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Richard & Kelly V.

Star Sitter

Elliston, VA

4.9 out of 5 stars
146 reviews
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Services

These prices are for 1 dog.

Prices may vary based on your selections. A booking fee of 11% will apply.

Richard & Kelly can host

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

Availability

I work from home so am around most of the time. This is my profession so we can provide more than part time care. My wife is a licensed vet tech and also assists me here. We do have normal hours of operation though to allow us get all daily activities completed. Our regular hours are M-F 8am-5pm Sat-Sun 9am -3pm. If you need hours outside of these, we may be able to assist. For safety reasons we do not allow dropoff/pickup before sunrise or after sunset.

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Boarding Cancellation Policy:

About Richard & Kelly V.

Communication

91 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds in a few minutes
80% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

35 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration
First aid/CPR
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Safety, trust & environment

We have a separate small professional built area designed by trainers for your pets. It provides a large safe secure space with dog cabin and deck and nature views

Home

Lives on a farm/ranch
Has an unfenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has 3 dogs
No children present
Dogs not allowed on bed
Dogs not allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 2-4 hours

Information Richard & Kelly V. would like to know about your pet

Please let us know ahead of time of any special needs or social issues. We do not have breed restrictions. Though we do not have many restrictions or anything else we do ask that dogs be human social and not very destructive.

A typical day

A typical day consists of 2x daily nature hikes along our numerous trails on our 60 acres. Following this is some one on one time with us for cool down & bonding and ends with their regular feeding schedule.

Location

Elliston, VA

Richard & Kelly V.'s Neighborhood

Pets

Richard & Kelly V. have Star Sitter status

The Star Sitter program highlights responsive sitters who deliver highly rated care and have a history of listing accurate availability and preferences, making it easier for pet parents to find the best care for their pets.

Nature retreat for your pets

Pet care experience

Since 1978 we have been in the pet service industry. We are secluded on a mountain in the forest away from all the hectic traffic and noise. A stay with us is a nature retreat for your companion. Former German shepherd breeders now offering boarding, sitting, training, products, and even custom built items all from our home. Highly experienced with large, difficult, and special needs dogs. Leash pullers, and reactive dogs are not a problem. All exercise and interaction is one on one. We use only our highly social and trained dogs for any play if the customer wants. 3rd generation trainer that has studied canine behavior, wolves, wolfdogs, and even spent extensive time with wolves. My wife is a licensed vet tech with over 15 years experience in general practice, emergency, and now specializes in canine dentistry. We care for your pet as if they are family.

Reviews

Miliaina J.
Boarding • Jul 15, 2026
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I'm not usually one to leave a review but this is an exception. These guys took care of our Furr baby really well. The boarding is nice, clean, and spacious - definitely plenty of room for your furry baby to stretch. I would definitely recommend to book here if you need a place to stay for your furry babies.

Casey L.
Boarding • Jul 12, 2026
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Richard was great with Luna! He kept in contact with me and sent pictures anytime I asked how she was. Definitely recommend!

Celeste B.
Boarding • Jul 07, 2026
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This was the first time we have boarded our Jack Russell Terrier. Richard was very knowledgeable and welcoming at check-in, which helped put us at ease. We received regular updates and pictures of our fur baby while away, and we were welcomed by our pet at pick-up. I would definitely recommend zRichard and Kelly for your boarding needs.

Susan C.
Boarding • Jul 06, 2026
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Richard was very responsive and gave us a tour of the kennel prior to our dogs staying with him. Our dogs returned seemingly happy and healthy. Richard shared a picture of them during their stay on a walk, which was nice. The road to the kennel is steep and narrow, so I texted Richard when we would arrive and he responded. He is very firm on no dogs allowed to interreact with other dogs. I appreciate that. Our dogs stayed in the 30 X 30 office area of the kennel and he put them in a smaller kennel when he had to use that area to move dogs, so I felt it was a save environment for our two elderly ladies. When I got there, our old gal was chilling on her bad and the younger one meet me at the door. I would recommend Dark Forest Kennel. It was clean and I appreciate the order that Richard brings.

About Richard & Kelly V.

Communication

91 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds in a few minutes
80% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

35 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration
First aid/CPR
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Safety, trust & environment

We have a separate small professional built area designed by trainers for your pets. It provides a large safe secure space with dog cabin and deck and nature views

Home

Lives on a farm/ranch
Has an unfenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has 3 dogs
No children present
Dogs not allowed on bed
Dogs not allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 2-4 hours

Information Richard & Kelly V. would like to know about your pet

Please let us know ahead of time of any special needs or social issues. We do not have breed restrictions. Though we do not have many restrictions or anything else we do ask that dogs be human social and not very destructive.

A typical day

A typical day consists of 2x daily nature hikes along our numerous trails on our 60 acres. Following this is some one on one time with us for cool down & bonding and ends with their regular feeding schedule.

Each sitter joining Rover needs to pass a background check. And by booking on Rover, you can get photo & message updates, 24/7 support, and reimbursement for eligible vet care.
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Richard & Kelly V.

Star Sitter

Elliston, VA

4.9 out of 5 stars
146 reviews