
Benen F.

Benen F.
Contact for Boarding
from $45 per night
Highlights
Pet care experience
Tail Wags Guaranteed
I've been around animals my entire life, and caring for dogs has always been something I genuinely enjoy. When I was younger, I had the opportunity to work alongside a family friend who owned a dog walking business in the Chicago area. That experience taught me the importance of building trust with every dog, understanding their individual personalities, and making sure they felt safe and comfortable while away from their owners. Today, I'm the proud owner of two Golden Retrievers, River and Willow, who have given me hands-on experience with every stage of dog ownership. From puppy training and daily exercise to grooming, administering basic care, and maintaining consistent routines, I've learned how important patience, structure, and positive reinforcement are. I've also cared for litters of puppies, giving me experience with newborn and young dogs as well. Whether your dog loves long walks, energetic playtime, or simply wants someone calm and dependable to keep them company, I'll treat them with the same level of care, attention, and affection that I give my own dogs. When your dog stays with me, they'll be treated like one of my own. They'll have plenty of supervised playtime, lots of attention, and access to my large, fully fenced backyard to safely run, explore, and burn off energy. My goal is to create a fun, stress-free environment where every dog feels comfortable, loved, and excited to come back.
Qualifications
Ratings and reviews
I found Benen when I was looking for a very last minute sitter for my dog. I was a little anxious to leave him with somebody new, but my anxiety didn’t last very long because Benen immediately sent pictures and I could tell my boy was comfy. I got lots of pics and updates while he was there. He loved having a fenced in yard and other pups to play with. Will definitely be sending Ace back!!
I can’t recommend Benen enough! He genuinely loves animals and is one of the most caring and dependable people I know. I’ve seen firsthand how patient, attentive, and loving he is with pets, and he always makes sure they feel comfortable and cared for. I would trust him with my own pets without a second thought, and I know anyone’s furry family members would be in great hands with him!
Benen has cared for my dog Sadie and consistently goes above and beyond for her! She loves to go on walks and bring her favorite toys along so she can play. Benen is always on time and someone whom I trust! I highly recommend for all your pet needs!
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
I have a flexible schedule that allows me to dedicate quality time to every pet I care for. Since I already have two active Golden Retrievers, daily walks, exercise, playtime, and maintaining routines are already a big part of my life. I understand how important consistency is for dogs, so I work to keep them on their normal schedule as much as possible, whether that's feeding times, walks, potty breaks, or simply giving them attention and companionship. I pride myself on being dependable, responsive, and making sure every pet receives individualized care.
Where your pet will stay
Home characteristics
Safety, trust & environment
Safety and trust are my top priorities with every pet I care for. I take the time to learn each dog's personality, routine, and any special needs so they feel comfortable and secure from the moment we meet. Whether I'm caring for your dog in your home or mine, I follow your instructions closely and make it a priority to keep their routine as consistent as possible. One of the biggest advantages I offer is a large, fully fenced backyard where dogs have plenty of room to safely run, play, explore, and burn off energy. My own Golden Retrievers, River and Willow, absolutely love spending time outside, and I know how important it is for active dogs to have a safe space to exercise. Of course, all outdoor time is supervised, and I always make sure every dog is comfortable and introduced appropriately. When caring for pets in a client's home, I treat both your home and your pet with the same level of respect and care that I would expect for my own. I provide regular updates and photos so you can have peace of mind knowing your pet is happy, safe, and receiving plenty of love and attention while you're away.
Pets
A typical day
Every dog is different, so I like to tailor activities to their personality and energy level. For active dogs, we'll enjoy long walks, games of fetch, plenty of playtime in my large fenced backyard, and lots of opportunities to explore and burn off energy. For dogs that prefer a slower pace, I'm just as happy to spend time giving belly rubs, playing with their favorite toys, or relaxing together with plenty of attention and affection. I also believe mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise, so I'll incorporate basic training, treats (if approved), puzzle toys, and enrichment games when appropriate. My goal is to make sure every dog is safe, happy, exercised, and feels like they're on a fun vacation while you're away.
