Riley D.
Chevy Chase, DC
Writer w/ flexible schedule!
Pet care experience
I've been around dogs all my life and my friends all agree that the times I am happiest are when I'm with my four legged friends! I raised guide dog puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind when I was a teenager, where I learned clicker training and positive reinforcement training techniques. During my summers home from college I worked at a dog kennel, and thanks to that I have experience working with almost every breed and disposition there is. I have dog walked, dog sat, boarded, and cared for pups both in DC and North Carolina, where I completed my master’s, and am comfortable taking dogs out anywhere from the heart of the city to their favorite trail. I am a on a hybrid work schedule and work from home 3-4 days a week, therefore I have a very flexible schedule and am available for weekend and midday walks and check ins. I look forward to meeting your pup! House sitting requests: please note that my dog does accompany me when I house sit.
Reviews
I couldn’t recommend Riley more! She sends lots of pictures and communicates often, and she handles dogs very well.
Niko loved his day with Riley and Sage! He came home super tired and happy. Definitely plan on booking her again in the future!
I can’t recommend Riley enough! She took great care of my dog, Murphy. It’s obvious that she has a lot of experience with dogs is a great dog owner herself. Murphy is a bit higher energy at first, and she handled him and his needs with ease. Her dog, Sage, was a great little playmate. Riley was quick to respond to messages and kind and courteous about meeting up. 10/10, would highly recommend!
Riley is awesome! She’s prompt in responding to requests and messages, agreed to do a meet & greet with me and my dog before caring for him, and sends great updates and pictures! I know my little guy is in good hands! I would highly recommend her!
About Riley D.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
For drop ins and house sittings, I always try to help pets stay on their routine as much as possible, whether that includes feedings, walks, or play times. In my home I will similarly stick to their preferred potty and feeding times as much as possible. My dog generally loves to have friends stay over, so when pets stay with me my first priority is also to watch how they establish a dynamic and help your pet figure out their “role” in a new space. Please note that for house sitting reservations my dog does accompany me, and I do require a meet and greet beforehand so he and your pup can get to know each other!
Home
Information Riley D. would like to know about your pet
Let me know if your dog has any special needs and I will be sure to confirm whether I can accommodate them or not. I have worked with dogs with separation anxiety, leash reactivity, fears of specific things (like cars or planes), and timid pups.
A typical day
My apartment complex backs up right up to Soapstone trails off Rock Creek park, so a typical day can include exploring the trails in the park, walking around Van Ness, or taking them to a nearby dog park! On weekends I’m usually found hiking one of the trails near DC, if your dog likes to explore!
Services
Riley can host
Riley can watch in your home
Availability
I go into the office on Tuesdays and sometimes Wednesdays, otherwise I am WFH and am able to play with, drop in on, walk, or feed your fur baby during the work week! I try to update my calendar weekly with my in-office days, and will always communicate during a booking if I am expected to go in.
About Riley D.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
For drop ins and house sittings, I always try to help pets stay on their routine as much as possible, whether that includes feedings, walks, or play times. In my home I will similarly stick to their preferred potty and feeding times as much as possible. My dog generally loves to have friends stay over, so when pets stay with me my first priority is also to watch how they establish a dynamic and help your pet figure out their “role” in a new space. Please note that for house sitting reservations my dog does accompany me, and I do require a meet and greet beforehand so he and your pup can get to know each other!
Home
Information Riley D. would like to know about your pet
Let me know if your dog has any special needs and I will be sure to confirm whether I can accommodate them or not. I have worked with dogs with separation anxiety, leash reactivity, fears of specific things (like cars or planes), and timid pups.
A typical day
My apartment complex backs up right up to Soapstone trails off Rock Creek park, so a typical day can include exploring the trails in the park, walking around Van Ness, or taking them to a nearby dog park! On weekends I’m usually found hiking one of the trails near DC, if your dog likes to explore!
Location
Washington, DC
Pets
Riley D.
Chevy Chase, DC