Pet's Best Friend

5.0 star rating
28 reviews Rating Details

Category: Pet Boarding/Pet Sitting  [Edit]

1517 North Point St
San Francisco, CA 94123
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow
(415) 561-9936
About This Business:

Safe, flexible dog walking and in-home pet care for dogs and cats who want extra attention. Senior and shy pets a specialty.  Half-hour or one-hour…   read more »

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28 reviews in English

  • Review from Alison B.

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    • 24 friends
    • 27 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/2/2012

    I had never used a professional pet sitter before, but a few days before we were leaving the guilt set in and I called Alycia.  She was prompt at responding to our call for help to take care of our smallest family member.  She was very thorough with her questions of how he acts and what his patterns are.  While no one can love our cat as much as we do, it was nice to have someone who cared about him and gave him much needed undivided attention while we were away.  We received daily updates on her visits, and knowing that our furry little family member was getting pets and play time while we were gone helped us not feel quite so guilty about leaving him home alone.   We will definitely be calling Alycia again.

  • Review from marissa t.

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    • 1 friend
    • 14 reviews

    Reno, NV

    5.0 star rating
    7/7/2011

    My husband and I would highly recommend Pet's Best Friend.  Founder Alicia is positive, communicative and has great attention to detail.  She cared for both of our cats who have fairly complex care routines during our 2 week vacation overseas.  Having Alicia care for our pets made our vacation much more relaxing and we didn't get "homesick" because of her daily updates and pics of our pets being sent from around the globe.  

    Pet's Best Friend is a wonderful service and we have already booked for them to care for our pets again in a couple months!

  • Review from Cassandra J.

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    2/1/2011

    Out of all the reviews I've written, I cannot believe I missed rating my wonderful, amazing pet sitter Alicia!

    Pet's Best Friend came highly recommended to me 2.5 years ago when I moved to the city.  I called up Alicia and she came over to meet me and my two cats.  My big one got friendly with her right away, while my little one did her standard "sit across the room and watch closely while not letting anyone within touching distance".  I've called Alicia to come over and care for them whenever I go out of town and both cats have come to enjoy her visits.

    Alicia is quick to respond to me when I email her about bookings; sends me daily updates through email as well as any photos she gets of the cats; feeds, brushes, and plays with both of them (including copious amounts of catnip); and cleans the litterbox out.  She has also picked up my mail for me when I'm out for more than a few days during the week and has happily sent me scans/photos of parcel notices I'd received (so I could log online and put holds on them).  

    Bonus stars for her being able to fit me in on an extremely tight/busy schedule when I booked her late and close to Xmas.  It was my fault for being so late in booking her, but I was extremely happy she could accommodate me.

    Either Alicia will visit with your pets or one of her friendly helpers will come by.  I trust Alicia, and by extension any of her helpers that come to visit.  I have not had a single negative experience in nearly 3 years of her services.  She is well worth the money for the safety and comfort of my two crazy cats.

  • Review from Tiffany N.

    Denver, CO

    5.0 star rating
    7/21/2010

    I happen to travel quite often and I also happen to have two kind of spoiled kitties. Usually when I travel Sir Nicholas is still at home to watch the girls, but once in a while we're both gone and that is where Alicia from Pet's Best Friend steps in.

    I absolutely love having someone as dependable as Alicia to watch our cats. She leaves us little report cards that we can read when we get home, but she also sends over emails every day letting us know everything is okay. Sometimes she'll even include pictures if our ladies aren't hiding away under a bed or in a bathtub.

    By the way, you can choose between emails or text messages for updates if you'd like.

    I'm fairly certain Alicia takes care of dogs as well, but if you take a peek at her website it seems that she specializes in cats and I'm grateful for that. In the past it has been fairly easy to find dog people, but cat sitters are not as easy to come by.

    The pricing is pretty reasonable and you pay a little extra on holidays, but it's well worth it to not worry about how your furry friends are doing at home.

  • Review from Josh N.

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    • 6 friends
    • 9 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/19/2011

    5 stars for Pet's Best Friend and Alicia. She is the best pet sitter I have ever used, and I have used A LOT of them over the years. She took care of my two kitties just like I would have!!

  • Review from Rebecca L.

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    • 1 friend
    • 7 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    5.0 star rating
    1/4/2009

    I am so thankful for Pet's Best Friend!  Alicia has cared for my 2 cats several times and I really think she is the best.  Often times I have to go somewhere with very short notice, and Alicia, & once one of her employees, have always been there for me.

    I never thought I'd want daily emails/messages about the cats, but it's actually really comforting.  She is pretty detailed and it's a nice reminder that your cats are in good hands while you are away.  This last time she even sent me pictures - which I must admit I loved!

    I really feel lucky to have found Pet's best Friend - so much less stressful to go away.

    Oh, & she also leaves a separate daily written commentary about your cat, gets the mail, & contacts you to make sure that you are home when you should be (which I also really love).

  • Review from Hiromi N.

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    • 230 friends
    • 738 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/13/2009

    Initially, I relied on the kindness of neighbors to watch my mini petting zoo (1 bunny and 2 cats) while I was away.  Yet, after several health issues that cropped up for my geriatric rabbit and oldest cat (both greater than 10 years old), I became more concerned about the quality of pet sitting available for them.  

    I did some research on-line and utilized YELP as another method of gaining feedback on local pet sitters.  ALL the reviews for Alicia Yanow and Pet's Best Friend were positive and as I read the reviews, I was touched by how much attention and care that others expressed that she had for their animals.

    So, I looked at her website and I sent off an e-mail.  We set up a complimentary "introduction" meeting between Alicia and myself, but MOST IMPORTANTLY with my animals.  The first meeting went well.  I filled out the contract and Alicia asked me POINTED questions about my animals.  Specifically about their likes, dislikes, health issues, behavior patterns.

    Alicia has watched my fur family twice while I've been away.  During those times, she has e-mailed me updates in addition to leaving a detailed written log/diary of what she has done during her visits that I can review when I return home.  She has all my animal's veterinary contact information in the case that something goes wrong and she is licensed, bonded and insured (JUST IN CASE).  

    She takes the UTMOST care to treat my animals with TLC (bringing them treats, petting them and playing with them using their favorite toys).  Yet, what gives me the most peace of mind is that she pays SPECIAL attention to my ailing bunny and is vigilant of any health changes in my oldest cat.  She gives the cat his medicine and she makes sure that the bunny's appetite and water consumption is normal and reports any abnormalities that she notices to me ASAP.

    Alicia is trustworthy with your house/apartment belongings and with your prized possessions (animals) and I recommend her services WHOLE-HEARTEDLY!  My four-legged wonders give her 12 paws up!  

    Rates vary based on services contracted.  These are determined at the complimentary 1st meeting.  

    PS - if you go to her website and click on her SERVICES/RATES, you will see my menagerie (Max, Fuji - and his blue toy - and SMUDGE-BUNNY).  The link: http://www.petsbestfri...

  • Review from Alexandra L.

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    • 10 friends
    • 19 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    1/1/2011

    When we decided to go away last minute for the holidays and our normal boarding place was full, luckily Alicia had some space. She was wonderful with our cat, and so were her assistants. I loved that he could stay home while we were gone, without us worrying, and get such good care. The daily emails and photos were fun to read, and when we got home there were even notes and a present (treats and catnip) for the cat! Pet's Best Friend is a great alternative to boarding -- I'd definitely recommend it to other cat owners.

  • Review from Michelle S.

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    • 53 friends
    • 189 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/25/2009

    Alicia has been our pet sitter for a few years. She is loved by our two old ladies. She brings special treats and play toys for them. She's established a bond with them that keeps them happy while we are gone. What more can you ask for...taking really good care of your animals.

    Well, she takes good care of the owners too. Daily emails, visit log, introducing new toys and catnip, checking mail and watering plants. She makes it easy and stree-free for us while we are gone.

    Alicia is a true cat person and a great people person. She's tops!

  • Review from ryan m.

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    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/20/2011

    I am so glad that I found Pet's Best Friend and Alicia!!!  My cats are like my children - "yes I am a crazy cat lady:)"  Upon getting in touch with Alicia, she immediately set up a meeting to meet me and my cats.  She is professional, punctual, responsible, caring and kind.  I know that when I am away I don't need to worry because I know my guys are in great hands. Also,  I love how she sends me updates and photos while I am away...all part of the excellent service PBF provides. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

  • Review from Erika G.

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    • 0 friends
    • 15 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/5/2009

    Pets Best Friend is the BEST!!! I feel completely at ease leaving to go on vacation or away on business knowing that Alicia will take GREAT care of our cats. She goes above and beyond to make sure our cats get the best of care while we are away playing with them, petting them and brushing them. She sends us daily email updates on what she did with our little ones. She does all the other extras like pick up the mail and water plants as well.

    We recently adopted a second cat (well a year ago... How time flies when they are young!). The two cats were not getting along super great so we had Alicia come by on a pretty regular basis since we were at the office. I honestly think she helped to get the to get along better fast. Each day I came home, they seemed better than the day before. Now they love each other... well most of the time!

    Alicia clearly has a heart for our cats and all cats!!! She is AWESOME!!! I HIGHLY Recommend her!

  • Review from Justin B.

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    • 9 friends
    • 31 reviews

    Palo Alto, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/10/2009

    Two things stand out about Pet's Best Friend: the high level of care and communication provided during my time away and also the professionalism with which Alicia runs her business.

    Alicia met with me and spoke with me extensively prior to my trip to coordinate all of the details of care necessary and she updated me each visit by email.  I returned home to two healthy, happy animals and a detailed log of all of her observations and care.

    I would also like to emphasize the extreme contrast in operation between her business and other pet sitting services.  Prior to leaving, I  contacted perhaps half a dozen similar services listed on Yelp.  While the second-fastest other service to respond called me two days after I contacted them, Alicia called me back within minutes of my email.  I actually continued to receive a slow trickle of responses, even once I was already on vacation.

    I can't imagine going with anyone else.

  • Review from Jen C.

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    • 8 friends
    • 28 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/28/2009

    Just returned from my second trip where PBF cared for my much loved kitty, Gidget.  Laura cared for Gidget the first time, Alicia the second.  Both provided daily updates that put my mind at ease and reflected their interest in and care for Gidget.

    Alicia is very detail oriented - in our initial visit, she asked a ton of great questions and took detailed notes, which were reflected in her subsequent communications.

    As a new pet parent, I've also learned tips from Alicia through our interactions (e.g. catnip brands, hairball treatments).  Her experience with cats is clear.

    Agree with other reviewers on professionalism, care, etc.  Bottom line - great service, trustworthy people, great with my cat.  I recommend PBF unconditionally.

  • Review from Ryan C.

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    • 1 friend
    • 5 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/22/2009

    Add me to the 5 star gang. Alicia has taken care of my cats for over three years. My recently deceased cat was quite a handful. We'll just say she wasn't keen on strangers. Alicia was extremely patient with her and worked hard to gain trust.

    My other cat has become quite needy recently and Alicia provides extra attention to ease his anxiety during my absence.

    In addition, her service is impeccable. You get daily emails (this week I received a mobile phone photo which was a pleasant surprise) and a visit log upon your return.

    I have complete faith that Alicia would be able to handle any problem that could arise during my trip. Highly recommended.

  • Review from Lori W.

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    • 1 friend
    • 7 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/17/2009

    Alicia is a cat whisperer.  I have rescues... some, well they have issues.  Through the hisses and hiding, Alicia connected with them.  And always communicated with me - from the confirmation of the travel dates before a trip to daily detailed updates, I always felt comfortable that they were in good hands.  Alicia is truly passionate about what she does and it shows!  And the biggest testament is upon returning from a trip, the cats could care less that I was home :)

    Through the years, I've used a few pet sitters (in SF and NYC) and Alicia is by far the best.  No comparison! Honestly.  The best!

  • Review from Marilyn W.

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    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/26/2010

    We used to come home from vacation and our 3 cats would just ignore us for days. They would pretend that we weren't there, or look at us like: "Who are you?" Basically, we realized they had decided to punish us for going away by not hanging around with us once we returned.

    All this dramatically changed with Alicia Yanow of Pet's Best Friend. This time we came home, all 3 cats greeted us affectionately at the front door, and curled up in bed with us the same night.

    This was our first time with Alicia, and it was also the first time we were not nervous on a vacation worrying about our cats.

    Before our trip, Alicia came to visit, met all 3 cats, listened carefully to our concerns for each one, and presented us with an unbelievably thorough written documentation of the care she would be providing.

    While we were away, Alicia sent us daily emails and photos, describing how Lucy, Emily, and Katie were doing.

    When we returned we found out that Alicia is also a Pet Owner's Best Friend, as our apartment was neat and clean. All we had to do was hug our cats and go to bed - what a relief!

    Plus, Alicia left gifts of catnip and treats for our cat family - now how nice is that?

  • Review from Brenna R.

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    • 5 friends
    • 38 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/8/2010

    Alisa is as good as it gets. She is reliable, kind and wonderful with cats. She has cared for our 3 kitties every time we are out of town for several years. Our cats love her because she brings cat nip and treats, and we love the daily email updates. If only we had more vacations, she could spoil our cats more often!

  • Review from cynthia a.

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    • 12 friends
    • 46 reviews

    Berkeley, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/5/2009

    First of all, true time. It's a new year and I need to be honest with myself and my fellow yelpers.  I am a complete and total overanxious, spastic pet-mom. I trust no one with my 2 ill behaved cats, and I worry endlessly about minute things.  Basically I am a nightmare client, and Alicia had the grace, patience and skills to not only handle me, but to put my fears at rest.  She has been our pet-sitter for about 3 years now, and we always feel safe when she is taking care of our cats , whom are not only a little high strung but require daily meds as well.   Alicia is trustworthy, loving and super professional my only complaint is that we have yet to convince her that she should expand her business to the east bay so that  we can continue to have her care for our animals now that we've moved to Berkeley. But I haven't given up on that yet. :)

  • Review from Kaitlin K.

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    • 8 friends
    • 6 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/8/2010

    I can't believe that I'm just getting around to writing my review for Alicia now, but for the time she watched our little girls she was absolutely amazing!  Down to the little details of how they were doing, their food and water and of course their various (somewhat overcomplicated) medicines.  I can't recommend her enough!

  • Review from Dana D.

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    • 4 friends
    • 32 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/15/2009

    Alicia is great with my pal Jackie-Oh. Jackie is verrry shy and really doesn't appreciate strangers in her apartment (even when they give her FOOD!)

    However, I can tell she likes Alicia because she's always so calm when I get back from a vacation. She used to be pretty upset and yell at me for a few hours upon my return. Not anymore! Now she just hangs out and purrs.

  • Review from Ellen S.

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    • 0 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Berkeley, CA

    4.0 star rating
    11/29/2008

    Alicia at Pet's Best Friend is FANTASTIC.  I feel completely at ease when my babies are in her care - and my cats are older, shy with new people and in need of meds.  The initial meeting was great, Alicia really listened to what I had to say, wrote down all the important (and probably unimportant) stuff, is completely professional and dedicated.  The only reason I'm not giving PBF five stars is that, compared to other pet sitters I have used, I feel it's a bit expensive.  But, if you don't mind the price, you can't ask for a better pet sitter.

  • Review from Sharon B.

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    • 0 friends
    • 8 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/1/2008

    I couldn't be more pleased with Alicia and Laura and their care for my older cat.  They are extremely dedicated to providing personalized care and loving attention.  I receive an e-mail update every day (occasionally with a photo !) and the peace of mind they provide is priceless.

  • Review from Jacqueline K.

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    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/9/2009

    I love my 2 cats more than anything.  Finding them the perfect babysitter is a serious task and there are few who I would trust their care to.  With Alicia, when I come home from vacation I can tell (seriously) that my cats are well taken care of.  I've left them w/others before and know right away if they haven't been having a good time.  Alicia is awesome.  I get reports daily and super cute pictures of them and that really is so reassuring to me.  She's also great about picking up after them, taking care of my mail and being available last minute.  Don't know what I would do without her.  My cats love her too : )

  • Review from Ariane M.

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    • 1 friend
    • 11 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/19/2009

    I am a big fan of Pets Best Friend.  Alicia emailed me daily with updates on how my cats were doing and even sent pictures.  It is clear she really loves animals and is not just doing a job. My cats are happy and healthy when I come home.  They are old so I worry, but the daily emails put my mind at ease.  That makes such a difference and I was able to enjoy my time away.

  • Review from Daniella R.

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    • 0 friends
    • 4 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/15/2009

    Alicia is phenomenal! I am extremely delighted with the services of Pet's Best Friend and would recommend their services wholeheartedly. I feel that our cats received wonderful care throughout our 5 week trip and I could really tell that they were especially calm and affectionate upon our return as if we'd never even been away!
    It is clear that Alicia is very passionate about what she does and so is her assistant Laura. The attention that my cats received was very personal and right from the heart of true animal lovers.
    I was particularly impressed with the extensive notes that Alicia took, detailing her visits, as with the daily informative emails.
    Pet's Best Friend truly goes above and beyond the call of duty.
    Alicia even took it upon herself to clear out our fridge!!
    Rates are very reasonable consiidering the high quality of service.
    Fantastic business.

  • Review from Jane S.

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    • 0 friends
    • 13 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/7/2009

    Phenomenal care of a very particular cat! Alicia provided excellent care for my Siamese - who can be quite finicky. Alicia is great with attention to detail and very focused on comprehensive care. Not only was the aforementioned Siamese perfectly happy with her care - it was wonderful to receive detailed email reports daily. I appreciated the fun emails, and especially liked the fact that Alicia thought to send a picture in some of the updates. I would highly recommend calling on Pet's Best Friend the next time you need care for your pet!

  • Review from Leah B.

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    • 10 friends
    • 4 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/29/2010

    We love Alicia.  She has been watching our cat for a few years now.  She sends email updates and the occasional picture while we are gone.  When we come home, our kitty is always happy.   I would highly recommend her services.

  • Review from Billee B.

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    • 0 friends
    • 7 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/28/2009

    Alicia is a superstar pet sitter.  Can't say too many good things about her.  She has been 100% reliable, is very straightforward, detail-oriented, and knows a ton about animals.   She stays in close email contact during your time out of town, sends photos of your little guy/girl from her iphone.

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