5.0

** Please note, at the beginning of 2023, I transitioned to set daily drop-off and pick-up windows to be aware of when requesting bookings. This allows for more predictability and routine for the dogs I care for, myself, and my clients! The drop-off/pick-up windows are as follows by appointment. Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 9 am and then again from 5pm-7pm and from 11am to 3 pm Saturday and Sunday. I understand the shortened weekend hours are a bit of an inconvenience and I appreciate everyone's understanding and cooperation! ** I have been caring for dogs in my home for about 20 years now. I have experience with all types of dogs and am very comfortable with all sizes and personality types. Before dog sitting full time, I worked for 10 years grooming dogs and also spent time working at a veterinary clinic. I also run a small foster-based dog rescue. Dogs are my entire life! I own a single-family home in the Avondale neighborhood ( Belmont/Elston) with three levels and fully fenced back and front yards, allowing for lots of outdoor time. This is my full-time profession, so I am home much of the day with the dogs, and they are usually not left alone for more than 3-4 hours at a time. They have free run of the home when I am home, and I try to keep it as close to their home routine as possible. They are allowed on the furniture and in bed; if that's what they are accustomed to at home, I make snuggle time a priority for the dogs! When I am away from the house, all dogs that do not live together are separated. This is both for safety and to allow your dog a safe space of their own to nap and decompress for a few hours throughout the day. Being in a different environment and a group of new dogs can be overstimulating, so providing them some time to themselves helps maintain a calm and stress-free environment. I pride myself on offering the dogs I care for an environment designed to be as stress-free and nurturing as possible. I purchased my home specifically for the dogs, so it is very cozy, cheerful, and dog friendly! I live alone but have a full-time employee who also helps out with the dogs. Generally, 8-15 dogs are at the house at any given time, so dogs staying here must be social with dogs of all sizes. I do have enough room in the home, though, to separate larger dogs from smaller ones or older ones from the younger, more enthusiastic ones if need be for short periods. Your dog(s) must be current with vaccinations (rabies, distemper/and Bordetella) and spayed/neutered if older than 12 months. Canine influenza vaccines, along with monthly flea and tick prevention, are not required but are strongly recommended. My rates start at $50.00 per day for one dog, $90 for two. My drop off and pick up windows for boarding are by appointment between 7:30-9am and 5-7pm Monday through Friday and between 11am-3pm on Saturday & Sunday. Why I love dog sitting I've been a passionate dog lover all of my life! I got my first dog when I was six years old, a German Shepherd named Pal. He was with me until my junior year of college and could not have been a more loved and cherished companion. I've always been employed with jobs involving animals. I began grooming at the age of 16 and worked as a dog groomer for over 1O years. I also worked as a vet tech for several years and taught horseback riding lessons for over two years. A true animal lover all around! I began professionally dog sitting almost 20 years ago and, around the same time, started my own dog rescue, Pal's Place, which I'm quite proud to say places more than 2OO dogs in wonderful loving homes yearly. I'm experienced and comfortable with all breeds, sizes, and personality types. About my yard I have two fully fenced yards. The front yard is landscaped with flagstone and some shrubbery. It is fully enclosed with a 4' wooden picket fence. The backyard is all concrete, which makes for a cleaner environment and is completely enclosed by a 6' privacy fence as well as double locked gates. The house and the yard were designed with the dogs in mind! My experience administering medication I worked as a vet tech for several years, and I am familiar with and comfortable with giving medications, including injectable ones.