Jennifer D.
East Rock, CT
Dogs are family.
Pet care experience
Dogs are family. I grew up alongside a loveable, albeit food-obsessed, Cocker Spaniel, and in my college years a shy, quietly affectionate German Shepherd. Today, I’m the leader of my own three-dog pack of Dachshunds, including two rescues. Together, we do nearly everything, from cuddles to climbing mountains. I’m thus equipped to care for dogs of all shapes, sizes (from the largest - e.g. I’ve pet-sat for a juvenile Giant Schnauzer at 115lbs - to the smallest), and ages (from seniors to puppies), as well as dogs exhibiting diverse social profiles and needs, including those struggling with reactivity and anxiety, as well as those requiring extra exercise. Moreover, I have experience administering medications and following strict rehabilitation protocols – and with the patience, care, and attentiveness required to help sick dogs realize their full selves again. So, whether it’s a run in the park, a walk around the block, a midday check-in, overnight pet-sitting, a hike in the woods, etc., you can be assured that your dog will be treated like family, too. Be in touch if you have any questions or special requests, and looking forward to hearing from you!
Reviews
It is a pleasure to have Jennifer walking Oscar for us! She is so easy to communicate with and has made sure our boy gets his steps in. She even took him for a pup cup to celebrate her birthday! We love her and will keep booking her in the future.
Merle enjoyed his second overnight stay with Jennifer and her pups! We got lots of fun photos and videos of him and his new friends. Jennifer always picks up on his personality and quirks and does what’s best for him, whether it be outdoor playtime or inside quiet time. Always appreciate the care and communication!
Jennifer did a wonderful job caring for our dog and 4 cats. Her communication was excellent. She came for a meet and greet prior to the overnights which I appreciated. Our furbabies were loved by Jennifer when we were away and I was able to not worry knowing they were in good hands!
Amazing! Jennifer is super easy to communicate with. She was very thorough during our (virtual) meet and greet, which I appreciated so much. Her walk with Oscar seemed to have gone great, and she sent us the loveliest pictures of him in the nature alongside a very cute note. I am definitely going to keep booking with her in the future.
About Jennifer D.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have a fenced in backyard and a home that is completely pet-friendly, including the following amenities: - a slip-free ramp leading from kitchen directly into the enclosed backyard; - a slip-free, carpeted ramp onto living room sofa; - two large- and one medium-sized beds in kitchen and living room; - dog toys and balls galore; and - a dog gate separating kitchen from living room, and doors separating living room from bedroom (used in the event that pets need to be separated and/or kept secure if I’m out of the house temporarily). Moreover, pets are welcome on all furniture, including my bed (as you can see from pictures)! Finally, I should add that, in the event that you need boarding but your pet is anxious around other dogs, I can arrange for this with sufficient notice. (My puppies’ favorite Auntie lives very nearby.)
Home
Information Jennifer D. would like to know about your pet
It would be helpful to know things your dog especially likes to do or have - e.g. special treats or games - as well as things that are uniquely triggering, aversive or harmful to them, including allergies or fears (e.g. of other dogs, of loud noises, people, children, cars, car rides, garbage cans or other large objects, etc.), and special needs they might have. Finally, are there behaviors they engage in that I should be aware of, and that could raise safety concerns - e.g. aggression, reactivity, extreme leash pulling - and are there training protocols you would like me to help implement.
A typical day
As with human beings, every dog is unique and special, and therefore requires personalized care and attention to their interests and needs. For example, whereas some dogs prefer walks or runs that are goal-oriented, or centered on arriving at a particular place, others want walks that are more open-ended, involving endless opportunities for sniffing and letting their nose be our guide. So, when your dog is entrusted to my care, I ensure that their individual needs and interests are attended to, where this might involve: - meandering, slow walks following your dog’s nose; - fast-paced walks aimed at getting to the park or on a CT trail (being an avid hiker myself, I know many nearby spots for a fun jaunt in the woods); - fetch in an enclosed space; - a walk to a local coffee spot for a pup cup; - playtime in my backyard, perhaps with one of my dogs (obviously depending on compatibility); - quiet time and cuddles, pets, and puppy kisses; etc. And, should there be special requests or something you think your dog would especially enjoy, please let me know!
Services
Jennifer can host
Jennifer can watch in your home
Availability
I currently work part-time from home as a tutor, so if your dog or cat is staying with me, they will not be left alone for more than two hours.
About Jennifer D.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have a fenced in backyard and a home that is completely pet-friendly, including the following amenities: - a slip-free ramp leading from kitchen directly into the enclosed backyard; - a slip-free, carpeted ramp onto living room sofa; - two large- and one medium-sized beds in kitchen and living room; - dog toys and balls galore; and - a dog gate separating kitchen from living room, and doors separating living room from bedroom (used in the event that pets need to be separated and/or kept secure if I’m out of the house temporarily). Moreover, pets are welcome on all furniture, including my bed (as you can see from pictures)! Finally, I should add that, in the event that you need boarding but your pet is anxious around other dogs, I can arrange for this with sufficient notice. (My puppies’ favorite Auntie lives very nearby.)
Home
Information Jennifer D. would like to know about your pet
It would be helpful to know things your dog especially likes to do or have - e.g. special treats or games - as well as things that are uniquely triggering, aversive or harmful to them, including allergies or fears (e.g. of other dogs, of loud noises, people, children, cars, car rides, garbage cans or other large objects, etc.), and special needs they might have. Finally, are there behaviors they engage in that I should be aware of, and that could raise safety concerns - e.g. aggression, reactivity, extreme leash pulling - and are there training protocols you would like me to help implement.
A typical day
As with human beings, every dog is unique and special, and therefore requires personalized care and attention to their interests and needs. For example, whereas some dogs prefer walks or runs that are goal-oriented, or centered on arriving at a particular place, others want walks that are more open-ended, involving endless opportunities for sniffing and letting their nose be our guide. So, when your dog is entrusted to my care, I ensure that their individual needs and interests are attended to, where this might involve: - meandering, slow walks following your dog’s nose; - fast-paced walks aimed at getting to the park or on a CT trail (being an avid hiker myself, I know many nearby spots for a fun jaunt in the woods); - fetch in an enclosed space; - a walk to a local coffee spot for a pup cup; - playtime in my backyard, perhaps with one of my dogs (obviously depending on compatibility); - quiet time and cuddles, pets, and puppy kisses; etc. And, should there be special requests or something you think your dog would especially enjoy, please let me know!
Location
New Haven, CT
Pets
Jennifer D.
East Rock, CT