Doggy Day Care Ridgely

About: For me, pet care has never been just a job—it's been a lifelong passion. I was raised in a family of professional trainers and boarders, where I learned from an early age how to properly care for dogs of all ages, temperaments, and needs. We also spent countless hours working alongside local shelters, helping dogs build confidence and prepare for their forever homes. Professionally, I have over 20 years of experience working in boarding, training assistance, behavioral rehabilitation, and pet care. In 2012, I began my career as a professional dog groomer and later became certified to groom both dogs and cats. In 2020, I became certified to train new groomers as they worked toward their professional certifications. Today, I combine all of that experience to provide a calm, loving, and individualized experience for every pet in my care. My Specialties I specialize in creating fear-free, low-stress experiences built on patience, trust, and compassion. Some of my areas of expertise include: • Fear-free handling and grooming • Trauma rehabilitation grooming for pets who cannot safely visit traditional salons due to fear, anxiety, or behavioral concerns • Senior pet care • Puppy care and socialization • Pets with medical or mobility challenges • Basic training and reinforcement of good manners • Administering medications while carefully monitoring for symptoms or side effects One of my greatest passions is helping fearful dogs learn that grooming and handling don't have to be scary. Rather than forcing pets through services, I work at their pace, building trust over time with the goal of helping them become comfortable and confident again. Many of my clients come to me after being turned away from traditional grooming salons due to behavioral or medical concerns. What Your Pet Can Expect I strive to make every stay feel like a vacation with family rather than simply boarding. Your pet may enjoy: • Daily walks (typically 2-4 per day, while following your normal routine whenever possible) • Plenty of one-on-one attention and affection • Playtime, enrichment, and exercise • Trips to the dog park (with your permission and only if appropriate for your pet) • Picture, video, and message updates throughout their stay • A calm, loving home environment where they are treated like family One unique tradition many pets come to love is bedtime story time. It may sound unusual, but quietly reading aloud has helped many anxious dogs relax before bed. I've even seen it help dogs experiencing storm anxiety or fear of loud noises settle more comfortably. Routine is incredibly important to me. If your pet has a specific schedule, feeding routine, medication plan, or bedtime ritual, I'll do everything possible to maintain it while they're in my care. Because of my experience working with behavioral and medical cases, I also pay close attention to subtle changes in your pet's behavior, mobility, appetite, and overall well-being. If I notice anything concerning, I'll communicate with you immediately and act quickly in your pet's best interest. Communication & Grooming I believe communication is one of the most important parts of pet care. The more I know about your pet's personality, routines, preferences, and medical history, the better experience I can provide. In return, you'll receive detailed updates about how they're doing, including behavior, activities, and anything I notice that may be helpful for you to know. During boarding or daycare stays, I'm also happy to reinforce basic training and offer guidance on grooming maintenance, body language, and behavioral changes that may strengthen your bond with your pet at home. Professional grooming services are available for pets staying in my care. Grooming recommendations, pricing, and service completion depend on your pet's size, coat condition, medical needs, and stress level. My philosophy is simple: I will never force a pet through a service. Their comfort, trust, and emotional well-being always come first. Booking Information To help protect my home while still providing every pet with the highest level of care, the estimated price for boarding and daycare includes a refundable cleaning/security fee. This fee is fully refunded after your pet's stay provided there is no excessive damage or extraordinary cleaning required beyond normal pet messes. I believe this allows me to continue offering a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for every guest while being fair to both pet parents and my home. My goal is simple: every pet should leave my care feeling safe, loved, understood, and excited to come back. I am generally home all day. I do work as a groomer for pets that are unable to got to salons, but I do this from home as well. So your pets will have round the clock love and care. You will need to provide any food and specific treats if your pet has a favorite or dietary restrictions/allergies. Pets are family. I will personally take them for walks throughout the day for fresh air and exercise, play with them and ensure they feel comfortable and lived while you are away. I do offer creating services, however, depending on the size of your dog, you may have to supply the crate. You pet will always be treated like family, but the details of their routine and activities will depend on your instructions. I respect that different lifestyles require different things (i.e crating vs free roam, scheduled feeding vs grazing, scheduled walks/potty breaks vs whenever they want to go out, etc.) and will maintain that sense of normalcy as much as possible. If you opt for grooming, and I am able to comfortably groom your dog, grooming will take place 1-2 days before your return. That way they have time to decompress after, and if they are stressed for parts, it gives leeway to do little bits over time.

About: My experience is a unique blend of a long-time educational and research background and 47 years of dedicated canine care, providing a professional practice rooted in deep knowledge and a lifetime of devotion. I offer specialized expertise in the full spectrum of a dog’s life, from the joyful, structured development of raising my current puppy, Oliver Lane, from 10 weeks old, to the tender, complex management of my late two elderly 15-year-old babies. This dual experience means I am equally skilled at navigating puppy milestones and providing the specialized medical and palliative care required for seniors. I apply the same discipline from my 25-year career to maintain a structured 24/7 routine, ensuring that every pet—regardless of age—benefits from a calm, intuitive, and highly organized environment filled with family-level love. SPECIALIZED PET CAR: After a 25-year career as a doctoral-level educational professional, I have transitioned to a full-time schedule dedicated to dog care. Maintaining a 24/7 routine for my own 2-year-old fur child, Oliver Lane, affords me the unique flexibility to adapt to your dog's specific scheduling needs. I provide smoke-free, hypoallergenic, flea- and tick-conscious boarding in my pet-friendly home, designed with easy-clean flooring for comfort and hygiene. Dogs enjoy a full acre of play space in a welcoming neighborhood with secure neighboring fences for a safe, social environment. Crating is available only if requested, part of a routine, or needed for training/transitional support. Verifiable shot records are required for any service. Transportation is available in my Ford Explorer “Mini-Hotel,” featuring climate-controlled comfort, orthopedic blankets, toys, and premium treats. With 25 years of leadership experience and a lifetime of animal care, I provide 24/7 active supervision, ensuring every guest is safe, loved, and treated like family. For everyone’s safety, please let me know your dog’s current flea/tick prevention status. Your pet’s comfort and well-being are always my top priority.

“Vy was great. She kept us updated with messages and some cute pics. Glad to know we have someone we can rely on.”

Les C.

About: I've been around animals as long as I can remember. I currently have a puppy named Star and three cats Persephone (Purrsi), Odin and Loki. I foster for the local QA shelter and have worked in a vets office for a short time. I am lucky enough to work out of my house or remote so I am available seven days a week with enough notice. I can come to you or provide care in my house. I live in an end unit Duplex. I have a fenced in yard complete with a puppy pool and beds for lounging. I can provide care in my home or come to yours. Following directions and care requests provided is not a problem.

About: I live in a home who foster dogs in need. Home with the dog all day so they'll have that attention and someone caring for them. I can take care of elderly dogs that use diapers full proper care even all the way to puppies and there high energy . Me being young i do play with the dogs i like to run around with them to keep myself and them entertained. I am a MMA fighter so I'm free everyday my gym is right here at home where I train at so I'm never off the property unless I have to be. I have a fenced in back yard that the dog will have access to and when inside your dog will be with me in my room making itself a comfortable home anywhere it pleases.

“Thank you, Jessica. It was a relief to have my older pup in such loving, capable hands. Thank you for sending photos along throughout the day. It helped take my mind off of my surgical day.”

Tedde Lowry B.

About: Hi, my name’s Lindsey! I’m 25 years old and I absolutely love all sorts of animals. At home I have 3 dogs, 2 cats, Goats, Ducks, chickens, a gecko, a turtle and fish. My house has always been full of pets growing up, as I participated in my local 4-H club for 9 years. I have had lots of animals, including lizards, fish, a hedgehog, a ferret, cats, dogs, lambs, goats, pigs, and cattle. I have also had lots of experience over the years taking good care of my neighbors’ and friends’ pets whenever they are out of town. You have my word that I will be reliable and closely follow all your instructions for your little ones, and I will be sure to treat and love your pets like my own! I am home most of the day since I work from home. You have my word that your pets will be treated lovingly in my hands. I have a tendency to spoil all animals. I have a fenced in yard, perfect for running around and playing. I always make sure that I have fresh cold water outside during play time.

“She went above and beyond. Taking great care of our precious puppy George Bailey. It was a great relief to have someone watching him during the heat wave. She went above and beyond to help. Would book again and recommend.”

David W.

“Maura was an absolutely amazing babysitter. Super nice, flexible and accommodating. Winston had the best time. 10/10 recommend”

Amanda R.

“Sydney is so great! She took lots of photos and I could tell my dog enjoyed spending time with her! She's really responsive, easy to talk with, and very friendly!”

Drew J.

About: I’ve lived with dogs and cats my entire life and have over 15 years of hands-on experience caring for pets. Growing up, my mom had five dogs—some of which had puppies—and I helped raise and care for them. I’ve also cared for cats in multi-pet households, including feeding, litter box maintenance, and creating calm, safe environments for shy or senior cats. Neighbors, friends, and family have trusted me for years to walk, feed, bathe, and care for their pets while they’re away. I now have a black Yorkie of my own, and I treat every animal I care for like part of the family—whether they bark or purr! I currently work part time- and have lots of free time! I will send out a daily schedule of what I’ll be doing with the pets! I will take your dog out on walks on our neighborhood trail outside! I also have a few ring cameras, and will send a lot of pictures/videos throughout the day.

“I initially thought Trales might not want to come back home with me, especially since Morgan, along with her husband and their two precious fur babies, spoiled him so much. Morgan was incredibly thoughtful and made me feel completely at ease while she was caring for Trales during the times I couldn’t. Her regular updates, photos, and notes about his outdoor potty activities kept me well informed and helped me stay on track with his routine once I picked him up. As a new resident in Delaware, I truly feel lucky to have found Morgan as Trales’s care provider.”

Don S.

About: Animals have always been the center of my life, and caring for them is so much more than a job to me — it’s truly my passion. I currently have four dogs and five cats of my own, so I understand firsthand the love, attention, patience, and responsibility that go into providing excellent pet care every single day. My experience with animals goes far beyond personal pet ownership. I worked at a dog rescue for three years, where I gained hands-on experience caring for dogs of all ages, sizes, temperaments, and special needs. During that time, I also fostered 52 dogs, helping them transition into safe, loving homes. That experience taught me how to build trust with nervous pets, handle different personalities, and provide compassionate, individualized care. In addition, I have been working as a veterinary technician for the past two years, which has given me strong knowledge of animal health, behavior, safety, and overall well-being. I’m comfortable recognizing signs of stress or illness, administering attentive care, and making sure pets feel safe and supported. What sets me apart from other sitters is the genuine love and dedication I bring to every animal I meet. I treat every pet as if they were my own, and I’m committed to making sure they feel comfortable, happy, and loved while you’re away. Whether your pet is energetic, shy, senior, or needs a little extra patience, I have the experience and heart to provide exceptional care. Pet care is seamlessly integrated into my daily and weekly life. Each day, I set aside dedicated time for feeding, walking, playing, and providing companionship to ensure every pet receives consistent attention and care. Every pet receives the love, care, and attention they need to thrive, making their time with me a happy and fulfilling experience. When caring for pets, safety, trust, and a comfortable environment are my top priorities. In my home, I ensure a secure and pet-friendly space by removing hazards, providing comfortable bedding, and maintaining a clean environment. I follow the owner's instructions meticulously, maintaining their feeding schedule, exercise routine, and any specific care requirements. I build trust by being patient, gentle, and attentive, allowing pets to adjust at their own pace. Regular playtime, cuddles, and positive reinforcement help create a bond and alleviate any anxiety they may feel. In a client's home, I respect their space and maintain their pet's routine as closely as possible. I follow their instructions regarding feeding, walking, medication, and playtime. I ensure the home is secure, checking that doors and windows are properly closed and that there are no potential hazards. I communicate regularly with the owner, providing updates and photos to reassure them that their pet is in good hands. My goal is to provide a safe, trustworthy, and comfortable environment, whether in my home or theirs, so pets feel secure and loved in their owner's absence.

“My puppy River means the world to us and Jen watching her from the time she was picked up to dropped back off was a long full day and not once did we worry or felt scared River was away from us! We absolutely LOVE Jen❤️”

Janie F.

“Julie and her family provided a very caring home for our big puppy. I would not hesitate to recommend her. She was extremely accommodating for us too.”

Renée R.

“Alyssa took wonderful care of our dog babies. My sister and I are grateful to have her close by to watch them when needed. She is sweet and kind and you can tell she genuinely enjoys caring for dogs. We will definitely be booking again soon!”

Jessica L.

“Jess and the whole family were awesome!! They loved on Louie, gave walks, etc. We travel to Cambridge a lot, so we’re really happy that we found his second home. :)”

Mimi B.

About: I’ve taken care of dogs of every kind since I was 10. Neighbors, friends and family have relied on me to walk, feed and bathe their pets. I’m a stay at home mom. I have two amazing kids! We all have experience in caring for dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs! I have about an acre of land fenced in on a no outlet street! I have a fully fenced in yard I am a Dedicated pet caretaker with 10+ years of experience caring for dogs and cats. Services include walking, feeding, bathing, grooming, administering medication, and fostering. Reliable and trusted by neighbors, friends, and family to provide loving care for their furry companions.

About: Over the past several months, I've had the pleasure of caring for dogs and cats of all ages, from energetic puppies to sweet senior companions. Every pet has their own unique personality and routine, and I take the time to make sure they feel safe, comfortable, and loved while you're away. I have experience administering medications to senior dogs and understand the importance of following care instructions carefully and consistently. Whether it's sticking to feeding schedules, giving medications, going for walks, or simply providing companionship, I treat every pet as if they were my own. When I house sit, I also take great pride in caring for your home. I always aim to leave it cleaner than I found it, so you can come home to happy pets and a tidy, well-cared-for space. My goal is to give you complete peace of mind, knowing both your furry family members and your home are in caring, reliable hands. Caring for animals is already woven into my daily rhythm. I work part-time with flexible hours, giving me plenty of space in my schedule for peaceful walks, playtime, and check-ins with pets. I’m used to creating a balanced routine around my own dog, and bringing that same calm, attentive energy to other pets feels completely natural. I am currently free to sit/walk any day of the week as well as house sit for as long as you need. When caring for pets in a client’s home, I focus on creating a safe, calm, and familiar environment for them. I follow your routines exactly as you outline them — from feeding instructions to walk times to any training cues your dog is used to. I keep doors and gates secured, monitor their body language closely, and make sure they always have fresh water and a comfortable space to relax. Trust is extremely important to me, so I communicate clearly, send updates/photos, and treat your home with the same respect and care I treat your pet.

“Elizabeth was a life savor! I had last minute reached out to see if she could watch my puppy and she was able to accommodate to do so. I felt extremely comfortable leaving my girl with her! She’s super friendly and you could tell she has a genuine love for animals. She was sending me pictures throughout the day and I could tell Nova was having a great time. I would recommend Elizabeth to anyone! Thank you so much for taking great care of my crazy pup Elizabeth!”

Alexa C.