What services does Countryside Pet Sit offer?

We offer certified and licensed pet sitting, dog walking, medication administration, and farm animal sitting services.

Which areas do you serve?

We provide pet care services from Escondido to Fallbrook, including San Marcos and Vista.

Are your pet sitters insured?

Yes, we are fully licensed, bonded, and insured to ensure the highest level of safety for your pets.

How can I book a service?

You can book a 15-minute discovery call directly through our website or call us at 760-239-9936.

Cat Servant? Dog Defender? Hawai’i Calls You a “KAHU”🐾

You’re not spoiling them—you’re honoring your responsibility.

Suzanne Delzio

10/8/20263 min read

Maybe you pay a new dog sitter for a couple of get-to-know you visits with you present before the day you'll actually be away.

Maybe you’re hitting up Amazon for new cat toys and exercise equipment every month.

You named all 15 of your chickens?

The Hawaiians would call you a Kahu, someone who embraces that they're entrusted with a precious being, bound by "kuleana" or the responsibility to protect and nurture it for the good of the wider community. The Kahu regards pets not as property but as "a part of their soul.” In Hawaiian culture, pet parents are stewards or guardians, not owners.

In other words, while some of your friends and neighbors think you go overboard, a whole culture backs up your dedication to the creatures in your care.

The Hawaiian Kahu approach to pet care differs from that of many Westerners.

I grew up on a farm where working dogs were kenneled in isolation much of their day and barns were filled with recklessly reproducing cats. Their neglect pained me. When I raised concerns, my parents and their friends reminded me that the creature was “just a dog” or “a dumb animal.” My family felt they had too much work to do to focus on a pet’s emotional well-being.

Today, the idea of guardianship rather than ownership feels … right.

Now that more of us are willing to do more, think more, and pay more to enrich and protect our pets’ daily lives, we can draw some insights from a culture that has been doing it for generations.

Stewardship among pet owners

Traditional Western pet ownership asks: “How will my pet add to my life?”

For Kahus, guardianship looks like: “What does this animal need from me, and what obligations come with bringing this animal into my home?”

As a Kahu, you:

Give your pets the stimulation and exercise that helps them stay engaged, confident, and relaxed.
Recognize your pets’ anxiety triggers and introduce pet sitters and other professionals slowly and gently.
Refrain from pushing your pets into situations that stress or over-tax them.
Ignore those who say, “Come on. It’s just a cat/dog!”

…and so much more.

While I got into this business because I love pets, I’ve been surprised at how impressed I’ve been with my pet parents.

You ensure your pets live enriched, long, and happy lives. Pet parenthood can be stressful, so you can take a beat to give yourself a pat on the back and recognize you’ve diverged from an unhealthy Western perspective on pet ownership.

You’re a genuine Kahu, and the sublime Hawaiian culture applauds you.

Countryside Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Supports Dedicated Pet Parents

If you'd like a pet sitter or dog walker who embraces her Kahu identity, reach out to Suzanne at Countryside Pet Sitting. We are licensed, bonded, insured and background-checked pet sitters with 5 star reviews on Google.