MJ the Critter Sitter

Animal & House Sitting, Dog Walking, Animal Boarding Kennels,

About us

We are an independently owned dog walking and pet sitting business run by a veterinary technician. We are bonded, insured, and all sitters are interviewed in person, they must provide references and they are all background checked. We provide quality, professional, reliable care for your pets and home when you cannot be there. Whether you are away on vacation, business, or you just work long hours we can be there to help you and your pets. Our services include dog walking, pet sitting, puppy services, overnight pet sitting, farm animal care, and horse care. We also offer residential housecleaning. Our services are available 365 days a year!

Business highlights

16 years of trusted experience
Women Owned & Operated
Family Owned & Operated
Emergency Services Offered

Services we offer

We offer: Dog walking, pet sitting for dogs, cats, horses, farm animals, overnight pet sitting, puppy services, potty break visits for dogs, nail trims, insulin and medication administration, yard clean up, post surgery care, dog field trips, transportation to the vet or groomer, home services such as mail pick up, plant watering, we also provide grocery shopping, and housecleaning. Coming soon we will be adding canine enrichment visits.

Services we don't offer

We do not do boarding in our homes.

Amenities

Free Estimates
Yes
Emergency Services
Yes


Accepted payment methods

Check
MasterCard
PayPal
Visa

Photos of past projects

Reviews

4.917 Reviews
Number of StarsImage of DistributionNumber of Ratings
5
94%
4
0%
3
6%
2
0%
1
0%


Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
4.9
responsiveness
4.9
punctuality
4.9
Showing 1-17 of 17 reviews

NANCY B.
07/2019
5.0
dog walkers
  + -1 more
I already did this. The project is ongoing and I am very pleased with their wor. My dog walker is Rebecca and she is great. Nancy
Description of Work: Animal & House Sitting

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$17

Darcy S.
08/2018
5.0
pet sitters
  + -1 more
Unfortunately, due to the extremely short notice from our regular sitter that she would not be available as planned, due to family emergency out of state, we were unable to get one through MJ. She was very quick at responding to my request and although availability of one of her sitters did not work out this time, we have already discussed with her that we would need the same services on our next vacation. I was very impressed with the contact and response I received from MJ.
Description of Work: critter sitter needed like right now

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Alex J.
03/2018
5.0
pet sitters, dog walkers
  + 0 more
We continue to use MJ (and her team) to let out our puppy over the lunch hour. They are very friendly and the puppy loves working with them too. They are easy to reschedule with, very professional, and care for the dog like its their own. We'll stick with MJ and team until the puppy can hold it long enough, and will likely keep going back as needed. They send daily reports and pictures. Thanks MJ and team!
Description of Work: Daily pet sitting - lunch hour feed/walk

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

STACY M.
01/2018
5.0
pet sitters, dog walkers
  + 0 more
Going great! Kelly is loving, flexible and resourceful.
Description of Work: Have used MJ and her dog sitter/walker, Kelly for the past two months on a daily basis, Monday -Friday for a 45 minute visit and several overnights. I can’t say enough good things about the care taken of my two dogs and my cat. One of my dogs was very ill and needed medication and a special diet on a daily basis. Kelly readily adjusted to the additional needs and provided great updates on how he was doing after their mid-day visits, giving me piece of mind during my busy workday. Thankfully, my dog is recovering well. We really appreciate MJ and Kelly.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$25

Anne S.
06/2017
5.0
pet sitters
  + -1 more
.
Description of Work: .

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Kylee F.
12/2015
5.0
pet sitters
  + -1 more
MJ the Critter Sitter came for an initial meet-n-greet and were very comprehensive. They took our dog out several times a day while we were gone and reported back about all of the visits.
Description of Work: Pet sitting at my house

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Dwight B.
12/2015
5.0
pet sitters, dog walkers
  + 0 more
.
Description of Work: .

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$35

Denise H.
12/2015
5.0
pet sitters
  + -1 more
Brenda took care of my cat including administering Prednisolone once a day. She is outstanding. She provided detailed daily notes of eating and bathroom habits along with my cat's general demeanor. If you need a pet sitter, these folks are the best and Brenda does a stellar job.
Description of Work: Cat sitting including administering medication.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$90

Denise H.
09/2015
5.0
pet sitters
  + -1 more
Brenda cared for my cat for four days while I was out of town. This time she had to administer medication and because she is a vet tech, I felt thoroughly comfortable in leaving my cat in her care. I notified both Brenda and MJ of the new health developments for my cat and both of them responded immediately and Brenda stated she would have no problem at all with the medications. Brenda's daily notes were extremely helpful (we were also dealing with food issues, and she noted daily the foods that my cat ate) which was just what I needed. I could not be more happy with her services and the level of communication and responsibility is of the highest order. I absolutely recommend Brenda and MJ's team without qualification.
Description of Work: Cat care for four days.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$122

Lianne L.
08/2014
5.0
pet sitters
  + -1 more
MJ did an excellent job. The litter boxes were clean, she played with the cats each day, and stopped by twice a day to feed them because of their diet. She was very accommodating. She also left me a daily diary of what she did each day and documented how the cats behaved. I would definitely use her services again.
Description of Work: MJ took care of my two cats while I was on vacation. She also watered my plants, brought in my mail, and fed the stray cat outside.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$200

Elizabeth K.
06/2014
3.0
dog walkers
  + -1 more
I found somebody else in my immediate neighborhood through. She just had upholstery nearby coffee shop and she was just immediately in my neighborhood. Kritter Sitters was more expensive. They have to travel always. I did meet with the woman that run the business. The other thing that bothered me is that, I thought, she would be the one walking my dogs. She was going to assign someone else. The other person that she assigned to do it, my dogs did not like her. So, that would be a problem. They were afraid of her.
Description of Work: I did get a quote from Kritter Sitters for dog walking service.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
professionalism
3.0
responsiveness
4.0
punctuality
3.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Response from MJ the Critter Sitter
I would like to take the time to respond to this review because I believe it is an unfair view of our business and the work we did for [Member Name]. Not once was it brought to my attention that there were any problems with the service we were providing to [Member Name] and her puppies. I even went back through all of the emails that she sent me and not once was it brought to my attention that she was unhappy or had any concerns in regards to her puppies being afraid of their walker. She also never called to talk to me personally about any concerns. Last December when she contacted me via email to let me know she wouldn’t need our service anymore because she was having a change in schedule (no mention of not being happy) she went on to thank us for all of our help and that we made a huge difference. I had no reason to think there was anything wrong. I did also give quotes of our rates and she even received a bit of a discount because she was having us come two times a day. We are more expensive than if you were to hire the kid next door or the lady you meet while your out having coffee and is maybe doing pet sitting on the side. We are a business, we are insured, bonded, we travel to your house, these all factor into our rates, which are typical rates compared to other business’s similar to ours. I did have a sitter besides myself take care of her puppies but this sitter also came with to the meeting that we provide to all clients prior to starting service. I did not just let someone come over and take care of her pets that she had not met ahead of time. We have specific sitters depending on the area that you live in. Her sitter lives in and provides service in the White Bear Lake area. She has been caring for clients for us for almost 5 years now and does a great job. I do try to make all meetings so I am able to have information in the event that the regular sitter is unable to make a visit I can take care of the client’s pet this way care is always provided. At our meeting one of things we do look for is how your pet/s react to us and I did not observe at this time any issues with the puppies being afraid or timid towards either of us. They are great little dogs with great personalties. I wish [Member Name] would have made me aware of her situation and I was given the opportunity to fix the problem. I could have assigned her another sitter. I also wish if she was not happy to have not expressed in emails that she was. If I am unaware of a problem and led to believe that things are going well how can I fix the situation? I think it was unfair of her to write this review without explaining all the facts. This business is my lively hood and how I support my family for me not to provide anything but exceptional service would be a total disservice to my family, and our clients. I love animals and because of this love have made a commitment to be one of the best pet sitting business’s you can find. If I am aware of an issue I will fix it. It bothers me that someone will go and write a negative review but yet did not do anything to help their situation. I can see if I did not respond to her concerns that would be reason to give a negative review. I stand by our company and the sitter that was caring for [Member's] puppies. I think we provide excellent service at competitive rates. I hope this review will not defer any future clients because it is not accurate. Thank you, Mary Jo Crooks owner MJ The Critter Sitter

Eva L.
05/2014
5.0
pet sitters
  + -1 more
She is very responsive to requests for service even on short notice. She is a lifesaver for the days we are busy and must be gone for a longer period of time and when we go out of town!
Description of Work: MJ came to our house each day to let our dogs out and play with them. She provides an invaluable service to us when we are working late to give "our girls" some playtime and outdoor time!

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$90

Denise H.
03/2014
5.0
pet sitters
  + -1 more
I have now used MJ (Mary Jo)'s pet sitter services three times in the past 8 months. I have one cat. MJ and her associate, Brenda, have done an outstanding job caring for my cat. Both of them are vet techs. The initial visit from MJ was to introduce herself and Brenda and I was immediately comfortable with both of them, as was my cat. Brenda has now taken care of my cat several times and is familiar with him and responsive to all my owner quirks and special requests. My home is always spotless and my kitty is comfortable. I could not be happier with Brenda's services and MJ's responsiveness and recommend their pet sitting services highly.
Description of Work: Cat care.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$55

Megan M.
12/2013
5.0
pet sitters
  + -1 more
I have 2 dogs, one of which hates going to the kennel when I'm out of town and really gets stressed out by it. I've used Mary Jo a few times now and they absolutely love her! The first time I was gone for a few days, and when I came back, it's like I never left. She came and fed them, played with them, walked them, and gave them lots of love. She leaves daily notes to let me know what she did and will text me to let me now how they are doing. I just love her and so do my dogs. I hope I never have to use the kennel again. The dogs love being able to stay home and have Mary Jo take care of them. I highly recommend her to anyone.
Description of Work: Came and took care of my dogs while I was out of town.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$61

Jan Ellen F.
04/2013
5.0
pet sitters
  + -1 more
Mary Jo (the owner) and Mary (our Pet Sitter) met with us before we left on our trip and went over in detail what we needed done. Mary was wonderful! She took care of our dog as well as hand feeding our salt water fish. She texted us how everything was going and even shoveled our walk when we got snow. Our dog loved her and we felt very comfortable knowing she was in charge. In addition to pet care, Mary also put the trash and recyling out. I would recommend them highly and will use them again.
Description of Work: Pet care - dog and salt water fish Dog walking Took out trash and recyling

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$252

Scott H.
12/2012
5.0
pet sitters
  + -1 more
We had a situation where our dog was obviously ill. We gave MJ a call and we were quickly able to get a detailed update from our team member and the next day they provided 2 additional wellness checks and provided us quick updates.
Description of Work: We have been with Mary Jo for the last 4 years and can't speak highly enough about her team, their professionalism, their genuine care for our animals, and their Reliability. They have not missed one single appointment. They go the extra mile and have informed us of any concerns about our animals, leave daily reports, and have even come back to check on our dog out of concern when she was not feeling well. They are always available and provide consistent high quality care. We love MJ Critter Sitters.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

LAUREL S.
09/2012
5.0
pet sitters
  + -1 more
They are very professional. Its easy to go online and book her. She's very responsive. She writes to you every day to let you know how your pet is doing. She used to be a vet tech and she does a really good job.
Description of Work: She took care of my cat while I was away.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$18

    Contact information

    7037 Eagle Trl, Hugo, MN 55038

    http://www.mjthecrittersitter.com

    Service hours

    Sunday:
    9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
    Monday:
    9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
    Tuesday:
    9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
    Wednesday:
    9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
    Thursday:
    9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
    Friday:
    9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
    Saturday:
    9:00 AM - 10:00 PM

    Licensing

    Bonded

    Insured

    No License Required for Trade

    Eco-friendly Accreditations

    LEED Accredited Professional
    No
    Energy Star Partner
    No
    EPA Lead-Safe Certified
    No
    Use Green Products or Work Practices
    Yes
    State Contractor License Requirements

    All statements concerning insurance, licenses, and bonds are informational only, and are self-reported. Since insurance, licenses and bonds can expire and can be cancelled, homeowners should always check such information for themselves. To find more licensing information for your state, visit our State Contractor License Requirements page.

    *Contact business to see additional licenses.


    Service Categories

    Animal & House Sitting,
    Dog Walking,
    Animal Boarding Kennels,
    House Cleaning

    FAQ

    MJ the Critter Sitter is currently rated 4.9 overall out of 5.

    Sunday: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM

    Monday: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM

    Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM

    Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM

    Thursday: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM

    Friday: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM

    Saturday: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM

    MJ the Critter Sitter accepts the following forms of payment: Check,MasterCard,PayPal,Visa
    Yes, MJ the Critter Sitter offers free project estimates.
    Yes, MJ the Critter Sitter offers eco-friendly accreditations.
    No, MJ the Critter Sitter does not offer a senior discount.
    Yes, MJ the Critter Sitter offers emergency services.
    No, MJ the Critter Sitter does not offer warranties.
    MJ the Critter Sitter offers the following services: We offer: Dog walking, pet sitting for dogs, cats, horses, farm animals, overnight pet sitting, puppy services, potty break visits for dogs, nail trims, insulin and medication administration, yard clean up, post surgery care, dog field trips, transportation to the vet or groomer, home services such as mail pick up, plant watering, we also provide grocery shopping, and housecleaning. Coming soon we will be adding canine enrichment visits.
    We do not do boarding in our homes.

    Contact information

    7037 Eagle Trl, Hugo, MN 55038

    http://www.mjthecrittersitter.com

    Service hours

    Sunday:
    9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
    Monday:
    9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
    Tuesday:
    9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
    Wednesday:
    9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
    Thursday:
    9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
    Friday:
    9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
    Saturday:
    9:00 AM - 10:00 PM