
Dana S.

Dana S.
Contact for Drop-In Visits
from $35 per visit
Highlights
Pet care experience
Lifelong dog caretaker
I spent 15 years as the primary caregiver for my pit bull, from training her as a puppy at 5 months old through her senior years, learning her routines and moods inside and out and adapting her care as she aged, including managing mobility changes and medication in her later years. For the past few months I've also been pet sitting for other dogs, giving me a feel for adjusting to different personalities, routines, and households. I know what it takes to make a dog feel safe, comfortable, and loved, whether that's a high-energy pup who needs structure or an older dog who needs a gentler pace and extra patience. I bring the same attentiveness, reliability, and genuine care to every dog I look after that I gave my own for 15 years.
Qualifications
Safety, trust & environment
For drop-in visits, I focus on keeping things calm and consistent with your dog's normal routine. I'll follow whatever instructions you leave for feeding, medication, or playtime, and I always do a quick check of food, water, and the yard or living space before I leave. I'm attentive to your dog's body language so I can tell if something feels off, and I always lock up and leave things exactly as I found them.
Ratings and reviews
I am so glad you're considering Dana as your caretaker. Dana has a special understanding of pet behavior that is easy to appreciate. Guided by keen observation, she knows how to read the room and create a calm, safe space that makes pets feel secure. I’ve seen her be a calming presence for my own anxious dog, who usually keeps to himself and avoids everyone but me. Yet, after building a bond with Dana, my dog completely opened up and trusted her when I wasn't there to reassure him. She became his diplomat when I was running an errand or taking a shower, saving him plenty of stress and we are both very grateful for her. Because of her patient perseverance, I have seen her grow this bond even with dogs that have difficult temperaments, besides my own. Dana’s got years of personal experience from raising her own pit bull, a dog that needed lots of patience and understanding to thrive, and she worked with her until the end. She approaches her work with love and genuine intent, and she’s excellent at meeting each pet's unique needs. I trust her wholeheartedly, and when I cannot cover a shift in pet care, she is my first referral. Chicago is incredibly lucky to have her! She is dedicated to establishing herself here, and your pets will be in the good hands!
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
I'm currently job searching, which gives me a flexible schedule for drop-in visits throughout the day and week. I can typically be available on short notice for quick check-ins, whether that's a midday visit, feeding, or just stopping by to give your dog some attention and a bathroom break. I'm happy to swing by multiple times a day if needed to keep your pup comfortable while you're away.
- 0 to 15 lbs16 to 40 lbs41 to 100 lbsDogs over 1 year oldDana can host up to 3 drop-ins per day
