*I am PACFA licensed as a dog handler & transporter in the state of CO. I stay up to date on Pet 1st Aid & CPR and teach k9 Wilderness 1st Aid. My business is licensed and insured. Trusted pet care providers should stay up to date on continuing education and follow all legally required business licensing!* Hi there! I'm Sierra, an animal and nature oriented human. I have been professionally caring for animals since 2004 (and had my own in the family since birth) during which I've provided reliable and excellent short and long-term dog, ranch and house-sitting services, dog training, behavioral assessments and outdoor adventures for hundreds of clients over the west. My passion is in working with dogs and horses and I have a significant amount of experience with exotic species as well, from camel to iguana. I bring a unique approach of consistency and compassion to my work- and always put the animal’s needs first with an eye for risk-management and safety while still having lots of fun. I use physical exercise, mental stimulation and natural environments to improve mental well-being, state of calm and balance for dogs of all kinds. Your animal family member will love joining our pack to experience new things, a ton of fun, and calm relaxing times as well. I love taking dogs on adventures, and you will love to return to a tired, happy and well-behaved balanced dog! We mush, bike, hike, backpack, camp, and much more. I also teach Canine Wilderness First Aid classes and have ongoing training in Advanced K9 Medic/1st aid and Equine Emergency 1st Aid/FEMA certifications. On the side, I volunteer with SAR and as a W-EMT so I’m quite focused on risk-assessment and aversion in all aspects of life. I am also an AKC evaluation for STAR Puppy classes, Canine Good Citizen, All Fit Dog levels (1, 2 & 3), Trick Dog (all levels through pro.) and am Canine Conditioning Fitness Coach certified through DMWYD. I’m currently working on my CCPDT-KA certification, Certificate in Advanced Canine Body Language for Professionals (Intl School for Canine Psychology) & Advanced K9 Behavior certificate (American College of Canine Studies) because I believe lifelong continuing education is important, fun, and the best thing we can do for our animal companions! Your dog is not just in the hands of an inexperienced animal lover but a professional who lives and breathes meeting the needs of animals. My daily adventure school is on a waitlist but I try to leave a spot for rover clients whenever possible! Send a booking request for daycare to have your dogs spend the day with us. *If you select "House Sitting" as your option, I will stay in your home with your animals while you are away, spending as much time with them indoors and outdoors as you like. If you prefer I don't stay overnight, select "Drop Ins" *If you select "Boarding" as an option, we will be at my home conveniently in the middle of Telluride with a large fenced yard in town, walking distance from all the local trails and a block from the river as well as from the free gondola station. Exercise on the K9 treadmill is included in boarding if you’d like. We may also take dogs with us to our 40 acre property North of town if you give permission, and/or camping if we discuss. We are currently building a full AKC regulation sized agility ring on this property. Dogs will come with us on daily pack hikes and meet tons of new dog friends. I also have a lifetime of experience with equines and ranch care--I have had horses since I was born, competing successfully across several disciplines and holding leadership in 4-H for 11 years. I have worked with a large variety of animals ranging from exotic birds, iguanas, tarantulas, and snakes to chinchillas, alpacas and donkeys. So if your menagerie needs care, please reach out to me! I have many yrs of volunteer experience at Humane Societies and rescues (in 4 states so far) helping dogs and horses to gain much needed exercise and skills to be adopted into a functional home. I currently foster and volunteer for Telluride Humane Society. I am also a member of Professional United Pet Sitters Assc. Please set an appointment with me so we can meet at no charge beforehand and go over details. Can't wait to meet you and your feathered, furry, slithery, and hoofed family members!