Dog Walkers in Kelley, IA

About: About Me *** One of my earliest childhood photos is of me holding the paw of our family dog, Sparky (an elder Pitbull). I grew up alongside our next pup, a Black Lab named Grapes 🍇. I cared for Grapes from his energetic puppy days through his elder years. ****** My Philosophy *** I love the unique energy every dog brings to the table. I understand that not every dog wants constant belly rubs or cuddles; some prefer their own space or a quiet companion to sit nearby. To me, respecting autonomy and consent is paramount. I believe in listening to what a dog is telling me and providing the specific kind of care they need. ****** My Experience *** I have hands-on experience caring for dogs from friends and family, including many breeds: -Pitbulls -Boxers -Labradors -Golden Retrievers -Australian Shepherd (deaf) -Rescues (Greyhound/Beagle mix) -Rat Terriers -Beagles -Miniature Poodles -Husky/Pomeranian mix Whether your dog needs a walk to burn off energy or just a calm human to keep them company while you're away, I’m here to help. I’d love to meet you and your pupper! 😊 My general availability is Monday through Friday. During the spring/summer, I'm available during the daylight hours (i.e., roughly 6:00am - 8:00pm). My availability on Saturdays and Sundays varies, but I will update my calendar accordingly! On Walks *** -Safety First: I always keep a firm grip on the leash and remain aware of our surroundings (other dogs, squirrels, or loud traffic) to prevent any sudden lunges or scares. -Environment Check: I’m mindful of the Iowa weather—checking pavement temperatures in the summer to protect paws and keeping walks brisk but safe during our snowy winters. -No "Unmet" Greetings: To ensure safety, I don't allow "on-leash greetings" with unknown dogs unless you’ve explicitly told me your pup is a social butterfly. ****** In Your Home *** -Consistency is Key: Dogs thrive on routine. I will follow your feeding schedules, "off-limits" furniture rules, and any specific training commands you use. -Privacy & Security: I am respectful of your space. I’ll ensure your home is locked tight when I leave, mail is brought in if requested, and the only tracks I leave behind are happy tail wags 😊 -Communication: I'm happy to send "pupdate" photo check-ins at your request! ***** My Promise: *** Whether we are exploring the neighborhood or hanging out in your living room, my goal is to provide a low-stress, high-care environment. I lead with patience and observation, ensuring your dog feels seen, safe, and heard while I'm with them.

“Josie was great to work with! She was very kind, was always on time, and took good care of my dog. She also accommodated a last minute schedule change, which we really appreciated.”

Margaret M.

“Debra has been a Godsend. She has been a delight to work with and get to know. My three Basset Hounds are thoroughly enjoying their walks with her.”

Diane D.

About: Hey there! As the daughter of a veterinarian, growing up around animals was a given so I have experience with dogs and cats of all sizes, ages, and health statuses (if your pet needs any specific care). I also have two cats of my own! I look forward to meeting your pets! I currently work a full time day job, so my availability at the moment is mostly evening/weekend, but certain circumstances may allow for additional availability depending. I’ll be sure to help your pets just as safe with me as they feel with you and try to maintain their normal routine to the best of my ability.

About: I've been pet-sitting around my neighborhood since I was 10, and grown up alongside dogs, cats, small rodents, and reptiles. I'm far from squeamish, and I love all creatures, even if they are grumpy, irritable, or messy. I volunteer at the ARL in Ankeny! I'm currently in school, but because I'm not taking a full schedule of classes, I can be around your pets multiple times over the school week every day. I have my own car, so I'm able to get where I need to easily. I don't do sports, so I'm free almost every day of the week, save for the occasional band event. My dog is a friendly older dog who is far from aggressive. She lives to sleep and sit in the sun, and is unbothered by even the most hyper of puppies. I do not have a fenced yard, but I love to walk pets, and will walk them in the morning, at night, or whenever they need it. I also have two cats who have mastered the art of avoiding new dogs when they are over. I can be high energy or low energy depending on what a dog needs, and love to stick to a schedule. The longer and more detailed the instructions, the better!

About: I have grown up with dogs my whole life and am around different types of dogs regularly. I am very passionate about caring for dogs. I work part-time and attend college. I am available pretty much every day during the summer, my summer is fairly open until mid August when I go back to school. I have one dog at my apartment, but when I am home, there are three more dogs. I am very attentive when it comes to caring for dogs, and I love to entertain them and take them for walks.

About: I have always had dogs and/or cats growing up. Therefore, I have great love for all pets! I had a golden retriever, husky, Doberman, and German Shepherd growing up, and I now have a 4 year old cat living with me in my college apartment! I take care of my cat daily like she is a real child. Travel plans are altered to make sure she is getting the care she needs as well. I will most definitely follow any rules you have curated for your pets! I create the most loving and caring setting for all pets by providing plenty of attention. If they love to do tricks, I am more than happy to do those with them as well!

“Hailey was incredible with our dog Ralphie! She helped us out with short notice and she took her time making sure Ralphie had great walks :) Highly recommend Hailey!”

Dan & Jaclyn W.

“Brianna did such a great job with Pluto! Pluto is very high energy and working on leash manners and this did not faze Brianna one bit. She was so patient and you can tell she loves working with dogs. She had great communication and spent quality time with Pluto.”

Maddy L.

About: Hi! I’m Kerri :) I’ve had dogs and cats for pets since I was in preschool. I currently have a 5 year old Teddy Bear dog named Teddy and a 1 year old cat named Merle. They are definitely important parts of my family! Having adopted a puppy in the last few years, I feel like my skills dealing with younger dogs is fresh in my mind. They definitely require patience, love, and understanding - as any child would! The joy of seeing a dog learn and grow has been a wonderful experience. I would love the opportunity to help you out with your pets needs - whether that is dog walking, dog sitting, or cat sitting. If you have any questions, please feel free to let me know I work from home and have a flexible schedule - which is great because I’m able to care for pets whenever required. I understand routine is important and I’m happy to work with pets and their owners to accommodate their needs. I’m happy to provide pet setting services in your home, but I’m unable to care for your pet from my house due to animal limits. Both of my pets are indoor animals. I understand that pets thrive on routine and may have different needs on acclimating to new people in their space. I’m happy to work with pet parents on whatever their pets needs are.

About: I’ve been taking care of my dogs since high school and have taken care of family friends pets as well over the years. I love animals and I love taking care of them. I am currently on summer break from school, and trying to keep myself busy this summer with a job before I have to go back. I will make sure the pets safety is number one priority as well as my safety taking care of every new pet. I will make sure to care for them as requested.

About: With over 15 years of professional animal care experience and a lifetime of pet ownership, you can be sure that your animal is in great care with me! I have 3 years experience at an animal shelter where I worked with dogs and cats of all sizes and personalities. Additionally, I have experience in basic medical care for animals and would be a great fit for any pets with special needs or medications. I am happy to provide pet sitting while you are out of town or drop in visits for animals that need a little more TLC throughout the work day! I am a current PhD student at Iowa State University. My working hours can be flexible, allowing me to meet the needs of your pets schedule and routine. I care for pets in my clients home based on your preferences and the pet's personality. I enjoy taking my time to get to know each pet as an individual so that I can meet their needs.

About: I’ve grown up around animals and have experience taking care of my own cats and dogs. I’m comfortable with feeding, walking, playtime, and giving pets the attention and care they need to feel safe and happy. I genuinely love animals and will treat your pets like they’re my own. I’m available weekdays and Saturdays with flexible scheduling. I’d love to help care for your pets and make sure they feel safe and happy. I provide a safe, calm, and loving environment by following each pet’s routine, giving plenty of attention and care, monitoring behavior closely, and I will make sure pets feel comfortable, secure, and happy while in my care.

About: I have been a dog walker at the ARL for 3 years. I have also taken care of many teachers, friends, and neighbors pets. As well as taken care of my school pets! I have had 2 dogs, 4 cats, 5 guinea pigs, and many other pets! I work at a veterinary clinic and have kennel shifts a few times throughout the week in the morning and evening. I am also a college student so I have classes. Aside from that I am available and fully willing to work around whatever I need ! I am a deep lover of animals. I have loved animals all my life, and I decided to pursue this love by doing all kinds of volunteer work. I have worked at the ARL as a volunteer for 3 years. I am going into college for animal ecology, and eventually going into vet school to study proper care for animals. I do whatever I can to make my dogs, cats, and other pets at my house feel as loved as possible as well as safe. I hope to make your pet feel the same way.

About: I have over 2000 hours caring for shelter cats. I am the guardian of five cats. I'm comfortable around shy cats, kittens, old cats, all cats! I can administer simple medication if needed. I'm extremely patient and will take the time to let your cat get comfortable with me, or back away if your cat is stressed. I would love to play with your cat! I love cuddles! I love chillin' from a distance if that's what your cat needs. I'm a responsible adult and will follow the directions you leave for me. Your trip away from home will be worry-free in my care. I can also provide excellent care for small animals. Growing up I had a summer job caring for rabbits and a rabbit of my own who lived to be 12 years old! I also had a pet guinea pig named Oreo. I have flexible job hours and can work around your schedule. I have a car and am not afraid to drive in inclement weather conditions. With my own cats, I feed them twice per day and give them hours of cuddle time. My experience at animal shelters has given me a lot of experience approaching cats with different personality types.

About: I’ve lived and cared for dogs my whole life, both Dobermans and Brittanys (personal experience with big and medium sized dogs). For the past 6 years I’ve been caring for my neighbors pets (both cats and dogs) with wonderful reviews from repeating clients. I don’t have a traditional job, so I can stop by whenever you need (both weekends and weekdays). I’ll schedule my time around your pets needs. I will diligently follow all house rules you have in place, as well as instructions for taking care of your pets. My first priority is to be respectful and create a safe environment for your animals.

“took great care of my puppy”

Connor M.

About: I’ve taken care of fur babies of all kinds since before I could walk. I grew up with a dog and cat always in tow. I lived in the country, so learned fast that the world can be hard for an animal, thus beginning my rehab ‘career’. As I got older, I pet sat for neighbors and family friends. In my mid 20s I trained as a vet tech, prepping animals for surgery, giving vaccinations, nail trims, etc. Until the ISU Wildlife Clinic closed, I volunteered there, learning more care for wild native animals. I’ve had dogs and cats my entire life, I can’t imagine life without animals. I currently have a senior border collie named Lola, she has arthritis so sometimes she needs help getting around and I’m always willing to help my girl. I also have a senior cat. Currently I’m a doordash/grub hub driver, so I literally am free 24/7 to care for your pets! I will prioritize Rover over delivery, so I can work with any schedule you need. I’m available for repeat needs (several walks a week, drop ins, etc). I live in a duplex with a yard. For me to board a pet, they would need to get along with my dog, and she can honestly be a bit grumpy meeting new dogs, so I feel going to the client’s home would be best. I will respect your home and follow whatever instructions you have for the care of your pets.

About: I have owned a dog since I was 7, along with helped local families by watching their dogs while on vacation. Along with during college, helping a breeder with her pups and personal dogs ranging from 1 day old to 12 years old. I am currently working an internship 3 days a week. I am completely free on my days off with just trips to the gym and local coffee shops. I am willing to spends time playing with dogs and going for walks on my days off due to having an open schedule. I am comfortable coming to other houses to make sure their dogs stay less stressed and feel for comfortable in their surroundings. I take them for walks in the neighborhood on leashes.

About: In addition to having dogs and cats as my childhood pets, I also worked with the Puppy Jake Foundation training service dogs for wounded veterans for two years, and spent a summer interning at Kawa Farms K-9 Training. I have always adored all pets, but dogs and cats have a special place in my heart! I’m spending the summer in Ames and have a flexible schedule, so I’m available for last-minute bookings, frequent walks, overnight care, and lots of attention/playtime. I’m working part-time remotely over the summer, which gives me a very flexible schedule and plenty of time to dedicate to caring for pets. I typically work about 4–5 hours on weekdays, leaving me with lots of availability for drop-in visits, walks, boarding, daycare, and overnight sitting. Because I spend most of my time at home, I’m able to give pets lots of attention, supervision, playtime, and companionship throughout the day. I also have flexibility for early morning, evening, and weekend care, and I’m happy to accommodate pets’ normal routines as closely as possible to help them feel comfortable and cared for. I make sure every pet feels safe, comfortable, and cared for based on their individual routine and needs. I’m attentive to feeding schedules, potty breaks, exercise, playtime, medication instructions, and any specific preferences owners share with me. In my home, pets would have plenty of attention, supervision, and space to relax indoors. I do have an unfenced yard, so all outdoor time would be supervised and pets would always be kept safely on a leash when outside. In clients’ homes, I do my best to maintain pets’ normal routines to help them feel comfortable while their owners are away. I’m happy to provide walks, playtime, cuddles, updates/photos, and lots of companionship throughout the visit. I also make sure the home stays clean and secure while I’m there.