Sarah H.
Wasilla, AK
Full-time Freelancer & Dog Trainer
Pet care experience
Ever since I could talk, I would talk about how I was going to save all the animals in the world. Okay, so that was a bit unrealistic for 5-year-old me. However, what that's translated to is a lifelong career in caring, training, and bonding with animals. I have been interested in dog behaviors since my very first "real" job at Petco. Before this, I would be a very casual dog and babysitter for family friends—starting at 13 years-old. I joined the Petco crew at 16, and from there, my career has only grown. At 18 years-old, I enrolled in their Dog Training certification, and within a matter of months I was hosting Puppy Playtime classes, group classes, and the special one-on-one classes with either highly aggressive or highly anxious dogs. Over the years, I've even dabbled in the arts—I was a pet photographer at one point. Yes, I have pictures. Currently, I'm a full-time freelance writer. You can find out more about my work in Availability :)
Reviews
My husband and I are so grateful for Sarah! From the moment I met her she was very knowledgeable about animals in general and professional. She was super flexible as I changed the request last minute from her place to realizing that I needed a house sitter as well. I had to extend my stay out of state and Sarah was so understanding and made arrangements to continue to dog/house sit. She sent daily pictures of our baby (dog) and made sure she took her on walks even when the weather was not good! Sarah not only took great care of our dog but she also took care of our plants and home. We definitely be requesting Sarah’s services again!
Great!
Sarah was fabulous with our two animals, one dog and one cat. She took very good care of our home as well. Will definitely continue to utilize her wonderful services!
Sarah was amazing with our lil girl! She communicated with updates and sent pictures daily, very attentive to our needs as fur parents. Our lil girl was well taken care of and loved for the whole time we were away. Wonderful experience with Sarah, will use again! Thank you Sarah ?
About Sarah H.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Whether you're hosting me in your home or I'm hosting your dog in my own, your dog's safety & comfort are my first priority. This means not only checking-in often with the dog, but also giving space if they need it! I have a huge fenced front yard with a second- story deck so I can see the full yard :) Dogs are only allowed upstairs and in my room, so if they're relaxing, it'll be where I can find them.
Home
Information Sarah H. would like to know about your pet
What is your dog's favorite toy? Do they have neighborhood besties I should know about? Are they allowed on furniture/in bed? What's the best way to praise them? (Some dogs respond much better to verbal praise or playing as opposed to the typical treat.) Any recent health concerns I should be aware of?
A typical day
Every dog deserves a 30-minute walk per day. If they are used to an active lifestyle or otherwise highly energetic—an hour minimum is my standard. I am fully flexible of differing lifestyles: a puppy's idea of playing may just be untampered rough-housing, and an oldie's idea of the perfect day may just be laying in the sun. During our initial meeting, you can expect for me to find out all sorts of things about your lovelies: their typical lifestyle, the closest parks and trails, their absolute favorite toys, and what they're particularly stubborn over. Every dog is different. Therefore, every dog should be taken care of differently.
Services
Sarah can host
Sarah can watch in your home
Availability
As a full-time freelancer, I have the luxury of setting my own schedule. This means that whatever your dog is used to, I can adapt to. As long as you have WiFi, I can be home 24/7! However, here's an idea of my typical daily schedule: 6:30-7A Wake up 7-8A Breakfast, and morning walk 8A-9A Daily writing 9A-1P Morning work: Emails, etc. 1-2P Lunch, afternoon walk, play & cuddle time 2P-6P Deep work time 6P-7P Relax! Cuddle & play time 7P-9P Dinner, decompression time (book, creative writing, or go to the store), nightly walk if necessary (depends on energy of dog) 9P Bedtime, nightly reading I value lots of flexibility in my lifestyle, hence why I decided to go full-time freelance. I like the variety of work it provides and my availability to set my own schedule; that way, I can be as flexible as possible for your furry friend, too!
About Sarah H.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Whether you're hosting me in your home or I'm hosting your dog in my own, your dog's safety & comfort are my first priority. This means not only checking-in often with the dog, but also giving space if they need it! I have a huge fenced front yard with a second- story deck so I can see the full yard :) Dogs are only allowed upstairs and in my room, so if they're relaxing, it'll be where I can find them.
Home
Information Sarah H. would like to know about your pet
What is your dog's favorite toy? Do they have neighborhood besties I should know about? Are they allowed on furniture/in bed? What's the best way to praise them? (Some dogs respond much better to verbal praise or playing as opposed to the typical treat.) Any recent health concerns I should be aware of?
A typical day
Every dog deserves a 30-minute walk per day. If they are used to an active lifestyle or otherwise highly energetic—an hour minimum is my standard. I am fully flexible of differing lifestyles: a puppy's idea of playing may just be untampered rough-housing, and an oldie's idea of the perfect day may just be laying in the sun. During our initial meeting, you can expect for me to find out all sorts of things about your lovelies: their typical lifestyle, the closest parks and trails, their absolute favorite toys, and what they're particularly stubborn over. Every dog is different. Therefore, every dog should be taken care of differently.
Location
Wasilla, AK
Pets
Sarah H.
Wasilla, AK