Dog Walkers in McGaheysville, VA

“She was excellent with my dogs. Highly recommend!”

Ambi Z.

“Krista was great. Zoe immediately loved her and Coby didn’t mind the wake up call from the couch to meet his new friend. Dogs were walked, fed, and given treats as requested. Proper leash, walking perimeter followed, house locked, and key promptly returned. We even received a picture of the walk. Neither dog expressed any separation anxiety while their humans were on a day trip. I was super happy and will call on Krista in the future. Dogs give her 5 woofs!”

Sarah B.

“Very easy to communicate with!!!”

Baillie S.

About: Hi! My name is Annalise, and I have been pet sitting since high school, for about six years now. Ever since then, it feels like I’ve found my passion. I’m an international affairs major at JMU, and a proud cat mom (the tabby)! Adopting my baby boy Alex soon (the first dog), who I’m training from the ground up. He’s a nervous boy but worth it! I’m willing to put in the work, and I can’t think of a better reward than the love of an animal. If you give me the honor to look after your babies, I promise I’ll care for them fiercely. I do this because I love it, and it makes me happy; please reach out to me if you need a hand, I’d be more than happy to give it!! I have a part time job and am a full time student, but I am more than willing to work around your pets schedule. Your pet’s care is my priority, and I wouldn’t accept a job if I didn’t believe I could give them 110% of my attention and affection. I would take your pets on walks, cuddle them, and overall ensure they’re being cared for to the best of my ability. I would also get to know them well so I could easily assess if any behaviors are out of the ordinary.

About: My first dog was with me for 14 years and I now have an 11 year old. Raised like family and to be trail dogs. I walk twice a day and provide plenty of affection. I work from home. There is a morning walk and then an afternoon walk with potty breaks during the day. I can travel within the Massanutten and Elkton areas. I can keep them on the current feeding schedule and provide bathroom breaks as needed. Crates are acceptable and specific instructions followed. I have a friendly Fruggle who gets along with everyone. We do prefer dog friendly dogs.

About: I’ve been around dogs my whole life. I have been taking care of dogs of my own since I was able to walk and talk. I work hard and play harder with our furry friends! I am a fast learner, and can assist with training pups or taking care of senior dogs. My father is a veterinarian, so I was able to learn from him how to care for your pets. I attend James Madison University, so I will have classes with a varying schedule each weekday. I can stay full time at your home with your pets. I go to the gym, so I may be out for a short time to work out, but once I’m finished I’m right back at home with your pets! I have two dogs of my own. I feed/provide medication to them regularly (might go without saying) and I love to cuddle up with them on the floor and play with their toys with them. I’m very affectionate and will give your pets lots of attention and love.

About: I have always had a love and passion for animals since I was a little girl. I started in elementary school by offering to walk my neighbors' dogs just so I could have the opportunity to play with them. Over the years, I have gained even more love and experience in properly caring for all animals as if they were my own. I am a student at JMU who is looking for something part time. I have a lot of free time in the afternoon and most weekends which I would love to spend my time with your wonderful animals! I currently live in an apartment building but is willing to take them in, take them to dog parks, and go on long walks. I am comfortable and flexible on what I would need to do to ensure the happiness and safety for your pets!

“Kristie helped me out with my puppy while we were painting our house. She was responsive and flexible to accommodate two long walks for Tsuki. I would highly recommend her as a dog walker! Thank you again!”

Lily B.

“Ashleigh came through for me in a pinch when another sitter bailed last minute and I couldn't have asked for a better substitute! She was quick to respond to my messages and went above and beyond for Lucy. I'd recommend her to anyone!”

Beth N.

About: Hi I’m Brandy 🙂 I am a mother to 5 amazing children, and we are on the Autism Spectrum 🥹 We all love animals and are exceptional animal caretakers (and little animal caretakers in training ☺️🤭). I have decades of animal care experience, working with cats, dogs, horses, and even giraffes, elephants, and antelopes! We own and operate a rabbitry with a focus on Flemish Giant rabbits and have somewhat of a “suburban homestead”, chickens, ducks, rabbits, gardens😌🤫🤭I have worked at multiple dog kennels, including free run facilities, and have worked at the SPCA and the Virginia zoo in Norfolk, Virginia. I have experience with and own German-trained protection dogs (Dobermans/German shepherds etc); we also have King Charles Cavalier spaniels. I am familiar with and have worked with dozens of breeds and each breed has its own characteristics although each pup is also unique of course, it is helpful to be familiar with and recognize breed characteristics. We are able to keep your pet in a completely separate quiet area of our home😴😌or they are welcome to join the pack🥳🤪depending on your (and your pet’s) preference. I am very careful, and responsible, and also very observant and intuitive to know exactly what your pet needs. I have also been a professional photographer for 25 years and love to take photos of pets in our care🙂💖 Let me know what your needs are, and we will see if I can accommodate your needs, as my schedule is very open and flexible. My pet care is very custom tailored to your needs and your pet’s needs, let me know what you need and what your pet prefers. I have 4 dogs that stay exclusively in the back part of the home and have access to the backyard. Doggies I am sitting stay exclusively in the front part of the home and have access to the front yard, so there is no interaction between my dogs. My dogs are friendly with other dogs but this arrangement just makes it easier and more comfortable for yours = )

About: I have been around dogs my whole life, and I’ve had my own mini poodle for 5 years now. I will love your dog like they are your child!:) I am currently working part time, as well as a full time student. I don’t get to have my dog here, he’s with my family. So I enjoy anytime with your fur baby!! I will be able to care for your dog however you feel comfortable. When they stay with me, I will make them feel as comfortable as I possibly can! With many cuddles!

About: Its incredibly easy for me to pick up on a pet's personality. Whether they're out and about, or too lazy to go out, I champion myself for being able to understand a pet's emotions. Pet care has turned from something I do as a favor for friends and family into a passion I want to practice as frequently as possible. I am an incredibly timely individual. I love sticking to checklists, as they help me remember the tasks assigned, and ensure that I have performed the requested duties to the owners, and the pets.

About: Hello! I am a Rockingham County resident and excited to meet any local furry friends! Beyond growing up around cats and dogs, I have been pet sitting for friends and family for the last couple months so decide to come on here to see if I can help anyone else. I currently work from home and have availability to spend time with your pets Monday - Friday and some weekends! Please refer to my availability! I will try to keep that as up to date as possible! With having two cats and a dog I am very comfortable with adding your pet into the mix and I can imagine they will have a great time playing all together. However, all animals are unique and this can bring stress to some. I will try to be as accommodating as possible to the needs of every client whether that is separating the animals in the home or finding different arrangements that make everyone comfortable!

About: I have always had dogs in my life and have experience caring for dogs of different sizes, personalities, and needs. For over a year I have volunteered at an animal shelter where I regularly walk, spend time with, and care for dogs with a variety of behaviors and energy levels. I have also dog sat multiple times, both by welcoming dogs into my home and caring for pets in their own homes. As a graduate student, I have developed strong responsibility, communication, and time-management skills, and I truly enjoy spending time with animals and making sure they feel safe, comfortable, and cared for. As a graduate student, I have a flexible schedule that allows me to dedicate time and attention to pet care. I enjoy being active and spending time with animals, whether that means walks, playtime, drop-in visits, or keeping pets company. I make it a priority to provide reliable care and make sure pets receive attention, exercise, and consistency in their routine. I understand that every pet has different needs and routines, and I always strive to make them feel comfortable and secure. I have experience caring for dogs of different sizes, energy levels, and behaviors through both pet sitting and volunteering at an animal shelter. I carefully follow owners’ instructions, maintain a safe environment, and make sure pets receive plenty of attention, exercise, and care while keeping owners updated along the way.

About: I have years of experience with dogs across all sizes, energy needs and care needs! I’m very fond of all critters and can’t wait to help you out! I’m working part-time over the summer and a fellowship (32 hrs/week) into the 26-27 year, but I’m very available to provide care— just send me a message! I respect the understanding that you’ve developed of your pet’s specific needs— give me a list, and it will be accomplished to a tee with care and enthusiasm!

About: I have loved animals since I was young. I’ve been taking care of my 12 year old dog since he was a puppy and needed to be bottle-fed. He’s now a senior dog and I still take great care of him. I trained him to do tricks as a puppy and my family has heavily relied on me to solely take care of my dog, especially when they leave me to take care of our dog when they travel for vacations. I am also a pre-vet student at James Madison University, pursuing a career involving animal care! I am working part time and getting scheduled minimum hours right now. I’m going away to college soon but before then I’d have plenty of free time to come take care of your fur-babies! I don’t board dogs at my home but I show respect to every home I enter and treat the home the way I would treat my own.

About: I’ve cared for animals most of my life, with decades of hands-on experience, starting with gerbils and my first Siamese cat when I was nine. I’ve also had parakeets for several years, and I’ve continued helping care for pets for friends, family, and within my community. I’ve always liked the different qualities animals bring, cats with their emotional honesty and dogs with their energy and engagement. I also notice how they relate to the world in their own ways, dogs tend to look for connection and interaction, cats move more on their own terms, and horses are often more tuned in to their surroundings and quick to respond when something feels off. Keeping that in mind helps me adjust my approach so each one feels comfortable and understood. As a young adult, I worked a couple summers in a dog kennel, where my interest in obedience, canine behavior, and training really took off and grew from there. I also spent several summers at horse camp early on, where I gained hands-on experience with horse care, handling, and stable routines. I’ve always enjoyed riding horseback, and still do when I can. Those early experiences shaped how I approach animals today. I’m naturally more at ease with animals, calm, steady, and patient, and I’m attentive to how they communicate and what they need. The first dogs I had of my own were a street-mix, Ringo, then a Giant Schnauzer and later a Husky mix, Harley, and in more recent years, my best buddy, Achy, was a Jack Russell Terrier. Caring for him through different stages of life deepened my understanding of attentive, consistent care. With my Schnauzer, Bella, I trained and competed in obedience, which gave me a strong appreciation for structure, consistency, and clear communication. Some of my animals were adopted, while others I raised from puppyhood, which gave me experience with both early training and supporting animals as they settle into new environments. Friends and family have often relied on me. Over time, I’ve learned that each animal has its own personality, comfort level, and needs, especially when their routine changes, and I do my best to keep things as familiar and steady as possible. My experience includes: • Daily care, feeding, walks, play, companionship • Supporting anxious, sensitive, or high-energy pets • Keeping routines consistent • Reinforcing basic training and boundaries • Basic first aid for dogs and cats (minor wounds, claw injuries, and general care) • Grooming and brushing, including tick checks and removal (and basic hoof care for horses) • Care for small animals, birds and fish, including cage cleaning and basic aquarium upkeep I take a calm, patient approach and don’t rush interaction. I allow trust to build naturally so pets feel secure and comfortable while you’re away. I’m comfortable caring for dogs, cats, and small animals such as rodents, birds, and ferrets. At this time, I don’t offer care for reptiles or arachnids. I also have experience with horses from years of riding, and while it’s been some time, I’m comfortable assisting with basic care. At home, I currently care for a senior rescue cat, Aggy, which keeps me mindful of the extra patience and attention older animals often need. I’m comfortable with routine care such as eye drops, tablets, and grooming or brushing. For injections, IVs, or more advanced medical care, I recommend working with a veterinary professional. While I’m new to Rover, caring for animals has been a consistent part of my life. Your pet’s safety, comfort, and wellbeing are always my priority. I am self-employed and currently work part-time, which gives me flexibility in my daily and weekly schedule. I’m able to plan pet care around the needs of the pet owner and provide reliable, attentive care. I provide care in the pet owner’s home to keep things familiar and comfortable for the pet. My visits typically include up to four shorter potty breaks throughout the day, along with a longer walk and evening care. Overnight stays follow a consistent routine to support a sense of safety and stability, as both dogs and cats tend to feel more at ease with familiar patterns. During each visit, I make sure pets are fed, have fresh water, get appropriate exercise, and receive calm, attentive companionship. I follow care instructions closely, keep an eye on behavior and overall wellbeing, and provide regular photo and video updates so you can feel at ease while you’re away. I’m respectful of your home and routines, and I’m happy to take care of small details, such as watering houseplants, if requested.

About: Hello! I am Emily and would love to have the opportunity to meet you and your pets! I grew up with dogs and last year rescued my own Plott Hound mix from the Rockingham SPCA. I am a junior at JMU and currently work at All About Paws; I previously worked at Happy Hounds Doggie Daycare. I hope I can help your pets be less lonely throughout the work day or make your life a little easier by offering help walking and taking care of them whenever you need. Hope you have a great day!! :) Pets and pet care is something I am surrounded by constantly. I adopted a dog from a shelter last year and a good amount of my time is spent trying to get him to be less anxious and scared of the world. While not home with him, I am at work, taking care of around 30 dogs and potentially a couple cats every shift. I will do whatever I can to help accommodate for your pets needs! While I can’t bring pets into my apartment due to roommate allergies and my dogs fear of everything, I am more than happy to come to your home as often as possible and spend time with your pets, feeding, exercising, and doing whatever else they need in order to be safe and happy while you’re away.

“Thank you so much Amy! I appreciate the notes on her stool too- we’ll definitely have to check that out. You don’t know how helpful this was- thank you!!”

Amelia S.

About: I have taken care of and been around animals since I was a child. I had worked in Dog Daycares, walking dogs, and being a sitter for all kinds of animals. I can be gentle or authoritative with your pet while giving them love and kindness. My life is taking care of animals and loving them. I have plenty of free time to spend with your pets for walks, playtime, and so much more! I am quite strong to be able to hold tightly onto a leash if your animal is leash reactive. I am well versed in dog body language and can handle a hyperactive animal or a calm and cuddly baby.