Christian A. Schaffer
0

House & Pet Sitting

If you’re looking for a pet-sitter, I would love to hear from you via email with a short description of location, dates, responsibilities, and a couple photos of your pet(s) and home. I would be so excited to look after your pets and play with/snuggle them while you travel!

Iggy, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Do you love to travel but hesitate to leave YOUR PETS?

I know the feeling - I had a 140 lb Italian Mastiff named Odin when I hiked the John Muir Trail and finding a trustworthy, affectionate (Odin loved to cuddle), live-in petsitter for 24 days that didn’t break the bank was nearly impossible. Since then, I’ve often wondered if there were better options out there for pet owners. Now that I travel full-time and no longer have a dog of my own, I’ve found so much joy in watching after pets and taking care of homes throughout the U.S. in between trips and photo assignments. I've also really come to appreciate routine and the slower pace of extended stays. It’s nice having a place to unwind and focus on editing, writing and planning for future adventures - and of course, pet snuggles. You can find me on TrustedHousesitters.com and can also use my code RAF254578 for 25% off the membership fee.

client reviews 🐾

Featured

Steve & Jan // Victor, Idaho

“Wow! Christian was fantastic! Most important-the dogs loved her! She communicated daily, took great care of the house and we want her back every time we leave! Bonus was the beautiful portraits she sent of both pups. If you can get her as a sitter, don’t pass it up!!!”

-Steve & Jan, Victor, Idaho, USA, June 2023

Ashley // Orinda, California

“What an amazing experience we had with Christian taking care of our home, our dog Rosie, and our 3 chickens. We came back to a home that was spotless (cleaner than we left it!), a very happy and well-exercised Rosie, and 3 happy chickens. Christian took Rosie out for long walks and exercise sessions each day and spent a lot of time playing with her in her favorite spots in the yard. More than this, she took and sent to us the most beautiful professional grade photographs and videos of Rosie in beautiful settings during all of her adventures. We have already framed some of them! Christian cared for our home and pets as if they were her own in the most respectful and caring manner. We cannot recommend her enough.”

-Ashley, Orinda, California, USA, May 2023

Kate // Sacramento, California

“Christian’s stellar reviews say it all! She was communicative, friendly, attentive, kind… she was a perfect guest and dogsitter. Bea, my dog, was instantly comfortable with her (oftentimes she can take some time to warm up) and they got close during Christian’s stay. Usually Bea gets sad when I leave, and this is the first time she got sad when a Trusted Housesitter left! They clearly had many cuddles and walks. I love getting photos of Bea when I’m away but Christian took it to the next level as a professional photographer. The photos she took were incredible. We hope to have Christian back soon! She’s invited any time.”

-Kate, Sacramento, California, USA, March 2023

Moira // Portland, Oregon

“Christian was a perfect Housesitter. Even though we no longer have pets, she diligently took care of the hummingbird and seed feeders during several unseasonal snow storms with freezing weather. She sent us amazing photos of birds and squirrels during her stay. Christian also took care of a canopy covering our trailer that was sagging under snow and ice and kept it from tearing due to the weight and did it in 18 degree weather. Christian was great at communicating and always friendly and polite. Our home was immaculate and plants thriving when we returned. We would 100% recommend Christian and hope she can come back!”

-Moira, Portland, Oregon, USA, February 2023

Tara // Long Beach, Washington

“We feel so lucky to have had Christian watching over our sweet poodle Scout and our home! This was our first THS experience and it could not have been better. We spoke with Christian on the phone prior to the sit and felt very comfortable confirming her stay. She was attentive and professional during our meet the day we left. She was excellent in keeping us posted with photos and texts throughout our vacation. Scout can be very sensitive and it was clear she was relaxed, happy and well exercised every day. Christian even sent us beautiful photos of her! Our return plans fell apart just days before we came back when our “relief team” had a situation which prevented them from taking over Scout’s care in our home. Christian went the extra mile to drive Scout to their home on her way out of town. We were so grateful!! Our home was spotless upon our return! We highly recommend Christian and we are hopeful she can care for Scout in the future. What a wonderful person. It was a pleasure and a relief to have Christian in our home giving our beloved dog TLC during our absence. She’s a gem!”

-Tara, Long Beach, Washington, USA, February 2023

Samantha // Santa Monica, California

“Christian is professional, organized, helpful, communicative and, most importantly, a dream pet sitter. Initially, I was a bit anxious about the idea of leaving my 1.5 year old fur baby with a stranger for 16 days, but as soon as I spoke to Christian, I was immediately relieved due to her professionalism, clear and direct communication style, and thoughtful approach. Christian arrived the night before my departure to meet my dog, Oyster, and for a walk-through of the house. The morning I left, Oyster was already asking Christian for belly rubs. She was communicative and sent beautiful photos of Oyster cuddled up next to her, on walks, playing with his toys etc. When I texted Christian, she’d respond right away. I was expecting an important, large package at the house during her stay and she went above and beyond to ensure she’d be at the house to receive it. 5 stars all around. A dream pet and house sitter. I look forward to welcoming Christian back again soon as I’m sure Oyster misses her already.”

-Samantha, Santa Monica, California, USA, January 2023

Pet-Sitting Testimonials

Beverly // Bainbridge Island, Washington

“What a wonderful and delightful young women! She is very unique and inspiring. Christian came a day early so we could explain what we needed. We enjoyed a nice dinner together. She has a confident, warm and calming presence which is why our orange tabby cat cuddled with her on her lap. (He never cuddles with us, but we love him. Ha!) She is an animal whisperer. Our cats (and us) felt an immediate connection to Christian. She communicated with us on a regular basis and sent incredible pictures of our cats. Our house was in perfect shape and the cats were happy. We can't wait to have her back!”

-Beverly, Bainbridge Island, Washington, USA, September 2022

Roxanne // Lynnwood, Washington

“Everything went smoothly for our animals! Thanks for taking care of them, and the house. Can't wait to have you back again in the future!”

-Roxanne, Lynnwood, Washington, USA, July 2022

Betsy // Port Townsend, Washington

“Christian was a 5 star petsitter. She is very easy to communicate with in setting up a the details of our housesit. She was very kind and we knew we were leaving our old dog in great hands. She took excellent care of our dog, giving him the 2-4 long walks he likes each day. She communicated with us regularly before, during & after the sit. She left our house immaculate. We highly highly recommend her. Thank you so much Christian, we hope to have you back again in the future.”

-Betsy, Port Townsend, Washington, USA, July 2022

Rhonda // Bend, Oregon

“Christian was wonderful! She took very good care of Bleu and Hank and sent photos and updates daily. She left my home in excellent condition. Would absolutely have her again.”

-Rhonda, Bend, Oregon, USA, May - June 2022

Tracey // Park City, Utah

“This was our first time using Trusted House Sitters and Christian and Nathanial did not disappoint. I felt an immediate comfort level with them. As we talked about caring for Parker and Boo it was apparent that they did their homework- they knew the details outlined in our welcome guide and they came prepared. We received daily updates and they provided us with the most amazing pictures of our kids. They are lovely and the most important part is I did not stress once while we were away- this was the longest trip we have been away from our pets. I would not hesitate to use them again and do hope that our paths cross again.”

-Tracey, Park City, Utah, USA, April 2022

Leslie // Santa Fe, New Mexico

“We could not have asked for a more ideal solution for our Iggy/house sit than Christian and Nathaniel! A+++ on every count: communication, friendliness, regular updates (with BEAUTIFUL) photos of our boy, helped us when some unexpected things broke (the door key AND our freezer decided to give out while they were here and they handled it with aplomb!). Iggy barely missed us at all and that was exactly what we wanted - one happy boy :) We came home to a sparkling home and some extra goodies as a gift - unbelievable. This was our first sit through TrustedHousesitters (though I was an airbnb host for many years so knew much of the drill) and I have to say, it will be near impossible to beat these two <3 Much love and gratefulness to you both!”

-Leslie, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, March 2022

Victoria // Oceanside, California

“Christian was a fantastic cat & house sitter! Our boys were well taken care of, and Christian was very communicative during the entire stay! And we came back to a spotless home!”

-Victoria, Oceanside, California, USA, December 2021 - January 2022

Jill // Seattle, Washington

“I have had 25+ sitters over the last 5 years on THS and Christian and Nathaniel are the best I have ever had! They were available last minute and gave me complete peace of mind while I was out of town on a family emergency. Besides leaving the house cleaner than I left it, they communicated often and were flexible about timing - they even stayed an extra day to cover for me. I can't thank them enough or sing their praises high enough. My cats are friendly but they don't cuddle up on the bed with many sitters yet they moved right in with these guys! Beyond being the best sitters I have ever had, they are both amazing people that I would love to stay in touch with and have in my life. You would be beyond lucky to have Christian and/or Nathaniel stay at your home and care for your pets. I hope they come back again soon!”

-Jill, Seattle, Washington, USA, September 2021

Jenna & Colin // Jackson, Wyoming

“Christian and her partner, Nate, spent two months caring for our dog and house needs while we were out of the country. I can’t sing their praises enough. They took incredible care of our home and were outstanding caretakers for our pup. Kind, thoughtful, amazing communicators and completely reliable, I’d have them back anytime for another stay. Just hope they’re available again!! I would absolutely recommend Christian to anyone.”

-Jenna & Colin, Jackson, Wyoming, USA, April - June 2021

Nicole & Joel // San Francisco, California

“Christian and Nathaniel took amazing care of our house and two dogs. They sent us lots of amazing photos while we were away and the house was spotless when we returned. Our dogs weren't even excited to see us when we got back! Thank you Christian and Nathaniel!”

-Nicole & Joel, San Francisco, California, USA, December 2020 - January 2021

Frank & Sherri // Denver, Colorado

“Christian and Nathaniel took excellent care of our four cats for three weeks. We appreciated the open communications and many pictures and videos that Christian sent. The house was very well cared for and super clean upon our return. In addition to caring for the cats, they took care of multiple trash days and watering of plants. We would happily have Christian sit for us again.”

-Frank & Sherri, Denver, Colorado, USA, October - November 2020

Beth // Snowmass, Colorado

“Nathaniel and Christian were extraordinary house/kitty sitters. They were attentive during a big storm when we had power outages, potential pipe freezing, irrigation system to care for and a demanding black kitty. They cared for whatever concerns I had while I was away, sent beautiful photos, and left the home impeccable for an easy return back to normal. five stars on all fronts.”

-Beth, Snowmass, Colorado, USA, October 2020

Wendy & Blake // Seattle, Washington

“Christian and Nathaniel were fantastic! They are excellent communicators and were very flexible in working with us to get the sit arranged. We felt immediately at ease with them with our two dogs. While we were away the sent loads of adorable pictures so we knew our pets were being pampered and well taken care of. When we came back our place was in perfect order and our dogs were snoozing on the porch and barely noticed we had returned! We would absolutely love to have Christian and Nathaniel back again and would recommend them without reservation to others.”

-Wendy & Blake, Seattle, Washington, USA, September 2020

Susanne & Steve // Bellingham, Washington

“We were so happy to have Christian and Nathaniel back to care for our home and 2 cats. Our house was immaculate when we returned and our cats were happy and relaxed. We tried to get them back for a third time, but they were already booked! Our cats like to go outside on their leash and Christian makes sure they get their time out of doors. Great communication, very organized, and awesome photos.”

-Susanne & Steve, Bellingham, Washington, USA, August 2020

Susanne & Steve // Bellingham, Washington

“We feel fortunate to have had Nathaniel and Christian cat sit for us for five days. Nathaniel was an excellent communicator with frequent texts and emails, each with amazing photos of our two cats. From the first day our cats were happy and seemed to bond quickly with these two animal lovers. Our cats like to go outside on a leash and they took them out daily. Everything was perfect when we returned home. The house was clean and orderly and our cats were happy. I would definitely recommend either Nathaniel or Christian. We hope to see them again!”

-Susanne & Steve, Bellingham, Washington, WA, USA, July 2020

Laura // West Seattle, Washington

“Christian is such a wonderful petsitter! This was her second stay and I always know my kitties are in good hands with her! She is communicative, super tidy, and just a lovely and kind person! My kitty Mochi particularly loves her, and we look forward to having Christian and her partner visit again!”

-Laura, West Seattle, Washington, USA, July 2020

Annie // Reno, Nevada

Christian and Nathaniel were AMAZING!! GRAB THEM! :). I was able to meet with them before the sit, and instantly felt comfortable with them. This was my first time having a petsitter for my cat, and I was nervous and a bit stressed - but I felt FINE leaving on my extended vacation. Christian communicated with me frequently -with pics of my cat- which was great. My cat was super happy upon my return- which was much earlier than planned due to Coronovirus. In fact, my cat was more snuggly than ever, and started sleeping with me :) and was not waking me up at 5 am as had used to do! (Though he is now back to early morning wake up meows- whatever magic they had done faded off hee) . My place was SUPER clean! What a treat ! Happy cat, Happy home, happy cat momma! 5 stars for sure.

-Annie, Reno, Nevada, USA, March - April 2020

Diana & Jesse // Carmel Valley Village, California

“Christian is a very gentle, loving, and organized pet sitter. I’ve had eight really great pet sitters in the past year, and she is comparable to the very best of the group of a very amazing group! My dog Cricket was very fond of her and her boyfriend Nathaniel, who is also on trusted pet sitters. They took her for hikes, which Cricket adores, threw sticks for her, and took photos and videos. They are both amazing photographers by profession, so they were really able to capture the happy spirit of our Dog. The home was is perfect shape when we came home. Christian communicated the perfect amount, they had read the home guide before they arrived, all was tip top! But I want to end with their relaxed, clam, competent nature. It was easy to leave home knowing that they were there and easy to come home. Very highly recommended!”

-Diana & Jesse, Carmel Valley Village, California, USA, February 2020

Sondra & Brady // Los Angeles, California

“We couldn't have dreamed of a better house sitter! Christian was a great communicator throughout her 3 week stay in our home. We have an older calico rescue who she took great care of. Christian checked in and sent us beautiful pictures of our cat every few days. It was a nice reassurance that all was right at home while we were away. She cared for our home and kitty as if it were her own. Our cat, Lil Kim, was happy and content. We keep our house very tidy, and our home was spotless when we got home! We arrived home to a sweet card, bottle of wine, and some great photos of Lil Kim. Christian and her partner Nate are both accomplished photographers, and they left some great prints of their work as well. We would love to have them house sit for us next time we are away!”

-Sondra & Brady, Los Angeles, California, USA, December 2019 - January 2020

Gail & Keats // Blaine, Washington

“Because our time away was weather dependent, Christian agreed to wait until a few days before the sit until this issue was clear. We greatly appreciated her flexibility, even though she had photographic shoots in the offing. According to Mocha (our dog), Christian was the perfect sitter, following her (Mocha) on the bike through the forests and pastures that she knows so well, and then down to the beach at sunset. Christian left the house as clean as she found it (pretty darn clean!), and left us a nice photo of Mt. Hood since she learned we had lived in and around Portland at one time. Christian is a great photographer (see her web site). and she sent us a series of photos of Mocha on the trails and on the beach. We highly recommend her for house/pet sitting, and hope to engage her again in the future.”

-Gail & Keats, Blaine, Washington, USA, September 2019

Mary // Mazama, Washington

“Christian came to us as we posted a last minute opportunity and as our first venture with THS. We could not have asked for a better introduction. She was a delight to have both in our home and with our aging Rottie, Angel. Angel was initially a grump, but Christian handled the situation with kindness and patience. We stayed in close communication as the situation resolved and Christian and Angel were able to bond and enjoy each other for the rest of the sit. Christian was extremely responsible, responsive and left our home as we left it. We would be delighted to have her again in the future.”

-Mary, Mazama, Washington, USA, September 2019

Christy // Carmel Valley, California

“Christian and Nathaniel were great to work with, left the house tidy and clean and kept me updated on their stay with Glacier. They are both photographers so I also came home to a collection of beautiful photos of Glacier printed and laid out on the table. A total treat to come home to and such a wonderful keepsake! I would be happy to have them back any time!”

-Christy, Carmel Valley, California, USA, August 2019

Tierney // Carmel, California

“Nathaniel and Christian were the perfect house-sitters. Our kitty Mango was well cared for, the house was spotless. We arrived back to a lovely welcome home note with great photographs of our kitty and even a bottle of wine. If there were 6 stars, we would give Nathaniel and Christian a 6 star review! They are welcome back anytime!”

-Tierney, Carmel, California, USA, July - August 2019

Indra & Ali // Napa, California

“Christian and her partner have a calm, good vibe energy that pets connect with right away. The first day they arrived our dog wanted to stay with them in their room and our cat brought them a a gift (okay not everyone's idea of a gift, it was a dead mouse, but at least she brought it to the outside french door) We returned to a happy home with happy pets. In addition they gave us the gift of beautiful photographs. We hope they can sit for us again in the future, and we don't hesitate to recommend them!”

-Indra & Ali, Napa, California, USA, June - July 2019

Eric // Camas, Washington

“Christian and Nathaniel were excellent housesitters. They gave me regular updates of my dog Pickle and even left me some amazing photos of him when I arrived home that are really stellar! They left the house in great condition and too great care of it during my trip. I highly recommend these folks!”

-Eric, Camas, Washington, USA, May - June 2019

Laura // West Seattle, Washington

“Christian was such an incredible petsitter for my babies! She was so so wonderful, caring and communicative, and I got so many gorgeous portraits of my kitties from her! My home was so clean and welcoming when I got back home, and I would happily welcome her back for future petsitting!! Highly, highly recommended!!”

-Laura, West Seattle, Washington, USA, May 2019

Anne // Carson, Washington

“Christian and Nate were excellent petsitters for our 3 day weekend trip! They really made the effort to connect with our 2 kitties. They were reliable, communicated well and left the house in perfect shape. They camped on our property the night before we left so we could connect with them in the morning. Plus, they took some beautiful photos of our cats. We loved having them here and would have them back again in a heartbeat!”

-Anne, Carson, Washington, USA, April 2019

Susanne & John // Tenino, Washington

“Christian was an absolutely great house and dog sitters for us. Our first house sitter had to cancel at the last minute and she came to our rescue. She was very communicative, responsible, and caring of our place and our dog. Our dog Zeke is not a big "people dog" but really took to Christian. She did a great job responding to his picky eating habits. She even sent us a video of our happy pup while we were on our trip. Upon our return, our house was clean and bedding washed. She left us some great photographs of Zeke and some of her landscape photography (She is a freelance travel photographer). Would definitely use her again.”

-Susanne & John, Tenino, Washington, USA, April 2019

Anna Rheim // Carmel Valley, California

“I am writing to give the highest possible recommendation of Christian Schaffer as a house and pet sitter. Christian worked for me in a number of capacities for over a year while living in my community. I found her to be exceptionally competent and reliable at any task I gave her from organizing my home, to errands, office work, etc. Christian is smart, efficient, personable, and related well with my dog, Ella. I enjoyed working with Christian and would hire her again in an instant if she were available again in Monterey County.”

-Anna Rheim, Carmel Valley, California, USA, April 2019

Jane Olin // Carmel Valley, California

“Christian worked for me for several years as my assistant. She was always on time, well organized, a self-starter, creative and extremely reliable. She’s a smart, conscientious worker, and a pleasant, kind and honest young woman. You will be leaving your home and/or pet in very capable hands.”

-Jane Olin, Carmel Valley, California, USA, April 2019