Welcome to The Boarding Adventure at The Pet Chalet, a place where I believe in bringing joy so that together we can elevate the planet 🐕💕. I am a proud member of the International Boarding & Pet Services Association (IBPSA), a certified pet care provider with experience caring for dogs of all breeds and sizes, and a GoodPup Certified Dog Trainer (GCT). When I was four years old, my dog Sandro got spooked and dragged me across the sidewalk. When I got home my mom asked, “Why didn’t you let him go?” I answered, “I wanted to protect him so he wouldn’t get lost.” That moment stayed with me. It was the first time I realized how deeply I cared about protecting animals. Growing up in Puerto Rico, I was always caring for animals around me, from rescuing baby birds that landed in my window to helping with parakeets, chickens, lizards, dogs, and cats. Caring for animals quickly became part of who I am. I began my professional pet care experience in 2011, during the early rise of online pet-care platforms while living in Texas. More than ten years later, my love for animals continues to guide my lifestyle, my work, and the way I care for every dog that stays in my home. ● A Little Bit About Me: I am an advocate for animals and the ecosystem, a protector of children and the most vulnerable, a proponent of mental and emotional healing, and a supporter of spiritual and physical wellbeing. My overall purpose is bringing joy so that together we can elevate the planet. My goal is not to offer services to everyone who needs pet care services, my goal is to serve the people who believes in what I believe, and what The Boarding Adventure is about contained herein. If that's you, please keep reading! Professionally, I hold a Master’s degree and am a Certified Global Business Professional. I also work as an ISSA Certified Master Personal Trainer with eight specializations and as a yoga instructor. Over the past several years, I have also developed a conscientious marketing and business framework for entrepreneurs in industries such as music, fitness, apparel, and beauty. In addition, I spent more than 26 years touring internationally as a dancer with Puerto Rican folklore ballets participating in festivals organized by CIOFF and UNESCO. Through traveling and meeting people from many cultures, I gained a deeper appreciation for the universal love people share for animals. Because my lifestyle has included frequent travel, I have not always been able to keep pets of my own. Boarding allows me to connect deeply with dogs, care for them as if they were my own, and share that love and care from the heart. ● Dog Breeds and Special Needs Experience: Here are some of the dog breeds I have experience working with. Some of the most common requests I receive are for medium to large dogs (40+ pounds), although I have experience with dogs of all sizes. My special-needs experience includes dogs with: - Hearing or vision impairments - Geriatric needs (7+ years old) - Digestive issues - Oral or topical medication administration - Assistance with stairs * Please see my “Important to Know About Your Pet” section. - Alaskan Husky - Alaskan Husky and Terrier mix - American Pit Bull Terrier - American Pit Bull Terrier and Boxer mix - American Staffordshire Terrier and Pit Bull Mix - Australian Cattle Dog - Australian Cattle Dog mix - Australian Cattle Dog, Border Collie and Great Dane mix - Australian Kelpie, Border Collie and Pit Bull mix - Australian Labradoodle - Australian Shepherd and Poodle mix - Basenji - Beagle - Beagle and English Toy Terrier mix - Bernedoodle - Bernese Mountain Dog - Border Terrier and Pug mix - Boxer - Bulldog - Chihuahua - Chihuahua and Shiba Inu mix - Chihuahua mix - Chihuahua Mutt mix - Chihuahua, Poodle and Yorkshire Terrier mix - Cockapoo - Coton de Tulear - Dachshund mix - English Bulldog - Flat-Coated Retriever - French Bulldog - German Shepherd - German Shepherd and Chow Chow mix - German Shepherd and Golden Retriever mix - German Shepherd and Pit Bull mix - German Shepherd, Pit Bull and Australian Cattle Dog mix - Golden Retriever - Goldendoodle - Goldendoodle and Bichon Frisé mix - Great Dane mix - Jack Russell and Chihuahua mix - Jack Russell Terrier - Labrador Retriever - Labrador Retriever and Pit Bull mix - Labrador Retriever and Pointer mix - Labrador Retriever mix - Miniature and Maltese Poodle mix - Miniature Australian Shepherd - Miniature Poodle - Old English Sheepdog and Poodle mix - Other mixed - Pit Bull mix - Pomeranian - Pomeranian and Siberian Husky mix - Pug - Puggle - Saint Bernard - Shih Tzu - Shih Tzu and Chihuahua mix - Shih Tzu and Poodle mix - Terrier mix - West Highland White Terrier - Wire Fox Terrier - Yorkshire Terrier Schedule ● My Schedule: I work full-time from home, which allows me to spend most of the day rubbing bellies and giving plenty of affection to my furry guests. However, I step out in the afternoons on weekdays or for the occasional weekend gig. Therefore, it is very important to have the closest ideal drop off/pickup times that works best for you. For weekday drop-offs or pickups, the ideal times are: - Before 3:30 PM - After 8:30 PM ● Pick-Up / Drop-Off Window: Please schedule a 30-minute maximum window in your reservation so I can plan my workday around it and prepare for your arrival. This helps me coordinate logistics with the dogs currently boarding and ensures I can step away from my desk at the precise time you arrive. Because I am often booked back-to-back, there are times when I only have minutes between boardings to sanitize the home. Being punctual helps protect both of our time and ensures the safety and wellbeing of all dogs in my care. Safety, Trust and Environment ● Pet Safety and Environment: Every boarding takes place in my home, where dogs stay indoors with secure glass doors and double-gated street access. I live in a beautiful bohemian townhouse that I deep clean and sanitize after each boarding. The photos in my gallery provide a view of both the unit and my neighborhood, giving you a full day-and-night overview of the space. I also have two gated balconies where, depending on the dog, they can relax under supervision and enjoy some sunshine. ● Dog Spaces and Socialization: I do care for more than one dog at a time, particularly during holidays and high seasons. I do have a maximum capacity for up to four (4) dogs at the time. Due to my long-standing relationships with many recurring clients, I am unable to offer exclusive or solo boardings. Occasionally, stays may overlap. This simply means one dog might arrive while another is still awaiting pickup, or their visits may overlap for a short time due to the varying travel schedules of pet parents. Also, I do receive a lot of last-minute requests. Dogs are never placed together immediately. I always take time to get to know each dog first and determine whether it is safe and appropriate for them to socialize. Socialization, when it happens, is always supervised. After a dog has boarded with me a few times and I understand their personality and comfort level, I may be able to pair them with a compatible playmate for group interaction, but only when it is clearly safe to do so. Not all dogs enjoy interacting with other dogs. Even if a dog is generally friendly, coexistence does not always mean they are comfortable playing together. For this reason, dogs are often kept separated using gates unless I determine it is safe for them to interact. I care for all kinds of breeds and sizes boarding at the same time, and I have systems in place to ensure every dog remains safe, calm, and comfortable throughout their stay. ● Collar Safety (required): Because caring for another person’s dog carries a great deal of responsibility, I require that dogs arrive with a properly fitted collar. The collar should be secure and snug enough that the dog’s head cannot slip through it. This helps prevent situations where a dog might slip out of a leash and also allows me to quickly secure the dog in an emergency if immediate control is necessary. ● Additional Pet Safety: I am Cat & Dog First Aid/CPR Certified (2023) through the American Red Cross and Canine & Feline CPR/First Aid Certified (2026) through the Pet Emergency Academy. My training includes recognizing vital signs and providing first aid care for common emergency situations such as: - Breathing or cardiac emergencies - Bleeding and wound management - Allergic reactions and poisoning - Burns, shock, and seizures - Drowning or dehydration - Hypothermia and heatstroke This training allows me to respond appropriately until professional veterinary care can be reached. As a Certified Personal Trainer, I am also required to maintain a valid Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED Certification, which I have held since 2020. I am fully vaccinated with a booster, have completed an Enhanced (Federal/National) background check, and have passed the platform’s approval process to provide services. I am also a member of the International Boarding & Pet Services Association (IBPSA), a professional organization serving the pet care industry across more than ten countries. Through IBPSA, I earned both: - Canine Pet Care Provider Certification (2025) - Canine Pet Care Specialist Certification (2026) ● Summary of Safety Qualifications: - Canine Pet Care Provider Certification - Canine Pet Care Specialist Certification - Canine & Feline First Aid/CPR Certification - Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED Certification - Pfizer Covid-19 Vaccine (+ booster) - Enhanced (Federal/National) Background Check - Member of the International Boarding & Pet Services Association (IBPSA) - Rover 101 Training: Pet Care Best Practices - BA & MS Degree (+ other academic credentials) ● Important Note on Meet & Greets: Meet & Greets are scheduled for confirmed bookings so I can maintain a secure environment for my home and the dogs already in my care. If, after meeting, you feel the arrangement is not the right fit, you are always welcome to cancel the reservation. Having a booking in place simply ensures that there is a record of the visit, which helps maintain safety for my home and the dogs currently under my care. My profile includes extensive information so pet parents can make informed decisions with confidence before booking. Meet & Greets are not required prior to boarding. ● A Note on “Trials”: To keep the environment calm and consistent for all dogs, I do not offer trial stays. In my experience, dogs tend to adjust very naturally when they arrive for boarding. My focus is on creating a calm, welcoming environment so dogs can quickly feel comfortable and safe. Most dogs and I connect very naturally, and I am confident your pup will be in caring and experienced hands. I invite you to explore my gallery of 300+ photos to see the many bonds I have built with dogs over the years. ● I Never Purchase Reviews: I never ask for reviews, referrals, tips, or provide incentives in exchange for them. All reviews on my profile are the honest opinions of pet parents who choose to share their experiences voluntarily. If anyone impersonating me ever contacts you asking for anything, please report or ignore it, as it would not be from me. Building a reputation based on genuine experiences takes time. Many of my recurring clients request my services regularly without leaving reviews, which is also common on this platform. Describe a Typical Day ● A Typical Day: A typical day at The Boarding Adventure is calm, structured, and designed to help every dog feel safe, comfortable, and at home. Our little rock stars begin by getting acquainted with the space, exploring their surroundings, and settling in at their own pace. Once settled, they begin testing out all the possible cushion spots, wandering around the glass doors, and possibly getting some fresh air in my “porchony” (porch-balcony), depending on the dog. Upon arrival, every dog joins our daily routine, where all pups on the roster enjoy the same general schedule. Our mornings begin with our Morning Walk Adventure, where we explore our beautiful Mar Vista neighborhood. During our mid-day Potty Break Fun, we hang out in our lovely front yard or around the block, where we often make a few new friends. During the day, dogs usually nap or find their way to my desk, where they climb up for cuddles, peek at what’s happening on the screen, or simply curl up for a nap on my lap (ahh… the tough life of being a dog). In the evening, as soon as I return home, we go out for our bedtime potty break in the front yard, followed by a delicious dinner. By this time, we are already inseparable, and many dogs prefer to stay close by for warm cuddles and affection before lights go out and everyone heads to bed. All pups eat at the same time in the morning and evening so that each dog remains focused on their own food and does not wander toward another dog’s meal. After feeding, bowls are removed from the floor to prevent food guarding or dogs following the scent of food. This also helps maintain a calm and organized environment. ● Potty Breaks and Exercise: Dogs receive three (3) potty breaks per day (approximately every 4–8 hours), unless they have special needs such as being geriatric or incontinent, in which case a more frequent schedule may be provided. 1. Morning Walk Adventure 2. Potty Break Fun 3. Bedtime Potty Break All walks are done on leash in the residential side of our beautiful Mar Vista neighborhood. As a dancer and personal trainer, I enjoy movement and physical activity, so depending on each dog’s energy level we may stay local, walk a block, or walk/jog up to four blocks. ● Food Timings and Digestion: Most dogs eat two meals per day (morning and evening), and all dogs are served their meals at the same time upon my return. In special cases where dogs eat lunch or require additional meals, they are briefly fed separately, and then jump back on the boarding schedule. In cases of strict feeding schedules, a facility or sitter with a more flexible schedule may be a better fit. Fresh filtered water is available to dogs at all times. Please provide your dog’s food (dry, moist, or fresh), along with the appropriate bowls and serving utensils (such as measuring cups, cutting boards, knives, etc.). It is also helpful to provide an extra portion in case of delayed travel plans or cancellations. I do keep spare dog food for emergencies when unexpected situations arise. It is not uncommon for some dogs to skip meals while boarding. In cases where dogs free-feed or hesitate to eat, I prefer to remove the bowl after a period of time until the next scheduled meal. This approach helps reset their appetite and encourages them to eat when food is offered. It also allows me to track whether the dog is eating properly while under my care and helps prevent food-related issues between dogs. I closely monitor eating patterns, water intake, and bathroom habits, including frequency and consistency, to ensure each dog remains healthy and comfortable during their stay. ● Dog Belongings and Toys: I take great care of your pet’s belongings and handle all food supplies responsibly to minimize waste. Floors are kept clear of food bowls and toys for safety, and toys are generally allowed only within the dog’s designated area to prevent resource guarding. ● New Improvements in My Home: 1. New floor: In early 2025, we installed a pet-friendly vinyl sheet floor throughout the unit designated for the dogs. It is cushioned, antimicrobial, waterproof, noise-resistant, scratch-resistant, and comfortable for dogs. 2. New Gate: We installed a new gate in the side hallway, adding an extra layer of safety for incoming and outgoing traffic while keeping the dogs secure. The pups now have more space to move around safely. 3. Repaired A/C: The unit’s central air conditioning system is working optimally, keeping the dogs cool throughout the day, especially during warmer months. 4. Repaired Fireplace: The fireplace is available to keep the unit warm during colder nights in the winter. Many dogs enjoy relaxing near the warmth. 5. New Dog Cabinet and Leash Hanger: We improved the dog station with a cabinet for food storage, treats, and first aid supplies, as well as a leash hanger to keep everything organized. 6. Security Cameras: Security cameras have been installed around the boarding area, allowing me to monitor the dogs from anywhere, even while inside the home. ● Photos and Updates: You will get to experience The Boarding Adventure at The Pet Chalet throughout your dog’s stay through the photos and videos I send daily of our activities, walks, playtime, and time together. I always tell parents that there is no pressure to respond to every message or photo. The updates are there for you to enjoy whenever it is convenient for you. I never know what a parent’s schedule or time zone may be while traveling, and I respect that as your personal time. If notifications ever become overwhelming, please feel free to mute them with no hard feelings while I continue sharing updates about our daily adventures—the signature experience of The Boarding Adventure. Requested Information About Your Pet ● Important things to know for your boarding: My goal as a boarder is for your dog to feel safe, comfortable, and at home. Before the stay, please verify that your dog’s care instructions are updated with: 1. Current veterinarian information. 2. The dog's guardian phone number for emergency purposes. 3. An emergency contact who can make decisions while you are away. 4. Feeding portions and instructions. 5. Medication or supplement instructions (when applicable). Then I’ll add some extra fun to make the stay memorable for both you and your dog. ● Friendly Boarding Checklist: Here is a friendly checklist of commonly packed items by pet parents. The goal is to help your dog feel as familiar and comfortable as possible during their stay. Use what is applicable and feel free to disregard the rest: 1. Food (dry/fresh) and measuring cups or utensils used to serve it. 2. Extra food portion (in case of travel delays or interruptions). 3. Collar (Required) secured and short enough so the dog’s head cannot slip through. 4. Bowls (food and water). 5. Treats (if given during the day). 6. Toys (that favorite well-loved toy they cannot leave behind). 7. Poop bags (most dogs go 2–3 times per day). 8. Blanket (their favorite blankie). 9. Bed (any favorite sleeping spot they love). 10. Crate (if applicable) some dogs feel safer with it. 11. Medications, supplements, or calming support (if applicable) 12. Extras (harness, collar, leash, pads, wipes, raincoat, sweater, muzzle, brush, Thundershirt, earmuffs, barking collar, background music, etc.). 13. Cleaning products (when applicable). ● Important Note on House Training: At this time, I welcome house-trained dogs over one year old. If you believe your dog may experience stress in new environments or has incontinence, please bring your cleaning supplies for their stay and inform me ahead of time. This allows me to prepare a designated area for your dog and be ready for what to expect. ● Separation Anxiety: I live in a two-floor unit, with my office located on a different floor from the boarding area. If your dog has severe separation anxiety and may struggle to remain independent for short periods during the day, I recommend bringing calming support or discussing strategies that help soothe them. Separation can be difficult for some dogs. In the past, I have witnessed behaviors such as gate jumping, furniture destruction, or excessive noise, which can potentially create unsafe situations or negative associations with the environment. In cases of severe separation anxiety, a facility or sitter who can provide constant one-on-one supervision may be a better fit. ● Social Aggression or Reactivity: Please inform me if your dog shows signs of social aggression or reactivity, either inside the home or during walks. Does your dog lunge or growl at people or other dogs? Dogs that lunge or growl are often considered “reactive,” which may be due to fear, anxiety, frustration, or over-arousal rather than true aggression. A dog may be comfortable with family dogs but still react to unfamiliar dogs in a boarding environment. Knowing this ahead of time helps me keep everyone safe. ● Destructive Behavior: Destructive behavior such as digging, chewing, or property damage can sometimes occur. Please understand that I also have a responsibility to protect my home and furniture. Rover does not provide property damage protection for providers. As a result, I maintain clear terms and conditions to support a healthy and responsible boarding environment. Any costs related to property damage that occur during a stay may need to be passed along accordingly. ● Excessive Barking and Loud Noises: My unit is surrounded by 14 other units. As a responsible neighbor, it is important that my boarding operation does not disturb the peace and wellbeing of other residents. For this reason, I can only welcome dogs that generally demonstrate good indoor barking manners and minimal excessive noise. If your dog tends to bark frequently, please provide strategies that help reduce barking, such as calming support or training tools. In cases of severe barking, a facility or sitter with less restricted living conditions may be a better fit. ● 4th of July and New Year’s Eve Fireworks: For holidays such as 4th of July and New Year’s Eve, I can only board dogs that are not highly affected by loud fireworks or festivities, or dogs that have been prescribed calming medication by a veterinarian. These holidays can be very stressful for noise-sensitive dogs, especially when they are away from their families. I invite you to take your time reviewing the information provided here, and please feel free to reach out with any questions. If everything described here sounds like the right fit for you and your dog, please do not hesitate to submit your boarding request after understanding and accepting everything herein. We can continue the conversation through messaging and take the next steps from there. You and your furry treasure will love The Boarding Adventure at The Pet Chalet. I look forward to meeting you and your dog soon. Much love, Mia