Personalized,
in-home
pet-sitting,
dog-walking,
and
house-sitting
in Chico, CA.
Completely reliable pet care from people who will LOVE your animals.
Heather Boyd
Animal Support Person
(530) 321-3926
[email protected]
“Heather is a wonderful pet-sitter. My three cats love her visits, and I feel safe leaving our pets in her care. She always takes the time to send texts and photos, to show me how my cats are doing. I wholeheartedly recommend her.”- Quincy, Milo, and Liams’ mom
“We loved working with Heather! She is completely reliable and flexible to accommodate your pet. My French bulldog, Theo, who can be a little stubborn, looked forward to his daily walks with her. Heather also provided overnight care for Theo while we were traveling. I would absolutely recommend her.”- Theo’s mom
Hello, pet parents!
Bubba Love’s mission is to provide reliable, thoughtful, and nurturing care to pets, and give peace of mind to their people. I am a certified professional pet-sitter, and member of Pet Sitters International. I am insured and bonded, and licensed in Butte county. I am also certified in Pet First Aid.
How can I help?
Loving care for Bubba in your home when you need it. From 20-minute check-ins, to overnight stays, we’ve got you covered!
Bubbas who need exercise and enrichment can have walks in their neighborhood, for 30, 45 or 60 minutes.
You can leave town, knowing your pets and home are safe and sound. Special rates for no-pet households!
Are you a pet care professional, or a volunteer at an animal shelter or rescue organization? We appreciate you! We offer a 10% discount to anyone working in pet care in our area. If that’s you, please let us know when you book, so we can apply your discount.
Thanks for all you do!
“Heather has been walking my 115-pound puppy for more than a year. She has shown nothing but kindness, and is alert to any potential problems when out in the world with him. He’s always excited to see her, and I really couldn’t be happier with her very professional services - from her punctuality to her prompt communication regarding anything out of the ordinary with Luigi during his walks. I highly recommend her to handle any animal in any situation.”- Luigi’s mom
Luigi
Does your pet have special needs?
Every animal in our care has their particular needs and preferences. I give special attention to those with challenges due to age or health issues. Let me know how I can be your Animal Support Person!
“Heather showers my Poppy and Daisy with love, kindness, and patience. As my senior pup Daisy aged and became more feeble (but still loved walks), Heather would pick her up and carry her home for the last few blocks. Feisty little Poppy is very needy and attention-seeking, but Heather always gives her plenty of attention and cuddles. Whether it’s afternoon walks, or overnights when I’m traveling, I have 100% confidence that my dogs are happy, safe, and lovingly cared for.”-Poppy and Daisy's mom
Poppy & Daisy,
AKA “the Sweeties”
”As a mom of 3 kitties, 2 of whom have special needs, I had a lot of anxiety leaving my fur babies for any length of time. Heather was so caring and accepting of Cheddar and Brie’s mobility issues. She would always check in prior to my trip to see that all was okay. I would get multiple pictures and texts for each visit in a very timely manner, putting my mind at ease. She would go above and beyond cleaning up accidents, taking the trash out, and even cleaning up an ant infestation one time. I would always return home to healthy and happy kitties. My cats loved her, and I could tell she genuinely cared for them. I cannot recommend her highly enough! “-Cheddar, Brie, and Max’s mom
Cheddar, Brie, and Max
Here are a few of my animal friends!
See more Bubba photos in the
Bubba Love Pet Sitting is a solo operation for now, with my husband, Greg, as my business partner and back-up person. (He’s wonderful with animals, too!)
If you work in pet care in Chico, or elsewhere in Butte county, I would love to meet you! There are always more animals who need care, and never enough people to care for them, and I believe we can be more effective if we support each other. Please feel free to reach out, tell me what you do, and how I can help!
Are you a pet care professional, or a volunteer at an animal shelter or rescue organization? We appreciate you! We offer a 10% discount to anyone working in pet care in our area. If that’s you, please let us know when you book, so we can apply your discount.
Thanks for all you do!
(Sugar and me)
My name is Heather Boyd, and I provide personalized, in-home pet-sitting and dog-walking in Chico, CA. I became interested in professional pet-sitting after having a bad experience with some neighbors taking care of my cats while I was on vacation. I know how stressful it can be to leave a beloved pet in someone else’s hands. My mission is to provide peace of mind to people by giving reliable, thoughtful, and nurturing care to their animals.
Certified Professional
Certified in Pet First Aid
Insured and Bonded
Background Check
Great References
Click the logos to see more about these certifications and companies.
I am also a member of Pet Sitters International, a wonderful learning resource and community for pet care professionals, and pet parents. I am certified in Pet First Aid, and as a Professional Pet Sitter, through PSI. The bonding and liability insurance policies for Bubba Love were created specifically for pet sitters and pet owners by the Business Insurers of the Carolinas, who are affiliated with PSI. I can also provide you with background check reports on myself and my husband.
Since moving to Chico in January 2024, I have been volunteering at the Chico Cat Coalition. It is a wonderful place, run entirely by devoted volunteers. Please consider them if you are looking to adopt a cat, or if you know a kitty who needs a new home. We always need donations, too! If you also volunteer at the Chico Cat Coalition, thank you! I offer discounts on all my services to all current CCC volunteers. (Click on the logo to visit CCC’s website.)
I moved from Santa Barbara to Chico with my husband, Greg, at the start of 2024. From May 2022 to the end of 2023, I was fortunate to work for Pet Angels of Santa Barbara, as a pet-sitter, dog-walker, and team manager. Pet Angels’ owners, Raphael and Sylvie Manzetti, have over a decade of experience in pet care, and a loyal clientele. Working with them, I learned the best practices of pet-sitting. More than that, I learned that pet-sitting is something I’m really good at. Helping animals have richer, happier, lives with their people, and easing the minds of pet parents are valuable and fulfilling work for me. I sure do miss all of my Santa Barbara Bubbas!
(That’s my husband Greg with Sugar in the first photo, the rest are me and some of my animal friends in S.B.)
I am also an artist. I made all of the digital drawings you see here using photos of some the beautiful Bubbas in my care. I hope these images show how much I love them. Usually I work in colored pencils, such as this drawing of my cat Quentin. Digital media is new to me, but making a website for my business has given me the motivation and inspiration to learn.
Quentin
What’s
with all the
Bubba talk?
.
Bubba is a term of endearment that I use when talking to any animal. Dogs, cats, fish, birds, goats, rabbits, spiders, butterflies, etc., they’re all Bubba to me. It’s something I didn’t notice about myself until I started pet-sitting. I’ve heard some say ‘Bubba’ or ‘Baby’ or ‘Boo-Boo’ in the same way that others say ‘Sweetie’ or ‘Cutie-Pie’, so I know I’m not alone.
Bubba
What?
Bubba love is a special kind of love. Our animal friends are so important to us, and the relationships we have with our pets can be deeply personal. Caring for Bubba is a huge responsibility, not only because they depend on us for everything they need to have a good life, but also because of how we love them. Bubba love means that or own happiness is tied to Bubba’s well-being. It means that when they are happy and safe, our own sense of peace and security is fortified. Sometimes people find Bubba love to be less complicated, more pure, than human love. I think that Bubba love can make us better humans, too.
Why
A professional pet-sitter can be so much more than someone who feeds the pets and picks up poop while you’re away. A relationship can form between a pet and sitter that is unique, and can provide valuable insight into your Bubba’s health. A good pet-sitter pays attention to changes in a pet’s body, behavior, and environment, and will communicate anything that might be of interest to their person. Professionals also know that caring for animals requires an ongoing learning process, and are willing to do the research and coursework necessary to provide the best care they can. When I’m visiting or walking your pet, I am really engaged with them and their experience. I am not on my phone, except to take photos to send to you. I’m getting to know your Bubba, and the best way to be their friend.
Services
“Heather did a fantastic job for us on multiple occasions. She was amazing with our pride of 6 kitties, and most importantly, she’s reliable! She did a fine job cleaning up any messes, so when we came back from our trips, the house was in good shape. Heather communicates and provides daily updates with great photos. You won’t be disappointed or have any concerns if Heather is pet-sitting for you.”- Nala, Natalie, Harmony, Purrcy, Lily, and Lovey’s mom.
Nala, Natalie, Harmony, Purrcy, Lily, and Lovey
Home Visits
Pets who need house-calls can have visits ranging from 15-minutes to 2-hours. I will come give them dinner, check for messes, scoop litter boxes, give them a potty break, playtime, plus plenty of TLC. I’m also happy to water plants, bring in mail, and pick up waste from your yard. As long as I can do it in the time allowed, and still give Bubba all the attention they need, I can help with household tasks as well. All visits include updates and photos.
Dog Walks
Dogs who need some exercise and enrichment in their day can have walks around your neighborhood for 30, 45, or 60 minutes. If there is a park in your area that they like to go to, I can take them there as well, as long as we can get there safely, and in the scheduled time. I am comfortable walking up to three dogs at a time, provided they are leash-trained, and compatible with each-other. If there are things your dog needs to work on, I’m happy to talk to their trainer about their methods, so Bubba can improve while we’re together. All walks include updates and photos.
Overnight Stays
Going out of town? Your pets can have a fun time with me in their own familiar surroundings while I stay with them in your home. I offer daytime visits at a lower rate, when booked along with overnight stays, so your Bubba will get lots of attention. I will also look after your home, coordinate with housekeepers and gardeners, water plants, bring in mail, take out trash, etc. Pet-free households get a special rate for house-sitting. Book 7 or more nights and get a discount. Book 14 or more nights and get a double discount!
Bubba Love does NOT provide:
Boarding
Day care (in our home)
Veterinary services
Dog training
Group hikes
Grooming (beyond brushing and washing dirty paws)
Are you a pet care professional, or a volunteer at an animal shelter or rescue organization? We appreciate you! We offer a 10% discount to anyone working in pet care in our area. If that’s you, please let us know when you book, so we can apply your discount.
Thanks for all you do!
I know that one size does NOT fit all. No two Bubbas are exactly alike! Each pet has their own particular needs and preferences, as do their people, and my services will be tailored to fit them. If what you need doesn’t quite fit the way we’ve organized things, we can come up with a plan that will.
Some services can be decided on a case-by-case basis, such as pet transportation, giving them medication, and yard clean-up. I have some experience medicating cats and dogs, but I am not a trained veterinarian. I will always be honest with you about my abilities and limitations, and I’m willing to learn new things. I am not any kind of expert on breeds, but I know the basics of Pet First Aid. Most of my experience is with dogs and cats, but I have also cared for ducks, a parrot, and a chinchilla. I love all the Bubbas! I’ve picked up a lot, just from spending time with animals, and with other people who care for them.
Rates
.
Meet & Greets
An initial, in-person meeting is required for all new clients, before booking any services with me. The Meet & Greet is crucial to starting a good relationship with you and your pets, and gives us a chance to talk about what your particular needs are, and what I can do for you. Normally, this takes 30-45 minutes, but can go longer. It’s better not to rush things.
There is a $15 charge for Meet & Greets
The more information you can give me before we meet, the better! Clicking on the New Client Portal is a great way to start. You can create your own secure account, let us know what services you’re interested in and when, and tell us about yourself and your fur family. To have a booking confirmed, a Meet & Greet with you and your pets is required. All new clients must agree to our service contract as well, which you can review when you create a new account. Once you have an account, you can review and update your information, and schedule services online.
If you would rather reach out by text, phone or email, that’s fine! Once I have some basic information, the Meet & Greet is the next step. I use software to keep everything I need to know about clients and their pets organized, available, and secure. The only time you will be required to use it will be to activate your account.
Pet Sitters International provides a great checklist of good questions to ask when hiring a professional pet-sitter. You can read it by clicking the button below.
There is a $15 charge for Meet & Greets
.
Visits
| Visit time | One-Bubba household |
|---|---|
| 15 minutes | $20 |
| 30 minutes | $26 |
| 45 minutes | $32 |
| 1 hour | $38 |
| 2 hours | $64 |
Multi-Bubba households
For each additional cat or small pet, add $4
For each additional dog or large pet, add $8
Walks
| Walk time | One Bubba |
|---|---|
| 30 minutes | $26 |
| 45 minutes | $32 |
| 60 minutes | $38 |
More Bubbas!
For each additional dog, add $8
For additional dog who needs a separate walk or playtime, add $18
.
Overnight Stays
| Duration | One-Bubba household | Two-Bubba household |
|---|---|---|
| 10 hours | $90 | $95 |
| 12 hours | $120 | $125 |
For each additional pet (large or small), add $10.
Take $5 off all daytime visits or walks booked along with overnight stays.
5% discount on bookings of 7 or more nights.
10% discount on bookings of 14 or more nights.
Rates for overnight pet-sitting are for all Bubbas, large and small.
No Bubbas? See no-pet house-sitting rates below.
.
No-pet House-Sitting
Need someone to keep an eye on things while you’re away, but without the pet care? We have special rates for you! From 20-minute drop-ins to overnight stays, we’ve got you covered. And, we understand the risk you take leaving your home in our care, and can provide you with clean background check reports, proof of bonding, and references, on request.
20-minute drop-in - $15
1-hour hangout - $25
2-hour hangout - $35
8-10 hours overnight stay - $80
Book 7 nights or more and get a 5% discount.
Book 14 or more nights and get a 10% discount.
Bubba
Gallery
” Heather took the absolute CUTEST pics of my kitties!”
”Heather worked with me taking care of my kitties for about 2 years. From day one they took to her, which is an absolute anomaly for my scaredy-cats. She’s a great communicator, super responsive, and always took great care of my house and my kitties. Plus, bonus points, she took the absolute cutest pics of my kitties, which I would always save because they were so good! 5/5 stars - I highly recommend Heather for pet sitting.”-Chewy and Han’s mom
Here are some photos that I took of the amazing pets I cared for in Santa Barbara. I miss them so much! I was so lucky to spend time with each and every one of them.
So many beautiful Bubbas!
I made all of the drawings on this website using the Procreate app on my iPad, and an Apple Pencil. You can see more of my artwork in my galleries at ArtPal and Fine Art America. Take a look!
Most of my work there is in colored pencils on cardboard, like this one of my cat, Quentin. You can order prints, buy original work, or get cards, tote bags, towels, phone cases, crossword puzzles, and so much more, with the image of your choice!
Call or text: (530) 321- 3926
Email: [email protected]
P. O. Box 5147
Chico, CA 95927-5147
Get in touch!
Call, email, text, or use the contact form, feel free to reach out in whatever way suits you. Let us know a bit about your pets, and what services you’re interested in. If you have certain dates and times in mind, please include that, too. I look forward to meeting you and your Bubba!
Bubba Love does NOT provide:
Boarding
Day care (in our home)
Veterinary services (except transport)
Dog training
Group hikes
Grooming (beyond brushing and washing dirty paws)
DO YOU??
If you are a pet-care business in Chico who DOES provide services that I don’t, I’d love to meet you! I’m new to the area, and looking to make some pet-care allies. I want to be able to steer clients to someone else when I cannot fulfill their needs. I am always interested in learning more about pet care, training, first aid, and running a small business here in beautiful Chico. If there is anything I can do to help your business out, I’d love to hear from you!
IF YOU ARE ALSO A SOLO PET-SITTER, in or around Chico, let’s meet up! I would love to form an alliance with other pet-sitters and dog-walkers, so we can help each other thrive. Maybe we can figure out a way to get days OFF sometimes? Our job can be isolating, which is okay most of the time, if you’re an introvert like me, but we still need support! I know how easily things can become overwhelming, and we can’t do everything alone. Let me buy you a coffee sometime, let’s figure out a way to be allies, and not just competition.
Are you a pet care professional, or a volunteer at an animal shelter, or rescue organization? We appreciate you! We offer a 10% discount to anyone working in pet care in our area. If that’s you, please let us know when you book, so we can apply your discount.
Thanks for all you do!
Time to pet
Bubba Love uses software called Time To Pet, which was created for pet care professionals. This enables us to manage our business efficiently, so our focus can be on caring for pets and their people. Time To Pet also has many features you might want to take advantage of. Through the online Client Portal, you can schedule services, update you and your pet’s information, and make payments. If you decide to download the mobile app, you can also track visits and walks with timekeeping and GPS, and send and receive messages, photos, and videos.
If you, like me, and so many others, are weary of having to download yet another doodad onto your phone, that’s absolutely fine. We won’t require clients to use the mobile application. We do ask everyone who books our services to activate their account with us on Time To Pet. This is the only time you would have to use the software. The activation process will prompt you to create a password, review and sign our Terms of Service agreement, and update you and your pet’s information.
You can get the ball rolling by clicking on the New Client Portal and creating an account. Or, if you reach out through phone, text, email, or our contact form, we can send you an activation link via email, or even walk you through the process in person at our Meet & Greet.
If you are already a client, you can access your account online anytime through the Current Client Portal.
Are you a pet care professional, or a volunteer at an animal shelter, or rescue organization? We appreciate you! We offer a 10% discount to anyone working in pet care in our area. If that’s you, please let us know when you book, so we can apply your discount.
Thanks for all you do!