Hey, I'm Em! (Any Pronouns)
Owner & Manager of Understudy Sitters, LLC​
Pet Care Specialties:
- Reptile, Amphibian, & Aquatic Pets
- Reactive & Fearful Pets
- Basic Obedience
- House & Leash Manners
Currently Available For:
Qualifications
I earned my Associate in Professional Studies for Agriculture at Ellsworth Community College in May of 2020, and earned my Bachelor’s in Animal Science from Iowa State University in Dec. of 2022, specializing in companion animal studies. I have over three years of experience working as a kennel technician for rescues, boarding, and daycare facilities, as well as six years of professional experience working with large farm animals.
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I have extensive experience handling and working with reactive and selective dogs, as well as pets who suffer from increased anxiety. I also have experience working with various age groups to help develop confidence, obedience, and basic regulation skills.
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I have been PackPro certified since 2023, with my most recent recertification completed early 2025. I have experience administering oral, topical, and injection medications, and I am First-Aid and CPR certified for all pets.
About Me
I always knew I would end up working with animals. At 14, I started working for the local dairy farm in my hometown, picking up shifts in the milking parlor and bottle feeding calves in between 4-H meetings. In my free-time, I was preparing ducks, goats, rabbits, and my quarter horse, Jett, for the county fair every year until I left for college at 19.​
I intended to graduate with specialties in beef cattle science, but I changed tracks after my first companion animal class at ISU. I fell in love with my coursework, and quickly found other connections that helped me make progress with my own dog-reactive dog at the time.​
Outside of work, I love video and board games, crochet, leatherworking, volunteering at Mustard Seed Community Farm, and finding new walking paths to explore around town!
I’m also just starting to explore the dog sport and show ring!
At home, I care for Twig, a young corn snake and my very first reptile, and Spook, a six year old black DSH rescue cat (adopted from Ames Animal Shelter in 2022)!
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Twig spends his days in a bioactive 4'x2'x2' enclosure in my room, usually active from the hours of 11pm until 5am. His favorite activities include digging in his plant pots, exploring tree branches, and politely asking to have free roam time by knocking over his tank décor.
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Despite his name, Spook is very friendly and pretty chill. His daily agenda includes window watching, fetching bouncy balls (yes, he actually brings them back), greeting guests at the door, and cuddling with his humans.
 Spook6yr old DSH Cat |
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 Twig4yr old Corn Snake |
Client Experince
If you have any reptiles who also need some love and attention while you're away, I’m your go-to! I have the most experience with reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates, but basic care for an established aquarium or small bird is no problem at all!
I also specialize in working on obedience and self-soothing skills for pets. Does your dog seem to “go crazy” when there’s another person or pet nearby? Do they lose all ability to hear when you don’t have a treat ready to go? I can help with that! I can walk you through helpful habits, equipment, and exercises to keep them engaged with you, and teach them how to handle those big emotions. If you would like to know more about my methods and skillset, check out our 1-on-1 training service!
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Regardless of the age or species, rest assured, I will put all my knowledge and experience into making sure they feel just as safe and comfortable in my care as they do in yours!
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100%
Understudy Client Satisfaction
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70+
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Reviews on
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Let's Talk!
I would love to answer any questions you have!
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Feel free to reach out at any time, and I'll get back to you as soon as I'm done with my dogs!
712-230-0589