Dog Walkers in Columbia, VA

About: Friendly sitter with experience with senior pups, cats and chickens. I currently have two wonderful dogs and a handful of chickens. One of our dogs is what we believe is a Foxhound and the other is a Shepherd mix. Both are rescues so we are not sure. I also have experience with cats, parrots (green crowned conure) and various farm animals. Update: I no longer work from home. I am now in Richmond M-F, 8-5. I am happy to stop by during my lunch break to check on your babies in the city. Any other surrounding areas would have to be weekends and not during work hours. Apologies for any inconvenience! I am happy to stop by your home and care for your pets. One of my pups is reactive and we do not want to make her (or your baby) uncomfortable by bringing other pets into our space.

“Michelle was very accommodating, she was able to do a meet and greet the same day she responded. Teddy and Tigger loved their walk with her.”

Kate K.

About: Hi! I'm Heather — a lifelong animal lover who has rarely spent a single day without a dog by my side. I've been caring for dogs my entire life and currently share my home with four dogs of my own — a 9lb Chihuahua, a 9lb Yorkie-Chi mix, a 50lb Lab mix, and a 75lb Red Retriever — plus a cat and some fish. Safe to say animals are my life! After losing a beloved dog who was poorly cared for at a kennel, I became passionate about providing the kind of attentive, loving care that every pet deserves. I know how much trust it takes to hand your fur baby to someone else — and I take that seriously. I'm available for drop in visits, dog walks, and house sitting. I'm comfortable with all sizes and breeds and happy to accommodate cats too. I'll always follow your specific instructions and send plenty of photos so you never have to wonder how your baby is doing. Your pet isn't just a booking to me — they're family. 💙 Pet care isn't something I fit into my routine — it IS my routine. I'm home all day with four dogs of my own, so visiting or caring for your pet fits naturally into my day. I'm available mornings, afternoons and evenings and can be flexible around your schedule. Your pet will never feel like an afterthought — they'll get my full attention during every visit. When I visit your home I treat it with the same respect and care I would want someone to show mine. I follow your instructions exactly — feeding schedules, medications, special routines, off-limit areas — nothing is too detailed. I grew up understanding that pets are family members, not just animals, and that the trust you place in someone entering your home is significant. I take that seriously every single time. You'll always receive photos and updates during every visit so you know your baby is happy and well cared for.

About: I have had dogs since childhood! “Puppy” love can change any attitude! A little TLC for your fur babies is what I can provide for you. I work remotely so pretty flexible on time. Feeding, walking, playing all in a days work. I find that a little animal break in my day make me more productive. Our 3 large dogs use doggy door but the little ones have to be let out. We walk our dogs every morning and throw balls ever afternoon.

About: What sets me apart is the level of love, patience, and personalized care I give every pet. I take the time to learn each pet’s routine, personality, and needs so they feel comfortable and safe while you’re away. I’m experienced with puppies who need consistency, potty breaks, playtime, and basic routine reinforcement, as well as senior pets who may need a gentler pace, extra patience, medication support, or additional comfort. I also provide regular updates and photos so pet parents always know their furry family members are happy and well cared for. I’m able to help out on Monday-Friday or Saturdays and Sundays. Let me know what fits your needs and I will be more then happy to accommodate! I focus on making pets feel safe, comfortable, and loved. Especially in their own home. I do not accept boarding as my currently home is renting.

About: I have experience caring for all age ranges of cats and dogs. I have 3 years of animal welfare experience previously working in a shelter and i have always naturally been a huge animals lover. I have the ability to read animals body language really well. I connect quickly with every animal I meet! I have experience with different kinds of energy levels as well. If your dog needs a hike and does well in the car; I’m your gal!!, If they just need cuddles while we binge a tv show I can do that too! I have experience with bunnies, chickens and birds too!! I have a 3 year old dog named Ace who came to me as a puppy. I raised him and have trained him to be off leash, sit, stay, paw, and heel. (Basic commands) if you need assistance or would like for me to work with your dog in any training/ socializing way please reach out! Currently available anytime! Would love to have the ability to work with your animals and still have the time to give my animals the loving they deserve as well! I walk my dog every chance I get while working on any minor behavioral or fear based problems to insure my baby can live a full healthy happy life.

About: I grow up in a farm and that gave me large experience taking care of all kind of animals, I have had different kind of dogs breed as owner and care giver. Right now I have a 2 acres property where the dogs can run and play all day long. Im at home full time so I can take care of your dogs necessities. I'm patient, I like to play with them, and I like to treat them as my own dog. I consider dogs, cats or any other animal, not only as pets, they are part of our families and deserve care, love and respect. I can provide comfort, exercises, play time, rest time and bath if necessary. I also accept puppies or seniors. I can take care of your furry babies as long as you need it.

About: I have grown up with dogs my whole life and have been dog-sitting since I was 12! My favorite part is taking dogs on multiple walks a day, it is such a strong point of connection and exercise for them! I’m currently working part-time while in graduate school, so my schedule is very flexible! I am off work during the summer, so more availability ! I make sure that I am gentle and warm when first meeting pets, to build the rapport! I also ensure to implement how the owners take care of their pet, so it feels familiar!

About: I am a former police Richmond Police Officer who has worked with and cared for dogs since age 12 in many settings. Aside from my parents and grandparents raising dogs, I worked several hundred hours of community service in a dog boarding and dog training facility in upstate New York prior to them hiring me as a teen to continue there after completing the hours. I trained our own family dogs are well as friend’s dogs even in my teen years. I have raised and shown bulldogs for the last 10 years and my daughter has grown to develop a passion for caring for dogs as well. She’s turning into a little dog whisperer and I love fueling the passion her and I share. As we are in a transitioning time and creating plans for the future, I would like to provide trusting care for dog owners in the community that value the care and safety of their dogs while they have obligations or vacations where they need to arrange accommodations for their beloved dogs. Rather than having someone who walks your dog with no real concern for bettering the quality of life of the dog in a way their owner can recognize, I would like to provide care with structure and stimulation in a safe environment so dog owners can know their dog thrived and was well exercised and cared for while they were away. Pet care is a main part of every day for me whether it be for our own dogs or dogs of friends. I will be offering my services for weekends and holidays until further changes can be made. We have a few acres and a fenced in area for dogs to run off leash as well. We are currently working on creating a larger fenced yard as well. When I am caring for someone’s pet in my home, they’re are treated as our own loved dog. We have structured days where they are inside hanging out as well as receiving plenty of exercise in the yard. Depending on the client and the dog I enjoy spending time working on manners and walking with a leash while dogs are in my care so owners see the difference. We have several crates and the ability to accommodate for dogs that may need to be kept separate from other dogs or have special needs as well. I offer to care for clients’ dogs both at my own home or at theirs, based on client preference. My goal is to provide a quality service that clients and their dogs trust and enjoy long term.

About: I have experience with all dogs and grew up working on a farm, caring for an array of livestock to include chickens, goats/sheep, alpacas/llamas, and two sheepdogs. I am willing to feed & care for any other farm animals or exotic pets if requested. I came from a big cat loving family, and would love to come love on yours. I am a stay at home mom which affords me the ability to be pretty flexible with times of days and last minute bookings. If I’m a not available for some dates, please reach out to me to discuss. Boarding and Doggy Day Care requests are reviewed on a case by case basis. We live on 7 acres, no fence, with chickens and a German shepherd. Dogs must be leash trained and crate trained for bedtime (if boarding).

About: My name is Nastacia or “Stas” for short. I’m a huge animal lover with a big heart! Let me spoil your beloved fur baby as their ‘fairy godmother’ and give them all of the attention & love they deserve while you’re away. Think about our time together as daycare! Nothing but a great pampering experience all around. I have 3 cats at home and am happy to come to you to provide whatever you may need. I can provide the following: Dogs: -As many potty breaks a day that your pup requires -Regular walks and trips the dog park -Long walks -Lots of playtime with their fav toys, followed by tons of pets and cuddles -Constant communication with you through texts to ensure you feel comfortable while away Cats: -regular feeding schedule -pets (if they allow for it) -playtime (with toys provided) -text updates I’m currently working part time so I have plenty of time to help out! I’m happy to arrive early or late. I am typically an early riser and am up around 6am but can stay up late if need be as well. I can come to you. I have 3 cats at my house. I foresee myself coming to your house to freshen up your pet’s water & feed them.

About: I've taken care of dogs, cats and horses since I was 15. I have had pets my whole life. I have owned various breeds of dogs and cats. I have pet sat for all kinds of dogs, cats and horses and look forward to caring for your animals! I've had experience caring for various aged animals and am comfortable with all kinds. I have a flexible schedule and can accommodate early mornings, afternoons and evenings throughout the week. I look forward to working with you and meeting your pets! I am willing to accommodate your family's needs in your home. I consider pets family, and will care for them as you would to make them feel the most comfortable while you are away.

“David was great with our energetic dog! He’s responsive and thorough.”

Lissie B.

About: Professional, experienced, loving, care for your pets and livestock at your home or farm, large and small, indoor and out. Customized service to fit you and your pets' needs. Home checks, extended visits and overnight stays are available. I have pets of my own. I have house sat for family friends and filled in for people at horse farms when they are out of town. I am available part time since I have my own farm. I am available 7 days a week I am flexible on hours. Please feel free to call me to figure out hours. Thanks Sadly I can not keep animals at my farm at the moment. I have dogs of my own and it is asking a lot of them for me to keep them here. I would love to take care of your animals at your home.

About: I’ve been taking care of family, friends, and neighbors pets since I was 10 years old. I’ve taken care of animals of all ages from puppies to senior animals. I work at a school, so this is not my full time job. It would be best to contact me directly for my availability and to figure out what works best for you and your pet(s). I prefer to do meet and greets so I can see the pet(s) usual environment and learn more about where I’ll be staying. I never take pets outside without a leash on for safety reasons.

“Easy to work with and good communication!”

Rachel C.

About: I have been a pet owner for as long as I can remember. Being raised in a house full of pets! From birds, dogs, cats, ferrets, rats, all types of pets are welcome and I Have had experience with raising puppies from birth as well. I have had 5 liters of puppies and trained them personally and adopted them out. I am a stay at home mom, expecting my 2nd child who is due Jan 2023. I am able to up and move at any given time and flexible when it comes to walking or caring for pets. I live in a pet friendly neighborhood and have a area to walk the dog(s) close by. I have a home where I am able to keep a crate if needed, I am also able to have them roam the home is that is what is desired. Or can come to your home if they are more comfortable there.

About: I’ve been taking care of dogs since I was a lil thang, I’ve always had such a soft spot for them & my passion is to become a dog trainer ! I’m always going to make time if I know a dog needs it, & I am super weird about people around my dog so I want to make sure that you’re dog is more than comfortable. Well I’m always going to have the dog in my sight, but if the area is not fenced in & the dog doesn’t have the best recall, leash it is!

“We had a great walk yesterday. Rochelle was great. She walked Prince and handled him very well. She also learned some of our walking routes as well as side streets of Ashland.”

Richard T.

About: Growing up my family always had at least one or more pets of various breeds so I have 20+ years of experience around animals. I have cared for dogs, cats, fish, lizards, rabbits, goats, and hedgehogs. Personally, my husband & I have 2 dogs currently, 9 & 10 years old, one having epilepsy & is dependent on medication. I have helped raise/care for/train puppies, kittens, baby rabbits, & baby goats. The only pet I'm not comfortable with is snakes, my little sister has one but I only look at it from 3ft away in its enclosure, haha. I work part time Tu/W/Th 8A - 5P, I do not mind caring for pets those days, however I will be gone all day. Otherwise, I'm available for your pets needs! My personal routine with my pets: My husband helps me care for our pets daily but his schedule is a bit different than mine, so our dogs are let out at least within 4-6 hours those days. Otherwise, we let them out every 2-4 depending on their needs (which they have been trained to lets us know if they need to go sooner). Our medical dog is on a 12 hr medication schedule. I'd prefer to care in my clients home due to one of my dogs having a reactive past, it was quite a transition when we inherited our other dog. If you have a specific routine, I'm ready to follow it to the T! I'm comfortable walking dogs on leash, hanging out/playing with them in a fenced yard, or just chilling inside. As mentioned, I have experience with medically dependent pets. I have an escape artist, so I'm always vigilant of their proximity to me and prepared to run/chase in the event something happens. I can stay at the home with the pets or I can visit throughout the day!