Rachel N.
Brighton, MI
Services
Rachel can care for
Availability
I train dogs part time & homeschool my daughter- which lends me a great deal of flexibility in my schedule. I can often accommodate short notice requests.
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About Rachel N.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Your beloved pet's safety is critical to me. I'm extremely cautious with opening & closing doors so no animals can slip through a door, check the fit of a dog's collar to prevent potential backing out, & ensure there's nothing a pup or kitty could get into thats potentially dangerous. I have a very strong preference for using martingale collars on dogs for walks to mitigate that risk. I've personally endured the tragedy of my young dog slipping the door and being hit by a car while a sitter was taking care of him- so I assure you I take this very seriously. Building trust with both owners and their pets is pivotal! I'm committed to open communication and honesty. I allow pets to greet me on their terms and understand some animals need a more patient, gentle approach than others. I strive to create a positive, calm environment for your pets- and once I'm trusted by them, I will add the playfulness and affection they deserve!
Information Rachel N. would like to know about your pet
I would like to know if your dog has any medical concerns, their favorite toys/games, dietary restrictions/favorite treats, if they're reactive towards anything, or if they have any behavioral concerns (counter surfing, jumping, nipping, leash pulling, separation anxiety, fears, not fully house trained, destructive, or possessive over any toys/bones/ people).
A typical day
For the dogs in my care I like to balance outdoor exercise & novel stimulation with indoor enrichment. I love getting off the beaten path for hikes so the pup can move their body and take in fresh sights and smells. For dogs that really love to play fetch or just run, I've found a few great parks to give them the space and security to do so. For security, even if a dog has excellent recall, I use a 33ft neoprene long-line that they drag behind them. Depending on the dog, I also offer public access outings for them to explore new places such as farm stores- giving them a different type of challenge than simply chasing a ball. In addition to outside fun, I have a half-dozen puzzles of varying levels of difficulty to challenge your dog mentally. I also love to teach dogs nosework- it's one of my favorite dog sports!
Location
Brighton, MI
Pets
Uniquely-Experienced Professional!
Pet care experience
My experience and background with animals spans over the course 20 years. I've worked as a veterinary technician, fostered nearly 2 dozen puppies for rescue programs, and founded my own successful non-profit rescue & conservation program dedicated to primitive canids. I had the wonderful experience of helping one of these rare dogs whelp & raise a massive litter of 12. I've owned numerous breeds including a Beagle, working-line German Shepherd, working-line Anatolian Shepherd, and numerous primitives such Carolina Dogs, a coydog hybrid, & an imported Canaan Dog. I've trained dogs in sports such as schutzhund & nosework. I established my private dog training business in 2019- specializing in puppies and working dogs such as service & livestock guardian dogs. I've been blessed to own two wonderful cats! On our homestead we had an incredible indoor/outdoor boy that kept the rodents at bay. We also have a sweet, indoor-only kitty that lives the high life with raw food & endless cuddles! I'm thoroughly experienced in caring for senior dogs & cats, administering medications, first aid, & wound care. I've fed numerous specialized diets, including fully raw. I adore the puppy stage- including crate training, potty training, & socialization. I'm a strong advocate for socialization that bolsters confident neutrality. A puppy's endless curiosity is so fun to harness! I enjoy giving dogs a balance of outdoor exercise like hiking, as well as indoor mental enrichment like games and puzzles. A tired dog is a happy dog!
Cat care experience
Rachel also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Reviews
Rachel watched our two cats and one dog for two nights and we have only positive things to say about her. She is so thoughtful and communicative. She sent us a ton of photos and updates. She really goes above and beyond and cares deeply about animals. We will definitely be booking again!
Rachel was amazing—hands down the best experience! She met Blitz beforehand so they could get to know each other, which immediately made me feel more comfortable. She was incredibly communicative and made sure she had all the information she needed to provide the best care. You can truly tell she’s passionate about animals and their well-being. More than that, she genuinely wants pet owners to be able to enjoy their time away without worrying about their furry family members. She put me completely at ease, and I knew Blitz was in great hands. I would absolutely recommend Rachel to anyone looking for a caring, reliable, and trustworthy pet sitter!
Rachel was great! Not only did she love on my babies like they were her own, but her and her daughter were very calming for my babes. Rachel sent LOTS of photos and was very loving towards my babies! I will definitely be using Rachel again🩷
Dont hesitate to hire Rachel for all your dog and cat needs! She knows the ins and outs of dogs, and also is great with cats. She is professional, and also very friendly and will care for and love your animals like they are her own!
About Rachel N.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Your beloved pet's safety is critical to me. I'm extremely cautious with opening & closing doors so no animals can slip through a door, check the fit of a dog's collar to prevent potential backing out, & ensure there's nothing a pup or kitty could get into thats potentially dangerous. I have a very strong preference for using martingale collars on dogs for walks to mitigate that risk. I've personally endured the tragedy of my young dog slipping the door and being hit by a car while a sitter was taking care of him- so I assure you I take this very seriously. Building trust with both owners and their pets is pivotal! I'm committed to open communication and honesty. I allow pets to greet me on their terms and understand some animals need a more patient, gentle approach than others. I strive to create a positive, calm environment for your pets- and once I'm trusted by them, I will add the playfulness and affection they deserve!
Information Rachel N. would like to know about your pet
I would like to know if your dog has any medical concerns, their favorite toys/games, dietary restrictions/favorite treats, if they're reactive towards anything, or if they have any behavioral concerns (counter surfing, jumping, nipping, leash pulling, separation anxiety, fears, not fully house trained, destructive, or possessive over any toys/bones/ people).
A typical day
For the dogs in my care I like to balance outdoor exercise & novel stimulation with indoor enrichment. I love getting off the beaten path for hikes so the pup can move their body and take in fresh sights and smells. For dogs that really love to play fetch or just run, I've found a few great parks to give them the space and security to do so. For security, even if a dog has excellent recall, I use a 33ft neoprene long-line that they drag behind them. Depending on the dog, I also offer public access outings for them to explore new places such as farm stores- giving them a different type of challenge than simply chasing a ball. In addition to outside fun, I have a half-dozen puzzles of varying levels of difficulty to challenge your dog mentally. I also love to teach dogs nosework- it's one of my favorite dog sports!
Rachel N.
Brighton, MI