Alicen H.
Alicen H.
Contact for Boarding
from $39 per night
Highlights
Pet care experience
Calm, structured dog care.
I provide dog care rooted in consistency and calm leadership. I have a lifetime of hands-on experience working with animals, including nearly five years in a veterinary clinic setting. During that time I worked across kennels, reception, and as a veterinary technician, gaining extensive experience handling dogs and cats of widely varying temperaments, energy levels, and medical needs. I am comfortable administering medications, including injections and blood draws, and navigating higher-stress situations with clarity and composure. In addition to my veterinary background I have several years of focused experience in canine training and dog psychology. While Rover services are not training programs, my approach to care reflects a deep understanding of canine behavior, nervous systems, and the importance of clear, calm human leadership. Care is often provided by both Michael and myself as a team, which allows for consistency, smooth transitions, and a grounded environment for the dogs in our home. Our home is calm, steady, and structured for both learning and rest. We have a fenced yard and a balanced, social dog named Moose (who’s always happy to lend a paw). Dogs are welcome to bring their crate, kennel, or familiar items, and feeding or medication schedules are followed carefully. For in-home sitting, I respect each household’s routines and leave the space in the same or better condition than I found it. I’m an avid hiker and enjoy structured walks that allow dogs to engage the world calmly and confidently. I regularly walk and work my own dogs at Capen Park and on longer in-city or rural routes, and integrating additional dogs into this rhythm is often a natural fit. Exposure is always handled thoughtfully and at the dog’s pace, with the goal of helping them feel more settled and balanced across different environments. I’m a great fit for dogs who: - benefit from routine and clear expectations - respond well to calm, confident handling - enjoy balanced activity and rest - do best in environments that prioritize steadiness over stimulation I may not be the best fit for dogs who require constant attention, indulgent interaction, or highly permissive environments. I like to understand each dog’s background, temperament, motivators, and prior experience with other caregivers before booking. Information about routines, boundaries, and any behavioral considerations is always appreciated so I can ensure a good fit for everyone involved.
Qualifications
Ratings and reviews
Alice was wonderful with Thor and we loved talking with her and her husband. We look forward to bringing Thor again soon.
Alicen was great with my anxious pup, and sent me some adorable photo updates during my dog’s stay with her!
Alicen is great with my girl! Lucy loves it, and always comes home exhausted from playing all day!
Alicen was wonderful! She was easy to communicate with, sent great photos, and took excellent care of my dog. I would definitely book with her again and look forward to our next stay!
Alicen texted me every morning to tell me that my dogs had a successful previous day and a good morning, along with pictures of them.
Alicen did a wonderful job of caring for our pug, including sending high-quality photos of him during his short stay.
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
Pet care is integrated into my daily routine rather than added on as an afterthought. I work primarily from home, which allows me to be present and attentive throughout the day, with brief, planned time away when needed. I’m available for morning, mid-day, and evening walks locally. Mornings are typically spent working dogs in structured environments, including longer walks and hikes at Capen Park and surrounding areas when appropriate. Additional dogs are integrated thoughtfully into this routine when they’re a good fit, maintaining consistency, safety, and a calm group dynamic rather than disruption.
Where your pet will stay
Home characteristics
Safety, trust & environment
Our home environment is calm, steady, and intentionally structured to support both decompression and appropriate play/interaction. Safety, consistency, and clear routines are prioritized throughout each stay. I have a securely fenced yard and a balanced, social dog who may accompany visiting dogs when appropriate and mutually beneficial. All interactions are managed thoughtfully with attention to temperament, energy level, and comfort. I host no more than 4 canine guests at a time. Dogs are welcome to bring their crate, kennel, or familiar belongings to support continuity and ease. Feeding routines and medication schedules are followed carefully and reliably. For in-home sitting, I respect each household’s established routines and care practices and leave the space in the same or better condition than I found it.
Pets
A typical day
A typical day follows a steady, predictable rhythm designed to support balance, appropriate activity, and rest. Mornings usually start with a longer walk or jog in a rural area near my home or at Capen Park, allowing dogs to move calmly before the day starts. This time is used to reinforce leash manners, observe behavior, and set a grounded tone for the day. After breakfast and rest, the mid-day portion of the day is intentionally quieter. Dogs typically join me for a shorter loop walk to reset and decompress before returning to rest while I work from home. Evenings include another structured walk or outing in a local park or neighborhood, providing appropriate mental stimulation and movement without overstimulation. Nights are focused on winding down, maintaining a calm household environment, and preparing everyone for rest, ensuring dogs end the day settled and secure.