Zachary D.
Zachary D.
Contact for Drop-In Visits
from $13 per visit
Highlights
Pet care experience
Happy Tails, Happy Hearts
I have been around dogs for a large majority of my life and have even earned the joking nickname of “dog whisperer” among my friends. I fell in love with caring for animals with my first dog, Mattie, when I was only 4 years old. Since then my family and I have housed 9 dogs in total over the last 23 years, 6 from rescues. For as long as I can remember I have been asked to dog sit/walk for anyone who knows my love for animals. I am the proud owner of 2 adoptees currently, Baymax and Tator-Tot. Both are well trained through classes at Smoken Dakota Kennels. I am NOT a certified dog trainer by any means, but I am fully confident I can teach some basics or even a set you up with a trainer or training class! I am trained in animal CPR.
Qualifications
Pets
Safety, trust & environment
I have a fenced in backyard with 6’ wooden fences ,grass lawn and water access. I like to take the dogs out to parks or for hikes as opposed to keeping them locked up in the backyard. For parks I usually keep it to the Sioux Falls area with Family and Spencer being my most frequented. Hikes I will go as far as Luverne but that’s a rare occasion. I usually do leashed walks but occasionally I will let my dogs loose in the off-leash side of family park. While resting we usually just go inside for some A/C, water, and a nap for the pups. Occasionally on a nice cool day we will just stay outside and rest.
Ratings and reviews
Zachary did amazing with our two babies while we were out of town!
We booked Zachary for an extended weekend to care for our corgi. We set up a meet and greet with him prior to our trip. Zachary was very easy to communicate with, quick to respond and right on time. He is a super great guy! After visiting with him, we felt Frankie was in good hands and we were very comfortable with having him at our house. During our trip, we received pictures of Frankie and small communications here and there that really reassured us all was well. Zachary was able to administer our dog’s medication which is a challenge unto itself. Our house was left super clean and we came home to a happy healthy dog. We would highly recommend Zachary to anyone who needs care for their pet and we look forward to using him again in the future! Thanks so much Zachary!!!
Zachary was amazing! I was very very nervous about leaving my 3 dogs (with 3 very different personalities) with a new person. He was amazing with them and very responsive to my slightly anxious messages checking in on them. 100% plan on using Zachary again whenever we go out of town.
Zach was great! Our dogs immediately took to him when he came over for the meet and greet. Our dogs were loved the entire time and he sent update pics as well. We will rebook with him in the future.
Zach does a great job, our pups like him. Communication could be more timely prior to reservation as we weren't sure he was planning on coming since we had made the reservation 5 months prior. But he did reply so all was good.
Zach has done drop-ins with our dogs and I have always been impressed with his friendliness and willingness to help. 10/10!!!!
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
I usually spend my days taking care of my 2 dogs which includes, walks, going to the park, working on our training and some rest periods in between to keep everyone’s mood positive. I usually bring my parents’ 4 dogs with me, but that is not a requirement of my day by any means. Yes, I typically spend my days taking care of 6 dogs with only 1 being a small. So I am very used to high energy days and having my eyes everywhere at once!
- Cats0 to 15 lbs16 to 40 lbs41 to 100 lbsover 101 lbsZachary can host up to 6 drop-ins per day
- I have provided care for all types of dogs for as long as I can remember. My parents’ dog, Zeke, has needed medication twice a day for seizures, bladder issues, and cancer for the last 8+ years. I have cared for elderly dogs and have no issues helping a dog with anything they may need! I prefer to work with higher energy dogs, but l will accommodate to make any dog happy!