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Cat Mountaineer Kitty Care And Attention
Background Checked
Repeat clients: 7
Response time < 30 mins
Hello,

I'm Dale

A cat sitter in Santa Cruz, CA

5.00/5.00
Exceptional
17 REVIEWS

You aren't charged until Dale confirms your request. Cancel anytime up to 48 hours before the reservation begins for a 100% refund.

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Over 125,000+ happy kitties serviced on Meowtel

I'm Dale | Cat Sitting in Santa Cruz, CA

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Learn More About Dale

What is your experience with cat sitting, and how long have you been doing it?

I have been a pet sitter one way or another since I first helped a neighbor with her cats, dogs and horses when I was a teenager. I ended up in charge of feeding a houseful of dogs around that same time, and have always been comfortable taking care of and spending time with animals. I'm the one who ends up with a lap full of cats when visiting new houses. I get along fine with people too, but it's easier with cats. In two years working with Meowtel I have enjoyed meeting all the cats in their homes, where they feel most comfortable. I've learned that providing a calm, dependable presence on schedule is as important as cleaning up, and providing toys and meals.

What do you enjoy most about cat sitting?

I enjoy getting to know and spending time with cats. They are honest about their feelings and seldom dissemble, and they find ways to let you know if something needs to be done. Obviously, the best part is when a shy cat takes me into her confidence. Learning how different cats express themselves through unique play styles has made each reservation a learning experience for me.

Do you have kitties yourself? What are their names?

Johnny and Cooper are the two boys who are close to ten years old. They used to be rambunctious but now they prefer a good book and a lap to playing cat parkour on the living room walls; they have been joined by two sweet young girls, Pixie and Cloudy, who are parkour experts and champions at acorn hockey. The girls came recently from the shelter and still seem to be celebrating being out of a cage, while the gentlemen have suddenly become distinguished observers of all the most dashing cat behavior.

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a cat sitter?

Have a simple care routine with enough resources on hand, expect the cats to be cared for. If they like company, they will have that opportunity; if they don't, they will at least know their needs are being met.

What is your typical process for working with a new cat parent?

The first things is to get to know the cats as individuals: usually that means who hides and who wants to be met. At the same time I like to have a conversation about their preferences, including how they spend their quality time and where they might be found if they like to hide. I learn feeding and cleaning routines, emergency procedures, whether one likes to crouch near the door and make a break for it when the door is opened, anything I will need to be aware of to provide the best service.

How do you ensure the safety & security of the cats and the home while cat sitting?

I make sure to keep doors and windows in the position they should be in, and remain alert to the needs the cat is trying to make me aware of. I keep my eyes open for any kind of danger or problem that might develop. I also make sure everything around the house seems normal and undisturbed, the trash can lids stay secured, and doors are locked as usual.

Are you usually available during holidays?

I expect to be available for all holidays unless conditions change.

What is your favorite cat toy?

The wands with a feathered ball or other item dangling from a string. I used to like laser pointers but our cats quickly get bored with them. They also really enjoy when a cell-phone reflects the sunlight and casts a moving bright spot against the wall. Anything that sparks interest or curiosity without posing a danger is good. That's MY favorite. I've found the cats favorite toys to be 1) cardboard boxes, 2) disposable razors, and 3) acorns. I've seen that they are not shy about eating the odd moth or spider that might come along. They would also love to play with and chew on any scrap of plastic wrap or packaging that comes into the house, but I don't play that game.

How do you handle cats that are particularly timid or anxious?

Patience is the most important virtue. I also remain calm and make sure the cat doesn't think I expect them to act in ways they'd prefer not to. I usually just talk to them and try not to overdo the attention when they seem shy. Usually, pretending not to be interested gets them to creep out of hiding, and remaining calm but attentive when they approach works to help them make contact.

Dale's Reviews

Sort by
Attention to Detail
5.0
Communication
5.0
Tidiness
5.0
Bri

Bri

Our cat absolutely loved Dale & we looked forward to the photos and videos Dale sent during visits! There was some pretty rough weather while we were away and Dale was patient and kind while he navigated the traffic and road closure to get to our house in the woods. He also communicated consistently and quickly through the whole experience, which we appreciated so much. We are super grateful to have had Dale take care of our cat during the busy holiday season and would absolutely ask him to come again while we are away.

Meowtel-verified reservation with drop-in visits
December 31, 2025
Alberto

Alberto

Dale helped us with two visits while we were on vacation, and made sure to check their water level and clean their boxes, and sent us photos and videos of the kitties. He is reliable and friendly with the kitties.

Meowtel-verified reservation with drop-in visits
November 5, 2025
Gregor

Gregor

Dale took care of our kitties before, and we were very happy that he could take care of them again during our two week trip. We missed them so much but Dale’s updates and clear love for them made our worries go away. He also administred medications that one of our cats needs without issues.

Meowtel-verified reservation 1+ week long
May 3, 2025
Lily

Lily

Dale was great with our two shy, nervous cats! Both kitties can be anxious when we're away, but they were chipper and relaxed when we came home. Dale was very responsive and shared daily updates about how the cats were doing, along with cutie pictures! I definitely recommend Dale to anyone looking for a reliable, effective cat-sitter.

Meowtel-verified reservation with drop-in visits
July 9, 2024
Gregor

Gregor

Dale was very responsive and our cats quickly warmed up to his calm energy during the meet and greet. He took great care of our cats just as agreed, he was successfully giving one medication, and his updates were prompt and reassuring.

Meowtel-verified reservation with drop-in visits
December 31, 2024
Robynne

Robynne

Dale took the effort to make my shy kitties as comfortable as possible.

Meowtel-verified reservation with drop-in visits
December 8, 2025
Mike

Mike

Meowtel-verified reservation with drop-in visits
December 4, 2025
Mike

Mike

Meowtel-verified reservation with drop-in visits
December 1, 2025
Mike

Mike

Meowtel-verified reservation with drop-in visits
November 29, 2025
Robynne

Robynne

Fantastic care for my shy fur babies.

Meowtel-verified reservation with drop-in visits
October 27, 2025
David

David

Meowtel-verified reservation with drop-in visits
October 20, 2025
Mary

Mary

Meowtel-verified reservation 2+ weeks long
September 24, 2025
Mary

Mary

Meowtel-verified reservation 1+ week long
September 9, 2025
David

David

Meowtel-verified reservation with drop-in visits
June 15, 2025
David

David

Meowtel-verified reservation with drop-in visits
March 28, 2025
Robynne

Robynne

Meowtel-verified reservation 1+ week long
December 23, 2024
Meowtel

Meowtel

Dale is a background-checked cat sitter in the Santa Cruz area. Their profile has been verified and their references have been checked by Meowtel.

May 1, 2024

Dale's Service Area & Rates

  • Meet & Greets
  • Drop-in visits to your home
  • $28.25 / 20min $39.65 / 45min $61.55 / 60min
  • Dale's Holiday Surcharge is 5%
Service Area

Availability

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Unavailable Available
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Always Communicate & Pay Through Meowtel

Doing so helps ensure you receive the benefits of Meowtel's Trust & Safety practices, including quick support from a real human.

Dale's Skills & Services

Transportation

  • Car

Medication Administration

  • Topical Ointments
  • Oral Medication / Pills
  • Inhalers

Each Visit Includes

  • Litter box cleaning
  • Feeding
  • Water refresh
  • A text update with at least 1 photo
  • Playtime and belly rubs

Cancellation Policy

Cat parents may cancel within 24 hours of making their reservation and receive a full refund, and the sitter will not receive any earnings. After the first 24 hours, the following cancellation rules apply:

Cat parents will receive a full refund to their Account Balance if they cancel anytime up to 48 hours before the start date of the reservation, and the sitter will not receive any earnings.

Cat parents will receive a 50% refund, and the sitter will earn 50% of their planned earnings if the cat parent cancels between 24-48 hours of the start of the reservation.

No refund will be issued within 24 hours of the reservation, and the sitter will keep 100% of their planned earnings.

Trust & Safety

Enjoy Meowtel's world-class customer support with every reservation. Our dedicated team is here for you and your cat every step of the way.

If the Meet & Greet isn't the right fit, or if you have any concerns during the reservation, please call 1-844-636-9835 so we can help you re-book with a new sitter.

Washington's Birthday is coming up soon (February 16th). Cat sitters on Meowtel are usually pretty busy, don't forget to book your sitter!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Cruz cat sitting rates will vary based on the pet sitter's experience and the services they offer, but the average price for a cat sitter is $35.00. Prices will also depend on how long your cat needs company for, whether that be a drop-in visit or overnight stay in your home. Cat sitters on Meowtel offer 20, 45, and 60-minute drop-in visits that allow for fully tailored care for your kitties. Your caregiver may also need to charge a little more if they have to travel far, so you can find the best options which are close by.

Every cat sitter on Meowtel completes a background check. Ask your sitter about a free Meet & Greet so you (and your kitties!) can feel comfortable with your sitter before you leave.

Cats are territorial animals and don't do well in new environments. The presence of other cats, dogs, and even birds in kennels or animal hotels cause an immense amount of stress for your kitties. This is why Meowtel was created, so tailored in-home care is brought to you.

We recommend that you book daily visits with your sitter to keep your cats in their routine and to help minimize feline anxiety while you're away.

Each Meowtel cat sitting visit typically includes the whole 9 yards: feeding, refreshing the water bowls, litter box scooping, tidying up, medications, updates with photos, lots of playtime, as well as any special requests you may have. Every kitty is different and that's why sitters on Meowtel offer tailored, in-home services since cats don't do well outside their own homes. Plus, ask your sitter about a free Meet & Greet so you can meet them before you leave to confirm it's a purrfect fit.

Cat Mountaineer Kitty Care And Attention
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