Originally from Pensacola, I graduated from University of West Florida in 2006 and moved up to Atlanta, Georgia. While pretending to make use of my English and Creative Writing degree by working in a cubicle, I quickly decided I was not meant to be there. A year after graduating college, I decided to start pet sitting and began my own business: Smiling Cats & Dogs Pet Services. For the next 2 1/2 years, I offered dog walking, cat sitting, and drop-in visits to about 100 clients. It kept me busy, and I loved every moment of it. 

Then, in the summer of 2009, my beloved dog Leeluu started getting sick, and I spent all my energy and money trying to get her well. By August, I decided to move down to Orlando, Florida, to be closer to family, whom I knew  I'd need to lean on after my dog's death. But Leeluu had a plan of her own: she got me instead back to Pensacola in September, where she died 5 days after we returned. I truly believe in signs, and I believe my girl knew what was in store for me in Pensacola instead. 

Since returning to Pensacola in September 2009,  I've lived a beautiful life, having spent some time volunteering with Pensacola Humane Society, becoming a marathon runner, working in the healthcare industry for over 8 years while pet sitting in my spare time, and deciding during COVID that life is short and that I wanted to work with animals full-time again. So here I am, professionally pet sitting again and loving it! Life is good, and I try to make it good every day.

Just for fun, here are some of my favorite things besides dogs, cats, and running:

 🐾 Bread and carbs (it's only fitting that I distance run) 

 🐾 Drinking a cup of hot tea before bed 

🐾 Chai lattes 🐾 Tattoos 🐾 Desserts 

🐾 My running friends 🐾 Goodr sunglasses 🐾 Laughing

🐾 Reading a book alone in a restaurant 

🐾 Studying the Enneagram  (I'm a type 1. What's your type?) 

🐾 The Parent Trap (the 1961 Haley Mills version!) 

🐾 Anything Lin-Manuel Miranda touches, creates, talks about, does... 

(All prices are per visit or night and set at 2 animals. Please add $3 each extra pet) 

Meet & Greet and Key Retrieval:

• Approximately 30-60 minutes for us to meet each other, become acquainted, answer questions each other may have, allow the pets and me to meet each other, etc. 

• No charge for the first consultation! 

  • Additional Meet & Greet: $18, no more than 30 minutes. This is used to go over updated information, receive keys, meet new pets, etc. The first Meet & Greet is no charge.

• Key pick-up only is $8. This is my simply coming to you or meeting you somewhere to receive a key and should take fewer than 5 minutes.

• A Meet & Greet is not a guarantee to services for either myself or for you; that is, neither of us is obligated for future bookings. You must complete the Initial Meeting Questionnaire and the Client Service Acknowledgement in order to book a Meet & Greet, even if you are just shopping around. Please see the bottom of my website for these forms.

Visits for cats or dogs, dog walks, and/or dog runs (also called a drop-in visit):

• Visits are scheduled by Morning (7:00am-10am) and Evening (5pm-8pm).  Visits specifically requested during Midday (10am-5pm), or outside of morning and evening times, please add $5 to each rate.

  • • 3 half-hour visits per day: $90 (Midday included)

    • 2 half-hour visits per day: $56 (Morning and Evening only)

    • 1 visit per day*: $25 for half-hour, $35 for one hour (*note: this is available for cats only OR as-needed for dogs and are done once Morning & Evening visits are completed)

    • 1-hour visits are available for $15 more per visit requested, and these longer visits must be requested at time of booking.

    • Customized timing, scheduling, and a la carte services and pricing are available outside of the visit packages listed above.

  • Minimum of 2 visits per day if dogs are free-range inside  |  Minimum of 3 visits (including a one-hour visit) per day if any dog is crated

  • Cat visits may be shortened to 25 minutes depending on your cats' interactions with me.

  • I am not able to provide long-term dog walking or consistent daily services. This service is available only for clients who are traveling or on an as-needed basis for established clients only.

Overnight stays:

• • $125 per night

  •  In addition to staying overnight at your home, I will be in and out throughout the day to hang out with your pets. The amount of time I spend depends on my schedule at the time of the stay, but overnight stays are prioritized to be able to provide the most amount of time I can.

  • I will always try to stay within your pets' routines, so evening arrival and morning departure times are TBD during future communications but may also be subject to change depending on my schedule.

Holidays: 

• • Add $10 flat for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year's Eve to all overnight stays and drop-in visits

Puppies:

• • Add $6 per visit per puppy for puppies under 8 months old (puppies must be spayed or neutered as soon as medically recommended by a veterinarian)

Mess cleanup:

• • Add $5 per circumstance if your pet has overly dirtied up the garbage, plants, carpet, or litter box. 

  • No charge for easy cleanup of accidents (it happens! But you must have accessible cleaning materials).

Pet transportation: 

• • $25 for first 5 miles from starting point to ending point, including round-trip (minimum of $25)

  • Add $5 each additional 3 miles

  • Includes potty break for dogs

  • Maximum of 2 pets at a time

  • Carriers and/or leashes are required. Dog harnesses are preferred. Dog-friendly seat belts will be used for dogs during all transportation.

  • Mileage is calculated using the shortest and fastest distance as determined by Google Maps at the time of driving.

Errands and/or supply pickup:

• • $8 per location visited, maximum of one hour per instance (including driving and the errand itself)

  • If you need more pet food or cat litter, if you need me to pick up a prescription for you and mail it to you, or if you need me to run by the UPS store because your package  needs a signature: I can help with these errands and more while you're away for an additional fee.

  • This is offered on an as-needed basis only while I'm actively caring for your pets.

  • Locations must be within 8 miles of your home. 

Dog baths:

• • $10 per dog up to 25 lbs

  • $15 per dog up to 50 lbs

  • $20 per dog over 50 lbs

  • Will be done only on an as-needed basis should the situation arise.

  • Please note that I will always let you know prior to bathing and charging for this service.

Complete litter box maintenance:

• $10 per litter box; includes changing out litter fully and sanitizing

Medication administration:

• • Injections: $5 per injection for dog, $10 per injection for cat, charged only if labor-intensive

  • No charge for pills or liquids if given with treats or food

  • You must show me as best as you can how you administer medications to your pets before I'm able to do this. This is for your pets' safety as well as to make sure they receive their medication adequately. 

  • All medications and dosage amounts must be up-to-date as prescribed by your veterinarian.

  • Please note I will attempt as best as I can for pets who struggle, but I will not put stress on the pet or put it or myself in harm's way to do so. Additionally, I have not worked in a veterinary capacity and am not a certified veterinary technician; however, I am comfortable and confident with medication administration. I am NOT responsible for any medical emergencies or deaths as a result of medications and/or dosage being inaccurate or mixed.

Additional travel to locations outside of service area (see Service Locations tab):

• • Add $10 per visit or day for all services (subject to change depending on gas prices, accessibility, and tolls used)

  • This fee is still applicable even with flat pricing indicated above.

  • Travel is limited to 13 miles maximum from the starting point of my service area.

  • Service is currently available outside of my service area for established clients only.

• How do I pay you? 

  • via PayPal: mehgancash@gmail.com

  • via Venmo: @Mehgan-Cash

  • in cash

  • via check: Marathon Mutts Pet Services ($25 fee for each returned check)

  • via electronic check: Mehgan Cash, PO Box 11382, Pensacola, FL 32524 ($25 fee for each returned check)

Receive 10% off all first-time services if you have rescued your pet within the last year! 

• • Must show proof of rescue

PRICING UPDATED JANUARY 2024

Please note my policies below, listed in the form of questions. If you have additional questions, feel free to ask!

• I am unexpectedly going out of town tomorrow. Are you available?

  • I require a minimum of 5 days' notice for all new clients for a Meet & Greet prior to the start of services, though there is no obligation on either of our parts to booking. However, I understand sometimes things come up, and I will do my best to help you! 

  • I now apply a 20% service charge of the complete total for all visits if service is requested 5 or fewer days from the start of the visits; during peak times, a 30% surcharge will be added. This is to allow me to readjust my personal and business schedules, remap routes, etc. I’m able to accept last-minute bookings if my availability allows. This surcharge is applicable regardless of the reason for last-minute travel.

  • Planning for your pets while you travel is just as important as planning your trip. Therefore, it is recommended you book a pet sitter as soon as you know your travel plans, even if it's still tentative, to ensure availability. 

  • I am unable to accept or "take over" for both new and established clients as a result of improper planning on the client's part, including another sitter/family member/friend canceling their plans to help you, as this is a liability not only for myself, but for your home and pets as well. This policy is to protect all of us involved.

  • True emergencies, such as an untimely death, travel changes beyond your control, etc., are not considered improper planning, and I will attempt to work with you as best as I am able. We are in this together! However, please note that the surcharge above will still be applied.

• What is your policy for last-minute changes or cancellations? 

  • Sometimes plans change; it happens! Cancellation made with fewer than 96 hours (4 days) of the start of your services require a minimum of 50% of the original total. Deposits made for larger bookings, as indicated above, will be refunded if canceled more than 96 hours (4 days) from the start of services. All deposits are nonrefundable otherwise. Bookings scheduled during peak times, indicated on the Availability Calendar, must be canceled no fewer than 10 days from the start of services. The same guidelines from above apply.

  • I carefully schedule my time to service you and my other clients. Therefore, there are no refunds or credits for early returns or last-minute changes to pet care made outside the window of the cancellation policy. Once the 4-day pet care window begins, payment is due for the original dates and times scheduled.

  • Cancelations because of Covid will still follow my normal typical cancelation policy.

• Do you require a deposit? 

  • Should you book more than 8 consecutive drop-in visits or more than 6 consecutive overnight stays, I require a 50% deposit of the complete total at the time of scheduling in order to secure your booking. Deposits are refundable if they fall within the cancelation guideline. These deposits can be paid via PayPal or Venmo.

• Whom should I list as my emergency contact?

  • Your designated emergency contact should ideally be a non-traveling partner. Emergencies can include problems with the home or pets, issues with entry, etc. If you are not available because of travel, it can be assumed that your traveling partner is also unavailable. Therefore, please do not list your emergency contact as someone you may be traveling with whenever possible.

• Do I have to give you a key to my home?

  • I respectfully request that a spare key be provided to me during the Meet & Greet. However, if you do not have one to provide then, I am happy to pick it up and drop it back off to you for a fee of $8 each instance. 

  • Should you have electronic access to your home, such as through a pin pad, garage door, etc., the code must be provided to me before the first booking, and you would need to inform me of any changes to the codes.

  • If you choose to hide a key prior to my first visit, I will be making a spare key and retaining it in my files, leaving the original indoors. For liability purposes, I cannot re-hide a key for you. This also helps avoid any possible lock-outs or mistakes on my end that will keep me away from your pets.

  • Ideally, I would like two ways to get into your home (electronic pin pad and a key, for example), but I understand that this is not always possible.

  • This key policy comes straight from my being locked out of a home and also locking someone out of their home, so lessons have been learned, and policies have been updated.

• My neighbor/friend/family member/friend's high school kid/etc. will take care of my pets with you. Will you share the job with them? What if a house cleaner or someone else is coming inside but not looking after my pet?

  • Job sharing is defined as splitting care for your pets with another pet sitter, family member, neighbor, friend, etc. If sharing is required, I prefer to share with another licensed, bonded, and insured pet sitter of your choosing; however, I understand that you may be more comfortable with a different setup.

  • Should you prefer to have someone else come into your home to check on, feed, stay with, etc., your pets, then I cannot take responsibility for care, and you may be forfeiting rights to my liability insurance and will be required to sign a waiver. All job sharing requests must be made in writing and are subject to my discretion.

  • I must have all contact information of all other caretakers in writing, and they must have mine. This is strictly for your protection and mine and will help avoid any miscommunication or lapse in care.

  • It is required that you let me know beforehand if I will be "sharing" part of the pet sitting job with someone else, and I must be provided their contact information in order to avoid any miscommunications regarding the visits. Likewise, if I do not know someone will be coming in and I show up to a person in your house, I may call police because it otherwise will appear to me that someone has broken into your home. We just need to try to avoid that from happening :)

  • A job sharing waiver MUST be signed by all clients. This is to protect me, you, and others if anyone, whether another caretaker, maintenance person, landlord, family member, friend, cleaning crew, etc. will be coming into your home at any point. Failure or refusal to sign this waiver may result in termination of services.

  • In short, communication with you is KEY, and a waiver is required. I reserve the right to decline any future sittings with you if you neglected to tell me of someone coming into your home. 

• Will you post my pets on social media?  

  • I actively post on my personal and business Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram pages. I do not share or tag your name or identifying information of your home, though I will often share your pets’ names. If you do not wish for me to post your pets on my social media, please let me know ahead of time. Additionally, I do not add clients as friends to my personal social media pages so that I maintain a sense of personal privacy. 

• Do you have employees? What happens if you're sick or incapacitated?

  • I do not have employees or independent contractors who can fill in for me if I am sick or incapacitated. In the event that I'm unable to to make it to a visit and I am able to communicate this with you, I will reach out to your emergency contact or request that you do so. 

  • I respectfully request that you and your emergency contact are on the same page when you are traveling and that your emergency contact has my information also.

  • Hiring an independent pet sitter does involve risk, as any medical emergency, sickness, car accident, my untimely death, etc. can result in your pets' not receiving proper and on-time care. I will always do my best to communicate with you should something happen. 

• Are you okay with cameras in or around my home? 

  • Florida law states that you must inform others if they are on camera in your home. 

  • If you initially disclose that you do not have cameras in or around your home but later add them, you MUST inform me in writing of updated camera placement. Failure to notify me of ANY cameras, whether in communal areas or outside your home, will result in immediate calling of your emergency contact to take over the job and my canceling all future visits without refund. I may also take legal action. 

  • Distribution of my image, including anything identifiable of my vehicle's ID (such as license plates), via your camera footage without my written consent will result in legal action. This includes but is not limited to social media.

  • Otherwise, I fully understand and accept cameras placed in and around your home, with the exception of any bedroom I'm staying in (as applicable) and bathrooms, for security purposes only. 

UPDATED FOR 2023

Accepted forms of payment are indicated below. I require payment to be made PRIOR to the start of all services for each individual booking of consecutive dates. Deposits can be paid via PayPal or Venmo only. If you need other arrangements, let’s talk!

• • via PayPal: mehgancash@gmail.com

  • via Venmo: @Mehgan-Cash

  • in cash

  • via check: Marathon Mutts Pet Services ($25 fee for each returned check)

  • via electronic check: Mehgan Cash, PO Box 11382, Pensacola, FL 32524 ($25 fee for each returned check)

  • All funds, including tips, are admitted to state and governmental agencies for tax and insurance purposes, regardless of payment type.

Please note my procedures below, listed in the form of questions. If you have additional questions, feel free to ask!

• What's a Meet & Greet?

  • This is when I come to meet you and your pets! I will ask you detailed information about your pets and home, and I will also answer any questions you have about me and my services (I will probably also show you unsolicited pictures of my own pets!). A Meet & Greet is free to you and does not require any obligation to hire me for services, and it typically lasts about 30 minutes to an hour.

• How do you keep track of my pets' information?

  • I collect information on your pets and home via the electronic forms below, and at the Meet & Greet, I take diligent notes. All this information remains together and is filed confidentially at my home, and then I bring it with me to each visit with your pets. 

  • If there are any changes to your pets' info or changes to your home, please inform me via text or email so that I may update my notes.

• What do you do on overnight visits?

  • I keep your pets company! I will cuddle, talk to, and play with your pets as much as they want. Many pets don't like when their owners are away, and I try to ease the pets' minds by being the warm body in the house that they are used to. I will keep the pets' routine as much as possible, including sleeping in bed with your pets (if ok with you) and hanging around outside in the yard with them. I will also take your dogs on a walk and/or in the morning and evening, if you want. 

  • But since I'm away from my own home during overnights, I also may work on my laptop or phone, do a jigsaw puzzle, watch TV, make meals, or read (all while keeping your pets as happy and safe as possible). Oh, and I will take lots of pictures of them, because that's just me! I do try to have some noise going in the house, such as a TV or music, to ease the pets' minds, whether I'm there with them or not.

  • I may otherwise have to come and go as needed to provide other drop-in visits, to visit my own home (because I miss my husband and my own pets when I'm gone!), or to run an errand or two. But I will be with your pets as much as I'm able (at least for a couple hours at a time, in addition to staying overnight). Therefore, specific hours are not guaranteed, though I will follow your requests for maximum amounts of time that your pets are able to be alone, as needed.

• What are drop-in visits?

  • Drop-in visits are a half hour to hour, and they include a potty break in the yard and/or walk for the dog, cleaning the cat's litter box, any necessary feeding, fresh water, and providing lots of love. I will also give treats to the pets if you allow it, and I will DEFINITELY take pictures (again because that's just who I am!).

• I'm going on vacation. Are overnights or drop-in visits best?

  • That's up to you and your pets. Some pets do perfectly fine with drop-in visits. Other pets want more time around people. Depending on my availability, I'm happy to provide either service for your pet.

  • Drop-in visits: for dogs kenneled in a crate, a minimum of 3 visits per day is required. For dogs free roam in the house or in a room, a minimum of 2 visits per day is required. For cats, well, they usually do what they want, so I'll let you decide how many visits or if overnight is best.

  • I do require that you contact me once you return home; this is so I know I am officially off-duty. If your plans have to be extended, please let me know as soon as possible so that I may coordinate my own schedule to make sure I can still provide care to your pets until you get home.

• What do you do on dog walks?

  • I listen to your dog more than anything! If the dog wants to run and his or her health and endurance are suited for it, I will do this as safely as possible. If the dog wants to simply trot along happily and smell things, I will let him or her! What I will always do is talk to your dog, love on your dog, and keep him or her as happy and safe as possible. Also, I will always pick up your dog's waste and dispose of it.

  • I will NOT aggressively pull on, yell at, or strike your dog unless it is in harm's way. I also will NOT allow anyone to approach your dog, informing others that he or she is not my dog and therefore I cannot guarantee proper behavior.

  • Please note that I am no longer able to provide daily long-term dog walking or running, and this service is available to out-of-town and established clients only.

  • If the weather or outside temperatures are too hot or rainy, I reserve the right to not provide a walk during our visit in order to keep your pets safe outside. I do check the weather and take the temperature of the pavement and other surfaces, using an infrared thermometer gun, prior to starting any walks.

• What sort of bonding and insurance do you have?

  • I am bonded and insured through Pet Care Insurance with Underwriters, Lloyd's London, and this protects your home and property while under my care. I provide every client with a copy of my proof of insurance within the pet care binder.

• How do I know my pets and home are safe with you?

  • I know it can be difficult leaving your beloveds in the care of a stranger. But here's what I can tell you: I am in my early 40s, I do not drink, smoke, or do any non-prescribed drugs. I value honesty, transparency, integrity, and responsibility, not only in others, but in myself. I hold myself to an extremely high standard, just as I do with others caring for my own home and pets. If you'd like further reassurance, I have clients who are willing to provide you with testimonials about me so that you can be doubly sure about my level of service and integrity. Additionally, I am licensed, bonded, and insured for your home's and pets' safety.

  • I'm an Enneagram Type 1 , which means I first act with integrity above all else.  You can rest assured that I will do the best job I'm able to do. 

• What if my partnership with you just isn't working?

  • Sometimes business relationships don’t work out, but I hope that ours does! If for any reason you find that I am not a good fit for you, your pets, or your home, please let me know prior to terminating services or leaving reviews online so that I know how to improve. I will also extend the same courtesy to you.

  •  I will refuse the right to service should you become verbally or mentally abusive to me, mistreat your pets, consistently go against my policies, are frequently late with or argue about payment, etc. In short, I operate on full transparency, kindness, acceptance, and honesty, and I ask the same of you.

• Do you take care of birds or reptiles? What about rabbits or smaller creatures?

  • Because of an overwhelming phobia of each, I do not provide care for birds or reptiles. And unfortunately, my husband is highly allergic to rabbits, so I cannot care for them, as I may accidentally bring some dander home. I am able to take care of only cats and dogs.

• Will you water my plants and/or feed my fish?

  • I've never once in my life owned a fish or a plant; however, I am happy to do this as long as you provide DETAILED instructions for each (how much water is too much for a plant? How much food is too much for a fish? I have no idea! Specific is best for my ignorance of plants and fish!). Note: I am not responsible for the life performance of the plants, and I will ensure the safety of your fish as much as I am able. 

• Do you offer training or veterinary services?

  • I am not a certified trainer, but I will attempt consistency of your pet's routine and commands to my best ability. Additionally, I've never worked in a veterinary setting, but I will keep your pets' health and well-being at the top of my priority list and will act using my best judgment within reason for any issues that may arise, including but not limited to any GI issues, pets not eating or drinking, pets' anxiety, etc., and I will also keep you well-informed of any actions I take or get permission from you prior to taking any action, if able. 

• I found a stray dog or cat. Can you take it?

  • Because I have a full house already, I cannot take in strays. However, please post on Pawboost and on the NextDoor app, and contact local animal rescues.

• My dog/cat is in heat or pregnant. Do you charge extra for that?

  • I care very deeply about the importance  of spaying and neutering of pets. For this reason, I will not care for animals if they are not fixed unless you are fostering the animal (must be working with a local animal rescue organization).

• And because I'm frequently asked: You run 26 miles in one sitting? I don't even like to drive 26 miles/I run only when I'm being chased!

  • I do. And I love it! As of writing this (December 2022), I have run 18 marathons (26.2 miles), three 50ks ( which came to be about 32 miles each), and 2 marathons in 2 days to become an Iridium level of the Marathon Maniacs. I will talk running all day, every day, so if you're a runner, let's talk about it! :)

UPDATED FOR 2023

See my Facebook reviews here!

• From Sharon, Kaya and Aurora's mom:

  • My fur babies love Mehgan. Over the past 8 years Mehgan has stayed in my house with Kaya and Aurora many times. I prefer in home care as not to disrupt my dogs schedule and comfort while we are on extended trips. She gives excellent care including backyard play, taking on walks, post pics of daily activities (which my teen girls love) and is accommodating and flexible to your requests. I highly recommend Mehgan and trust her with my family. 

• From Mindy, my former coworker:

  • Mehgan has a heart for all animals!! She loves all her fur babies equally and does everything in her power to give them the best pet life they can have. I’ve often said that her animals live a better life than some humans!! I can say with absolute certainty that Mehgan will love and take the best of care of any animal she is left in charge of. 

• From Sandy, a fellow volunteer at Pensacola Humane Society:

  • I have volunteered with Mehgan at the Pensacola Humane Society for over 5 years and she has such tremendous love for all of the animals. She shows such patience and because she is an avid runner can really provide quality exercise for our doggos. In addition she has 3 dogs and a cat who are very loved and well cared for. Mehgan is someone who is responsible and trustworthy and I have no hesitation giving her the highest recommendation! You’ll be lucky to have her care for your furballs 

• From Alyssa, Beau's mom:

  • Mehgan is always my go-to for Petsitting! I have a German Shepard that has a lot of energy and needs lots of love and snuggles. Mehgan has taken excellent care of him in my home. She sends updates of their exercise, play times, and snuggles! The best part is she truly stays at my house and spends quality time with my fur baby, unlike other sitters I’ve had who stay for 30min and leave. Choosing Mehgan is a no brainer!! 

• From Pino, a client from my Atlanta pet sitting days:

  • Mehgan was essentially an alternate parent to my Boxer for 3 years in a Atlanta. I travel 10+ days a month and Mehgan was flexible and committed to making my dogs life great and my life as stress free as possible. That was several years ago and through Mehgan care and assistance with my Boxer she & I became and remain friends. I would have no issue in trusting Mehgan with any pet I’ve owned. 

Pet Sitters International 

Find me on Facebook! 

Follow me on Instagram: @pcolamarathonmutts 

Insurance and Bonding 

Lost & Found Pets of Pensacola 

Pensacola Humane Society