Testimonials
My family has relied on Joanne's excellent cat care for many vacations. Our four cats are always happy and healthy when we return home. Joanne is attuned to their individual personalities and has charmed all of them, even our shyest one, Gemini.
We originally had to board one cat due to medication requirements, but Joanne aptly handles his needs and he is able to stay at home where he is most comfortable. Joanne provides updates and even photos while we are gone. It is clear that Joanne loves all felines and we are grateful for her wonderful care of ours.
– Kelly D, Crozet
Kitties: Jersey, Gemini, Angus, Juliet
Richmond
It has been an absolute blessing to have had Joanne care for my three cats. She is extremely knowledgeable about cat care, feeding, behavioral issues, medical management, and has wonderful resources that she gladly shares with her clients.
She is the epitome of responsible, and clearly cares for our feline family members. She is easy to contact and follows through with guidelines of care. She even came to my house to show me how to give pills to my difficult to manage cat. I know that my cats are well cared for and loved when I leave them in her care.
– Ellen L, Charlottesville
Kitties: Aggie, Harper, Huckle
Ziggy
I am most fortunate to have Joanne as my cat sitter when I am away. My cat is very timid and afraid and can be selective on who she allows to pet and hold her. On the first meeting Joanne was able to warm my cat’s heart instantly and they have been buddies ever since.
She is both reliable and trustworthy and conducts herself professionally. She is also personable And sends pictures of my cat to me with sweet texts.
– Pam G, Crozet
Scooter
We are very pleased to trust our cats to Joanne. She is extremely dependable and conscientious and keeps us informed of the cats' welfare while we are away.
We heartily recommend her to anyone who wants top-quality cat care.
– Joe and Deb L, White Hall
Kitties: Roxie and Sophie
Peeps
Angus
Joanne is responsive and professional and impressed me from the start. She became a household favorite, however, when shy Stuart became her best friend after just one visit.
Joanne is sensitive to cats' individual personalities and knows when taking the time to brush or play means even more than a full bowl.
Our cats adore her and we do, too!
– Chrissy and Patrick G, Charlottesville
Kitties: Richmond and Stuart
After several unpleasant experiences with cat sitters, we found Joanne to take care of our four kitties, who are definitely our four-legged children. She also attends to the strays we feed as well as our pond fish. We have now used her for two 7-day trips.
Joanne does an initial consultation to meet the kitties and takes detailed notes. Our kitties are typically shy around strangers but they came out to meet her, warming up to her quickly (except for Olive who hides when anyone comes around 😊).
During our trips, Joanne was there on time without fail (we have security cameras outside and are notified when someone comes and leaves). She also retrieved our mail and packages, put out the trash, and all in all made the house look attended. She checked with us on our return to make sure we were arriving without delay.
Joanne sends photos via text frequently while we're gone, which is super appreciated! We loved seeing our kitties while we were gone and felt completely at ease knowing they were in such good hands. It gives us so much peace of mind while we are away and makes our vacation much more enjoyable.
When we come home, the litter boxes are clean, the area vacuumed, and the kitties very relaxed and happy. We don’t think they even missed us! All in all, Joanne is diligent, pays attention to our kitties when visiting, and is dependable.
We are so happy to have found Joanne. We highly recommend her without reservation and won’t hesitate to schedule her for our next trip.
– Gina and Ronnie B, North Garden
Kitties: Ziggy, Olive, Iris, Luna, Yellow Cat
Winnie
Holly
Joanne has been taking care of our animals for several years. She is very dependable and has even helped us out last minute, several times. Our animals adore her. She spends quality time with them, brushing them and playing with them. We have peace of mind knowing our babies are being well taken care of.
We go out of town several times a year and our pets always seem very happy and content when we return home. And that speaks for itself. We recommend Joanne to everybody. She is really that wonderful!
Susan and Kevin R, Crozet
Kitties: Jasmine, Pretzel and Jethro
We are so fortunate to have met Joanne - she does so much more than the average cat sitter. When we are away, she keeps their bowls clean, gives them extra attention and TLC, and even sends us photos. We feel like she really understands their personalities!
Joanne is also highly organized and professional. She's kept indoor and outdoor plants alive, brought in packages and mail, and even helped when trash pickup day fell during our time away.
We always feel so comfortable going away knowing that our kitties and our home are in her competent care.
– Lea R, Crozet
Kitties: Scooter and Blast
I’ve never had such a knowledgeable, kind, and considerate cat sitter as Joanne. She keeps detailed notes on care for the cats and for the house.
When we are away for an extended trip, she sends beautiful photos that cheer us up.
– Lili P, Charlottesville
Kitties: May, Scout, Bella
Scout
We have been using Joanne's services for several years now. We have two special needs cats - one "thinks" he needs a lot of food, and the other is diabetic. Joanne has been able to accommodate our needs and offers advice about all things feline.
Joanne is responsive and works hard to make herself available to her clients. She takes the time to clean up any messes and there are never any surprises. We highly recommend Joanne.
– Gary and Tavia D, Crozet
Kitties: Boulder and Poptart
Bella
Boulder
I am not exaggerating when I say Joanne is a major reason why I continue to travel in my retirement years! First and foremost, I am a cat mom... and a wife, and if my cat doesn't seem happy, I stay home. Joanne not only cares for the feeding, watering, and litter box scooping, but she consistently spends play time with Precious.
Medicines and special diets are recorded in a notebook and Joanne will request practice time if she is unfamiliar with a procedure. When asked, she's even been known to text good morning pictures of Precious so my mother's heart is at ease as I see new sights.
Thank you for the years of peace of mind, Joanne!
– Jill G, Crozet
Roxie
Joanne is an amazing sitter for our kitty, Maisie. Maisie had been feral for 5 years before we were able to get her inside.
Joanne won her over and now she misses her when she doesn't visit. Joanne is a "kitty whisperer" and knows how to find the right strategies to work with our Furry family. Joanne is so thoughtful and considerate and always understands our situations that require her help.
Thanks for all you do in our community and homes, Joanne.
– John R, Crozet
Joanne Showalter is wonderful! I met her when I needed special care for my elderly cats who take multiple medications twice a day. The staff at my vet's office kindly recommended Joanne when I asked them for "someone good who can reliably pill the kitties while I am away."
Well, Joanne does that and so much more! In addition to the basics of providing fresh food, clean water, and scooping litter, she spends time with the cats, petting them, brushing them, and giving ear skritches and cuddles.
She cares for her humans, too. I love it when she sends pictures to let me know how my furry ones are doing while I am gone. Joanne tends to other practical needs as well; she brings in packages, papers, etc., and will water plants upon request. She always checks in to confirm start and end days, and has extended her care when we have encountered travel delays.
I am so thankful that we have such a kind, competent, and responsible person to catsit for us. I trust Joanne. When I travel, I can relax, knowing that the kitties are safe, well cared for, and loved.
Beth, Crozet
Kitties: Lily and O.C.
Jethro
Joanne is a wonderful cat sitter and puts my mind at ease when we need to go out of town. She is professional, organized, kind, and cares for our cats like they are her own. I love receiving her updates with pictures.
She gives me peace of mind and I feel less guilty about leaving when I return to happy, well-cared-for kitties.
Jen P, Crozet
Kitties: Waffles, Winnie and Brooke
Lily
Joanne has been taking care of our cats for several years. When we go away, I so totally trust her judgment and feel confident that they will be well cared for. She loves cats herself, so when we're away, I know all will be well.
She's also a really nice person. You will feel as fortunate as we do for Joanne to take care of your cats too.
Robin M, Crozet
Kitties: Monty and Peeps
I am writing this testimonial to wholeheartedly endorse and express my sincere gratitude for the exceptional cat-sitting service provided by Joanne Showalter. It is my utmost pleasure to attest to her professionalism, compassion, and innate ability to comprehend the unique needs of our beloved cat “Griffin”.
Not only does she ensure Griffins is well-fed, brushed and his litter box kept immaculate, but she also takes the time to engage him in play, providing the interaction and stimulation that is so important for a cat’s wellbeing.
Joanne’s dedicated updates, including photos, offer us great peace of mind and allow us to enjoy our vacation without any concerns. Joanne’s respectful treatment of our home and privacy is equally commendable.
In light of the wonderful care Joanne has provided to our cat Griffin, I would highly recommend her services to any cat parent, seeking a reliable and caring professional to entrust their furry friend to.
~ Joelle & Ryan N
Precious
Maisie
Huckle
Griffin
Nelly and Buster
Joanne Showalter has been caring for my cats for several years now. If I go away for an overnight, I can entrust their care with a neighbor; however, if I am away any longer than that I need Joanne.
Having Joanne in charge means that I don’t have to worry about them while I’m away. And I come home to happy, healthy cats. She’s a stickler for keeping them on schedules, carefully administering meds when needed, and she’ll reach out with any questions along the way if she has any concerns. I have three barn cats in addition to my two house cats, and they, too, receive the same kind of personal attention that I give to them when I’m home. In all these years of hiring Joanne to be “me” while I’m away there’s never been a problem!!
Do I recommend Joanne for your kitty needs? You bet I do!
~ Paula E, Greenwood