Stephenie R.
Panama City, FL
20 years of experienced care
Pet care experience
Not only is this my primary occupation, it is my passion. I have dedicated 20 years of my life towards animal rescue and rehabilitation. I have tended to the injured, cared for the convalescent, trained the aggression out of dogs, implemented training based on the need using: redirection, comfort/reassurance and herbal supplements (to aid with nervousness and anxiety). I have found tried and true alternative methods for healing and care, reintegrated feral cats back into domestic environments, and developed optimal nutrition and exercise plans for each member of my personal pack as well as for others. We spend a lot of time outside (weather permitting). Generally, I will take the children out six times a day for potty and fun! The outdoor time is normally a minimum of 20 minutes, but I let the pups guide me on the actual length of time we stay (shorter or longer). We play fetch, run around, learn new tricks and have a great time with friends. I keep the number of guests limited to six. I find that smaller group care allows for a more inclusive experience and the option for catered one on one training. This is why my fees may be a little more than other's. The quality matches the cost. I monitor their behaviors closely and can make training, dietary and exercise suggestions based on my observations. I find that sharing this information tends to make for a better home experience as well. Upon request I can work with pups regarding: leash training, basic commands, separation anxiety and socialization. Also, I tend to do daily basic health checks including: teeth, gums, breath, general stature, urination habits (a uti is the most undiagnosed infection a dog will suffer) and irregular bowl movements. If there is anything abnormal I will always be sure to report it to the owner. I do NOT shy away from eldery, disabled or special needs pups/kitties! I have no issue with giving medication or taking extra time and care for the ones who need it most! I am a mother to all creatures and when they are with me, they are my family too! I offer special services and extended care, upon request, including: visible and near visible infared light treatments to help pups with: chronic pain, recovering injury, or are just a bit eldery and stiff. This treatment is safe on pets, FDA approved and can truly make a huge difference in mobility and recovery times. Other techniques I use involve items such as: Calming drops, weighted blankets, aroma therapy, puzzle treat containers, soft toys, and rooting mats for foraging in order to help reduce anxiety. The pets I look after will need proof of rabies and bordetella vaccines. Further, they will need proof of flea treatment. This is to ensure everyone has fun and no one has any unwanted visitors hitching a ride home! I will always ensure that the yard is flea treated, cleared, daily, of fecal matter and that the area is safe before anyone plays outside. My entire property is privacy fenced. I have, on hand at all times, a fully stocked emergency supply kit for most common instances of illness or injury. I will always communicate my concerns, what I can do, and what may need to be done in order to find a solution that fits the need. I can, have, and will, take your pet to the veterinarian of your choice in an emergency situation. This is my personal worry free guarantee! Additional services I can provide upon request include: baths, clean ears, clip nails, brush teeth and brush out your pet's coat. **Fees for this can be negotiated based on your pet's disposition.** A few of the standard seasonal options I do with everyone includes holiday stockings. (This typically contains a paw print, small stocking, homemade treats, and a small toy.) Sometimes we do mini Polaroid photo shoots, which will be framed and given to the owner after the stay! I have a large automatic bubble machine for curious puppy play time. During the summer, I make frozen yogurt and peanut butter treats. I set up the kiddie pools and sprinklers for water time fun. Year round, I make from scratch pumpkin treats (great for digestion!). We use non toxic paint to do artwork to send home. There are no shortages of activities and engaging fun times! I have the experience, knowledge, training and the professional pride which are vital to care for your pet like no other sitter. What I offer is quality, unique, catered, and complete care. Thank you for considering having your friend stay with me. I look forward to seeing them soon! I have a set schedule that we adhere to daily. I will integrate and adapt all pets to this schedule. The more often they stay with me, the easier it will become for them. This helps greatly with nervous pups and pups in training; all stages, dispositions and energy level appreciate the routine. It sets the expectation, gives structure and lessens the unknown factor, which is vital in a new environment. I make homemade treats, have several areas to lounge, a chuck it to play fetch and a large lot of cleared land for them to run, explore and play safely. We engage in group activities and one on one care/ training. I provide detailed updates, photos, progress reports, general observations and areas of concern.
Reviews
Stephenie does a fantastic job of communicating and sending updates about the pups. Flexible and understanding. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a sitter.
Stephanie is a professional. There is no more to say than that. She was excellent with communication and care for my dog. I will be using her in the future.
We were so lucky to come across Stephanie when we were looking for someone reliable and trustworthy. My wife and I were traveling out of the country so finding someone qualified to leave our Chloe girl with was paramount. From the first meet and greet, I had a feeling of relief as I knew we were in good hands. Throughout the boarding, we received daily pics and videos ensuring us Chloe was well taken care off. We highly recommend Stephanie and her services and look forward to the next trip!
Stephenie knows how to comfort senior dogs and made Benji adjust to the overnights quite well. She sent pictures of how she encouraged bonding with the other animals . Asked questions during the stay to be sure she gave him the best experience. Stephenie is a definite go- to the next time I need to go out of town!
About Stephenie R.
Communication
Skills
Home
Information Stephenie R. would like to know about your pet
I like to ensure that everyone has fun while being safe. I require proof of rabies vaccine, bordetella and some form of flea prevention. I can and will, upon request, provide proof that all of my personal pets are vaccinated and treated with the same expectation. I would also need to know if your critter requires special attention including: an interesting personality that may be an issue for a group care setting, dietary restrictions, issues with house training or any quirk that may be of use to know and expect. Please be open, honest and clear with regards to expectations, care needs and areas of improvement. It helps greatly to have as much detail as possible! No behavior is an outright disqualifer. However, adjustments need to be made to allow for reasonable accommodation. **Pricing may vary depending on your pet's needs.**
A typical day
I have washable paints that we use to make paw print paintings. During the summer we have cold yogurt and peanutbutter treats. We do photo ops to give the pet parents a cute keepsake. I live near two parks where we can go for walks. There are 2.5 acres of cleared field for pups to run and play. I have a subscription to Dog TV for rainy days as well as plenty of indoor space to roam and play. Additionally, I have several levels of puzzle treat containers and rooting bowls to aid with nervousness and foraging tendencies. There's never a shortage of playmates and fun times on the farm!
Services
Stephenie can host
Stephenie can watch in your home
About Stephenie R.
Communication
Skills
Home
Information Stephenie R. would like to know about your pet
I like to ensure that everyone has fun while being safe. I require proof of rabies vaccine, bordetella and some form of flea prevention. I can and will, upon request, provide proof that all of my personal pets are vaccinated and treated with the same expectation. I would also need to know if your critter requires special attention including: an interesting personality that may be an issue for a group care setting, dietary restrictions, issues with house training or any quirk that may be of use to know and expect. Please be open, honest and clear with regards to expectations, care needs and areas of improvement. It helps greatly to have as much detail as possible! No behavior is an outright disqualifer. However, adjustments need to be made to allow for reasonable accommodation. **Pricing may vary depending on your pet's needs.**
A typical day
I have washable paints that we use to make paw print paintings. During the summer we have cold yogurt and peanutbutter treats. We do photo ops to give the pet parents a cute keepsake. I live near two parks where we can go for walks. There are 2.5 acres of cleared field for pups to run and play. I have a subscription to Dog TV for rainy days as well as plenty of indoor space to roam and play. Additionally, I have several levels of puzzle treat containers and rooting bowls to aid with nervousness and foraging tendencies. There's never a shortage of playmates and fun times on the farm!
Location
Panama City, FL
Pets
Stephenie R.
Panama City, FL