Dog Walking Chickamauga

About: Hey there! My name is Jen, and I would love to take care of your babies for you! A bit about me: I am a Licensed Veterinary Technician of 10+ years, with the majority of my experience being in surgery/anesthesia and working in emergency triage. My husband is a Veterinarian/Surgeon with 25 years under his belt this year. He does not help with care and is not responsible for my clients, but is always available for advice and input. In addition, I am a Certified Feline Behaviorist (think Jackson Galaxy!) and thoroughly enjoy working with feline behavior concerns to help keep cats in their homes. I also have experience with basic level dog training and work with a variety of local clients on basic obedience, potty training, crate training, bite inhibition for puppies, etc. in addition to professional pet sitting, boarding, daycare, and basic grooming, I am capable and available for a variety of veterinary technician services like medication/fluid administration, insulin administration, bandage changes, nail trims, etc. I also have a solid understanding of disease and parasite transmission as well as toxicity exposure/ingestion risks and act accordingly with the pets in my care. I interned for several years at Vilas Zoo in Madison, WI and for a year at Chattanooga Zoo here in TN. My husband did a residency at Montgomery Zoo in Alabama, and we met 10 years ago when we both used to own large reptile breeding businesses, primarily working with a variety of snakes. I have also spent years as a wildlife rehabber, working primarily with rabbits, squirrels, song birds, opossums, and native reptiles. Thus in addition to dogs and cats, I am well-versed in the care and biological needs of practically every species you can think of! In addition to my professional skills, education, and experience, I have immense personal experience -- essentially from the moment I was born. My mother has run a cat rescue in Wisconsin for decades, and my grandfather did the same before her. I also have been rescuing cats for the past 20 years. My parents have always kept a wide variety of pets, ranging from cats and dogs to fish, reptiles, small mammals/pocket pets, and exotics, so I have been immersed in caring for almost every kind of pet you can think of since before I can remember. I also have always had an invisible neon sign above my head that only animals can see, which has made it so that all injured, young, or lost pets and wildlife find their way to me no matter where I am or what I'm doing -- even in Army basic training when I was 20, when I rescued a 10-day-old stray kitten from drowning due to a burst pipe underneath our barracks -- so I have always had animals in my care at any given moment. In our personal lives, we have two children: my 19-year-old son and our 8-year-old daughter, both of whom have been raised in animal rescue, veterinary medicine, pet care and behavior training, etc. and have extensive skills and knowledge of their own which brings me immense pride to see. We have 4 kitties and a Boston Terrier, all of whom are very comfortable with the various visiting pet friends that stay with us. They are also spayed/neutered, UTD on vaccines, negative for all common communicable diseases, and UTD on heartworm/flea/tick prevention. My boarding pets have spaces away from our pets if necessary, so interaction is not required and separation is just fine! I have never known a life without being surrounded by animals, without my clothes being covered in fur, and without being called to help care for animals in need. It is not just what I do, but who I am, down to my very core, and brings me immense joy and gratification. I cannot begin to express how much I love what I do. I love caring for others' pets and giving them the ability to be loved and well cared for when their own loving parents cannot be with them for whatever reason. I also have frequently helped clients become aware of health concerns within their pets that they may not otherwise notice, then can have their regular DVM evaluate and address it -- ranging from skin allergies to yeast infections in ears to heart murmurs to dental disease. I feel that my career position, my education, my decades of experience, my knowledge, and my skillset, not to mention having my DVM husband handy for advice and knowledge, puts me ahead of most pet caretakers. It ensures that your babies are in the safest and most experienced, well-prepared hands they could possibly be in! I currently work remote from home as an emergency triage technician and am the Manager of Performance, Training, and Team Success for GuardianVets, so I am available 7 days per week, 24 hours per day to care for pets in my home. I also have some open availability from 8am to 10pm, so I am able to do drop-ins, potty breaks, feed, scoop litter boxes, change cages/bedding, etc. 2-3 times per day before the final visit for the evening. I can make just about any request work! Care depends on the individual pet, their breed, age, personality and needs, as well as what training and rules their parents have in place for them, and whether they are boarding in my 3600 sq. ft. home or I am caring for them in your home. Pets boarding in my home or coming for Doggy Daycare must be UTD on all core vaccines for their species with verification from their veterinarian. For puppies under 16 weeks of age, they must be UTD with the most recent booster for their age. All puppies under 16 weeks or puppies who have not yet completed all 4 vaccine boosters yet will be the ONLY boarding client I keep during their duration of stay in order to best protect their developing immune system. As you would expect, my home and all supplies (crates, bowls, etc) are thoroughly sanitized after each client. Bowls are washed in the dishwasher at over 140 degrees to sanitize, and all floors and kennels are sanitized with Kennel Care (an effective veterinary-grade disinfectant against Parvo and all other infectious agents). I do also require that all dogs boarding here or coming for Doggy Daycare are either cat-friendly or cat-neutral (meaning they ignore them). We cannot board any dogs who are cat aggressive, small dog aggressive, or obsessive cat/dog chasers, due to the risk to our pets. Even though we have a separate space for boarding dogs, the risk of injury or death is too great if they were to somehow get loose and come into contact with them. I am sorry. This specifically means dogs who have a known history of active aggression toward prey animals or an excessive interest/obsession with chasing small dogs and cats. Simply being vocal toward cats or showing interest and wanting to gently investigate is not aggression and is fine. If you aren't sure how your baby would be, you are absolutely welcome to bring them over for a trial meeting on-leash to see how they do with them first! I will always text daily updates and pics to let you know how your babies are doing and what they are up to! I am an obsessive picture taker anyway, especially with animals. :) BOARDING DOGS: I require all dogs to be crate-trained or at least comfortable being in a crate for safety reasons (i.e. if I need to leave the house for any reason, they must be able to be crated). I keep large and medium sized comfortable, secure crates with comfortable washed fresh blankets for boarding dogs, or you are welcome to bring your own! Most boarding dogs are kept in our master suite so that I can supervise them at all times. On the rare occasion where we have boarding clients from two different families, we will set the other one up in my adult son's room. They are never alone or left ignored. For outgoing dogs who adapt well to any new situation and do well with other animals, they are allowed to run around the house with us, chill on the couch, hang out on the bed and watch TV, etc, unless their parents have trained them not to be on furniture, then we uphold this same rule for them here for consistency and they are offered blankets or beds on the floor. This is always under strict supervision, no unsupervised time loose. For dogs who are more nervous/anxious in new spaces, they are crated and given 3-5 intervals of supervised 1:1 time loose in my large master suite rather than the full house, and away from the cats or our dog if they may upset them. For the most nervous babies, I usually recommend remaining crated in a larger crate so they have room to move around, as they feel most secure there, with regular potty breaks. Similar to boarding at a veterinary clinic. All boarding dogs get lots of outside play time in our yard, always on a 30-foot training leash that is attached to my hand at all times. This lets them run and play and have fun while still always being under my control and security. I do not believe in using tie-outs nor do I ever leave a dog outside alone -- whether that is a client's dog or my own. Feeding is based on their own individual preferences and requirements/instructions from their pet parents. I have all necessary bowls here, just need their food provided. BOARDING CATS: For kitties, the most outgoing, friendly, and adaptable cats are set up in our daughter's bedroom so that they have a whole room with a comfy bed and someone to sleep with at night, as well as a clean sanitized litterbox (unless they bring their own). They are also provided plenty of cat-safe toys and clean blankets to lay on. I can provide litter unless your baby has a preference for a specific type/brand, which is no issue! My daughter LOVES having boarding cats with her and will play with them with wand toys, fuzzy mice, and laser pointers for as long as they are willing, and snuggle them in bed while playing Minecraft. I take care of all the care essentials and always have hands-on time with them to ensure all is well. For the more anxious/scared kitties who prefer to hide and have less interaction, they are kept either in a large multi-level cat condo with a litterbox at the bottom, or a large wire dog crate with the litterbox on one side and a plastic step stool on the other so they can sit elevated on top or hide underneath. I set these up inside my master bedroom if I have no boarding dogs, or my daughter's room if we do. They are allowed to decompress in a quiet warm space, and I will spend lots of time petting and loving on them if they would like it, otherwise I give them their space with just periodic check-ins and caretaking (litter, food, water, etc). BOARDING EXOTICS: Species-dependent, we can discuss specifics! DOGGIE DAYCARE: Exactly the same as boarding, just for shorter periods, whether that's an hour or two while you attend a doctor appt, or 8 hours while you work! PETSITTING IN YOUR HOME: I am fully able to stay 24/7 if you prefer, or I can just stay during the day and then head home around 9pm and back again the next morning. For clients who wish me to stay 24/7 in their home, I will need access to high-speed WiFi in order to work my remote job overnight, as I work third shift. I do not have to be isolated from pets for this job, they can hang out with me. :) While I am in your home, I can sleep either on the couch or in a guest bedroom if you have one and are comfortable, either is fine with me. For couches, I will bring my own pillow and blanket. I will not do any cooking or anything that requires making a mess or cleaning up, and guarantee your home will be left in the same condition/state it was when I arrived, and will take any trash with me when I go. Your pets will sleep wherever they are used to sleeping, so if that's with a person, they are very welcome to sleep with me! I can let them out every 1-2 hours, including while working for puppies and seniors who need overnight potty breaks. DROP-IN VISITS: For pets who stay at home and have me come over for care, I usually come over 2-3x per day for potty breaks, play breaks, a walk, meal times, litter scooping, cage cleaning, etc. and overall health checks to ensure all is well. I will always treat them as if they were my own babies and ensure they get lots of love and exercise to burn off that energy during the short time we have!

About: I am different from other sitter because I will take my time and actually play with your dog. Also get to know the dog and see what they like and don’t like. I will go beyond to take care of your dog. I am free the rest of the summer. The only thing I do have is softball I play one game in the morning till July 13 but that’s it. I have a fenced in backyard with to friendly english bulldogs. They love dogs and are very nice. Also I will go pretty much anywhere to a clients home and make sure the dog is okay.

About: Your babies will be in good hands! Currently I have 2 doggos and 2 kitties. I have been sitting on Rover for about a year now and I have really enjoyed meeting so many different breeds and encountering so many different personalities. Every baby is SO different! I will treat your babies like my own. I've had pets most of my life and the happiest times were when I had at least one animal. I can come by after work for drop-ins M-F and almost anytime on weekends. I am able to house-sit most days, I will need enough notice to be able to meet with you and your babies to make sure we are a good fit for each other. I prefer at least a week's notice for house sitting requests. I work full time during the week. I am typically gone from around 7am until 5pm but sometimes later on Mondays. If a mid day drop in is needed during this stay please let me know ahead of time. I will do everything I can to keep your babies a on as close of a routine as they are used to. I will send pictures while you are away.

About: I live by the campsite rule — leave things better than you found them. Your home will be exactly as you left it, and your pet will have had a great day. The only evidence will be the pet hair I’ll inevitably wear home on my clothes. No outfit is complete without it. FOR PETS WHO NEED A LITTLE EXTRA PATIENCE Some animals need more than a cheerful hello or a baby voice — they need someone who understands that trust takes time. I’m experienced with anxious, reactive, and shy pets and know how to move slowly, read body language, and let them set the pace. There’s no rushing it, and I wouldn’t want to. For particularly nervous pets, I’m happy to do multiple meet and greets before we start services. SENIOR PETS AND SPECIAL NEEDS I’m comfortable giving medications and following detailed care instructions, especially for senior pets who need extra consistency. Routine is everything to an older animal, and I make sure their day stays as normal as possible while you’re away. Don’t worry about accidents either — as dogs get older, it just happens, and they’ve earned patience and dignity. A HOUSE FULL OF ANIMALS I live with two cats and two dogs, and know firsthand what a multi-pet household actually looks like. I get the order of operations — who needs to eat when, who needs space from whom, which routines work and which ones create chaos. I’m genuinely interested in how your animals already fit together, because that rhythm is what keeps everyone calm. I’ll follow what’s working, not reinvent the wheel. YOUR HOME IS IN GOOD HANDS TOO As a homeowner myself, I notice the details that matter — not just for your pet, but for your home. Water on a hardwood floor gets wiped up immediately. An open window gets closed (especially in a house with cats). I’ll make sure exterior lights are on at night so the house looks lived in, and if the trash can needs to come in from the curb, I’ll grab it. I treat your space the way I’d want someone to treat mine — because I know how costly it can be when little things get missed. And yes, I will absolutely make sure we’re not heating the whole neighborhood. YOU’LL ALWAYS KNOW HOW THINGS ARE GOING I send regular photo and message updates (maybe too many — I might overdo it) so you can see how your pet is doing while you’re away. Each visit is more than a checklist — my goal is for your pet to feel calm, cared for, and happy, and for you to feel completely at ease leaving them in my care. I’m always happy to set up a meet and greet so we can all get comfortable before booking. My schedule is very flexible, which allows me to accommodate early morning, evening, and weekend visits. I’m often available for short-notice requests and can adjust visit times to match your pet’s normal routine as closely as possible. Because I plan my days around pet care, I’m able to be consistent and dependable with timing and communication. I care for pets in their own home so they can stay comfortable in a familiar environment. During each visit I follow your instructions closely and keep routines consistent, including feeding, fresh water, walks or playtime, litter box or yard care, and making sure doors and gates are secure. I spend time with your pet beyond basic care — whether that means exercise and enrichment for energetic dogs or calm companionship for pets that just want company. I also keep an eye on behavior, appetite, and overall well-being and will let you know if anything seems out of the ordinary. I respect your home as well as your pet. I make sure food and litter areas stay tidy, clean up any accidents, and send updates with photos so you know your pet is safe and cared for while you’re away.

About: Your dog’s comfort and joy come first. I bring years of experience and a genuine love for pups to make every visit fun, safe, and worry free! As a stay at home mom, I love spending my days caring for pets, going on walks, and visiting the horse barn. Pets easily fit into my daily routine, and I make sure they get plenty of love, attention, and playtime. I keep pets safe, happy, and comfortable, whether it’s in my home or yours. I follow routines, rules, provide food, water, supervision, and lots of play time. In your home I respect your space while giving updates to build trust.

About: I am 60 years old, a mother, and a grandmother. I have been caring for animals for the past 38 years. I love all dogs and animals! My dogs and my granddogs are my whole world. I've been divorced for a year, after 37 years of marriage. Looking to start my new job as a full time dog sitter, doing what I love most, caring for animals! Monday: Anytime Tuesday: Anytime Wednesday: Anytime Thursday: Anytime Friday: Morning - 8:00 PM Saturday: Off Sunday: Anytime I am strong in my faith and must have off Friday at sunset to Saturday at sunset for Sabbath. I can do drop-in visits, customer house sitting, and dog walking depending on size of dog. As long as it aligns with my schedule listed.

About: I’ve been fortunate to have the chance to care for dogs, cats and farm animals throughout my life. I volunteered at a local animal shelter for four years, walking dogs and socializing cats. I also was a dog foster for the animal shelter for two years, fostering over two dozen dogs ranging from a pug to a Great Dane, and every type of dog in-between. This gave me of experience with dogs from different backgrounds, temperaments and confidence levels. I currently have five dogs of my own, and I’ve attended obedience training and agility training with them. I believe in positive reinforcement and meeting each dog where they’re at. I work full-time from home, but have availability and flexibility to drop-in and walk dogs in the mornings, over lunch and in the evenings, whatever is needed. I think keeping your pet’s schedule and following their routines is the most important part of keeping them happy when you’re gone. I know how stressful it can be to leave your pets, so regular photos and check ins are never a problem!

About: I’ve been petting sitting since I was fifteen. I have pet sat for family, friends, neighbors and family friends. I have been is charge of reptiles, fish chickens, guinea pigs, horses, hermit crabs, cats and dogs. I love all kinds animals and love adding to pet sitting photo box on my phone. I take pictures of all the pets that I watch. I was a kennel technician for a year and four months at a veterinarian office. I have watched multiple dogs at one time. The most I have watched is three. However when I was a kennel tech I was in charge of a lot. I have my own transportation and loving animals is one of my passions in life and always will be. I do have a full time job however, most of my clients have no problem with me staying at their house while pet sitting. However, it's all up to whatever you want to do. If you prefer I can also drop in and take care of them as well. I have no trouble doing both jobs. Your pup will get plenty of time with me still and it will be properly taken care of. I have been house/pet sitting for some time now and have had no problems at it. I make sure that I have plenty of time to take care of everything that needs to be done. In your house I will treat them like my own. Every pet that I watch becomes a part of my own in a way. I will love on them, take them for walks, or to the park if that is what your wanting. If you have a less active pup no worries we will have a chill time just taking it easy.

About: I’ve grown up with dogs and dog trainers. I’ve had cats my entire life. I work from home and live alone with 3 rescue dogs and two rescue cats. I own two Shih Tzus and one service dog that is a Schnauzer. All of my pets are dog and cat friendly. I own my own home, extra crates of all sizes for those that need crates. I have extra fences for inside and outside the home if someone doesn’t like to mingle. My fur babies are family and I’ll treat yours the same. I work from home 100% of the time. I have breaks on the hour for potty breaks and to go walk and care for your fur babies locally. I live alone with my rescues and my fur babies are my life. I work as a Professional Counselor and have a secondary Masters in Applied Behavioral Analysis. I was raised with a professional dog trainer and have a lifetime of experience. I have a fenced yard with extra barriers to keep everyone safe. My dogs are very friendly and playful and will keep your babies entertained. All of my animals are spayed or neutered with up to date full vaccinations and monthly plans with Banfield to keep them healthy. I have experience giving meds and giving subcutaneous fluids via IV if needed. Elderly and puppies always welcome. I can assist with potty training if needed.

About: I've been caring for cats, dogs, fish, and rodents since I could walk. I have had special needs animals, and have a background in Biology and Vet Assistant studies. Each bond is special, and I will treat your furry friends with the upmost care and attention. I am currently in between jobs, so my availability is highly flexible. I am open to over-night pet sitting, as well as multi-day drop ins to ensure pet needs are met. I am able to pet sit in the client's home where duties may include taking the pet for a walk, playing outside or inside for stimulation, providing meals and/or medications, providing companionship if that entails sitting with the pet for an extended amount of time.

About: I’ve been walking & sitting dogs for friends and family for several years. I’m reliable, love long walks or cuddle time, and always follow feeding & care routines. Your dog’s comfort and safety are my top priority; I treat them like they’re my own! I have a flexible schedule that lets me be there for your furry friends when you need me most: early mornings, evenings, weekends, or last-minute walks. I’m reliable, responsive, and happy to adjust to your pet’s routine so they feel comfortable, safe, and loved. I will provide updates & photos so you can relax knowing your pet is happy & safe! I make sure to maintain your pet’s usual routine to reduce stress and preserve comfort. I have a two year old golden doodle who loves to play with other dogs!

“I would highly recommend Ryan. He’s a great communicator and very dependable. Blue liked him right away and was a very happy boy after their walk!”

Susan E.

About: What better way to fill my love for animals than to love on them like they are my own! I have gotten to take care of family friends pets/homes while away on vacation and have really enjoyed it. I will give your pets all the love and attention they need and deserve when you’re not able to. I wanted to be a veterinarian at one point because i love animals so much but later realized I wanted to play with them more than anything. I am willing to work with you and adjust prices, based on your financial situations if you’re unable to pay the ones currently listed on my profile. I have a full time job but I am willing to work around it to take care of your little fur family because they mean as much to us as our humans do! I follow whatever instructions the owner gives me to a T. We all raise our pets differently and it is important to remember they all respond differently as well.

“JaNiya was amazing with my dog, Goose! I can always tell if he’s been well taken care of by how calm he is when I return from work. She even gave some love to my cat, too!”

AUDRY P.

About: I have had dogs and cats in my family my whole life. I have sat in-home for other families for about 3 years now. I love animals and will treat your fur babies as my own! I also have experience with giving medication to dogs. I am available every day, including weekends and some holidays. I can be available for a quick drop-in or to stay in your home while you’re away. I am available to sit in your home. We can meet to go over any special care your pet may need and discuss any routines they may have.

About: I’ve taken care of dogs since I was 10, I’ve been a pet sitter for a very long time, I love love animals. I have 5 dogs and 8 cats myself and love them all dearly. I’m currently working in the mornings and I’m off on the weekends so I have the whole afternoon/weekends to play with pups/kitties. I will always make sure the doors are locked the animals can’t make an escape when I leave, and when we go on walks I’ll make sure to keep them leashed or play in the backyard with them

“Amber was so helpful to step in when our other walker canceled at the last minute. She was professional, punctual, and our girl loved her. We will definitely be using her again.”

Carol R.

“Thank you so much!”

Gage P.

About: Hello, I have much experience owning/taking care of different types of animals such as house hold pets just as well as farm animals: horses, cows, pigs and chickens etc. I love and enjoy caring for all different breeds and sizes of animals. I’m super flexible with my schedule so I will be available most days and times for Rover just give me a heads up a day or so before hand. I always make sure to give the best care and treatment to our fur babies. Keeping them on their normal routine while keeping them healthy and happy is my main priority.

About: Over the years I have walked dogs of all sizes and baby sat many houses for family and friends. I grow up on a farm. I have trained horses and owned pretty much every farm animal out there. I am not afraid of a challenge. I am excited to expand my services to other people. I enjoy volunteering at the local SPCA for time to time. I am CPR/First Aid Certified. I have never tried these skills on a animal and hopefully I will never have to try them out. I have worked in several daycare over the years and am currently a nanny. People trust me with their kids so I am confident in my ability to handle your pets. Pets are family as well.