Urban Animal Inc. is a pet sitting business that has been providing loving, responsible, reliable pet care since 1991. We work all over Manhattan. Our services include individual dog walking (never pack walking), cat care, and house-sitting. We are fully insured and a member of the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters. All of us here at Urban Animal have a great love of animals and enjoy working and spending time with them. Everyone who works for Urban Animal is carefully screened, and is experienced in animal care.
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House-sitting is a wonderful option if your pet doesn't get along with other pets or does not like to leave the comforts of their own home. It is also a great option for households with more than one pet, older animals or pets with special needs. While you're out of town you may just like the security of knowing your pet will be safe in their own environment and have a companion to share their evenings with.
We can walk your dog in the morning, during the day while you're at work, on weekends or in the evenings. Our walks are individualized so your dog will get our full attention. We tailor the walk to suit your dog's needs, and they will be walked at their own pace. During inclement weather we can shorten the walk and spend the rest of the time inside your apartment with your dog, playing or just having a belly rub. As part of the walk, we can drop off or pick up your pet from the groomer or vet, and give them their dinner if required.
While you are away we can come into your home and tend to your cats needs. We spend 30 minutes in your home, during which we will replenish food and water, scoop or change the litter, and spend the remaining time either playing, grooming or just keeping company, whichever your kitty may prefer. For pets that require extra attention or care, we offer longer visits or multiple daily visits. If you were provided with excellent service, it is appropriate to tip your sitter (always greatly appreciated!)
James has always had a great love & respect for all animals. He has over 20 years of experience caring for animals in zoos, aquariums, animal shelters, hospitals, through pet sitting and wildlife rehabilitation volunteer work. I have been doing private pet care since 2012 in several Manhattan neighborhoods including UES, UWS, Harlem and Hell's Kitchen.
Reviews (12)
Patty Cabot
Nov 23, 2021
James is a Zen miracle worker. Olive, my 19-year-old cat, is diabetic and on a host of medications. She is a most feisty girl and James was able to give her insulin (while distracted with shrimp) and spoon fed her to ensure she ate. My prior cat sitter used to leave a trail of treats from the bedroom to the kitchen just to set her sights on her so this is nothing short of miraculous.
Best of all, James appreciates my girl's feisty attitude and as he texted me, "Even though the feeling isn't mutual, I still adore her." I cannot recommend James and Urban Animal highly enough.
Best of all, James appreciates my girl's feisty attitude and as he texted me, "Even though the feeling isn't mutual, I still adore her." I cannot recommend James and Urban Animal highly enough.
Erin M.
May 17, 2021
I have used Urban Animal to care for my cats during holidays and vacations for well over a decade and cannot recommend them highly enough. James is professional and caring and incredibly reliable. He even texts pictures to me while we're away, so I know the cats are happy and well cared for. Five stars, do recommend!
Andrea Mollica
May 16, 2021
I've been using Urban Animal for over 20 years. I trust the team completely to take great care of my cat. I know he is in good hands with people who truly care about animals. They constantly provide updates when I'm out of town so I can relax knowing they have spent time with him, made sure he eats his meals, and administered all of his medications as well. I wouldn't use any other company!
Emily Anton
May 07, 2020
Urban Animal will love and treat your pet just like you do. James couldn't be any more dedicated to offering the best care on your pet's terms-my cat requires medication that goes in her ear and James fashioned an instrument to administer when she wouldn't let him touch her! You'll get the sweetest updates and photos and most importantly, serious peace of mind.
Tertium Non Data
May 03, 2020
Love this company and their caretakers, they're loving, smart, gentle and trustworthy. Best Chelsea pet care out there (they cover the West Village too where I used to live). I've been a client for 2 decades- since 2 owners ago! A loyal client who never got around to thanking them online before! They're great about last minute visits and overnight sit requests, really know my cats, are reliable and prices are better than other companies- an acquaintance told me a story about using another service, they charged more for impersonal care and didn't stay the full half hour like he asked and paid for. Pet co owner couldn't be reached to ask why not and too many excuses were made. Stick with good, experienced people who love your pet, build a relationship- it's worth it!
Amanda Rosenberg
Apr 20, 2020
My rescue Chow mix, who is very nervous around new people due to an abusive past, fell in love with James faster than she had with any other dog-walker, friend, or relative. James has a way with animals that is very rare. Maybe it's his background in zoo-keeping, or in animal rehabilitation, but I could not feel more comfortable trusting someone with my dog than I am with him.
In the past, I was worried about going on vacation and leaving my dog in the care of other dog-sitters. Now I don't even need to think about it. In a city with so much competition in dog-walking and pet-sitting, James stands out as top notch. You'll notice this after seeing him interact with your pet for the very first time. What a relief to have found someone so caring, diligent, and reliable!
In the past, I was worried about going on vacation and leaving my dog in the care of other dog-sitters. Now I don't even need to think about it. In a city with so much competition in dog-walking and pet-sitting, James stands out as top notch. You'll notice this after seeing him interact with your pet for the very first time. What a relief to have found someone so caring, diligent, and reliable!
Betsy Connors
Jan 22, 2020
Betsy C.
Oct 14, 2019
James has been sitting for my cat Buddy for a while and I always have the best service! My cat is temperamental (to put it lightly) and James & team are completely understanding, professional, and know exactly how to make both me and my feline feel completely taken care of while I'm traveling. There's no one else I would want to trust with my pets!
Laura O.
Oct 08, 2019
James has been sitting for my cat Charlie for quite a while now and I leave rest assured that Charlie is in great hands. I receive pictures and detailed updates on how Charlie is doing and James never makes me feel crazy about texting my neurotic cat mom questions / concerns (Thank you, James!) during my time away. Charlie is also a tough cookie and I have had trouble with sitters in the past not being able to handle him. James seems very experienced and has no trouble with Charlie's sometimes territorial tendencies.
I have not had experience with other sitters from the service but by knowing James, I would definitely trust other sitters from the company should they need to sit for Charlie. I highly recommend this service to watch your furry loved ones while you're away!
I have not had experience with other sitters from the service but by knowing James, I would definitely trust other sitters from the company should they need to sit for Charlie. I highly recommend this service to watch your furry loved ones while you're away!
Andrea M.
Jan 12, 2017
Very professional outfit. Diane has cat sat several times for Felix, my two year old asthmatic cat. She's great, responsible. Had the good sense to reach out to me when, over the summer, the conditions merited that the ac go on. Because he is asthmatic, she has to administer a nebulizer once or twice a day (through a gizmo called an aerokat). Felix is pretty well behaved but, still, it is a little intimidating for most folks. Very happy that I found you guys. Andrea
Emmanuel P. Gee Aia
Jan 11, 2016
Carol is a wonderful and caring person who clearly has an immense love and dedication for animals. Carol housesits our 150 lbs Great Dane Ashby. Ashby is a sweetheart, but like all animals, he does have some issues to deal with. At his size, sometimes that can be difficult. Ashby warmed up to Carol right away and she is more than capable of handling a large breed.
We have used her several times already so far and we are leaving for two weeks and leaving Ashby in her care with no worries. Carol & Urban Animal have the best pricing in the city, she is also a former zoologist and some of her other sitters and walkers are too. She will also take care of random house items that may need to be dealt with, such as plants and mail. Ultimately we couldn't of found a more attentive and caring person for our family member and I encourage you to try her out.
We have used her several times already so far and we are leaving for two weeks and leaving Ashby in her care with no worries. Carol & Urban Animal have the best pricing in the city, she is also a former zoologist and some of her other sitters and walkers are too. She will also take care of random house items that may need to be dealt with, such as plants and mail. Ultimately we couldn't of found a more attentive and caring person for our family member and I encourage you to try her out.
Lynne G.
Feb 01, 2015
There is nothing more important than feeling comfortable that your pets are being well taken care of and loved while you are away. I have been a customer of Urban Animal for over 5 years and a huge fan that whole time. It is clear that everyone there loves my cats as much as I do. They are responsible, trustworthy and proactive. I can't recommend them more!
