Serious standards for care. Silly levels of love.

Professional, insured pet sitting that keeps your pet’s routine—and your peace of mind—intact.

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Explore all services provided

Cat Sitting

Calm, attentive care designed around your cat’s routine. From feedings and litter maintenance to quiet companionship, I make sure your cat feels secure and comfortable in their own home while you’re away.

Dog Walking

Reliable, structured walks that fit your dog’s energy level and daily routine. Each walk provides exercise, enrichment, and consistency—so your dog stays happy, healthy, and well cared for.

Dog Sits

In-home care that keeps your dog’s routine intact. Whether for the day or overnight, I provide attentive companionship, regular updates, and thoughtful care—so your dog feels safe, relaxed, and at home.

About me

Hi, I'm Carolyn — the heart behind Paws & Protocol

I provide thoughtful, in-home pet sitting designed for calm routines, clear communication, and complete peace of mind.

After hundreds of home visits and years of caring for everything from shy cats to energetic pups, I know how important it is to find someone you truly trust. I treat every home and every animal as if they were my own, honoring the routines, spaces, and personalities that make each home unique.

My story

Professional pet sitting services in the comfort
of your home

Lifelong animal lover turned trusted in-home pet sitter

Based in sunny San Diego, I provide thoughtful, professional pet sitting for people who want absolute peace of mind while they’re away.

My love for animals didn’t start as a side hobby—it’s been a lifelong calling. Over the years, I’ve volunteered with animal sanctuaries around the world, including working alongside dedicated conservationists at cheetah reserves in South Africa.

Those experiences shaped the way I care for animals today: with deep respect for routines, body language, trust, and individuality. Whether I’m caring for a high-energy puppy or a shy senior cat, I bring the same level of attentiveness and calm professionalism to every visit.

What truly sets my approach apart is the personal relationship I build with both pets and their people. I take the time to understand your pet’s unique personality, habits, and needs—because no two animals are the same, and great care is never one-size-fits-all.

Home is not a
single address. It's the feeling of safety, routine, and belonging - wherever you travel
My philosophy

Travel

Over the past five years, during which time I've traveled around the globe as a trusted house sitter, caring for homes and beloved pets while their families were away. That experience shaped how I understand both responsibility and home.

Values

The phrase “This Must Be the Place”—from the Talking Heads song and a longtime personal favorite—captures that belief perfectly. Home isn’t just where you live; it’s where routines are respected and animals feel safe.

Evolution

Today, I’ve turned that experience into a dedicated pet sitting business, serving three West Coast cities I know and love: Seattle, San Francisco, and San Diego. I spend extended, predictable periods of time in each location and accept a limited number of clients per city, allowing me to remain fully present and reliable in every community I serve.

Reliability

Clients often tell me they feel like they’re leaving their pets with a trusted friend, not just a sitter—and that’s exactly the experience I strive to create. I’m fully bonded and insured, reliable, and detail-oriented, with clear communication from start to finish. From consistent routines and home respect to regular updates and photos, I believe professional standards and genuine affection should always go hand in hand.

the person behind the care
services
Empower
Quiet, attentive care
  • Daily litter box maintenance
  • Fresh food, water and treats
  • Play time/socializing
  • Brushing
  • Lots of love and cuddles
  • Medication adminstering if needed
  • 1 or 2 visits a day
  • Daily status updates via text
Reliable walks
  • Dog walks are typically done between the hours of 11 am and 1pm any day Monday-Friday
  • Mid-day dog walks provide exercise, personal attention, and play time.
  • Status updates after each walk via text
In-home care
  • Fresh food, water and treats
  • Play time/socializing
  • Medication administering if needed
  • Typically 1 visit AM and PM
  • Lots of love and cuddles
  • Daily status updates via text
Gentle, detailed care
  • Fresh food & water refreshed
  • Careful feeding according to special diet
  • Cage, enclosure, or habitat checks
  • Interaction and observation
  • Litter box or bedding refresh
  • Daily status updates via text

So How Does it Work?

Simple, thoughtful, and tailored to you and your pet
Contact
1
Step 1 — Let's meet
Meet & Greet
We start with a relaxed, in-person meet and greet so I can get to know you, your home, and your pet’s routines. It’s a chance to ask questions, share details, and make sure everyone feels comfortable from the start.
2
Step 2 — Get Acquainted
Your Pet’s Routine
I take time to learn your pet’s personality, habits, and preferences — from feeding schedules and walks to favorite hiding spots and comfort cues.
3
Step 3 — Care in Action
While You’re Away
During each visit, I follow your pet’s routine closely, care for your home, and provide regular updates so you can travel with peace of mind.
4
Step 4 — Welcome Home
Seamless Return
You come home to a happy pet and a well-cared-for space. I’m always available for follow-up questions or future visits — care doesn’t end when the trip does.
vision
My vision

To redefine pet sitting as a trusted, in-home partnership — where animals feel safe, routines are honored, and every home is treated with the care it deserves.

Carolyn out and about in past sits, while in her free time may be found with an over-sized cup of tea or enjoying nature on one of her many hikes

— where care drives change.

Client Reviews

"Carolyn is amazing! From the moment she met Max, I knew he was in great hands. She keeps me updated with photos and little notes about his day — it feels like she’s part of the family."

Sophie L., San Diego
Company name

"I travel frequently for work, and having Carolyn take care of Bella gives me complete peace of mind. She’s punctual, organized, and incredibly attentive to every detail of her care. I wouldn’t trust anyone else."

Mark T., San Francisco
Company name

"Carolyn’s experience traveling and caring for pets everywhere really shows. Even though she splits her time between cities, she always arrives on schedule, knows exactly what my dog needs, and treats our home with respect."

Jessica P., Seattle
Company name
FAQ's
How do you manage serving multiple cities while still being reliable?
Are you bonded and insured?
What types of pets do you care for?
How do you ensure pets feel comfortable with you?
Do you offer overnight or extended care?
locations
Select from a dropdown to view location details

San Diego

Calm, in-home care

Based in sunny San Diego, I offer calm, attentive in-home care rooted in consistency and routine. Whether you’re near the coast or tucked into a quiet neighborhood, your pets receive thoughtful, reliable care in the place they’re most comfortable — home.

Seattle

Thoughtful, in-home care

In Seattle, care is unhurried and attentive, shaped by a deep appreciation for routine and comfort. I support pets through daily walks, cozy downtime, and consistent schedules — rain or shine — so they feel secure while you’re away.

San Francisco

Consistent, in-home care

In San Francisco, I provide dependable, detail-oriented pet sitting designed for city living. From neighborhood walks to quiet evenings in, I focus on maintaining your pet’s familiar rhythm while treating your home with the utmost respect.

Areas of Service

Feel free to inquire if you don't see your area listed below, as I am currently expanding to several new areas!
San Diego
Hillcrest | Mission Hills | Banker’s Hill |North Park | South Park | Golden Hill | University Heights | Cortez Hill | Point Loma
Seattle
Fremont | Ballard | Capitol Hill | Queen Anne  
San Francisco
Marina| Nob Hill | Noe Valley

Let's get in touch!

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