Philosophy
From the Dance Floor to Four Paws
I grew up in Puerto Rico watching Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers movies, completely in love with dance. I trained in ballroom and modern dance, and from very young, all I dreamed about was performing.
At seventeen, I moved to Chicago to dance professionally, performing in theater, shows, and events. Later, I moved to California, where I continued working as a dancer and actress, including a first-place win on the national dance show Dance Fever.
I stayed in Southern California for nearly thirty years, living what once felt like bright lights, big dreams, and constant motion.
But life has its own choreography.
While working as an assistant in Hollywood, I began caring for my employer’s elderly Cocker Spaniel, Sam, when she traveled. That quiet time changed something in me.
Through Sam, I began caring for pets belonging to friends, then friends of friends, and soon groomers and veterinarians began recommending me to clients who needed someone they could truly trust in their homes.
Over the years, I cared for animals with very different personalities and histories. I learned that trust isn’t automatic — it grows when you move at an animal’s pace, stay consistent, and pay attention to what they are quietly telling you.
With everything life has taught me — discipline from dance, patience from caregiving, and deep respect for living beings — I bring purpose and heart to every pet I care for.
I lived in California for nearly thirty years and returned to Puerto Rico about twelve years ago. This is home.
I may not be dancing like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers anymore… but in a way, I never stopped dancing. Now I simply dance to a different rhythm — the rhythm of paws, feathers, furry companionship, and trust.
Care Philosophy
Pets experience the world through routine, familiarity, scent, and space. For them, home is not simply a location — it is safety, memory, and belonging.
Travel, boarding facilities, and unfamiliar environments can be stressful for many animals. That is why Mara Loves Pets was created — to honor the emotional world of animals by caring for them where they feel most secure: in their own home.
Care is never rushed. Boundaries are respected. Every visit is approached with calm presence and attention.
Mara Loves PetsTM was created for families who want gentle, calm, respectful care without moving pets into a loud or unfamiliar environment. We care for animals in the place they feel safest: their own home.
“Loving a being is learning a softer way to be in the world.” ™
How It Works
Services
Supervised backyard exercise and play
Feeding and fresh water
Backyard waste cleanup
Pee-pad cleanup (if used)
Medication administration (per written instructions)
Dogs up to 70 lbs.
Untrained or reactive dogs may receive backyard play instead of walks, or just lots of hugs and kisses!
Daily litter box scooping
Full litter change if required (client supplies)
Playtime and companionship when welcomed
Monitoring for stress signs (hiding, diarrhea, reduced appetite)
Cats are approached gently and at their own pace.
Cage cleaning
Covering at night if requested
Handling only per owner instruction
Feeding per written instructions.
Owner must supply food (crickets, mice, etc.).
No responsibility for escaped feeder insects.
Watering plants
Lights, fans, humidifiers
Patio furniture setup
General home check-in
Pricing
| Visit length | Price |
|---|---|
| 30 minutes | $25 |
| 45 minutes | $40 |
- Walk or backyard play (weather permitting)
- Feeding and water refresh
- Cleanup (yard or pee pads)
- Basic well-being check
- Once per week
- Two days per week
- Three days per week
- Five days per week
| Weekly examples | Total |
|---|---|
| 1 visit/week | $25 |
| 2 visits/week | $50 |
| 3 visits/week | $75 |
| 5 visits/week | $125 |
(Calculated at $25 per weekday visit)
Visit time is shared unless a longer visit is scheduled
Pricing varies based on number of pets and care needs
Tip: If your pet has special care needs (meds, mobility help, shy/anxious temperament), mention it in your booking notes so we can recommend the right visit length.
What’s Included
- Photo updates (when possible) so you can check in visually
- Routine-based care (feedings, walks, meds instructions if provided)
- Cleanliness (food area tidy, litter/yard cleanup as agreed)
- Gentle wellness check (behavior, appetite, energy, water intake)
What Clients Say
“Mara was so calm with our anxious cat. The photo updates made traveling so much easier.”
Client in Palmas del Mar“Reliable, gentle, and respectful. You can tell she truly cares.”
Repeat clientFAQ
Do you care for cats and small pets too?
Yes. Cats, dogs, birds, and small pets are welcome. Share pet details in your booking request.
Can you give medication?
If you provide clear written instructions, we can discuss what your pet needs and what’s comfortable and safe to administer.
Do you do a meet-and-greet?
For new clients, we often recommend a quick meet-and-compatibility visit so your pet feels comfortable.
Do you offer updates?
Yes. Photo updates are included whenever possible. If you prefer WhatsApp updates, mention it in the notes.
Booking
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