Tara S.
Arlington, MA
I want to help care for your friend
Pet care experience
I have been dog-walking and pet-sitting ever since a friend of mine first asked me, back in 2011, "Hey! Do you want to watch the Diego-dog while I'm gone?!" I have provided pet-care services both on my own and through local pet-care companies. I also worked at a doggie daycare company for over a year where I got to care for an entire room full of dogs—of all different size, breeds, and age. I have also spent time volunteering at an animal shelter in India, where I helped to clean, feed, provide oral and topical medicines, and de-tick and de-flea the street dogs, along with just giving them some much needed love. I have a lot of experience working with dogs of varying temperaments and sizes, and am not intimidated by a "challenging" dog--indeed, those have been some my favorite dogs to work with! In addition to dogs, I have also have experience caring for other animals, including: cats, rabbits, the sheep and chickens on my friend’s farm, and the ferrets that I had as personal pets when I was younger. I have a deep love for all animals! Aside from enjoying getting to interact and care for animals, I love that this work also enables me to help make your life a little easier, by knowing that your animal friend is being cared for while you are away. **Please Note** I do not have a car. So the only jobs that I am able to take will be those within reasonable range of public transportation (no more than a 20-minute walk).
Reviews
Excellent! Came early to hear verbal instructions
Tara is The Best walker we have had. I have been home when she has arrived and I think that Darby may like her more than she likes me! She clearly loves dogs, is trustworthy, reliable, careful, and goes above and beyond. There was a week recently that Darby had a digestive bug. Tara would arrive to some messy accidents and was thorough in both cleaning up and leaving detailed notes. Darby has also been know to counter surf and sometimes get into things and leave the remains strewn about, after which Tara cleans. Sometimes, the "stuff" has been chocolate and Tara makes sure that I am promptly notified to address any health concerns. I highly recommend Tara without reservations!!
Tara is hands down the best K-9 caregiver my husband and I have ever met and we've both been dog owners since childhood. She's incredibly caring and trustworthy, so we never once had to worry when we she was looking after our elder lab with health issues - even when we were gone for a week at a time. With a kind and compassionate soul, Tara is a real gem for those looking for someone to take care of their beloved four legged family members.
Tara is such a wonderful, caring person and her love of animals shines through. When she lived nearby, she was our go to pet sitter. My dog was so happy to play with Tara that she hardly noticed when I was gone. I don't trust that many people to watch my dog and spend time in my home, but I trusted Tara 100%!
About Tara S.
Communication
Skills
Information Tara S. would like to know about your pet
Please let me know any temperamental tendencies--examples: does your dog get anxious around new people/strangers? Nervous or defensive while out on walks? Does your dog have a tendency to go on a "hunger strike" during the first couple of days that you are away? Etc. Other important information would be: --Does your dog have any food allergies or other medical concerns/issues? --For walks: do you prefer for your dog to be walked alone? Or are you ok with your dog getting to walk with some furry friends? (I prefer to walk no more than 3 dogs at a time, and I really love walking one-on-one, so that I can really get to know your dog. But, dogs are social creatures and many of them enjoy getting to see, walk, and play with other dogs, so I do also provide small group walks).
A typical day
I love going on long walks with the dogs and will happily throw a ball around with your dog for as long as they want...without over-exhausting themselves. I have absolutely no problem with a dog that wants to sleep on the bed with me and will gladly indulge their want for snuggles.
Services
Tara can watch in your home
About Tara S.
Communication
Skills
Information Tara S. would like to know about your pet
Please let me know any temperamental tendencies--examples: does your dog get anxious around new people/strangers? Nervous or defensive while out on walks? Does your dog have a tendency to go on a "hunger strike" during the first couple of days that you are away? Etc. Other important information would be: --Does your dog have any food allergies or other medical concerns/issues? --For walks: do you prefer for your dog to be walked alone? Or are you ok with your dog getting to walk with some furry friends? (I prefer to walk no more than 3 dogs at a time, and I really love walking one-on-one, so that I can really get to know your dog. But, dogs are social creatures and many of them enjoy getting to see, walk, and play with other dogs, so I do also provide small group walks).
A typical day
I love going on long walks with the dogs and will happily throw a ball around with your dog for as long as they want...without over-exhausting themselves. I have absolutely no problem with a dog that wants to sleep on the bed with me and will gladly indulge their want for snuggles.
Location
Arlington, MA
Tara S.
Arlington, MA