Val D.
Upper East Side, NY
Small Doggy Oasis (under 30lbs)
Pet care experience
I've loved and owned dogs & cats my entire life. Since 2015, I've fostered and trained over 100 dogs for Waggytail Rescue. See my foster / training here instagram here: @day_ofthedog My building allows me to have one dog at a time, under 30lbs. In the Fall of 2021 I took my interest in dogs to the next level and became a practitioner in TWC (Training Without Conflict) by taking Ivan Balabanov's 3 month play based dog training course. I am experienced with reading and understanding dog body language. I am confident with handling dogs of all ages and temperaments and can administer medicines, as necessary. I love taking dogs on long walks and playing whatever games they most enjoy. Schedules and routines are important and I'll be sure your buddy stays on whatever routine they are used to. I cannot board dogs who must sleep in the bed with their owner or who are not crate trained- unless they are senior dogs (age 10+) and they have no anxiety about being by themselves in new environments. **** Please fill out your dog's profile BEFORE contacting me to book. Include: potty habits, where they sleep, if they are ok being left alone for a few hours in a crate, emergency contact number, your vet's number, and a pic or two of your dog❤️. I own 2 dog crates: one for 15lbs or less and another for dogs 15-30lbs. PLEASE NOTE: I do not train dogs that board with me home unless you request it in advance and we discuss your goals and priorities. If you wish to have your dog trained using play and food for obedience, leash manners, recall off leash, increased confidence, stopping nuisance behaviors (barking, jumping etc) or to address separation anxiety / crate training- please ask!
Reviews
Val is an amazing dog sitter! She looked after Jacques during the holidays when we were traveling overseas. She is very professional and organized and we felt very comfortable leaving Jacques for almost two weeks in her care. I can greatly recommend Val and we will definitely contact her again.
When our beloved Rover sitter moved away we were distraught, because although sweet and easy, our elderly Havanese has a number of medical issues and eating "quirks" We took a chance on Val, based on her long experience and multiple skills, and we couldn't be happier. She took great care of Celia (who even seemed sad at leaving her) and even gave her a bath so that she came home better than when she left. We are so happy to have someone we can leave Celia with, feeling confident that she will be as well cared for–if not better–than if we hadn't taken a little time off!
Val did a wonderful job taking care of pinto. She is really good with dogs. Our dog is an older dog with a back issue and she made sure he was safe and comfortable. We will definitely have pinto stay with Val again.
Val took excellent care of Maeve for a 6 day stay. There were plenty of photos of how they sent their time together and lots of messages about how Maeve was doing. Maeve came home happy and she looks forward to another stay will Val.
About Val D.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I take guidance from the you with regard to daily routines and making sure your dog feels at home. I use common sense and am always sure to prioritize the dog's safety, emotional well-being along with plenty of fun, play, exercise, and affection.
Home
Information Val D. would like to know about your pet
My building allows me to have one dog at a time, under 30lbs. I own two crates / beds, one for dogs under 10 Lbs and another for dogs under 31lbs. Please let me know if your dog is crate trained (meaning they will not pant, cry or bark when confined) and where they usually sleep at night. I am ok with a senior (age 10+) dog who is not crate trained as long as they do not pace, scratch at the front door, cry & bark when left alone. Sadly, many owners whose dogs are not crate trained don't have cameras to see how their dogs are behaving when they are out or don't know that their dog behaves differently in new environments. I cannot board dogs who are not crate trained or have anxiety about being alone or are used to sleeping in bed with their owners. If you are not sure how your dog will feel in a new place, I am happy to set a meet & greet and will sit your dog (no charge) for a few hours to evaluate them and make sure we are a good fit. ***Please fill out your dog's profile (including potty habits, where they sleep, if they are ok being left alone for a few hours in a crate, emergency contact number, your vet's number and a pic or two of the dog!) BEFORE contacting me about my availability for a booking. In your profile, please note your pet's habits, quirks, or special needs. If there are specific activities that your pet enjoys or dislikes, I'd love to know. I do not turn away dogs with quirks and appreciate full disclosure from you so that your dog is set up for a successful stay at my doggy oasis!
A typical day
We start our day off with a quick relief walk followed by breakfast and some snuggles & digestion time. A few hours later we'll head out again for another walk to check out all the smells and sights of central park. After the second walk, there will be some enrichment time ( chew toy or a game of fetch or tug) followed by a nap and then dinner. Our day will end with a final walk before we settle in for the night. I do not take my doggy guests to off-leash enclosed dog parks (unless owners are comfortable with it) and am careful to only allow greetings and socialization (on leash) with dogs that I personally know or trust.
Services
Val can host
Availability
My work is flexible and allows me to set my schedule and work remotely for half the day. Tell me what your dog is used to and I'll see if I can modify my day to match.
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About Val D.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I take guidance from the you with regard to daily routines and making sure your dog feels at home. I use common sense and am always sure to prioritize the dog's safety, emotional well-being along with plenty of fun, play, exercise, and affection.
Home
Information Val D. would like to know about your pet
My building allows me to have one dog at a time, under 30lbs. I own two crates / beds, one for dogs under 10 Lbs and another for dogs under 31lbs. Please let me know if your dog is crate trained (meaning they will not pant, cry or bark when confined) and where they usually sleep at night. I am ok with a senior (age 10+) dog who is not crate trained as long as they do not pace, scratch at the front door, cry & bark when left alone. Sadly, many owners whose dogs are not crate trained don't have cameras to see how their dogs are behaving when they are out or don't know that their dog behaves differently in new environments. I cannot board dogs who are not crate trained or have anxiety about being alone or are used to sleeping in bed with their owners. If you are not sure how your dog will feel in a new place, I am happy to set a meet & greet and will sit your dog (no charge) for a few hours to evaluate them and make sure we are a good fit. ***Please fill out your dog's profile (including potty habits, where they sleep, if they are ok being left alone for a few hours in a crate, emergency contact number, your vet's number and a pic or two of the dog!) BEFORE contacting me about my availability for a booking. In your profile, please note your pet's habits, quirks, or special needs. If there are specific activities that your pet enjoys or dislikes, I'd love to know. I do not turn away dogs with quirks and appreciate full disclosure from you so that your dog is set up for a successful stay at my doggy oasis!
A typical day
We start our day off with a quick relief walk followed by breakfast and some snuggles & digestion time. A few hours later we'll head out again for another walk to check out all the smells and sights of central park. After the second walk, there will be some enrichment time ( chew toy or a game of fetch or tug) followed by a nap and then dinner. Our day will end with a final walk before we settle in for the night. I do not take my doggy guests to off-leash enclosed dog parks (unless owners are comfortable with it) and am careful to only allow greetings and socialization (on leash) with dogs that I personally know or trust.
Location
New York, NY
Val D.
Upper East Side, NY