Dakota S.
Tacoma, WA
Services
Dakota can care for
Availability
I work on a farm and am in the off season currently. I’m booked 2/10-2/15 already but outside of that free any day until 3/15. Slight preference to keep Saturdays free but flexible and will make it work if needed.
About Dakota S.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I am only able to care for pets in your home, I live between Tacoma and Puyallup and would be happy to provide shorter 2-3 day drop in care within those cities if wanted instead of home sitting. For anything further out (Federal Way, Lacey, etc) or longer than 3 days, in home petsitting is more sustainable for me. I am happy to review and follow any care instructions for feeding/playtimes/outdoor time/walking, every animal and every house is different and it’s important to me to understand your pets personalities and habits as well as your routines and care schedules for them. As I’m currently in my off season from farm work I have a lot of time and attention and am happy to offer 3 walks a day + playtime for dogs or 3 playtime sessions for cats if wanted. It’s helpful to know how often and when to feed them and what kind of toys/play any of your pets enjoy and what interactivity level they are used to. Also happy to care for animals that don’t want attention or otherwise have special needs so long as that’s communicated beforehand. If a potential client is comfortable meeting up somewhere in person beforehand I find that can be very helpful for both parties.
Information Dakota S. would like to know about your pet
Please let me know about any sensitivities your animal has: sensory, social, allergens as well as any other special needs or unique behaviors. If there’s anything your pet(s) can be highly reactive to positively or negatively it’s always helpful for me to be aware of.
A typical day
My goal is for pets to feel as comfortable as possible while their owner is away by recreating the structure of their usual schedule of play, leisure, and feeding times along with learning and utilizing their favorite toys or activities! This could look like daily neighborhood walks, trips to the dog park or playing tug or fetch in the backyard, or setting up sensory enrichment activities/feeding puzzles depending on your dogs preferred activity and socialization. If the specifics of what you’re working on are explained to me I’m more than happy to follow and positively reinforce already existing training practices.
Location
Tacoma, WA
Trusted Pet & Farm Sitter
Pet care experience
I grew up with two dogs and two cats and have loved animals for as long as I can remember. I’ve rarely lived somewhere without pets and have a lot of experience petsitting, dog walking, and working with animals. While I’m not a trainer I’m happy to follow any schedule or instructions you have for your animals during walks, play, or throughout the day. I have experience petsitting for elderly, partially deaf & blind rescue dogs, dogs that take allergy meds, and high energy 3 walks a day + playtime dogs. I have experience petsitting for cats as well and loving playing with them, I built cat shelves for my dad’s cats a few years ago! I also have experience petsitting for 2 bunnies and a small fish pond. I’m happy to schedule a time for free to meetup before your travel and review in person you and your pets needs if wanted. I am a highly conscientious person and value understanding and meeting all care and communication expectations to provide peace of mind for you and your pets while you’re away. I have multiple references I’m happy to share if wanted. Feel free to reach out if I seem like a good fit, happy to answer any questions and thanks for your consideration!
Reviews
Second time using Dakota. Cannot say enough great things about her! Our dog is older and has anxiety and she gave medication and took her on so many walks. Our pup was happy, calm, and healthy, so I know Dakota is great with even needy dogs.
Dakota was phenomenal. Multiple daily check ins on our older pup. It was very apparent that our dog warmed up to Dakota quickly and was relaxed the whole time. Dakota also took great care of the house. Will definitely be using again!
Dakota is a mindful and attentive caretaker of critters. On many occasions they have watched or walked my dog, Smudge. One year, Dakota was visiting with us for the 4th of July, which is Smudge's least favorite night of the year. Dakota built Smudge a little nest of blankets, turned on live aquarium videos, and mixed an improvised calming music playlist, all to soothe my scared little dog. Dakota is respectful, attentive, but not smothering--they let animals approach from a feeling of safety. You know those people who are just "animal folks"--Dakota is one of these types. Critters love Dakota. They have also worked extensively on farms, so you can trust that this is an individual equipped for keeping living creatures healthy.
Dakota is amazing!! They were so calm, kind, and gentle with all three of our furbabies. One of our babies can take especially long to let his guard down with strangers, but after a few visits, he was rolling over for belly rubs and loves! Dakota asks great questions and makes sure they understand everything about your furbabies and their care routine, so you can enjoy your days away without any worry. I highly recommend Dakota for your pet care!
About Dakota S.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I am only able to care for pets in your home, I live between Tacoma and Puyallup and would be happy to provide shorter 2-3 day drop in care within those cities if wanted instead of home sitting. For anything further out (Federal Way, Lacey, etc) or longer than 3 days, in home petsitting is more sustainable for me. I am happy to review and follow any care instructions for feeding/playtimes/outdoor time/walking, every animal and every house is different and it’s important to me to understand your pets personalities and habits as well as your routines and care schedules for them. As I’m currently in my off season from farm work I have a lot of time and attention and am happy to offer 3 walks a day + playtime for dogs or 3 playtime sessions for cats if wanted. It’s helpful to know how often and when to feed them and what kind of toys/play any of your pets enjoy and what interactivity level they are used to. Also happy to care for animals that don’t want attention or otherwise have special needs so long as that’s communicated beforehand. If a potential client is comfortable meeting up somewhere in person beforehand I find that can be very helpful for both parties.
Information Dakota S. would like to know about your pet
Please let me know about any sensitivities your animal has: sensory, social, allergens as well as any other special needs or unique behaviors. If there’s anything your pet(s) can be highly reactive to positively or negatively it’s always helpful for me to be aware of.
A typical day
My goal is for pets to feel as comfortable as possible while their owner is away by recreating the structure of their usual schedule of play, leisure, and feeding times along with learning and utilizing their favorite toys or activities! This could look like daily neighborhood walks, trips to the dog park or playing tug or fetch in the backyard, or setting up sensory enrichment activities/feeding puzzles depending on your dogs preferred activity and socialization. If the specifics of what you’re working on are explained to me I’m more than happy to follow and positively reinforce already existing training practices.
Dakota S.
Tacoma, WA