Doggy Day Care in Downs

“Winnie loves going to Justin's. She can tell when I get her bag ready that she is going to have a great day. She comes home happy and tired. Justin is super easy to communicate with has flexible availability. Thanks Justin you've been a life saver!”

Amy G.

“Peggy is exactly the person you want taking care of your pets. She is patient, relaxed, and full of love! She has a dog of her own, Peanut, and offers to do an introduction before your booking to make sure all animals are comfortable. My days are somewhat unpredictable and Peggy was always accommodating and patient with my schedule. Maple would rush to her door each day in anticipation. We feel so lucky that Maple has been under such great care for the past 2 weeks!!”

Maxine A.

“Benny had a wonderful stay with Melanie! She as super communicative and treated Benny as if he were her own. Wonderful stay. Her home is super dog friendly!! Thank you !!”

Anne B.

About: Hi pet owners of Bloomington/Normal!! A little bit about my experience, I’ve had large and small dogs all my life. I have took care of cats as well! I have nearly three years of experience as a home-health aid/caregiver for our local elderly, where I also walked, picked up after, snuggled and played with many clients pets! I am comfortable administering oral medication to dogs/cats and comfortable with pets of any size. I’m full-time at home, so plenty of time to give extra care and attention to your furry loved one. Personal hobbies are baking, doing puzzles, learning new recipes, walking around different parks, painting, doodling, and binging movies/tv shows! Available every day of the week besides midday Sundays! I have reliable transportation (my personal vehicle) for travel to clients homes for sitting and walking, as well as taking dogs to parks to play. I can allow one/two dogs inside of my home. My dog only eats when she is hungry, so I ensure her food and water bowls are never empty. I will follow clients care plan/requests for how your pets are fed. I have one sweet, medium sized 6 year old female dog at home!

“Lyn did a great job making Momo feel welcome. Kept us up to date throughout her stay. I think Momo wants to move to her home ☺️”

Marky J

About: Hi all! A little about me and my experience- My name is Kat and I am currently finishing my thesis in grad school and work part time as a server/bartender. My fiancé, Mat, works nights during the week and I tend to work most weekends. Together, we make sure any animals in our home are cared for as there is almost always someone at home. (On top of that, we have a roommate who is often home.) When it comes to our pets, they are a part of our family. We love them and know that it’s hard to be away from them. When I’m taking care of someone else’s animal, I want them to feel happy and comfortable in the home because I know it’s already hard enough on them being away from you- the pet parent. Each pet has their own needs. Puppies need constant attention until they zonk out then they are back at it again later. Older dogs might just want some love and attention, to be fed, and then to be left alone for the night. In my experience, each pet owner also has their own needs. Some have wanted daily pictures and videos. Some just like an update here and there. My experience has taught me that the best way to see if you can match those needs is by making that initial contact and talking everything over and ideally having a meet and greet beforehand. I started doing this as an ungraduated college student and continue today because it's something that I can do with my job and something that I love. Please reach out with any questions! I am currently finishing my thesis in grad school and work part time as a server/bartender. My fiancé, Mat, works nights during the week and I tend to work most weekends. Together, we make sure any animals in our home are cared for as there is almost always someone at home. (On top of that, we have a roommate who is often home.) I try to schedule meet and greets when both Mat and myself are available. This ensures you can meet us both and feel assured whenever either of us are home for pick ups and drop offs. We have a fenced in backyard and so the dogs have the run of that area. If it's rainy, we try to keep their potty breaks short so to prevent the muddy paws we all know and love. We have a Aussie who is about a year and a half who will happily play with any energetic pups that come visit and sometimes because of this, they roll around in the yard and get dusty-dirty. If you would prefer me to limit that outside play, I am happy to do so. I also do my best to bath any pup that gets dirty from play, weather, accidents, and will typically talk to you about how they do with those upon the meet and greet! I want your pup to be happy and healthy when you pick them up but I also want to respect whatever your needs as the owner are!

About: Fur babies are my life … No literally! 🤗 I’m a Veterinarian Assistant so caring for your pet is literally what I do, what I love.🥰 I do pick ups and drop offs !! I work in VETMED at a local Veterinary clinic part time . So that gives me tons of extra time during the week. I also do drop in during my work day as well. !! I have a fenced in yard and a very nice fur baby to keep your fur baby company. I do also have created if needed.

“Karen was so wonderful! I was in Bloomington for five hours to visit family for the holidays and needed a place that my dog could stay while I was with family. Karen was incredibly accommodating and a happy safe space for my pup. He is disabled and has really bad separation anxiety. He was able to make him feel loved and safe and continuously sent me pictures and updates on him. I highly recommend using him:)”

Madison G.

“Danny genuinely cares about the dogs that are in his care. He helped me in a pinch, which allowed me to attend a family funeral. He gave my pup special attention to ensure he was comfortable and built a fast bond. I will definitely choose him for pet sitting in the future.”

Megan H.

About: I've cared for pets of all needs and abilities for several years. I love taking the time to train dogs. My attention to detail is essential for senior pets, who I have a soft spot for. I'm a stay at home mom so I have lots of time to give your pet extra walks and attention during the day. I'm available for all your pets needs. I have a fenced in backyard and one friendly dog who loves to make new friends and play. Our indoor space is safe for all pups and they will be extra comfortable on our Big Barker beds.

About: I've been an animal lover for as long as I can remember, and pets have always been a big part of my life. My family and I rescued a dog when I was in elementary school, and I still have my childhood pup by my side today. When I moved out for college, I started fostering dogs of all ages and sizes, eventually adopting one of my own. Over the years, I’ve had the joy of pet-sitting for family, friends, and coworkers, and they always knew their pets would be loved and cared for like they were my own. Whether it’s playtime, cuddles, or long walks, I’m dedicated to making sure every pet feels happy, safe, and at home! I currently work part-time, mostly on the weekends from 10am-3pm, so I have plenty of time to care for your fur baby! During the week I have two classes, Mondays and Wednesdays 1pm-3:20pm and Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:30pm-1:45pm. Outside of these hours I am mostly free and spending time with my own pups and doing homework. For boarding; I spend a majority of my time at home and wouldn’t leave for more than a couple hours at a time. I have a fenced in yard and one large dog and one small dog to keep your fur babies company. I am very attentive to each pet's and happy to accommodate any needs to make sure your pet feels safe, comfortable, and happy. You can count on regular updates, photos, and open communication so you always know your fur baby is in great hands!

About: I grew up taking care and training dogs of my own and caring for my families dogs when they were away. I started sitting more for my friends or family friends more seriously a few years ago I stay at home during college all day so I can dedicate my time to taking care of dogs along with my own. I love to run errands and when I do I always have a dog with me. I am a very patient person especially with animals, along with being a rule follower I take care plans very seriously as all dogs need different needs.

About: I grew up on a farm with many animals. As a child, I had pet sheep, rabbits, dogs, cats, and cows. As an adult, I have always had cats. My 20 year old long hair cat just passed away in January. It was heartbreaking. I miss him dearly. We loved our guy so much. In his last 5 yrs, I spent many hours catering to his elderly issues. Medications and night yowling were issues that I happily took care of as he lived out his twilight years. I have a soft spot for all animals as they go through all stages of life :) I work from home and set my own hours, so my schedule is extremely flexible. I am open to many kinds of arrangements- one time sitting, a weekly routine, daily walks, weekends, etc. I am extremely fortunate to have a flexible schedule. My teen daughter and I live in a large 4 bedroom home, so we have tons of space to accommodate furry friends who need company. We do not have a fenced in yard, but our neighborhood is great for long walks. Our neighborhood has trails through the woods and a home owner’s association that maintains the trails. We have lots of fun walking the trails. I am an avid jogger/walker. I go out everyday, regardless of the weather. I have a very active lifestyle! We recently adopted a cat, but he stays in his own area on a different level of the house. He has claimed my daughter as his and lives in her room. When dogs come to stay with us, he typically stays in his room & pups never see him, although he has made friends with some of our regularly visiting pups 😊 I have a very flexible work schedule. When I do have to be away from home for work, I am gone about 2-3 hrs at a time. My daughter is at home often and also helps with pups. She is great with animals! We both like to take frequent walks throughout the day! In my home, I have a large open floor plan with tons of windows. During the day, I like to have pups next to me in my office, but some like to lay in prime viewing area of all the windows.

“Caitlin is AMAZING!!!! She went above and beyond to make sure our shy 4 mo old pup felt welcome and loved in her home! She took him on multiple walks while he was there and even had him on a walk right before we arrived so he would have pottied when we got there for our drive home!!! She sent me so many pictures throughout the day of all the fun things he was doing and cuddles he was receiving! She was so thorough on pup’s report card letting us know how many times he went potty, when he ate, and how long the walks were! I could go on and on about how amazing she is! I would leave my pup with her in a heart beat and we will be going back!!!! Thank you Caitlin! ❤️❤️❤️”

Sara L.

“Megan and Eric were so easy to work with! Communication and booking were a breeze, and our dog was super happy at drop off and pickup. Great people with a perfect setup for your pet. Definitely recommend!”

Maggie M.

“Amanda was amazing, she kept me up to date, sent lots of pictures, and was soo good to my Finn. He had a blast all week playing at her house!”

Savannah L.

About: Hi! I'm Ava, a lifelong dog lover with 10+ years of experience caring for pups of all breeds, sizes and personalities. Whether it's energetic playtime, relaxing walks, or cozy cuddle sessions, I make sure every dog feels safe, happy and loved while their humans are away. I work from home, which allows me to give your dog plenty of attention, supervision, and care throughout the day. Your dog won't be left alone for long periods and will get consistent potty breaks, playtime, and companionship. I provide loving, attentive care in our home. I work from home, so pets receive plenty of supervision potty breaks, and companionship throughout the day.

About: I have taken care of dogs and cats since I was 15 years old for family and friends. I have experience with overnight stays at clients' houses as well as boarding at my own house and experience with puppies and senior dogs. I live an active lifestyle and love going for walks and runs with your furry friend. It is my goal to give your pet the exceptional care they'd receive from their own owner and love them well while you're away! I am home for the majority of the day during the week and have frequent weekend availability as well. I have a very flexible schedule that allows me to assist at all hours of the day. I have an unfenced yard, but live close to walking trails and in a quiet neighborhood. I have children who adore dogs and look forward to being around them. Our sunroom is a great place for your animal to curl up and enjoy a nap in the sunshine.

About: I’ve always had a deep love for animals, growing up with dogs, cats, birds, and even lizards. My mom was an animal lover, and I’ve followed in her footsteps. I helped my dad with his three cats that my mom used to care for before she passed, driving an hour every week for grooming and bathing (one of them is a bit oversized!). I’d love to care for your beloved pet. Although I can’t have pets of my own due to my wife’s allergies, this makes pet sitting my dream job! I regularly care for my father’s cat, Jack, traveling over an hour each way, so distance is not an issue for me. I work seasonally for a cemetery in Bloomington which leaves me laid off from December 1st to March 1st each year. So I am highly available in that 3 month span, and then on weekends during the rest of the year. I’m here to support you and your beloved pet. I’ve always had a deep love for animals and the people who care for them. When my wife mentioned pet sitting, I was excited to get involved right away. Dogs seem to love me, and cats generally tolerate me—which I think says a lot about my character! I’m reliable, trustworthy, and available when you need me. I’ve been caring for pets since I was young, helping neighbors with feeding, walking, and cleanup. I promise to provide the care and attention your pet deserves and be a great fit for you both!

About: Hi, I’m Erica — a highly experienced animal care professional with over 20 years of hands-on experience caring for pets and farm animals of all kinds. I’m trained as a veterinary assistant, including assisting with surgeries, administering medications, and caring for senior, disabled, and post-operative animals. I specialize in calm, consistent, in-home care for pets who do best staying in their familiar environment. Many of my clients have animals with medical needs, anxiety, blindness, mobility challenges, or strict routines, and they trust me to provide compassionate, detail-oriented care while they’re away. I’m also very comfortable with multi-pet households, rural properties, and farm animals. Having grown up on a farm myself, I understand the responsibility that comes with caring for animals large and small, as well as maintaining a home and property with respect and reliability. My goal is simple: to give you peace of mind, keep your pets safe and happy, and treat your home with the same care I would my own. -20+ years caring for animals of all species and temperaments -Veterinary assistant training, including surgery assistance -Medication administration (oral, topical, injections if required) -Special-needs pets (blind, senior, diabetic, post-surgical, anxious) -Farm and rural animal care -House sitting and extended stays -Potty training and behavioral reinforcement -I’m calm under pressure, attentive to detail, and deeply respectful of routines — especially when animals depend on consistency. Pet care is intentionally woven into my daily and weekly routine, not added on as an afterthought. I structure my schedule around the animals in my care so they receive consistent attention, enrichment, and calm companionship throughout the day. This allows me to be fully present for feedings, walks, playtime, medication needs, and individualized routines, while also offering flexibility for pets who need extra time, patience, or reassurance. Caring for animals isn’t something I squeeze in — it’s what my days are built around. Safety, trust, and comfort are the foundation of every service I provide. Whether caring for pets in my home or in a client’s home, I prioritize calm, consistency, and close supervision. I take time to learn each pet’s routine, preferences, and any special needs so their care feels familiar and stress-free. In my home, pets are welcomed into a clean, secure, and peaceful environment with plenty of space to relax and play. Supervised outdoor time is provided in a safely contained area, and all interactions are thoughtfully managed to ensure each animal feels comfortable and respected. In a client’s home, I treat the space with the utmost care and follow instructions precisely to maintain the pet’s normal routine. With over 20 years of hands-on animal care experience, including veterinary assistant training, I am confident administering medications, supporting senior pets, and caring for animals with special needs. I maintain clear communication, provide regular updates, and care for every pet as if they were my own — with patience, attentiveness, and genuine love.