Here are the most important things to know: Dogs thrive on a routine and using a dog sitter whether a friend or someone like me is stressful for the dog. A dog left alone in a foreign environment, even somewhere they have been many times, causes more stress. I will do my best to maximize your dogs "vacation." I had a dog for over ten years, we went pretty everywhere together, saw most of the United States, attended events and she made the back of my car her little condo. I tried boarding her once and that did not go well. Thus I know that many dogs do not tolerate that type of environment. I am home during the day and have time and desire to give your little friends attention while you are gone. I am using this site as an opportunity to provide a specialized and unique service experience while you are gone. I think it is best to meet before dropping a dog off in a strange place. I should mention I have stairs and some dogs have trouble going up or down them. I am able to provide meds if that is needed. I also encourage someone to drop off their dog bed or play toys. If I groom your dog, it is a more time consuming approach as I hand blow dry, use a dremel to trim nails (not using a clipper which can hit the quick) and take time to give a haircut. I don't have training giving a specific type of cut. I remove hair which removes hides lots of dirt and dogs seem happy when the experience is over. Either they like having less hair or just that the process is done.