Shillelagh K.
Shillelagh K.
Highlights
Pet care experience
Enrichment, Exercise & Love
Leaving your pets with someone else can be stressful—you want to know they’re safe, comfortable, and with someone who will genuinely understand their individual needs. That’s exactly the kind of care I aim to provide! I’m a lifelong animal lover with years of hands-on experience caring for both dogs and cats. I especially enjoy working with high-energy dogs and have experience with reactive dogs and dogs with fear-based behaviors. I’m comfortable taking the time to understand their triggers, routines, and boundaries rather than expecting every dog to behave or interact the same way. I also know how important consistency is! If you’re working on things like not jumping on guests, waiting at thresholds, staying off counters, leash manners, or other household rules, I’d love to know. I’ll reinforce the routines and expectations you already have in place rather than accidentally teaching your dog that the rules change when you’re away. I have three dogs of my own—two Golden Retrievers and an Australian Shepherd—so high energy, lots of personality, and dogs who need both physical and mental stimulation are very familiar territory. Depending on your dog, that might mean a good walk, sniffing and exploring, fetch, playtime, puzzle activities, or simply some one-on-one attention. I’m also comfortable caring for pets with additional medical or emotional needs. I have experience with epileptic dogs requiring medication on a strict schedule, as well as dogs who become frightened or anxious during thunderstorms and fireworks. And I’m definitely not just a dog person! I’ve been caring for cats since I was about 10 years old and have experience with both healthy cats and cats with medical needs. I’m comfortable administering medications and subcutaneous fluids and have cared for cats with chronic kidney disease and FeLV. Most importantly, I know how much trust you’re putting in someone when you ask them to care for your pets. I’ll follow your instructions and their normal routine closely, keep you updated with plenty of photos, and give them the same attention and care I’d want someone to give my own animals. My goal is for you to be able to leave knowing your pets are safe, happy, engaged, and in good hands.
Cat care experience

Shillelagh also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Qualifications
Pets
Safety, trust & environment
When caring for pets in a client’s home, my priority is maintaining their normal routine to help minimize stress and keep them comfortable while their family is away. I follow all feeding, exercise, medication, and care instructions closely and take the time to learn each pet’s unique personality, preferences, and needs. For dogs, this includes walks, playtime, enrichment activities, potty breaks, and plenty of attention and affection. I believe mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise, so I incorporate activities such as sniff walks, training reinforcement, puzzle toys, or interactive play when appropriate. For cats, I ensure litter boxes are kept clean, feeding schedules are maintained, and that they receive the level of interaction they enjoy—whether that’s play sessions, brushing, cuddles, or simply quiet companionship. I am also comfortable administering medications and caring for cats with special medical needs. I provide regular updates and photos so you can have peace of mind while you’re away. I also treat every home with the same respect and care I would my own, ensuring it remains clean, secure, and exactly as you left it.
Ratings and reviews
Shillelagh is my daughter, and ever since she was a little girl she's cared deeply about others and always loved the family pets. As she has grown her love for her own pets has continued. She has always given them the best of care and paid close attention to their needs. I would highly recommend her to anyone who has a need for her help!
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
I am available for walks and drop in visits in the evenings on weekdays (generally, after 5PM), and have more flexibility on weekends to provide pet care.
- Cats0 to 15 lbs16 to 40 lbs41 to 100 lbsover 101 lbsShillelagh can host up to 2 drop-ins per day
- Please let me know any noteworthy behaviors your pet has so that I can ensure we have a successful and safe visit. If your dog is reactive towards other dogs, lunges or jumps when excited, has poor recall, is food or toy motivated, pulls on leash - and how you would like these behaviors managed.
