Valerie H.
La Plata, MD
Services
Valerie can host
Valerie can care for
Availability
I work remotely and have a flexible and self-structured schedule, so I’m thankfully able to build my days intentionally around the things that matter, including pet care! I space out my client sessions to make room for walks, drop-ins, and quality time with the animals I care for.
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About Valerie H.
Communication
Dog skills
Safety, trust & environment
When caring for pets in their home, I’m respectful of their space and routines, and always take the time to understand what helps them feel safe and comfortable. I read behavior cues, match energy levels, and adjust my approach, whether that means calm and slow or playful and high-energy. I ask detailed questions up front so I can follow your preferences closely, and I always keep you updated with photos and notes. Your pet’s well-being and emotional safety are my top priorities.
Home
Information Valerie H. would like to know about your pet
It’s helpful to know about any dietary needs, medications, or health considerations your pet has. I also like to understand their temperament, energy level, favorite activities, and how they typically respond to new people or other animals (especially during walks). If there are any sensitivities (like noise, children, handling, or triggers on walks) I’d love to know so I can tailor my approach and keep your pet feeling safe and supported. The more you share, the better I can show up for them!
A typical day
Dog Walking: Whether your pup is a high-energy explorer or more of a stroller, I tailor walks to meet their needs and comfort level. I’m experienced with "reactive" dogs (as long as there’s no bite history) and prioritize safety, enrichment, and connection every step of the way. I’ll keep you updated with GPS walk logs (the app is inconsistent with logging these accurately but when this happens I do my best to screenshot our route and include it in the photos I send!), cute photos, and anything else you'd like to know while we're out. Drop Ins: I offer thoughtful, respectful check-ins for both cats and dogs (feeding, cleaning up, playing), and providing the company and care your pet needs while you’re away. I’ll always follow your instructions carefully and communicate clearly with photo and text updates so you feel totally at ease.
Location
La Plata, MD
Pets
Val's Drop Ins & Walks!
Pet care experience
Hi, I'm Val! I'm a lifelong animal lover with decades of experience caring for pets of all shapes and sizes (we were definitely a pet-crazy family!). My sister is a former vet tech (I have learned so much from her and she is still my #1 resource when I have to "triage" anything non-emergent), and I grew up surrounded by animals, so pet care has always felt like second nature to me. I’ve cared for senior pets, administered medications, supported animals with special needs, even raised premature puppies! I’m very attuned to the unique rhythms and cues of each animal I meet. I’m gentle, playful, and intuitive, matching energy levels and always paying attention to what a pet needs in the moment. Whether that means slow movements and soft energy or zoomies and tug-of-war, I show up in a way that helps your pet feel safe, respected, and loved. I also deeply value communication with pet parents. I’ll always ask lots of questions to understand your preferences, routines, and what makes your pet feel their best. You can count on regular photo and written updates during our time together! I’m flexible with scheduling and happy to work with pets who may require more attention on walks together due to triggers, so long as there’s no bite history and we’ve had a proper meet & greet to make sure everyone feels safe and comfortable. :) I'm looking forward to meeting your fur fam!
Reviews
Valerie you have been really great with Jesse and I really appreciate you so much!!!
As always Valerie, Great work with Jesse!!! Thanks So Much!!
Valerie provided excellent care for our dogs under extremely difficult conditions. Our vet had prescribed trazadone to help relieve Bubba's separation anxiety. Unfortunately, the trazadone caused him to have diarrhea. That caused him to develop a bad rash and infection despite Valerie's best efforts to keep him clean and comfortable. The demands on her time became too much, since she has a full-time job and several other pets to care for. None of us could have seen this coming, but eventually we had to bring on a new Rover sitter who could spend the time and effort to take care of Bubba. Of course we also had her discontinue the trazadone. Again none of the problem was Valerie's fault. She did all she could and more. We would certainly hire her again.
Valerie you are the best!! Thank you so much!! Enjoy the rest of your week and weekend as well!!
About Valerie H.
Communication
Dog skills
Safety, trust & environment
When caring for pets in their home, I’m respectful of their space and routines, and always take the time to understand what helps them feel safe and comfortable. I read behavior cues, match energy levels, and adjust my approach, whether that means calm and slow or playful and high-energy. I ask detailed questions up front so I can follow your preferences closely, and I always keep you updated with photos and notes. Your pet’s well-being and emotional safety are my top priorities.
Home
Information Valerie H. would like to know about your pet
It’s helpful to know about any dietary needs, medications, or health considerations your pet has. I also like to understand their temperament, energy level, favorite activities, and how they typically respond to new people or other animals (especially during walks). If there are any sensitivities (like noise, children, handling, or triggers on walks) I’d love to know so I can tailor my approach and keep your pet feeling safe and supported. The more you share, the better I can show up for them!
A typical day
Dog Walking: Whether your pup is a high-energy explorer or more of a stroller, I tailor walks to meet their needs and comfort level. I’m experienced with "reactive" dogs (as long as there’s no bite history) and prioritize safety, enrichment, and connection every step of the way. I’ll keep you updated with GPS walk logs (the app is inconsistent with logging these accurately but when this happens I do my best to screenshot our route and include it in the photos I send!), cute photos, and anything else you'd like to know while we're out. Drop Ins: I offer thoughtful, respectful check-ins for both cats and dogs (feeding, cleaning up, playing), and providing the company and care your pet needs while you’re away. I’ll always follow your instructions carefully and communicate clearly with photo and text updates so you feel totally at ease.
Valerie H.
La Plata, MD