet Sitting
Emily J.
Jun 30, 2022
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Hired on Thumbtack
I’m always nervous leaving my cats behind (one is blind and tends to get sick from nerves). Joan is Amazing she sent photos and updates everyday. My cats were very comfortable with Joan. It’s easy to see she loves cats and in return my cats loved her. My nervous cat was calm and didn’t get sick! It’s so hard for me to leave my precious kitties behind but with Joan it’s so much easier! I know she is taking care of them as if they are her own. I couldn’t ask for more than that! I completely trust her with my cats she is great!
Details: Cat • 2 pets • Giving food and water • Changing litter or bedding • Short visit (30 minutes) • Two times a day • My home, venue, etc.
Hounds & Home's reply
Thank you so very much for your glowing review, Emily. It was truly my pleasure caring for your sweet fur babies. I can tell that they are loved so completely and unconditionally. On my last visit, I was actually feeling sad that our time had come to an end. Your two cats quickly snuck into my heart! When you told me that you may be needing my service again, it instantly lifted my spirits knowing that I shall be able to care for them & we’d have more play time together. Thank you for being such a sweet and caring Cat Mom!
Pet Sitting
Deana G.
Apr 28, 2022
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Hired on Thumbtack
Joan is an incredible pet sitter! She watched our 17 year old dog while we were away and was the most caring, thoughtful and communicative pet sitter ever!
Before we left for our trip she came to meet us and saw that our girl has trouble on the hardwood floors and made a wonderful recommendation that has made a huge improvement in her quality of life.
While we were on vacation, she texted us with updates, sent frame worthy pictures and took care of everything while we were away. We could tell our girl was loved while in her care.
Joan is the absolute best!
Details: Dog • 1 pet • Providing companionship • Taking pet outside • Giving food and water • Dispensing medication • Standard visit (60 minutes) • Three times a day • My home, venue, etc.
Pet Sitting
Joanne I.
Jun 27, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack
Joan was the best. She took care of my kitties over a few days. Loved the pictures and I felt very comfortable and worry free with her being there. I would highly recommend her for pet care.
Details: Cat • 4 pets • Giving food and water • Changing litter or bedding • Dispensing medication • Short visit (30 minutes) • I'm flexible • My home, venue, etc.
Pet Sitting
Credentials
Background Check
Joan Ribarchik
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I am new to the area- part of my fee is dependent on travel and distance to each job. Please, understand my pricing is flexible until I get to know the Greensboro area better and can better estimate travel expenses to and from each location to where I am providing services- thank you!
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
After a customer has expressed an interest in my services, a personal face to face meeting with them and their pets is a must. It ensures that there is a chemistry between their little (or big) loved ones and myself which they get to see. This is huge when you are entrusting the care of your pets with someone you have never met before.
I have a check list of questions which we go over so I am informed about their requirements and ask if there are any additional items they need or concerns they may have. I let them know that we will be in daily contact- wether it's a simple dog walking job or an extended vacation.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
After graduating from Northwestern, I had worked in a corporate environment for over 17 years. I was fortunate enough to be able to become a stay at home mom after having our second child. Then when my children were both in school, I knew I wanted to return to work but wanted a more flexible and active career choice. I have always loved animals and being outdoors so I knew pet sitting and dog walking would be a career path which would be a perfect fit for my future. I began my pet sitting, equestrian care and house sitting service in 2001 and have never doubted this was the perfect career choice for me! I’ve recently relocated to Greensboro and look forward to the experience of discovering North Carolina!
