Rachel D.
Ringwood, NJ
Experienced Dog owner and dog lover
Pet care experience
I’ve been pet sitting for friends and family since I was a teenager, and adopted my dog Arrow when he was a year old. He passed at 13 in March 2022, a tripod after surviving cancer and an amputated leg 2 years earlier. Arrow was like the town mayor; he loved to greet everyone, their dogs, and their babies! He loved to have new friends to play with, and I now continue to love caring for dogs of all shapes and sizes with my new rescue dog, Ziggy. I have fostered, helped train, and petsat many dogs, including 10 week+ puppies. I enjoy the opportunity to share adventures and cuddles with new canine friends, and look forward to meeting your pup! I am a licensed professional counselor and founder of my psychotherapy private practice (for humans 😉), and do a mixture of virtual therapy from home and in-person from an office nearby. This provides me ample time and flexibility for pet care as well as being a professional, empathetic caregiver with a strong understanding of behavioral training. Your pup will be cared for as lovingly as I care for my own. They get lots of play time, scritches, and cuddles, as well as 2+ long walks a day (adjusted to the activity level needs of your pup). I use positive reinforcement and redirective conditioning techniques in correcting behavior, leash manners, and crate training as well as continuing/advancing the training you are doing and boundaries you set with your pup. Dogs are never left outside unattended regardless of whether your yard is fenced. I have an overhead leash line in my backyard, and would never leave a pet unattended in the yard.
Reviews
We are so happy we found Rachel! She is an extremely experienced dog owner, and genuinely loves playing with, loving up on, and caring for dogs. We left our dog with Rachel for a week while we were out of town and our pup ended up getting so sick! Despite our anxiety from afar, Rachel handled the hiccup with expertise, love, and ease. She helped nurse our dog back to health and stayed in communication with us every step of the way! I would never wish for anyones dog to get sick while away, but the experience quickly showed us - Rachel is a gem. You’ll have a hard time finding a better person to care for your dog. 10/10 recommend Rachel, and will absolutely book with her again!
We've known Rachel for years and she has watched our two dogs for us multiple times when we were out of town. Rachel is an experienced dog owner herself so she understands the needs of both dogs and dog parents. She loves our furbabies as if they were her own, always making sure they are safe, healthy, and happy. She loves dogs so interacting with them, playing with them and giving the cuddles is something that she genuinely enjoys doing. She is responsible and super easy to communicate with. She would send pictures and share updates proactively for our peace of mind. If you're looking for someone to care for your dog(s) whether you're at work or on vacation, Rachel is someone you can trust 100%.
Rachel was awesome! This was the first time I’ve ever had someone else walk my girls and after our meet I felt so much more comfortable! She was great with Lilly and Luna, they seemed so happy and had wonderful walks. She kept me updated on their time together and sent so many cute pictures! Absolutely recommend. ?
This was the first time we left Wiggles and Lilly with someone and we are so glad we found Rachel. Rachel took great care of our dogs and gave us updates on them. We highly recommend her.
About Rachel D.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Dogs are never left outside unattended regardless of whether your yard is fenced. I have an overhead leash line in my backyard, and would never leave a pet unattended in the yard. My dog is crate trained (he loves his crate and even chooses to hang out in his crate door open when he wants to rest) and is crated when I am not home. If your dog exhibits any behavioral issues including destructive behaviors, inside potty accidents, or eating things they shouldn’t, it is important they are able to be crated in my home when unattended.
Home
Information Rachel D. would like to know about your pet
Most importantly Is your dog friendly with other dogs? Housetrained? Dogs staying at my home must be spayed/neutered. Any quirky potty needs (ie. does your pup only go potty in the yard or only on walks?)? Is there any training you’re working on I can help continue? This helps me keep your pup as stress free and consistent in their routines as possible. Please disclose if your pup has ANY history of aggression (animals or people), reactivity, or guarding behaviors for the utmost safety of your pet and me!
A typical day
I love taking active pups to nearby hiking trails and have a spacious yard that backs on a wooded area and wading stream for pups who love water. Also have an overhead dog run line that can be used for dogs up to 100lbs. I have a kayak and paddleboard, and am happy to take your dog on water sport adventures if that’s something they enjoy.
Services
Rachel can host
Rachel can watch in your home
Availability
As a therapist of my own practice who sees a mixture of virtual and local in person clients, boarded pets in my home are not usually alone for more than 3-5 hours at a time.
About Rachel D.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Dogs are never left outside unattended regardless of whether your yard is fenced. I have an overhead leash line in my backyard, and would never leave a pet unattended in the yard. My dog is crate trained (he loves his crate and even chooses to hang out in his crate door open when he wants to rest) and is crated when I am not home. If your dog exhibits any behavioral issues including destructive behaviors, inside potty accidents, or eating things they shouldn’t, it is important they are able to be crated in my home when unattended.
Home
Information Rachel D. would like to know about your pet
Most importantly Is your dog friendly with other dogs? Housetrained? Dogs staying at my home must be spayed/neutered. Any quirky potty needs (ie. does your pup only go potty in the yard or only on walks?)? Is there any training you’re working on I can help continue? This helps me keep your pup as stress free and consistent in their routines as possible. Please disclose if your pup has ANY history of aggression (animals or people), reactivity, or guarding behaviors for the utmost safety of your pet and me!
A typical day
I love taking active pups to nearby hiking trails and have a spacious yard that backs on a wooded area and wading stream for pups who love water. Also have an overhead dog run line that can be used for dogs up to 100lbs. I have a kayak and paddleboard, and am happy to take your dog on water sport adventures if that’s something they enjoy.
Location
Ringwood, NJ
Pets
Rachel D.
Ringwood, NJ