Ilana S.
Aurora Highlands, VA
Grad Student Wants to Help!
Pet care experience
My love for dogs started when I was 8 and my family adopted a golden retriever who would go on to be my best friend for the next 16 years of my life, which included caring for her in her senior years after she went deaf. I routinely walk and sit for my sister's pitbull who has a very anxious personality and needed a lot of attention and care to become less leash reactive. These two experiences have trained me to be extremely observant and receptive to each individual animal's cues, and my love for doggos has only grown as I've gotten older. I also am an absolute cat lover and while I’ve never had one of my own, I have been a cat parent in training through foster for the Animal Welfare League of Arlington since Fall 2020 :)
Reviews
Ilana did a wonderful job sending lots of pictures and spending a lot of time with our dog. She left our house in order and even washed our sheets. I highly recommend Ilana to anyone needing a house sitter. I could tell she gave our dog lots of love and attention.
Archer loved Ilana!! She was able to lovingly engage him so he didn’t bark while I was away. She was very flexible for scheduling and easy to coordinate with. Would love to hire her again!
Ilana is a responsible and loving human whose natural compassion extends to animals. She can be counted on to care for your pet as if it were her own and she will be respectful of your time and home as well. A teacher, a grad student, a fosterer of cats, and near kin to a rescue Pitty - Ilana tended to our golden retriever for many years and she would be a great choice to care for your furry friend, too.
About Ilana S.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I am extremely observent and do my best to build trust immediately upon entering someone's home for walks, always using a gentle voice and approaching slowly to allow the dog time and space to decide to approach me.
Information Ilana S. would like to know about your pet
Please let me know any special needs or preferences that your dog has ahead of time: what kind of walker they are, what spooks them, what they love, favorite places for pats...etc.
A typical day
I love to stimulate your dog both physically and mentally! From getting lots of belly rubs to checking out new smells, we will have the time of our lives together! I recently started exploring the numerous nature preserves in the area and Huntley Meadows has become a favorite :)
Services
Ilana can watch in your home
Availability
Having just graduated in May, I’m currently transitioning between grad school and full time work. I have M-F and weekend availability! I also have a car and am more than willing to drive a bit to help you out :)
About Ilana S.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I am extremely observent and do my best to build trust immediately upon entering someone's home for walks, always using a gentle voice and approaching slowly to allow the dog time and space to decide to approach me.
Information Ilana S. would like to know about your pet
Please let me know any special needs or preferences that your dog has ahead of time: what kind of walker they are, what spooks them, what they love, favorite places for pats...etc.
A typical day
I love to stimulate your dog both physically and mentally! From getting lots of belly rubs to checking out new smells, we will have the time of our lives together! I recently started exploring the numerous nature preserves in the area and Huntley Meadows has become a favorite :)
Location
Arlington, VA
Ilana S.
Aurora Highlands, VA