Alicen H.
Columbia, MO






Services
Alicen can host
Alicen can care for
Availability
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.
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About Alicen H.
Communication
Dog skills
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 6 canine guests at a time. Dogs are welcome to bring their crate, dog bed, or familiar belongings to support continuity and relaxation. Feeding routines and medication schedules are followed carefully, please provide clear directions.
Home
Information Alicen H. would like to know about your pet
I like to understand each dog’s prior experience with other caregivers, their general demeanor, and background. Information about age, temperament, routines, motivators (food, praise, toys), and any behavioral patterns or challenges is helpful. Please also share anything that helps your dog feel settled as well as any habits or sensitivities I should be aware of so I can maintain consistency and safety during their stay.
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 turnout in the yard, allowing dogs to move calmly before the day starts. After breakfast and rest, the mid-day portion of the day is intentionally quieter. They nap while I work from the couch or my office, and we do turnouts intermittently based on each dog's needs and how long it's been since breakfast finished. Evenings include another structured walk and/or longer turnout, providing playtime, 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. Dogs sleep in bedded crates in a quiet room with a relaxing sound machine. If crates are an anxiety trigger for your dog, we can bed them down on a blanket or dog bed in our room for the night.
Location
Columbia, MO
Pets
Alicen H. has Star Sitter status
The Star Sitter program highlights responsive sitters who deliver highly rated care and have a history of listing accurate availability and preferences, making it easier for pet parents to find the best care for their pets.
Calm, structured, experienced care.
Pet care experience
I provide dog care that is rooted in steadiness, consistency, and calm leadership. I have a lifetime of hands-on experience working with animals. I grew up on a livestock farm and worked with livestock guardian dogs, then spent 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, + medical needs. I am comfortable administering medications including both injections and blood draws, and I feel safe 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 always training programs, my approach to the care I provide reflects a deep understanding of canine behavior, nervous systems (human + dog), and the importance of clear, calm human leadership. 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!) Pet parents are encouraged to pack meals, a bed or blanket that smells like home, and any chews or toys they might want to have during their stay. We provide food + water dishes for their visit. All feeding or medication schedules are followed carefully. 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 Bear Creek + Capen Park as well as on longer in-city routes. 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. Meet + greets are encouraged to make sure we're the perfect fit ahead of your pet's stay.
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!
About Alicen H.
Communication
Dog skills
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 6 canine guests at a time. Dogs are welcome to bring their crate, dog bed, or familiar belongings to support continuity and relaxation. Feeding routines and medication schedules are followed carefully, please provide clear directions.
Home
Information Alicen H. would like to know about your pet
I like to understand each dog’s prior experience with other caregivers, their general demeanor, and background. Information about age, temperament, routines, motivators (food, praise, toys), and any behavioral patterns or challenges is helpful. Please also share anything that helps your dog feel settled as well as any habits or sensitivities I should be aware of so I can maintain consistency and safety during their stay.
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 turnout in the yard, allowing dogs to move calmly before the day starts. After breakfast and rest, the mid-day portion of the day is intentionally quieter. They nap while I work from the couch or my office, and we do turnouts intermittently based on each dog's needs and how long it's been since breakfast finished. Evenings include another structured walk and/or longer turnout, providing playtime, 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. Dogs sleep in bedded crates in a quiet room with a relaxing sound machine. If crates are an anxiety trigger for your dog, we can bed them down on a blanket or dog bed in our room for the night.
Alicen H.
Columbia, MO
