Joseph V.
Park Ridge, IL
Pro Dog Care For Social Impact
Pet care experience
Hi, I'm Joey! I grew up in semi-rural Georgia with as many animal friends as human ones, so I have a natural knack for "getting" dogs that's kind of rare in Chicagoland. Even the ones who kind of hate everyone are quickly at ease with me, which creates trust, feelings of safety, and sets the stage for their social growth with other dogs in my home environment. Plus, I'm... * Red Cross Dog and Cat First Aid certified * Member of Fear Free Pet Sitters * Member of the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters While this is my first Rover account, I began providing dog care services from my home since 2021. I needed a source of home-based income because home is also where I work to create, incubate, and now build my life's passion: an innovative nonprofit I founded - Complex Trauma Project. Caring for dogs was a natural choice because it comes so easy for me after doing it for almost 40 years and I just love being around them! So, with me, you know your furry family will get expert care with a nonprofit founder's love and dedication - not to mention the extra pride and satisfaction of helping a local nonprofit support trauma survivors! Plus, it's not often you'll have someone with 2 masters degrees - business and public health - care for your doggo. While I do sometimes provide other services such as dog walking and housesitting, I focus primarily on daycare and sleepovers (boarding) because it's easier on my schedule in general.
Reviews
Joseph did a fantastic job with our pup. He was flexible with our changing schedule and was great providing updates throughout our trip. Our dog came home happy! He seems to really love caring for animals, which really put me at ease. Highly recommend!
Joey was the best! This was the First time we used this site and we lucked out big with Joey. We left our young dog with him for about ten days and didn’t worry at all. He’s responsive, extremely knowledgeable, and experienced. We plan to use him again.
We couldn’t have asked for a better experience for our pup’s first night away from home. Joey was great with communication throughout and taught us a lot about the process in general. We’ll be back!
Our two dogs greatly enjoyed their stay with Joey this Thanksgiving. Joey proved himself to be a very trustworthy and caring sitter. He introduced himself thoroughly before our dogs stay and he shared with us instructions on how to drop off our dogs and provided us with detailed steps to decrease their anxiety levels. He was very kind towards our dogs as he gave a warm welcome with treats so they would get used to the new environment (and also gave them treats throughout their entire visit) and he also provided his own kennels and dog bowls so that we didn’t have to bring our own. We can tell that he is knowledgeable working with traumatized dogs because one of our dogs is aggressive to other canines but he knew how to approach her and deal with her special circumstance. We especially appreciated Joey for his quick responsiveness and he sent photos and videos in real time so we were able to enjoy our vacation without any worry. We will definitely board our dogs again with Joey and also would refer him to other dog parents 100%!!!
About Joseph V.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Because I specialize in dogs with anxiety, trauma, and other special needs care - I take no more than 3 guests at a time. I also have no pets of my own while I do this work so that I can focus on yours just like I would my own. My minimalist home layout is specifically designed to provide plenty of space both for guests who want to socialize and play together as well as for those who can't or would just really rather not. I also keep my environment very clean and hypoallergenic for the doggos with allergies as ridiculous as mine! During the day guests get walks of 30+ minutes at least every 3 hours and as many 10-minute potty breaks as they need in between. If the weather is junky, those walks get converted to indoor play time with me. At night, I invite them to share my bed, sleep in their own bed/crate on the floor next to me, or I set them up in another room if they prefer being alone.
Home
Information Joseph V. would like to know about your pet
I have a separate form for you to fill out that will inform me of any special needs or issues I need to know about ahead of time.
A typical day
When it comes to tailoring fun activities for my dog guests, I take into account both the breed and age to ensure a personalized and enjoyable experience. Puppies Activity: Interactive Play and Socialization Why: Puppies thrive on social interactions and play. Structured playtime helps with their physical development and provides essential mental stimulation. Active Breeds Activity: "Urban Hunts" Why: These aren't real hunts, of course, but I take them on walks to some slightly-wooded areas along the Metra tracks with retractable leashes that allow them to exercise their natural hunting instincts by exploring bushes, etc. and running after squirrels during the day and rabbits at night. Senior and physically-disabled dogs Activity: Gentle Walks, Indoor Play, Puzzle Toys Why: Older dogs may require lower-impact activities. Gentle walks cater to their exercise needs, and I have some puzzle toys that stimulate their minds without causing strain. Couch Potato Breeds Activity: Cozy Cuddles, Easy Walks Why: Some breeds prefer a more relaxed pace. Cozy cuddles and easy walks provide companionship without overwhelming them.
Services
Joseph can host
Joseph can watch in your home
Availability
My schedule is first and foremost organized around caring for my dog care guests because they have routines at home that should be followed as closely as possible. Then I fit my nonprofit-building work around that dog care schedule because it can be done at virtually any time of day.
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About Joseph V.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Because I specialize in dogs with anxiety, trauma, and other special needs care - I take no more than 3 guests at a time. I also have no pets of my own while I do this work so that I can focus on yours just like I would my own. My minimalist home layout is specifically designed to provide plenty of space both for guests who want to socialize and play together as well as for those who can't or would just really rather not. I also keep my environment very clean and hypoallergenic for the doggos with allergies as ridiculous as mine! During the day guests get walks of 30+ minutes at least every 3 hours and as many 10-minute potty breaks as they need in between. If the weather is junky, those walks get converted to indoor play time with me. At night, I invite them to share my bed, sleep in their own bed/crate on the floor next to me, or I set them up in another room if they prefer being alone.
Home
Information Joseph V. would like to know about your pet
I have a separate form for you to fill out that will inform me of any special needs or issues I need to know about ahead of time.
A typical day
When it comes to tailoring fun activities for my dog guests, I take into account both the breed and age to ensure a personalized and enjoyable experience. Puppies Activity: Interactive Play and Socialization Why: Puppies thrive on social interactions and play. Structured playtime helps with their physical development and provides essential mental stimulation. Active Breeds Activity: "Urban Hunts" Why: These aren't real hunts, of course, but I take them on walks to some slightly-wooded areas along the Metra tracks with retractable leashes that allow them to exercise their natural hunting instincts by exploring bushes, etc. and running after squirrels during the day and rabbits at night. Senior and physically-disabled dogs Activity: Gentle Walks, Indoor Play, Puzzle Toys Why: Older dogs may require lower-impact activities. Gentle walks cater to their exercise needs, and I have some puzzle toys that stimulate their minds without causing strain. Couch Potato Breeds Activity: Cozy Cuddles, Easy Walks Why: Some breeds prefer a more relaxed pace. Cozy cuddles and easy walks provide companionship without overwhelming them.
Location
Park Ridge, IL
Joseph V.
Park Ridge, IL