MinneKotan Pet Sitting

06/04/2026

Hi Friends! It's been a minute since I've checked in. I've been pretty busy with some new animal friends over the last couple months.

Since summer is heading our way fast, I wanted to write a blog about interviewing your potential pet sitter. Asking the right questions can make all the difference for you and your pet's comfort, safety, and happiness while you're away.

Up now: "10 Questions to Ask Your Potential Pet Sitter". Check it out at MinneKotan.com!

02/08/2026

Hi friends,

It’s me, your friendly neighborhood petsitter. I know I’ve been pretty quiet the last few months. The holidays always knock my routine sideways and this year it’s taking me a bit longer than usual to find my footing again. No idea why. Must be… nothing going on in the world at all.

Anywho, I just wanted to drop in and say that I haven’t forgotten you, or my blog. It’s been on my mind more than you might think. I’m intentionally weaving writing back into my schedule, so with any luck, you’ll be seeing more of me around here soon.

Stay tuned…

XOXO, Astrid

Send a message to learn more

10/22/2025

You're not paying for minutes. You're paying for reliability, consistency, and peace of mind. (And belly rubs but let's be honest, I'd throw those in for free.)

New blog up now: Why There's No Easy Answer to the Question "What do you charge?" Check it out on the website!

10/18/2025

October is my favorite month for a lot of reasons. Spooky season and crisp fall air top the list. It's also the smell of leaves, the feel of an oversized hoodie, and the general vibe shift that make it magic.

Did you know that October is also National Women's Small Business Month? While I don't always subscribe to the "woman" label, there's not an official Non-Binary Small Business Month yet. The Women said I could crash their party.

So Hi! I'm Astrid, owner (and sole employee) of MinneKotan Pet Sitting. I've loved animals for as long as I can remember. In fact, I met my partner, Lizzy, while she was working at the animal shelter where I volunteer (shoutout to Minneapolis Animal Care & Control).

Together, we've fostered, said goodbye, and spent countless hours helping others understand the importance of adoption. She's been my biggest supporter since day one (though you'll rarely catch her in photos, apparently every single one "looks terrible, Astrid").

When I'm not hanging out with clients' pets, I'm usually on the business side of things, writing for my blog, baking something vegan, or curled up with my two pups, Juni & Ruby.

I'm also open about my mental health journey. I've found community in others who get it, whether through shared experiences or supporting someone who struggles. For me, animals are a grounding joy and a daily reminder to keep choosing gentleness.

In Short: Fight the patriarchy. End the stigma. Hire me to love your pets like my own.

10/17/2025

Hey friends, it's been a minute! I've been busy the last few weeks. Blogging has fallen by the wayside but I'm back and ready to write!

The latest post is all about Things You NEVER Need to Apologize to Your Pet Sitter For.

Check it out at www.minnekotan.com/blog

09/22/2025

Hanging out in an airport in Georgia. I couldn't help but think about how important it is to have a backup plan (or 2), even for your pet sitter.

Even the best sitters get booked, have family emergencies, move, or take vacations. Backup plans keep your vacation running smoothly and your pets in good hands.

The newest post on the blog breaks down how to break in a backup sitter and what to leave them if they're staying with your pets.

Read it now! Link in bio!

09/15/2025

Oh look, another blog post! Head to MinneKotan.com to check it out!

09/08/2025

Whoops accidentally posted to my personal profile… let’s try this again😅😅

I’m still working on this whole “Blog Schedule” thing. For now, I’ve started a series called “Lessons I’ve Learned From Other People’s Pets”. The first two posts are up now!

#1 is about my King of the Side Eye, Bear.
#2 is about the Dynamic Duo Ce& Fi.

Head to www.MinneKotan.com/blog to read the series!

09/05/2025

This autumn breeze has got me dreaming about winter. Minnesota winters are no joke - but your pets still need their walks, playtime, and cuddles. From salt on the sidewalks to subzero potty breaks, winter care is all about balance: safety, warmth, and a little fun in the snow.

Check out my latest blog post - Thriving in Minnesota Winters - packed with tips for keeping tails wagging and purrs rumbling until spring finally shows up.

Head to www.MinneKotan.com to check it out!

📍 Twin Cities pet sitting | Walks, drop-ins, overnights
🐕 Because pets deserve the best care (no matter the forecast).

09/04/2025

Hi, I'm Astrid!

Owner, pet sitter extraordinaire, treat-dispensing professional, and all-around doer-of-things at MinneKotan Pet Sitting.

This is my obligatory introduction post - but honestly? I'm excited to share it.

I've loved animals for as long as I can remember (probably longer). About 11 years ago, a friend asked me to watch her dogs for a weekend. I said yes, spent 3 days soaking up tail wags and snuggles, and suddenly I was THAT friend - the one always on deck for pet care. And I loved it. Still do.

Fast forward to September 2024: I left my corporate job in healthcare billing to chase something that actually brought me joy. After some trial runs exploring other "career" paths, I realized the answer was already in front of me: caring for other people's pets.

So here I am - full-time petsitter, finally going public with this huge shift in my life. I've spent the past few months building MinneKotan, and now I'm ready to share it with you.

🐾Based in the Twin Cities, but always open to where the adventure takes me.
🐾Back by 11 years of pet sitting and 3 years of shelter + foster work (including animals with behavioral needs).
🐾Fueled by caffeine and my dog Juni (the best decision I ever made).

If you're new here (which is pretty much everyone at this point) - welcome, I'm so glad you're here. If you're an old friend, thanks for following me into this new chapter.

🐾Head to www.MinneKotan.com to read the blog, or email me at [email protected] to set up a video chat and talk pet care. Cheers to more wags and few worries while you're away.