Ryland C.
Poulsbo, WA
Services
Ryland can care for
Availability
I currently have a flexible schedule and am available for drop-ins and walks throughout the day, generally between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, unless I’m staying at a client’s home for house sitting. Animal care already shapes my daily routine, and I’m used to structuring my day around feeding schedules, exercise, outdoor exposure, and rest. I’m comfortable juggling different routines and planning time and resources around an animal’s specific needs.
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About Ryland C.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I’m very conscientious about safety and environmental risks. I pay close attention to doors, gates, toxic plants, household hazards, interactions with unfamiliar animals, and changes in an animal’s behavior. I rely on observation and experience to distinguish between normal behavior and something that may need attention. If something seems off, I communicate clearly and directly, providing context and details without being alarmist. I also enjoy sharing updates and photos so owners feel informed and connected while they’re away. I have experience filming and taking photos of animals especially dogs and cats that don’t sit still - so you’re bound to get a good photo or two of them.
Information Ryland C. would like to know about your pet
I’d like to know how your pet handles themselves in public versus out in nature. Are they more comfortable in one environment than the other? How do they act at home versus out and about? Your insight into their personality can really help me plan activities and outings that fit them best. • Any information about their most recent vaccinations, as well as any illnesses or issues they may have recovered from in the past week, is very helpful. • Let me know if there are toys or objects your pet shouldn’t have access to—especially if they tend to ingest things (PICA types). • If your pet has any unique signals or cues—how they “ask” for things, comfort routines, favorite objects, or things that calm them down—I would like to know. • Please share what should be avoided (certain foods, situations, or triggers). • I’d like to use all this info to plan for the day, but I can always adjust on the fly to match your pet’s energy, comfort, and needs.
A typical day
For dogs: I take dogs on all sorts of adventures. My favorite is paddleboarding—my dog Aria is a paddleboarding pro and loves exploring both ocean and deep lakes (always with a life jacket). I’ve trained a variety of dogs to paddleboard, from high-energy pups to giant breeds. If we’re not at the beach, I love hiking in the Olympics. I’ll only take dogs on challenging trails like Mt Ellinor if I know they’re fit enough for the climb. I always make sure they have proper gear—secure harnesses, leash carabiners—and I haul up plenty of water, even if it makes the hike tougher. Beyond the big adventures, I make sure walks and outings are matched to a dog’s ability, energy, and comfort level. Safety and preparation always come first. For cats: My cats love going to the beach as much as my dogs, especially when the weather is good. They get tons of stimulation from the new scents and sounds, and always come home relaxed and happy (and extra hungry!). I’m attentive to each cat’s needs and comfort zones. At home, I make sure all cats get equal play, enrichment, and attention, whether that’s toys, puzzles, or interactive games. I’m used to managing multiple cats and have a knack for getting even shy or standoffish cats to warm up to me over time. My approach to play and enrichment: I tailor activities to each animal’s age, mood, and personality. If a pet is sensitive or prefers calm activities, I’m happy to go at their pace. Years of experience with many different personalities have taught me how to adjust activities and new environments so each pet has the best possible experience. For example, I once worked with a very special-needs Golden Retriever named Roxy who loved water but could be reactive and easily overstimulated. With patience and continuous exposure, she gradually became more comfortable around new people and dogs—though her nervous side never fully disappeared. My goal is always to help animals enjoy themselves while respecting their individual boundaries.
Location
Poulsbo, WA
Pets
Purposeful & Adventurous Pet Care
Pet care experience
Hi! I’ve been around animals my entire life, and caring for them has always been part of my everyday world. From a young age, my life has revolved around animals and helping them become the best versions of themselves. Some of my earliest experiences were with cats, including a feral rescue named Misty I bonded with closely as a child. I tend to connect well with animals that are more troubled, reactive, or unsure, and I’m often able to bring out their calmer, more trusting side. Later on in my life, my experience expanded significantly through raising and caring for Golden Retrievers. Growing up around breeding and long-term dog care taught me responsibility, consistency, and how much attention animals need at different stages of life. I’ve been involved in raising dogs from newborns to adulthood, and many of the dogs I’ve helped raise have gone on to become unforgettable adventure companions for their families. Over the past fifteen years, I’ve gained extensive experience working with animals through long-term, hands-on care. My background as a Golden Retriever breeder has given me perspective on how different animals can be, even within the same breed. Every animal has unique preferences, behaviors, and ways of communicating, and learning to recognize those differences has been a major part of my experience. I’m comfortable managing multiple animals at once and handling a range of needs without becoming overwhelmed. I’m most accustomed to larger dogs, but my experience raising puppies has given me the delicacy and awareness needed to care for smaller animals as well. I’m especially familiar with puppies under six months old, including their unpredictable behavior and the extra attention they require. I’ve also worked with dogs that can be semi-reactive in certain situations. While I’m not willing to take on dogs that are broadly aggressive, I retain the right to assess the dog before accepting. I’m most comfortable with working with dogs that are borderline reactive but not reactive-aggressive. I can recognize signs of stress or reactivity, and can manage dogs that are generally well-functioning but may need thoughtful handling in specific situations.
Cat care experience
Ryland also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Reviews
Ryland was excellent, attentive, and so caring! We got lots of photos and updates about our dog, and we were so reassured that all was well. He took wonderful care of our home and we'll be sure to book him again!
Ryland has an easy rapport with my dog and he also gave me some great insights to his behavior! Highly recommend Ryland for your dog’s needs 😊
Ryland is incredibly caring, reliable, and naturally great with animals. As a family member, I’ve seen how attentive he is to pets’ health, routines, and individual needs, and how quickly animals trust and feel comfortable around him. I would completely trust him with my own pets and highly recommend him to any pet parent looking for safe, loving, and dependable care.
Ryland is the most knowledgeable and reliable pet caregiver I’ve ever worked with. He has years of experience handling dogs of all sizes and temperaments, including puppies, seniors, and special breeds. He’s amazing at managing feeding routines, exercise needs, and even administering medications when needed. You can tell he genuinely cares—our pets always light up when he arrives. If you want someone who truly understands dogs and takes pet care seriously, Ryland is the one to trust!
About Ryland C.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I’m very conscientious about safety and environmental risks. I pay close attention to doors, gates, toxic plants, household hazards, interactions with unfamiliar animals, and changes in an animal’s behavior. I rely on observation and experience to distinguish between normal behavior and something that may need attention. If something seems off, I communicate clearly and directly, providing context and details without being alarmist. I also enjoy sharing updates and photos so owners feel informed and connected while they’re away. I have experience filming and taking photos of animals especially dogs and cats that don’t sit still - so you’re bound to get a good photo or two of them.
Information Ryland C. would like to know about your pet
I’d like to know how your pet handles themselves in public versus out in nature. Are they more comfortable in one environment than the other? How do they act at home versus out and about? Your insight into their personality can really help me plan activities and outings that fit them best. • Any information about their most recent vaccinations, as well as any illnesses or issues they may have recovered from in the past week, is very helpful. • Let me know if there are toys or objects your pet shouldn’t have access to—especially if they tend to ingest things (PICA types). • If your pet has any unique signals or cues—how they “ask” for things, comfort routines, favorite objects, or things that calm them down—I would like to know. • Please share what should be avoided (certain foods, situations, or triggers). • I’d like to use all this info to plan for the day, but I can always adjust on the fly to match your pet’s energy, comfort, and needs.
A typical day
For dogs: I take dogs on all sorts of adventures. My favorite is paddleboarding—my dog Aria is a paddleboarding pro and loves exploring both ocean and deep lakes (always with a life jacket). I’ve trained a variety of dogs to paddleboard, from high-energy pups to giant breeds. If we’re not at the beach, I love hiking in the Olympics. I’ll only take dogs on challenging trails like Mt Ellinor if I know they’re fit enough for the climb. I always make sure they have proper gear—secure harnesses, leash carabiners—and I haul up plenty of water, even if it makes the hike tougher. Beyond the big adventures, I make sure walks and outings are matched to a dog’s ability, energy, and comfort level. Safety and preparation always come first. For cats: My cats love going to the beach as much as my dogs, especially when the weather is good. They get tons of stimulation from the new scents and sounds, and always come home relaxed and happy (and extra hungry!). I’m attentive to each cat’s needs and comfort zones. At home, I make sure all cats get equal play, enrichment, and attention, whether that’s toys, puzzles, or interactive games. I’m used to managing multiple cats and have a knack for getting even shy or standoffish cats to warm up to me over time. My approach to play and enrichment: I tailor activities to each animal’s age, mood, and personality. If a pet is sensitive or prefers calm activities, I’m happy to go at their pace. Years of experience with many different personalities have taught me how to adjust activities and new environments so each pet has the best possible experience. For example, I once worked with a very special-needs Golden Retriever named Roxy who loved water but could be reactive and easily overstimulated. With patience and continuous exposure, she gradually became more comfortable around new people and dogs—though her nervous side never fully disappeared. My goal is always to help animals enjoy themselves while respecting their individual boundaries.
Ryland C.
Poulsbo, WA