Stacy V.
Florence, AL
30+ years of animal care experience
Pet care experience
A long-time volunteer and animal care-giver, I recently moved to the area to leave the harsh Midwest winters behind. I live with my husband, rescued dogs, and free-range chickens on 8 beautiful acres. I love my pets like they are family, and would love to spend time caring for your pets as well. My experience spans many types of animals including insects, fish, reptiles, mice, rabbits, cats, dogs, chickens, exotics, and farm animals. I have rescued and fostered many dogs, some from the streets of Thailand and India. I miss working at the kennel where my own dogs could interact all day with other dogs in the daycare setting. I still structure my days as if I am running daycare. I separate my dogs into groups according to their size and play preferences. Sometimes a few might want to play rough and tumble or run wild like the wind. At times they just want to dig in the dirt, lounge in the sun, or splash in the doggy pool. There are also times where they just want to be alone in their own space. I have learned to read each dog carefully and try to accommodate their individual needs.
Reviews
I appreciate so much the care and attention Stacy gave Billy the week we were gone. He was very happy and very tired from playing with all of his friends. I was relieved he wanted to come home with me. The pictures she sent were very reassuring since this was my first time to board.
She was amazing and communicated frequently! We have a nervous pup and she handled it very well. We even got some paw print art to take home with us from their stay!! They came home exhausted from playing with all of their new friends!!
Stacy is a pro and it's obvious that she loves animals. I so appreciate her kindness and service for us dog owners who have to rely upon a little help in order to "get away" for a night or two.
This was our first experience with doggy day care and it was great! Stacy took great care of our puppy! She kept me updated with pictures throughout the day so we knew Bunny was having fun! We will definitely be back!
About Stacy V.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
We are located out on a county road, yet minutes from town. Let your dogs come play all day under the cool canopy of mature oak and hickory trees. We have over 5000 square feet of fenced play yards that overlook 8 acres of woods and native prairie. There are plenty of chirping birds and squirrels to bark at, along with an occasional deer. Free-range poultry also roam the property. The play yard is perfect for dogs that like the freedom to run, dig, and explore. We also have private space for eating, napping, or to relax and recharge between daycare groups. About half of the day will be spent outdoors, but we do have indoor play during inclement weather. Not all of my own dogs are social creatures. They will spend much of the time in private yards or with my husband. I also recognize the fact that not all dogs get along in a social setting. Every dog will be assessed for temperament and activity level, and will only be placed in daycare groups with other dogs of similar size and/or temperament. Dogs are supervised during group play. We have a comfortable community room or numerous sized crates available for overnight stays. We can accommodate up to 5 dogs per night. We provide beds, blankets, food dishes, and water bowls. Group daycare is included with all boarding. We provide clean toys and water for daycare play yards. Yards are poop-scooped numerous times each day.
Home
Information Stacy V. would like to know about your pet
I have no breed-specific preferences. I love all dogs of all shapes and sizes. I do have some basic requirements, as dogs will be staying in my home, on my furniture, and interacting with my own dogs. All dogs need to be up to date on vaccines. It is highly recommended that they also be on a monthly flea/tick preventative and heart-worm preventative. All grown dogs should be spayed or neutered. All dogs should be human-friendly and basically dog-friendly. Please let me know if your dog is sensitive or reactive to certain dogs or situations. Please let me know if your dog likes to roll in or eat stinky substances. (Yes, I mean poop. It is more common than you might think.) And finally, if you have a dog that can climb, jump over, or dig under a 5' fence, breaks through windows to chase birds or squirrels, excessively barks throughout the night, chews furniture or bedding, excessively humps or marks his/her territory, or any other destructive behavior, please consider boarding at a different facility other than our home. Please leash dogs at all times coming or leaving our property. This is for your dog's protection as well as for our free-range poultry. Thank you!
A typical day
I have worked with, fostered, and/or adopted many different dogs from unique situations, including special needs dogs, aggressive dogs, and street dogs that have never lived in a home environment. I even rescued a dog from the illegal meat trade. I understand that some dogs like to bark or nip when playing, dig, roll, and even get dirty. I understand that some dogs can be territorial over toys, bedding, and especially food or snacks. I am very familiar with reactive dogs and those with separation anxiety. I am experienced in reading dog behavior, and with implementing basic training commands. If your dog is used to basic or special commands from a trainer, I will gladly use those in the course of your dog's stay with me. I only use positive reinforcement during play. I try to recognize unwanted behavior before it escalates, and will give a dog some private space when needed. We are constantly adding new equipment and toys to stimulate your dog and to encourage fun play time in daycare. If coming for daycare, please leave toys and personal items at home. If boarding, toys and personal items may be kept in the dog's crate. We encourage you to leave your best collar/harness at home, as it is common for dogs to nip at the scruff of other dogs' necks during play. Visit fb.me/DayCamp4Dogs for lots more pictures and videos.
Services
Stacy can host
Stacy can watch in your home
Availability
I am a full-time dog care provider. At the moment, my schedule is somewhat flexible. I am available early mornings through evenings and overnights in my home. I have some available hours for traveling to your home for drop-in visits and dog walking, but I will no longer be able to stay overnight, as I have dogs coming regularly for Doggy Day Camp. Thank you for being part of my growing business venture. I hope to have a long relationship with both you and your dog family! I can accommodate up to 10 dogs a day for daycare, but I prefer smaller groups so my own dogs can join in on the fun. Reservations are preferred, but I may have availability within minutes of a quick text. As far as boarding in my home, the dogs sleep in a community room. This can comfortably hold numerous dogs. The dogs have their choice of couches, chairs, dog beds, or rugs to sleep on. I also have crates available if that is your preference. Reservations are required for boarding and spaces fill up quickly.
About Stacy V.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
We are located out on a county road, yet minutes from town. Let your dogs come play all day under the cool canopy of mature oak and hickory trees. We have over 5000 square feet of fenced play yards that overlook 8 acres of woods and native prairie. There are plenty of chirping birds and squirrels to bark at, along with an occasional deer. Free-range poultry also roam the property. The play yard is perfect for dogs that like the freedom to run, dig, and explore. We also have private space for eating, napping, or to relax and recharge between daycare groups. About half of the day will be spent outdoors, but we do have indoor play during inclement weather. Not all of my own dogs are social creatures. They will spend much of the time in private yards or with my husband. I also recognize the fact that not all dogs get along in a social setting. Every dog will be assessed for temperament and activity level, and will only be placed in daycare groups with other dogs of similar size and/or temperament. Dogs are supervised during group play. We have a comfortable community room or numerous sized crates available for overnight stays. We can accommodate up to 5 dogs per night. We provide beds, blankets, food dishes, and water bowls. Group daycare is included with all boarding. We provide clean toys and water for daycare play yards. Yards are poop-scooped numerous times each day.
Home
Information Stacy V. would like to know about your pet
I have no breed-specific preferences. I love all dogs of all shapes and sizes. I do have some basic requirements, as dogs will be staying in my home, on my furniture, and interacting with my own dogs. All dogs need to be up to date on vaccines. It is highly recommended that they also be on a monthly flea/tick preventative and heart-worm preventative. All grown dogs should be spayed or neutered. All dogs should be human-friendly and basically dog-friendly. Please let me know if your dog is sensitive or reactive to certain dogs or situations. Please let me know if your dog likes to roll in or eat stinky substances. (Yes, I mean poop. It is more common than you might think.) And finally, if you have a dog that can climb, jump over, or dig under a 5' fence, breaks through windows to chase birds or squirrels, excessively barks throughout the night, chews furniture or bedding, excessively humps or marks his/her territory, or any other destructive behavior, please consider boarding at a different facility other than our home. Please leash dogs at all times coming or leaving our property. This is for your dog's protection as well as for our free-range poultry. Thank you!
A typical day
I have worked with, fostered, and/or adopted many different dogs from unique situations, including special needs dogs, aggressive dogs, and street dogs that have never lived in a home environment. I even rescued a dog from the illegal meat trade. I understand that some dogs like to bark or nip when playing, dig, roll, and even get dirty. I understand that some dogs can be territorial over toys, bedding, and especially food or snacks. I am very familiar with reactive dogs and those with separation anxiety. I am experienced in reading dog behavior, and with implementing basic training commands. If your dog is used to basic or special commands from a trainer, I will gladly use those in the course of your dog's stay with me. I only use positive reinforcement during play. I try to recognize unwanted behavior before it escalates, and will give a dog some private space when needed. We are constantly adding new equipment and toys to stimulate your dog and to encourage fun play time in daycare. If coming for daycare, please leave toys and personal items at home. If boarding, toys and personal items may be kept in the dog's crate. We encourage you to leave your best collar/harness at home, as it is common for dogs to nip at the scruff of other dogs' necks during play. Visit fb.me/DayCamp4Dogs for lots more pictures and videos.
Location
Florence, AL
Pets
Stacy V.
Florence, AL