Joan S.
Montclair, NJ
All Dogs go to JoAn's Home
Pet care experience
A lifelong devotee of our four-legged friends, having shared my home with everyone from a majestic Chow Chow-Husky mix, a dignified Pekinese, to a spirited Dachshund. While Boxers hold a special place in my heart, my affection knows no bounds when it comes to breeds; I believe every dog has its unique charm. It's no surprise that my friend's pets often find themselves comfortably at my side, feeling the warmth of my genuine love for all canines. Though I don't hold professional training certifications, my life has been a rich tapestry of hands-on experiences with dogs of all temperaments. I am deeply committed to respecting the routines and training regimes established by their owners, rewarding good behavior to foster a well-balanced, happy dog. My approach to care is simple yet profound: I follow your lead, ensuring your dog's needs are met with patience, understanding, and lots of love. Special care needs? Consider them covered following all instructions, medication schedules, and appts necessary. My dog, Chico, a resilient soul I rescued as a newborn, has been my loyal companion for nearly 15 years. Despite his age, he exudes the playful spirit of a puppy
About Joan S.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Caring for pets in any setting is centered on their safety, comfort, and happiness. I start with a thorough meet-and-greet to understand their needs and routines. In both my home and a client's, I ensure a safe, familiar environment, sticking to established routines to minimize stress. I meticulously manage feeding, exercise, and medication, providing regular updates to owners. Exercise, play, and companionship are key; I tailor activities to each pet's energy level and ensure they receive plenty of affection. Observant of their health and behavior, I'm prepared for emergencies, respecting the owner's home and maintaining cleanliness. My approach combines love, attentiveness, and ongoing education in pet care best practices, ensuring pets are well-cared for, happy, and thriving. I walk to local parks with my pup Chico who is a deaf/mute 14 lbs dachshund. I have an area by my home that is grassy and planted with large trees for extra shade when needed.
Home
Information Joan S. would like to know about your pet
1. What is your dog’s daily routine? Understanding the dog's typical day, including feeding times, walk schedules, and any specific rituals, helps maintain consistency and comfort for the dog in the owner's absence. 2. Does your dog have any medical conditions or allergies? Knowing about any health issues, medications, and allergies is vital to ensure the dog's well-being and to be prepared in case of an emergency. 3. How does your dog react to other animals and people? This information is essential for managing interactions on walks or in parks to prevent any stressful or dangerous situations. 4. What are your dog’s favorite activities and toys? Being aware of what the dog loves to do and play with allows for a personalized care experience that keeps the dog engaged and happy.
A typical day
Engaging pets in fun activities is essential for their well-being and happiness. Here are some activities I love to do with the pets I watch: 1. Interactive Walks: Beyond the usual walk, I make it interactive by changing routes for new smells and sights, and incorporating playtime at safe, pet-friendly parks. 2. Fetch and Frisbee: Classic games like fetch and Frisbee are great for exercise and fun. I adjust the intensity based on the pet's age and fitness. 3. Agility Training: Setting up a simple, homemade agility course in the backyard for them to navigate. It’s great for exercise and mental stimulation. 5. Hide and Seek: A fun game that uses their natural hunting instincts. I hide treats or myself and let them find me or the treats. 6. Water Play: For pets that enjoy water, sprinkler play, shallow kiddie pools, or trips to dog-friendly beaches can be refreshing, especially on hot days. 7. Cuddle Time: Sometimes, the best activity is simply relaxing together, with gentle petting or grooming, to foster a deep bond. 8. **Training Sessions:** Teaching new tricks or commands is not just a party trick; it’s a way to engage their mind and reinforce positive behavior. 9. **Socialization:** If the pet is social and the owner agrees, arranging playdates with other friendly pets can be enriching and fun for social animals. Each activity is chosen based on the pet's personality, health, and preferences to ensure they have a joyful and enriching experience while under my care.
Services
Joan can host
Availability
I work from home and run errands a few times a week for less than a couple of hours. However, if a service is scheduled that requires my full attention, I will be sure to accommodate the pup's needs first.
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About Joan S.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Caring for pets in any setting is centered on their safety, comfort, and happiness. I start with a thorough meet-and-greet to understand their needs and routines. In both my home and a client's, I ensure a safe, familiar environment, sticking to established routines to minimize stress. I meticulously manage feeding, exercise, and medication, providing regular updates to owners. Exercise, play, and companionship are key; I tailor activities to each pet's energy level and ensure they receive plenty of affection. Observant of their health and behavior, I'm prepared for emergencies, respecting the owner's home and maintaining cleanliness. My approach combines love, attentiveness, and ongoing education in pet care best practices, ensuring pets are well-cared for, happy, and thriving. I walk to local parks with my pup Chico who is a deaf/mute 14 lbs dachshund. I have an area by my home that is grassy and planted with large trees for extra shade when needed.
Home
Information Joan S. would like to know about your pet
1. What is your dog’s daily routine? Understanding the dog's typical day, including feeding times, walk schedules, and any specific rituals, helps maintain consistency and comfort for the dog in the owner's absence. 2. Does your dog have any medical conditions or allergies? Knowing about any health issues, medications, and allergies is vital to ensure the dog's well-being and to be prepared in case of an emergency. 3. How does your dog react to other animals and people? This information is essential for managing interactions on walks or in parks to prevent any stressful or dangerous situations. 4. What are your dog’s favorite activities and toys? Being aware of what the dog loves to do and play with allows for a personalized care experience that keeps the dog engaged and happy.
A typical day
Engaging pets in fun activities is essential for their well-being and happiness. Here are some activities I love to do with the pets I watch: 1. Interactive Walks: Beyond the usual walk, I make it interactive by changing routes for new smells and sights, and incorporating playtime at safe, pet-friendly parks. 2. Fetch and Frisbee: Classic games like fetch and Frisbee are great for exercise and fun. I adjust the intensity based on the pet's age and fitness. 3. Agility Training: Setting up a simple, homemade agility course in the backyard for them to navigate. It’s great for exercise and mental stimulation. 5. Hide and Seek: A fun game that uses their natural hunting instincts. I hide treats or myself and let them find me or the treats. 6. Water Play: For pets that enjoy water, sprinkler play, shallow kiddie pools, or trips to dog-friendly beaches can be refreshing, especially on hot days. 7. Cuddle Time: Sometimes, the best activity is simply relaxing together, with gentle petting or grooming, to foster a deep bond. 8. **Training Sessions:** Teaching new tricks or commands is not just a party trick; it’s a way to engage their mind and reinforce positive behavior. 9. **Socialization:** If the pet is social and the owner agrees, arranging playdates with other friendly pets can be enriching and fun for social animals. Each activity is chosen based on the pet's personality, health, and preferences to ensure they have a joyful and enriching experience while under my care.
Location
Montclair, NJ
Pets
Joan S.
Montclair, NJ