Dog Walking Helm

About: When you're away, your pets deserve more than a quick visit—they deserve knowledgeable, compassionate care from someone who understands their health, comfort, and unique personalities. My journey in animal care began long before I became a registered nurse. I worked as a kennel manager and completed most of a veterinary technician program before a family illness led me to pursue "human" nursing. That unique combination of veterinary training and healthcare experience allows me to provide attentive, responsible care for your beloved pets. What Sets Me Apart: - Former Kennel Manager with hands-on experience caring for dogs of all sizes and temperaments - Extensive experience with cats, including shy, senior, and special-needs pets - Registered Nurse accustomed to careful observation, medication management, and responding calmly to unexpected situations - Formal Veterinary Technician Training with education in animal health, behavior, and basic medical care - Experience caring for a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, ferrets, and other small pets Services Available Dog sitting Cat sitting Daily visits and companionship Walks and exercise Feeding and medication administration Puppy and senior pet care Vacation and weekend coverage Photo and text updates for pet parents I understand that pets are family. My goal is to keep them safe, comfortable, and loved while giving you confidence and peace of mind. Professional. Experienced. Compassionate. Contact me to schedule a meet-and-greet and learn how I can help care for your furry family members. I am currently semi-retired, so I have flexibility in my schedule to hopefully meet your needs. I like to try to keep pets in their regular routine while their owners are away, so I will do my best to work with you on that. Although we have space to care for your pets in our home/land, we don't have a fenced in property and I wouldn't want to stress my own pets with "strangers" in the house. (I also feel that keeping a pet in their home environment is much less stressful for them than relocating them.) I'd be happy to come to your home to and provide quality care to your four-legged (or less) family members. I have owned my own home my entire adult life, so I will honor yours as if it were my own.

About: I provide compassionate pet care rooted in experience and genuine love. With vet tech experience, and pets of my own, your pet will receive personalized attention, whether it's Training, playtime, or just a comforting presence, making their time away from you as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. I am currently a stay at home dog mom leaving my days wide open with time to visit, walk, and play with your pets! I have lots of experience to give your pet the care they need! I will help care for our pets however you ask me to, I will help solitify training, care for, and follow your example because I believe it is important to keep the care of your pet consistent with your own personal habits, and tendencies! I am very adaptable, and willing to care for your pet however he or she needs, and with lots of love!

About: Homemade treats and lots of love and fun! We enjoy playing at home, going for long walks, playing at the dog park, riding with the windows down, belly rubs, kisses and cuddles. I don’t mind taking to the vet or pet stores to be of more help to you. Enjoy light grooming and brushing with your approval. No matter the size, they are all puppies or kitties to me lol. I even have jumps and hoops for the active pups who like to jump and have a good time. I can give meds and special diets when needed. I have many referrals.i have two daughters who both work for rover as well. We would love to spend time with your babies and give them love and attention I am a stay at home mom that works one day a week i am free to love and care for your babies while you are away. I am willing to crate when you ask me to but prefer time out of crate to spend with your babies. Nothing like playing ball or cuddling. Whatever your pet need, I’m available.

About: As a devoted & experienced SAHM, I have proudly cared for a variety of animals for over 15 years. Dogs, cats, rabbits - you name it! Families entrust their furry companions to my care, often rebooking my services due to their satisfaction & peace of mind. From feeding and exercise to cozy snuggles and playtime, I will create a joyful, nurturing environment where your pets thrive & your family feels confident in my care. I’m able to incorporate pet care into my routines because my schedule is flexible. I ensure all of your pets needs are met with consistency & love. My home will provide a welcoming environment for pets to feel comfortable and safe. They will be able to safely roam the house (unless otherwise stated), get on the furniture, and will be able to adjust calmly. Whether it's dog walking, house sitting, or pet daycare, my services suit the specific needs of each pet and client. For dog walking, I take pups on enjoyable strolls in the neighborhood or nearby parks, providing them with exercise and fresh air. If house sitting is required, I ensure the pets receive round-the-clock care, maintaining their routines, and offering companionship in the comfort of their own home. In the case of pet daycare, I create an engaging atmosphere filled with toys, interactive play, and socialization opportunities, allowing pets to have a fun-filled day while their owners are away. Regardless of the service provided, I prioritize safety, hygiene, and regular communication with pet owners, ensuring they are informed and at ease throughout the entire process.

About: I grew up with both dogs and cats and have always loved animals. I have house sat and dog sat before and always treat other people’s animals like my own. I’m a registered nurse so I am patient, conscientious, and reliable. I’m a registered nurse and work 4-10hr day shifts during the week. I usually have free time in the evenings and most weekends. Early mornings are not usually good for me because I have to be at work by 7am. I always make sure to treat other people’s pets and homes with respect. I treat all animal’s like they are my own pet. I love spending time with them. I make sure not to give them anything that they shouldn’t eat and to keep anything potentially dangerous completely put away where it can’t accidentally be reached by an animal.

“Love Leslie and Cheyenne! She has really helped Poe get comfortable by bringing Cheyenne on walks. Leslie is great with communication and is a kind soul. We are so happy we found her.”

Julie M.

“Zoe was great! She was always on-schedule and was very patient with my weird little girl. She does things like hiding when it's time to go out and then pulling a LOT once you finally get her out. But Zoe never complained and always hung around with the baby for a few minutes of love and play after the walk. My schedule has changed and no longer need a dog-walker, but if I ever need one again, will definitely look for her!”

Kathryn R.

“Laiken has truly been wonderful for my dog and I. He is a puppy, and trying to learn a routine and schedule and she has gone above and beyond to help me. I work night shift and she helps make it work for me. I truly have found i can trust her in my home and with my dog. She updates me with everything she does with him. I will be continuing to have her hang out with my dog as long as she will be available to. I would recommend her to anyone.”

Amanda S.

About: I have several years of experience with both dogs and cats. The largest dog I've handled was 120 lbs. I'm down to cuddle or go on a walk, whatever your pet needs. I am a college student so I am flexible daily and can come by your house when needed. I am free on weekends and most weeknights. I would love if you can give me specifics on your pet's routine and any behavior I should know about. I have some experience with oral medication if your pet ever needs it.

“Logan is always on time and takes good care of my dog.”

Young G.

About: Hello fellow animal lovers! I'm here for all of your animal care needs! A little bit about me... I'm a mother to a 10 year old little boy, 1.5 year old French bulldog, 5 year old pug, 2 year old hound mix, 1 year old boxer, 3 kitty cats and a ball python. I have had chickens, ducks, and a couple of goats in the past and am comfortable with just about any critter. I am currently employed part time at a Veterinary clinic in Salem. I have also worked 5+ years at a boarding/grooming facility for dogs and cats. I am comfortable giving medications and bathing if needed. I've always loved any opportunity to work with animals and pet sitting and dog walking are a great opportunity for me to have a flexible schedule for my son and still make a living doing what I love. Thanks for reading and hope to hear from you soon! I am currently working part-time so my schedule is pretty flexible. I'm usually able to accommodate whatever your needs may be. Please feel free to reach out. They need to be dog, cat and kid friendly to board in my home as I have 4 dogs and 3 cats in my home currently...otherwise we will come to you for service :)

“Ashlynn is wonderful. She was able to meet for an initial consultation without a lot of notice, and started walking Hoss just a few days later. Hoss has been a handful while we help him deal with his separation anxiety and being home alone for the first time, and Ashlynn couldn't have been more helpful. She was very communicative, and let me know how Hoss was handling his transitions. After one day of Hoss being a bit tentative, he warmed right up to Ashlynn, and I'm excited to make use of her services going forward. Highly recommended!”

Blake U.

“Reliable annd easy to work with!”

Marisa & Scott D.

About: I am an experienced pet caregiver based near the Smith Mountain Lake area. I have hands-on experience caring for a variety of dogs, including large breeds, and am comfortable administering oral medications, providing bathing and basic grooming care, and handling dogs with different temperaments and needs. My experience comes from both personal and professional care. I have cared for my own dogs, as well as my parents’ and sister’s dogs, giving me regular, real-world experience with daily routines, exercise, feeding schedules, and overall pet wellbeing. Professionally, I have worked at a dog kennel where I was responsible for feeding, bathing, and supervising dogs in group play settings while ensuring safety and appropriate behavior. I also worked as a bather at a pet store, where I gained experience handling dogs during grooming-related services and maintaining their comfort throughout the process. I take pride in providing reliable, attentive care and treating every pet as if they were my own. I'm currently an aspiring Graphic Designer who just graduated from JMU. I am back home in the area for a while and looking to gain some clients while I’m there. I am willing to travel to your home to dog sit and give your dog the best care that I can while your gone. By taking your dog to potty, feeding and giving extra love.

About: Hi everyone! I am currently in school to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician, and right now this is my full time job! So I am very flexible when it comes to last minute jobs or even long term jobs! I have experience working as a Veterinary Assistant and have grown up on a farm where I have cared for pets all the way from ferrets to horses! I’m here for any of your pets needs! I have experience in disabled pets, giving meds, or even just getting your high energy dog out to play! I’m work 4 days out of the week, 10 hour shifts, but where I work at a Vet, I am able to leave to let your pet out when need be!! I will care for your pet in your home the same way you will, I will not touch belongings unless told to do so, and I will make sure to clean up any messes made and make your pet feel loved and safe!

About: I have a young black lab. Must like other dogs. I have been around animals my entire life. Growing up we had to bottle feed 3 kittens who lost their mother and I had an 80lb Retreiver/Sheppard mix and a Miniature Dachshund. I have never met an animal that didn't immediately trust me. I enjoy the company of animals and I feel I am very intune with them as well. I work but I can always make time for the needs of your pet because I understand that animals need certain things from me to be happy and satisfied. I currently don't have any pets in my home but I have a medium fenced in yard and I am located near the Greenway and my house has a sidewalk in the front and an alley in the back which is perfect for strolls around the neighborhood.

“Selena is a champ! Arya doesn’t do a lot of people, but Selena got her on the first meet and on their first walk! We will definitely be using her again!”

Michael A.

About: Hi, I'm Michelle ~ Experienced nanny, sitter and animal lover! Two decades plus experience caring for families and animals. Experienced in dog walking, schedules, animal feedings and house sitting. A lil background about me ~ I am a retired elementary teacher switching careers into Counseling/Therapy, starting school this Fall 2026. My partner and I have a sweet labradoodle named Bliss and and a plump elderly cat named Elvira. We have rescued and cared for dogs and 4 plus cats together. I have a huge heart for elderly cats/dogs and those that are shy of personality. Let me know if your animal takes time to warm up! I am patient, compassionate and a natural caretaker at heart. Alternatively, I love the playful and outgoing ones too! I have experience in administering medications also, especially with Elderly or finicky cats as I have cared for many of my own. My schedule is open and flexible at this time. My lifestyle has allowed for me to maintain a pretty open schedule and take work as needed. I also work part time nannying positions, but this should not interfere with scheduling. I will be traveling to your location to care for your animals. Services include: cat sitting, dog sitting, drop ins, dog walking, house sitting and administering medications if needed. Let me know if there is anything else I can do.

“Great with our 3 small breed dogs, one is an anxious one that she worked with prior to scheduled dog walks. All is going well, now. We are happy to have found her :)”

Debra B.

“Took such great care of our dog Tilly, we will definitely be booking with her again! She sent us great updates and was very flexible! It was clear that our dog loved her and was very happy!”

Samantha B.