Valerie I.
Bethesda, MD
Dog owner with a flexible schedule
Pet care experience
I have been around dogs my whole life, I have my own dog, a 1.5 year old friendly golden retriever who I raised since puppyhood and trained myself. I often pet sit for friends and I have a flexible, hybrid work from home schedule. My dog is super friendly, and I walk him anyway, so we wouldn’t mind some new four-legged companions to join us on our daily strolls. I also offer boarding services as I work from home most of the time, so I can be there to watch over and play with your fur baby. I have experience with dogs with separation anxiety and resource guarding issues, so if your dog has these tendencies please let me know in advance and I’ll take the appropriate measures to make sure they’re well cared for and there are no problems. If your dog prefers alone time, have a gate I can put up to separate your dog from mine if need be. I usually take them to the bathroom every 4 hrs and provide three 20 minute walks per day, but can offer longer/more frequent walks to boarding clients if requested. There is a fenced in area nearby where I take them to play fetch, and I have multiple crates if your dog needs to be crated for bed time, etc- so no need to bring your own! I prefer if owners bring their own dog food, but I can provide my own if needed- I feed my dog the Royal Canin Golden Retriever kibble. My dog absolutely loves having other pups around, so your dog will always have someone to play with!
Reviews
Val is great with our animals. They are always happy to see her and they work great together. She’s send pictures and keeps you updated!
Valerie is wonderful with our dog and so easy to work with! She is super communicative, sends helpful updates and photos, and is always very sweet and friendly. Highly recommend.
Val is awesome! She has made a huge difference in the happiness of our pets when we are at work or away and not home for them. She was amazing with my I’ll post stroke cat in some of her last days. She continues to be a great friend for our energetic dog.
Valerie is wonderful!! Always prompt and sends great pictures 😊
About Valerie I.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have an extremely friendly golden who will keep your pup company while we watch him. You can expect your dog to be walked/exercised regularly, there will almost always be someone home to watch them, and they’ll have a wide selection of toys to choose from (my dog has about 200 already). Daily are about 30 minutes each, and there is a fenced in dog park nearby that is usually empty so I like to take dogs there to play fetch and have a fenced in area to run around in. I‘ll treat your pet like my own!
Home
Information Valerie I. would like to know about your pet
Please let me know if your dog takes any medications or has any disabilities. My dog has a limb deformity so I am very familiar with caring for dogs that are recovering from surgery, need medication, or any other special care. I am familiar with administering oral & topical medications (I have experience with syringes and pills), even when the dog is averse to taking pills (I’ve been there with my dog, he’ll try every trick in the book to avoid his meds).
A typical day
I think dogs need both mental and physical stimulation. In addition to walks, I love taking my dog to the park for fetch or to socialize with other dogs. I have plenty of fun puzzle games and training exercises to give them mental stimulation as well. Your dog will be in good hands and will always have a friend to play with since my puppy gets along with everyone.
Services
Valerie can host
Valerie can watch in your home
Availability
I have a flexible work schedule and am usually only in office twice per week. I only work 5 minutes away so I come home at lunch to walk the dogs, so your dog will never be left alone for more than 4 hours (for days I’m in office- otherwise I’ll pretty much always be with your pet). My dog is super friendly and playful, and I would treat your pet(s) with the same level of respect, attention, and care that I give my own. I live in an apartment with lots of grassy areas, paths to walk on, and a fenced in dog park nearby. I walk my dog about 20-30 minutes a day in the mornings (before 9am), in the afternoons (any time between 1-3) and in the evenings after work- (after 5pm) so I can accommodate your pups on a similar schedule, even on days I go into the office, depending on how far away you are.
About Valerie I.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have an extremely friendly golden who will keep your pup company while we watch him. You can expect your dog to be walked/exercised regularly, there will almost always be someone home to watch them, and they’ll have a wide selection of toys to choose from (my dog has about 200 already). Daily are about 30 minutes each, and there is a fenced in dog park nearby that is usually empty so I like to take dogs there to play fetch and have a fenced in area to run around in. I‘ll treat your pet like my own!
Home
Information Valerie I. would like to know about your pet
Please let me know if your dog takes any medications or has any disabilities. My dog has a limb deformity so I am very familiar with caring for dogs that are recovering from surgery, need medication, or any other special care. I am familiar with administering oral & topical medications (I have experience with syringes and pills), even when the dog is averse to taking pills (I’ve been there with my dog, he’ll try every trick in the book to avoid his meds).
A typical day
I think dogs need both mental and physical stimulation. In addition to walks, I love taking my dog to the park for fetch or to socialize with other dogs. I have plenty of fun puzzle games and training exercises to give them mental stimulation as well. Your dog will be in good hands and will always have a friend to play with since my puppy gets along with everyone.
Location
Bethesda, MD
Pets
Valerie I.
Bethesda, MD