Ellen K.
Ellen K.
Contact for Dog Walking
from $18 per walk
Highlights
Pet care experience
Your Pet’s Favorite New Experience
Every four-legged friend has a special story, and I love getting to know each one! Here are a few of the animals who have taught me the most along the way: Arwen, The Reactive Pitbull - Working with Arwen taught me how to be calm, observant, and proactive. I’m an expert at reading body language and keeping walks stress-free! Walter, The Brave Lab Beagle - Caring for Walter gave me a keen eye for fear signals. I use lots of positive reinforcement and let pups like Walter set their own pace to feel safe. Denzel, The Special Needs Kitten - I rescued Denzel when he needed tail amputation. Rehabilitating him taught me gentle handling techniques and how to provide a soothing environment for a cautious kitty. Uno & Koda - Whether it’s navigating life with a blind sweetheart like Uno or keeping up with the zoomies of a high-energy Aussie like Koda, I’m ready for any energy level! I’m here to make sure your pet has the most comfortable, fun, and safe experience possible while you’re away!
Qualifications
Safety, trust & environment
My main goal is to be a calm, familiar presence in your pet's safe space! I know that a new face can be a big change, so I use a few techniques to make sure the transition is nothing but tail wags and purrs: I never rush a first greeting! Especially for rescues, I use a low-pressure approach - letting them sniff me out and approach me on their own terms so they feel in control and respected. I’m a stickler for your schedule! Whether it’s using your specific 'potty' commands or making sure the evening kibble is served at exactly the right time, I mirror your routine to keep their world feeling predictable and safe. I’m extra mindful of those first few "away" moments. I focus on creating a soothing environment with plenty of reassurance (and your favorite approved treats!) to help settle any nerves and build a happy bond quickly. Since I’m home studying, I provide constant companionship. Whether it’s quiet office snuggles or interactive play sessions between my chapters, your pet will never feel lonely!
Ratings and reviews
Ellen sat for us over a long weekend most recently for the first time. She did a great job! We received frequent updates and photos showing us that all of our cats were well and comfortable. Would definitely use her again.
Ellen is one of the best dog walkers I've worked with. One of my dogs is nervous with strangers and can take many walks to finally trust, except for Ellen. First walk and my Willow was ready to follow her. Ellen was also always on time and talked to my girls like they were hers. Shes a gem!
Thanks Ellen for taking such good care of Rue and Howard! They miss you already! 💕
Ellen was absolutely wonderful! She was looking after our dog and friend's dog, but she didn't mind at all about the separate food and routines and was incredibly flexible and accommodating. She kept in contact and sent photos of the dogs, and they looked very happy and well looked after upon our return! Ellen was also very respectful of our home. We would highly recommend Ellen for any dog sitting and hope to use her again. Many thanks!
I have had the pleasure of working with Ellen and I can confidently say that her level of professionalism, reliability, and genuine care sets a remarkably high standard in the pet‑care industry. From the very first interaction, it was clear that they approach their work with intention, consistency, and a deep respect for both my pet and myself
Ellen was great! She was on time and very communicative. 100% recommend
Calendar and availability
Schedule
I have a flexible schedule that revolves around my education. Since I can take my books and laptop anywhere, I’m able to provide plenty of companionship throughout the day! I’m a natural early bird who loves a crisp morning walk, and since I’m home most of the time, I can easily stick to your pet’s specific feeding and exercise routine. Whether it’s a long-term house sit or a mid-day check-in, I have all the time in the world to make sure your pet feels prioritized and loved!
- 0 to 15 lbs16 to 40 lbs41 to 100 lbsover 101 lbsEllen can host up to 3 walks per day
- To make sure your best friend has the most comfortable and safe experience possible, I’d love to get the scoop their needs ahead of time. Every pet is unique, and having these details helps me provide the exact care they deserve. It’s helpful to know about: How do they usually react to seeing other dogs, squirrels, or strangers? To keep our walks 100% stress-free and safe, I generally practice a 'no on-leash greetings' policy with dogs we don't know - but definitely let me know if they have specific neighborhood besties they love to say hi to! Please share any medication schedules, food allergies, or physical limitations (like avoiding stairs or keeping walks on the shorter side) I should be aware of. I love to mirror your pet's normal day as closely as possible. Let me know their typical meal times and quantities, as well as when they usually like to exercise and for how long. Does your pet have any particular 'scary things' (like loud thunderstorms, bicycles, or the vacuum)? Knowing what might stress them out helps me proactively create a calm environment for them. What makes them the happiest? Whether it’s a specific game of fetch, a favorite squeaky toy, or just a good old-fashioned belly rub, I want to know what their version of 'fun' looks like!