alison k.
alison k.
Contact for Boarding
from $50 per night
Highlights
Pet care experience
Dog Loving Professor
I know that finding someone to care for your dog is nerve-racking and the last thing you need when traveling or having a long day at work is to worry if your dog is safe and happy. Whether you need doggy day care, boarding, or someone to drop by and walk, play with, and feed your pup, you can be assured that your dog will get the VIP treatment and all the attention they deserve! I am a professor with a very flexible schedule. I am only required to be on campus for a couple hours at a time, so I am able to stay home with the pups for most of the day and provide frequent walks, play, and enrichment. I have been pet sitting for 15+ years, and I've always had dogs. My family has had standard poodles since before I was born, and now I have my own 6-year-old brown poodle, Marrón, who loves having dog friends over to visit. Dogs continuously amaze me with their intelligence and affection, and I aim to return all of the love they give to us. Dogs continue to *train me* on how to respect and work with pups to help them be happy and well-adjusted. I understand that each dog is a unique individual, and I love learning the quirks and needs of each dog. I have studied dog behavior and training and use science-based positive reinforcement methods. My goal is to help dogs and humans work as a team. I am comfortable with a wide range of dogs, from puppy to full-grown, small to large, and all breeds. While pet sitting or dog walking, I can help give your dogs the socialization and exercise they need, making sure they work their brains as well as their bodies. I am also happy to support any obedience and habit training that you are working on. I know that a well-exercised puppy or dog is a happy puppy/dog, and so I'm here to help you and your dog be as happy as possible together All potential clients must set up a meet and greet to ensure that my dog, Marrón, and your pooch get along. He is very social, so dogs who do not get along with other dogs would not be a good match. He does well with most dogs, and even if your dog doesn't love to play, he is ok just co-existing. I do separate the dogs periodically throughout the day for downtime and feeding, but I want to ensure that all dogs are comfortable and happy co-existing in the home together. (Please note: My doggie daycare price is for a standard 8-hour workday. For half days or extended hours longer than 8 hours, we will adjust the price accordingly.
Qualifications
Ratings and reviews
Alison and her pup are so sweet and made me feel like my dog was in great hands. She provided wonderful updates throughout his stay and I would absolutely recommend anyone choose her to watch your dog!
Alison is fantastic with Chloe! She is so patient and knowledgeable. So glad we found her!
Allison is fantastic! She cared for our 4 month old puppy and was so attentive a patient. She even worked with her on basic training and when we came home I noticed a huge difference in Chloes’s obedience. Can’t recommend her enough!
Alison is the best!
Alison is the dog sitter everyone wishes they knew. Communicative and thoughtful with us, and super attentive and loving with our dog. We’ll be back for sure!
Alison kept our 2.5yo dog for 6 days and we have nothing but great things to say about the experience. She was very accommodating to our schedules, communicative throughout the stay - including daily updates with photos and videos, and had all the right instincts about how to make sure our dog would have a fun and safe time with her dog and other dogs that she watches. We will absolutely be back. Thank you, Alison!
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
As a professor, I have a fairly flexible schedule, so I can adjust my schedule around the dogs in my care. I am only required to be on campus for a couple of hours at a time, so I am able to stay home with the pups for most of the day and provide frequent walks, play, and enrichment. While I am home most of the day, I do sometimes leave for a couple of hours, so your dog needs to be comfortable being left alone for brief periods of time, whether in the house or in a crate. My typical schedule with my standard poodle is 6-8am - Long Morning Walk or playing at local dog park. Then breakfast 8am-Midday - Downtime (with pee or play breaks as needed for puppies, seniors, or special needs) Midday - Short walk and play break Afternoon - Downtime (with pee or play breaks as needed for puppies, seniors, or special needs) ~ 4-7pm Long walk and outside play (weather permitting). If it's too hot, then enrichment games and play inside after all dogs have relieved themselves. Dinner Evening chill time and cuddle. Last potty break before bedtime.
Where your pet will stay
Home characteristics
Safety, trust & environment
Your dog will be treated like a member of my family. I do my best to help dogs feel comfortable and like to know what rules and routines they are used to at home, so I can provide that here. I will provide the appropriate walks, exercise, and activities for your pup. Marrón is very active, so we go on at least 2 long walks a day and to the dog park in our complex, in addition to more frequent potty breaks. In addition to the dog park in my complex, I live down the street from a larger dog park, and in a very walkable neighborhood. If your dog is not good with dog parks, we will go on walks and find other ways to get them safe exercise and enrichment! I live in a 2br, 2-story apartment, which is set up for maximum dog fun and safety. I can gate off each room to give the dogs their own space, and I tend to do so periodically during the day to give them breaks from playing and to let them eat and nap in peace. I do not take more than 2 dogs at a time, and only when I know that they will get along. So your dog will get lots of attention. If your dog is crate-trained, I can set your crate up in my house, in my bedroom or in my living room, based on your preference. I also have two crates that I can set up for your dog if they are comfortable in crates other than their own.
Pets
A typical day
(This schedule can, of course, be adjusted, especially for puppies who need more sleep, potty, and play breaks, or older dogs who need less exercise) On a typical day - Wake up around 7am and take the dogs on a long 1-3 mile walk where the pups get to sniff, and perhaps run and play in a safely fenced-in area, like the dog park in my neighborhood (if they are into playing with other dogs). - Breakfast - Then it's chill/nap time while I work. Dogs are free to nap in their beds, crates, or on my couch. If needed, I separate dogs so that they get quality rest and aren't tempted to play all day. If possible, I like to give dogs chews or calm enrichment (like kongs) to help them settle. - Midday, we will have a walk or play session - Afternoon rest - Late afternoon, we head out for play, training, or a walk. If your dog is not into playing, I can take them on a solo or joint walk with Marrón, play fetch, or whatever else they like. - Home for dinner - Time to chill and get to sleep If your pup is this active, they will join us for all, or as much activity as is appropriate for them. If needed, I can do separate walks and activities with your dog. I also like to work dogs' brains as much as their bodies, so we play training games that get them thinking. I use enrichment toys for food, and overall try to find a balance between exercise and high-energy play and chilling at home.