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Lori W.

Aurora, IL

5.0 out of 5 stars
909 reviews
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Your dog will feel right at home!

Pet care experience

I have had dogs all my life. I left my career in real estate to become a full-time dog walker/sitter. I find the care of pets to be extremely rewarding. I am quite experienced with all breeds and ages of dogs. I have a German Shorthair Pointer that loves to fetch balls and catch frisbees. If you decide to use my pet care services you can specify your dogs particular needs and interests. About this sitter: The business of pet care is what I do full-time. My husband Will helps a great deal and is great with dogs as well. This affords me the ability to offer almost 24 hour care. I offer the following services of pet sitting, dog walking, drop-in visits, vacation care, and boarding. I like to get most dogs out every 1-2 hours to let them roam and play in my fenced backyard. I send daily messages with "the happenings" and pictures of your dog via Rover. Dog owners really like and appreciate these updates and find them reassuring. I have the ability to accept dogs of all ages and sizes as long as they are socialized to some degree and/or respect another dogs space. No aggressive dogs are welcome. If your dog has ever bitten another dog (or human) please do not send me your request. The number of dogs that stay with me does vary according to the personal and business travel plans of my clients as well as overlapping bookings and daycare dogs that visit my home. I do offer a slightly discounted rate for a two-dog household. First dog is $50/night and the second one is $40/night (a third dog would be billed as $40/night). This nightly fee is for a 24-hour period. Any time up and above the 24 hours is considered daycare until picked up and the fee for daycare along with an overnight booking is 1/2 of the overnight pricing fee (if 8+ hours the rate is another full day/night of $50). Please note “holiday rate” is an additional $10/night. If any day of the booking falls over a holiday you will be billed every night at the increased rate of $60/dog and $70/puppy. A puppy is a dog that is one year old or under or a dog that is not trained to go entirely outside (has accidents in the house and/or lifts legs/squats in our home). If your dog needs administration of pills via pill pockets or insulin shots there is an additional fee of $5 added to the booking (this is for each and every time given). You must bring the vehicle to which the medication is given. For example, pill pockets, cheese, etc. Don’t assume we will have peanut butter, cheese, bread or pill pockets for your dogs medication. We can discuss the particulars at the time of the booking to clarify the need for this while your dog/dogs are in our care. My dog walking service is busiest Monday through Friday at the lunch hour (11am to 1pm). I charge $20 for a 15 minute walk, $25 for a 20 minute walk and $30 for 30 minutes which consists of a neighborhood walk or backyard "out". We can speak about extra charges outside the lunch hour or for extra dogs. Additionally, I am able to feed and/or give medicines if required at an additional fee. I may charge a slightly higher rate if you need me to come to your home in the early morning, late evening or on a Holiday. Why I love dog sitting: I love the flexibility of being my own boss. The ability to spend my days with so many unique dogs is a dream come true. Ever since I can remember I have had a love of animals. We live on the Westside of Aurora in a completely rehabbed Victorian with a large fenced yard. Your pet will have full run of my entire first floor as long as they are potty trained, have good indoor house manners and get along with other dogs. In lieu of a meet and greet we have been having new dogs come to us for a daycare visit. At drop off we can meet one another and then while in our care your pet can be evaluated for any future stays. We would set this up as long as a dog or dogs have all the shots I require, have proof of a negative fecal within past year and are on some form of flea/tick preventative. It is increasingly getting harder to host meet and greets within my operating day with the dogs in my care. In order not to waste your time, I will not accept dogs, that have ever been aggressive to another dog or human, that bark excessively and/or that have anxiety exhibited through whining, crying, panting, etc. I also cannot and will not accept dogs that have ever jumped outdoor fencing or indoor gates. New and repeat clients have been pleased with the personal care I provide and feel that I go up and above a traditional boarding company. Meet my pets: At my home I have dogs that range from small to large and from puppy to senior with everything in between. Puppies are accepted with the understanding that they require additional care up and above a mature dog. As a result, I charge a special puppy rate of $60/night ($70/night if over an holiday) and this is for a 24-hour period and $45 for daycare. Additionally, special care is given to our senior dogs but please contact me to discuss your dogs particular needs as I am quite flexible and understand every dog stay is unique. Please do keep in mind I am a dog loving homeowner--not a kennel. My top priority is that my dog guests feel safe and comfortable and to keep peace with my family and neighbors I cannot accept dogs that are not housebroken, bark excessively or exhibit aggressive behavior. If your mature dog has accidents (lifting legs on furniture or baseboards or squats and leaves messes) I will regrettably need to charge the puppy rate. I have had past clients that provided belly bands/diapers and/or pads that help contain or assist when "nature calls". Please disclose these issues before your dog stays at my home. About my yard: We have a spacious, fully fenced backyard that has plenty of space for your dog to run and play. Although rare, if your dog is trained well on leash we may go for some walks around the neighborhood which affords the opportunity of exercise and exploration of a new area. My experience administering medication: I have given insulin shots along with eye and ear drops to past guests that have required daily doses of their RX's. I have also brushed some dogs teeth while they have stayed with me. Since these are additional services I may need to add additional fees to your booking. Please communicate your particular dogs needs before their stay. If the medication in a pill/capsule form is not eaten with food or taken from hand be sure to include pill pockets, cheese or whatever is used at your home to get RX consumed. Any extra service as such will be billed at $5 for each dog each time. The care of dogs through daycare and overnighting is the only thing I do. I devote almost my entire day to this business and allow drop offs and pick ups between the hours of 6am and 6pm (a 12 hour window) during the week Monday through Friday and 8am to 4pm (an 8 hour window) on Saturday and Sunday. These are firm hours of opening and closing. I regrettably had to do this because many dog owners have not respected my time or schedule. If you have a flight or event that is in the mid to late afternoon and may cause you to not be able to make our cut off pick off time please book an additional night. I rely on information from each and every dog owner letting me know what their dog eats or doesn’t eat. I like to maintain a rigorous schedule with meals, treats and activity. We spend a lot of time in my large fenced yard and your dog will have interaction with dogs of all breeds and sizes.

Reviews

Lauren D.
Dog Boarding • Mar 02, 2024
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Lori was eager to watch Callie and sent pictures each day! I was nervous to leave her with someone new, but Lori made me feel comfortable as well! Highly recommended!

Akshay and Jess M.
Dog Boarding • Jan 23, 2024
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Very professional and accommodating. My dog loves her large backyard and the many 4 legged friends that are there with him !

Jessica R.
Dog Boarding • Jan 15, 2024
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Our dog might just be happier here than she is at home - the best doggie paradise around!

Kathryn A.
Dog Boarding • Jan 12, 2024
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Stellar as always! Goose loves you and so do we! ❤️

About Lori W.

Communication

442 repeat pet parents
90% response rate
Usually responds in a few minutes
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

30 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Safety, trust & environment

We evaluate a dog at our initial daycare visit and rely heavily on the honesty of a dog owner with regard to their dogs personality, energy level, and habits. We have a fully fenced yard but if a dog has the ability and inclination to jump we appreciate knowing this and regrettably won’t be able to accept your dog. We know that food and meal time can be a sensitive time. For this reason, all dogs are fed in separate areas to avoid any type of aggression or stealing of food. If multiple dogs come from the same family we will need to know how that is handled at their home. We encourage dog owners to pre-package each meal of kibble in ziplock bags. The large commercial dog food bags/huge pet containers are heavy to lift and store so we appreciate your understanding with this little bit of effort on your part. We recycle and will return the ziplock bags for a future visit if requested. Many dog owners put supplements, RX in this pre-measured kibble bags too. Any canned food or toppers can be added to their meals. We have stainless steel bowls here and they are sterilized in between dogs that use them so leave your food bowls and bowl risers/holders at home.

Home

Lives in a house
Has a fenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has 1 dog
No children present
Dogs not allowed on bed
Dogs not allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 0-2 hours

Information Lori W. would like to know about your pet

I would find it helpful to know your pets food schedule, social skills, energy level, and sleeping conditions. I find each breed of dog has their unique and special qualities. I do require your dog to be housebroken (I understand puppies will have an occasional accident) and up to date with all shots (Rabies, DA2LPP, Bordatella, Leptospirosis, Negative Fecal Test w/in 1 year, and be currently on flea/tick preventative). You can either send me the proof of shots before the booking or bring along in person to first visit. I do have a special puppy rate that takes into account that potty training is in the process. Puppies get let out almost hourly and are rewarded when they do their business outside. Please do not neglect to inform me if your dog is not spayed or neutered, barks excessively or exhibits aggressive behavior as this may require special care and accommodations. All dogs I care for must feel safe and to keep peace with my family and neighbors the more information that is shared the better your dogs stay will be at my home. Lastly, please understand that my rate is for a 24-hour period. If you drop off at 8am I expect you to pick up by approximately 8am the next day (each overnight is considered 24 hours). A 1/2 day fee will be charged if picking up past 24 hours ($25 or 1/2 the fee of overnighting for each dog). Any extra time will need to be discussed and agreed upon at my discretion. We allow drop offs and pick ups between the hours of 6am and 6pm Monday to Friday and 8am and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. We get up early so appreciate your understanding that we like to 'close shop" at our agreed time of drop off or pick up time. We require dog owners to always give us a specific time of when to expect them (1/2 hour window is appreciated). In addition, a text confirming when they will be at our house is encouraged. We understand a dog owner may be early or late and this helps us coordinate our “outs” and daily schedule and is just a matter of courtesy.

A typical day

We have an enormous back yard so I rarely walk dogs while they are in my care. However, if this is important to you, we can discuss the your particular dogs needs. Your dog's sleeping arrangement You will need to update me on what your dog is accustomed to with regard to sleeping. Some prefer their crate while others like to sleep on the floor. I will try to accommodate your pets sleep routine to the best of my ability. Time I'll spend with your dog A typical dog walk is 20-30 minutes. Your pet will be treated as a part of our family while staying at our home. I am home full-time with the exception of an occasional dog walk, errand, etc. My husband is also home full-time so I can say with confidence your dog/dogs will be under constant supervision. Time I'll spend with your dog Typically a dog visit at your home is 20-30 minutes. I have found that 20 minutes is an adequate amount of time to get moving and for most pets to take care of their business. We can discuss your dogs particular needs at our meet and greet. Extra house-sitting services I am experienced in pet sitting and vacation care if necessary. Depending what is needed there may be a minimal charge for the added time and labor involved. Additionally, Holidays, weekends and anytime outside the Monday to Friday lunchtime hours incurs an additional fee.

Services

Boarding
in the sitter's home
$50per night
Drop-In Visits
visits in your home
$25per visit
Doggy Day Care
in the sitter's home
$35per day
Dog Walking
in your neighborhood
$25per walk

Lori can host

0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs
Spayed and neutered dogs
No females in heat

Lori can watch in your home

Cats
0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs

Availability

I exclusively care for dogs through overnight boarding and/or daycare as my sole focus and job. If one lives in my immediate area I can also do home visits for walks or vacation care. This is helpful for dogs that are not social with others.

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Calendar last updated 2 hours ago
Drop-In Visits Cancellation Policy:

About Lori W.

Communication

442 repeat pet parents
90% response rate
Usually responds in a few minutes
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

30 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Safety, trust & environment

We evaluate a dog at our initial daycare visit and rely heavily on the honesty of a dog owner with regard to their dogs personality, energy level, and habits. We have a fully fenced yard but if a dog has the ability and inclination to jump we appreciate knowing this and regrettably won’t be able to accept your dog. We know that food and meal time can be a sensitive time. For this reason, all dogs are fed in separate areas to avoid any type of aggression or stealing of food. If multiple dogs come from the same family we will need to know how that is handled at their home. We encourage dog owners to pre-package each meal of kibble in ziplock bags. The large commercial dog food bags/huge pet containers are heavy to lift and store so we appreciate your understanding with this little bit of effort on your part. We recycle and will return the ziplock bags for a future visit if requested. Many dog owners put supplements, RX in this pre-measured kibble bags too. Any canned food or toppers can be added to their meals. We have stainless steel bowls here and they are sterilized in between dogs that use them so leave your food bowls and bowl risers/holders at home.

Home

Lives in a house
Has a fenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has 1 dog
No children present
Dogs not allowed on bed
Dogs not allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 0-2 hours

Information Lori W. would like to know about your pet

I would find it helpful to know your pets food schedule, social skills, energy level, and sleeping conditions. I find each breed of dog has their unique and special qualities. I do require your dog to be housebroken (I understand puppies will have an occasional accident) and up to date with all shots (Rabies, DA2LPP, Bordatella, Leptospirosis, Negative Fecal Test w/in 1 year, and be currently on flea/tick preventative). You can either send me the proof of shots before the booking or bring along in person to first visit. I do have a special puppy rate that takes into account that potty training is in the process. Puppies get let out almost hourly and are rewarded when they do their business outside. Please do not neglect to inform me if your dog is not spayed or neutered, barks excessively or exhibits aggressive behavior as this may require special care and accommodations. All dogs I care for must feel safe and to keep peace with my family and neighbors the more information that is shared the better your dogs stay will be at my home. Lastly, please understand that my rate is for a 24-hour period. If you drop off at 8am I expect you to pick up by approximately 8am the next day (each overnight is considered 24 hours). A 1/2 day fee will be charged if picking up past 24 hours ($25 or 1/2 the fee of overnighting for each dog). Any extra time will need to be discussed and agreed upon at my discretion. We allow drop offs and pick ups between the hours of 6am and 6pm Monday to Friday and 8am and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. We get up early so appreciate your understanding that we like to 'close shop" at our agreed time of drop off or pick up time. We require dog owners to always give us a specific time of when to expect them (1/2 hour window is appreciated). In addition, a text confirming when they will be at our house is encouraged. We understand a dog owner may be early or late and this helps us coordinate our “outs” and daily schedule and is just a matter of courtesy.

A typical day

We have an enormous back yard so I rarely walk dogs while they are in my care. However, if this is important to you, we can discuss the your particular dogs needs. Your dog's sleeping arrangement You will need to update me on what your dog is accustomed to with regard to sleeping. Some prefer their crate while others like to sleep on the floor. I will try to accommodate your pets sleep routine to the best of my ability. Time I'll spend with your dog A typical dog walk is 20-30 minutes. Your pet will be treated as a part of our family while staying at our home. I am home full-time with the exception of an occasional dog walk, errand, etc. My husband is also home full-time so I can say with confidence your dog/dogs will be under constant supervision. Time I'll spend with your dog Typically a dog visit at your home is 20-30 minutes. I have found that 20 minutes is an adequate amount of time to get moving and for most pets to take care of their business. We can discuss your dogs particular needs at our meet and greet. Extra house-sitting services I am experienced in pet sitting and vacation care if necessary. Depending what is needed there may be a minimal charge for the added time and labor involved. Additionally, Holidays, weekends and anytime outside the Monday to Friday lunchtime hours incurs an additional fee.

Location

Aurora, IL

Lori W.'s Neighborhood

Pets

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Lori W.

Aurora, IL

5.0 out of 5 stars
909 reviews