Chris S.
Jeffersonton, VA
Outdoor Adventure and Training Fun!
Pet care experience
Caring for your beloved pets is not a task for me, but a passion. I fit in to the environment they are used to and most comfortable in and provide enrichment opportunities by taking them out for fun adventures if they seem up for it. I tailor my approach to each individual pet based on their unique personality and your goals for them. We can take it easy and relax at home, engage in a little or a lot of play time, go on a walk around the block or miles on the trails, and/or work on some training goals. I have a wide range or experience and skills caring for pets. For as long as I can remember, I have had dogs and cats and have actively trained and cared for them for over 3 decades. My experience does not begin or end with them though. Over the years, I have owned and taken care of a wide variety of animals; snakes, lizards, fish, turtles, hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, lions, tigers, and bears, oh my! OK no, not actually large wild predators like those last three. haha :-) I think you get the idea that I am experienced in taking care of most types of domestic animals though, so bring them on. My friends rely on my advice on dog training and I have helped teach their puppies and older dogs basic obedience and manners. I am actively working to become a professional dog trainer and have established friendships with a number of licensed veterinary professionals and dog trainers (even a former certified urban search and rescue dog handler) that I can rely on for expert advice if needed as well. Your animals will be in good hands with me.
Reviews
Chris is like the dog whisperer we never knew we needed! From the moment they stepped in, it was clear Rori and Luna were in good hands. Chris's updates were not just informative but also downright entertaining! It's evident that Chris went above and beyond to keep our furry duo entertained and well cared for. From backyard play sessions to neighborhood patrols, Chris ensured that Rori and Luna had a blast while maintaining their good behavior – well, mostly! Their witty anecdotes about the girls' reactions and antics, like Rori embracing her inner cat or Luna's sudden craving for one-on-one time, kept us smiling throughout our trip. Chris's attention to detail, from trying out different leash options to noting the girls' dinner alarm with atomic precision, showed genuine care and commitment. And let's not forget the heroic attempt at distracting Rori from post-dinner play urges – talk about persistence paying off! The Netflix and chill session with our fur babies sounds like the perfect way to wind down, and we appreciate the extra effort in tidying up the house before our return. The folded blankets and freshly washed towels are a nice touch! Overall, Chris's dedication, humor, and genuine affection for Rori and Luna shine through in every update. We couldn't have asked for a better dog/house sitter. Chris, you're pawsitively amazing – Rori, Luna, and we can't thank you enough for taking such great care of our girls! See you again this weekend.
Chris is great with pets. He has taken care of my ferrets beautifully on several occasions, making sure to follow their schedules/habits and attend to their needs and enrichment. He has also taken care of my dog when he was a puppy, at which time he continued to enforce my training with my dog. He communicated well with me and was willing to send me pictures of my pets upon request.
Chris is a friend of mine who is great with animals. He always has a calm demeanor, even when playing with my very energetic pit bull mix. He loves all animals and takes his time meeting them and allowing them the time & space needed to become comfortable with him. I would highly recommend him to take care of your favorite four-legged family member(s).
About Chris S.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
While my home is comfortable, dog friendly, and I have a good sized fenced yard, at this time, I only provide services in the homes of my clients. Your pets are naturally most comfortable in their normal environment and used to their routine. Especially for brief periods of time up to a couple weeks, it is generally less stressful for them if I come to visit for a while instead of their life being uprooted and having to adjust to a whole new everything. I care for your home and animals as if they were my own, always.
Information Chris S. would like to know about your pet
Since my goal is to match your dog's routine, I need to know what their routine is and if there are any special considerations I need to be aware of in order to do that. Especially if your dog is in any way reactive, aggressive, anxious, fearful, etc, I need to know so I am properly prepared to handle situations which may arise. I'm always happy to reinforce existing basic skills that your dog has. If you have more extensive training goals, we need to have a discussion about what they are and how I might be able to help.
A typical day
I do my best to match your dog's routine for a typical day that you're together. We wake up with some casual conversation, stretches, and preparing to start the day. First things first, your dog needs a chance to get outside to relieve themselves. Then there is some combination of a morning walk, play time, breakfast, a nice back scratch/belly rub, quick physical assessment, and we make a plan for the rest of the day. During the day, we get things done. If your dog is low energy, the day may be full of cuddling, watching a movie, and getting lots of petting. If they are senior and want to just relax in their spot on their own, that's certainly their choice. If your dog is active, we can fill the day with playtime, exploring your neighborhood for hours, and showing off their training and best tricks. Puppies, and who can forget puppies, will get age appropriate activity, reinforcement of their established training routines, plenty of potty breaks and snacks, and exploring all the things. I love a good mid-day nap with the best of them, so that's always a possibility! Exploring farther away from home with a field trip is an additional option on a case by case basis. In the evening, we wind down, reflect on the day, share a highlight or two with you, get a quick brushing, enjoy dinner, all the cuddles and petting they desire, and settle in for the night so that we can start tomorrow fresh again.
Services
Chris can watch in your home
Availability
During times that you book me to keep watch over your house and pets, they are my priority and I arrange to have a bare minimum of outside obligations. This is my chosen path, so another job will not interfere. Whether it is for a weekend, a week, or longer that you need my services, I will be there to enjoy the time with your pets and give them the attention they desire.
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About Chris S.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
While my home is comfortable, dog friendly, and I have a good sized fenced yard, at this time, I only provide services in the homes of my clients. Your pets are naturally most comfortable in their normal environment and used to their routine. Especially for brief periods of time up to a couple weeks, it is generally less stressful for them if I come to visit for a while instead of their life being uprooted and having to adjust to a whole new everything. I care for your home and animals as if they were my own, always.
Information Chris S. would like to know about your pet
Since my goal is to match your dog's routine, I need to know what their routine is and if there are any special considerations I need to be aware of in order to do that. Especially if your dog is in any way reactive, aggressive, anxious, fearful, etc, I need to know so I am properly prepared to handle situations which may arise. I'm always happy to reinforce existing basic skills that your dog has. If you have more extensive training goals, we need to have a discussion about what they are and how I might be able to help.
A typical day
I do my best to match your dog's routine for a typical day that you're together. We wake up with some casual conversation, stretches, and preparing to start the day. First things first, your dog needs a chance to get outside to relieve themselves. Then there is some combination of a morning walk, play time, breakfast, a nice back scratch/belly rub, quick physical assessment, and we make a plan for the rest of the day. During the day, we get things done. If your dog is low energy, the day may be full of cuddling, watching a movie, and getting lots of petting. If they are senior and want to just relax in their spot on their own, that's certainly their choice. If your dog is active, we can fill the day with playtime, exploring your neighborhood for hours, and showing off their training and best tricks. Puppies, and who can forget puppies, will get age appropriate activity, reinforcement of their established training routines, plenty of potty breaks and snacks, and exploring all the things. I love a good mid-day nap with the best of them, so that's always a possibility! Exploring farther away from home with a field trip is an additional option on a case by case basis. In the evening, we wind down, reflect on the day, share a highlight or two with you, get a quick brushing, enjoy dinner, all the cuddles and petting they desire, and settle in for the night so that we can start tomorrow fresh again.
Location
Jeffersonton, VA
Chris S.
Jeffersonton, VA