Dog Walking Rock Spring

About: Hey there! My name is Jen, and I would love to take care of your babies for you! A bit about me: I am a Licensed Veterinary Technician of 10+ years, with the majority of my experience being in surgery/anesthesia and working in emergency triage. My husband is a Veterinarian/Surgeon with 25 years under his belt this year. He does not help with care and is not responsible for my clients, but is always available for advice and input. In addition, I am a Certified Feline Behaviorist (think Jackson Galaxy!) and thoroughly enjoy working with feline behavior concerns to help keep cats in their homes. I also have experience with basic level dog training and work with a variety of local clients on basic obedience, potty training, crate training, bite inhibition for puppies, etc. in addition to professional pet sitting, boarding, daycare, and basic grooming, I am capable and available for a variety of veterinary technician services like medication/fluid administration, insulin administration, bandage changes, nail trims, etc. I also have a solid understanding of disease and parasite transmission as well as toxicity exposure/ingestion risks and act accordingly with the pets in my care. I interned for several years at Vilas Zoo in Madison, WI and for a year at Chattanooga Zoo here in TN. My husband did a residency at Montgomery Zoo in Alabama, and we met 10 years ago when we both used to own large reptile breeding businesses, primarily working with a variety of snakes. I have also spent years as a wildlife rehabber, working primarily with rabbits, squirrels, song birds, opossums, and native reptiles. Thus in addition to dogs and cats, I am well-versed in the care and biological needs of practically every species you can think of! In addition to my professional skills, education, and experience, I have immense personal experience -- essentially from the moment I was born. My mother has run a cat rescue in Wisconsin for decades, and my grandfather did the same before her. I also have been rescuing cats for the past 20 years. My parents have always kept a wide variety of pets, ranging from cats and dogs to fish, reptiles, small mammals/pocket pets, and exotics, so I have been immersed in caring for almost every kind of pet you can think of since before I can remember. I also have always had an invisible neon sign above my head that only animals can see, which has made it so that all injured, young, or lost pets and wildlife find their way to me no matter where I am or what I'm doing -- even in Army basic training when I was 20, when I rescued a 10-day-old stray kitten from drowning due to a burst pipe underneath our barracks -- so I have always had animals in my care at any given moment. In our personal lives, we have two children: my 19-year-old son and our 8-year-old daughter, both of whom have been raised in animal rescue, veterinary medicine, pet care and behavior training, etc. and have extensive skills and knowledge of their own which brings me immense pride to see. We have 4 kitties and a Boston Terrier, all of whom are very comfortable with the various visiting pet friends that stay with us. They are also spayed/neutered, UTD on vaccines, negative for all common communicable diseases, and UTD on heartworm/flea/tick prevention. My boarding pets have spaces away from our pets if necessary, so interaction is not required and separation is just fine! I have never known a life without being surrounded by animals, without my clothes being covered in fur, and without being called to help care for animals in need. It is not just what I do, but who I am, down to my very core, and brings me immense joy and gratification. I cannot begin to express how much I love what I do. I love caring for others' pets and giving them the ability to be loved and well cared for when their own loving parents cannot be with them for whatever reason. I also have frequently helped clients become aware of health concerns within their pets that they may not otherwise notice, then can have their regular DVM evaluate and address it -- ranging from skin allergies to yeast infections in ears to heart murmurs to dental disease. I feel that my career position, my education, my decades of experience, my knowledge, and my skillset, not to mention having my DVM husband handy for advice and knowledge, puts me ahead of most pet caretakers. It ensures that your babies are in the safest and most experienced, well-prepared hands they could possibly be in! I currently work remote from home as an emergency triage technician and am the Manager of Performance, Training, and Team Success for GuardianVets, so I am available 7 days per week, 24 hours per day to care for pets in my home. I also have some open availability from 8am to 10pm, so I am able to do drop-ins, potty breaks, feed, scoop litter boxes, change cages/bedding, etc. 2-3 times per day before the final visit for the evening. I can make just about any request work! Care depends on the individual pet, their breed, age, personality and needs, as well as what training and rules their parents have in place for them, and whether they are boarding in my 3600 sq. ft. home or I am caring for them in your home. Pets boarding in my home or coming for Doggy Daycare must be UTD on all core vaccines for their species with verification from their veterinarian. For puppies under 16 weeks of age, they must be UTD with the most recent booster for their age. All puppies under 16 weeks or puppies who have not yet completed all 4 vaccine boosters yet will be the ONLY boarding client I keep during their duration of stay in order to best protect their developing immune system. As you would expect, my home and all supplies (crates, bowls, etc) are thoroughly sanitized after each client. Bowls are washed in the dishwasher at over 140 degrees to sanitize, and all floors and kennels are sanitized with Kennel Care (an effective veterinary-grade disinfectant against Parvo and all other infectious agents). I do also require that all dogs boarding here or coming for Doggy Daycare are either cat-friendly or cat-neutral (meaning they ignore them). We cannot board any dogs who are cat aggressive, small dog aggressive, or obsessive cat/dog chasers, due to the risk to our pets. Even though we have a separate space for boarding dogs, the risk of injury or death is too great if they were to somehow get loose and come into contact with them. I am sorry. This specifically means dogs who have a known history of active aggression toward prey animals or an excessive interest/obsession with chasing small dogs and cats. Simply being vocal toward cats or showing interest and wanting to gently investigate is not aggression and is fine. If you aren't sure how your baby would be, you are absolutely welcome to bring them over for a trial meeting on-leash to see how they do with them first! I will always text daily updates and pics to let you know how your babies are doing and what they are up to! I am an obsessive picture taker anyway, especially with animals. :) BOARDING DOGS: I require all dogs to be crate-trained or at least comfortable being in a crate for safety reasons (i.e. if I need to leave the house for any reason, they must be able to be crated). I keep large and medium sized comfortable, secure crates with comfortable washed fresh blankets for boarding dogs, or you are welcome to bring your own! Most boarding dogs are kept in our master suite so that I can supervise them at all times. On the rare occasion where we have boarding clients from two different families, we will set the other one up in my adult son's room. They are never alone or left ignored. For outgoing dogs who adapt well to any new situation and do well with other animals, they are allowed to run around the house with us, chill on the couch, hang out on the bed and watch TV, etc, unless their parents have trained them not to be on furniture, then we uphold this same rule for them here for consistency and they are offered blankets or beds on the floor. This is always under strict supervision, no unsupervised time loose. For dogs who are more nervous/anxious in new spaces, they are crated and given 3-5 intervals of supervised 1:1 time loose in my large master suite rather than the full house, and away from the cats or our dog if they may upset them. For the most nervous babies, I usually recommend remaining crated in a larger crate so they have room to move around, as they feel most secure there, with regular potty breaks. Similar to boarding at a veterinary clinic. All boarding dogs get lots of outside play time in our yard, always on a 30-foot training leash that is attached to my hand at all times. This lets them run and play and have fun while still always being under my control and security. I do not believe in using tie-outs nor do I ever leave a dog outside alone -- whether that is a client's dog or my own. Feeding is based on their own individual preferences and requirements/instructions from their pet parents. I have all necessary bowls here, just need their food provided. BOARDING CATS: For kitties, the most outgoing, friendly, and adaptable cats are set up in our daughter's bedroom so that they have a whole room with a comfy bed and someone to sleep with at night, as well as a clean sanitized litterbox (unless they bring their own). They are also provided plenty of cat-safe toys and clean blankets to lay on. I can provide litter unless your baby has a preference for a specific type/brand, which is no issue! My daughter LOVES having boarding cats with her and will play with them with wand toys, fuzzy mice, and laser pointers for as long as they are willing, and snuggle them in bed while playing Minecraft. I take care of all the care essentials and always have hands-on time with them to ensure all is well. For the more anxious/scared kitties who prefer to hide and have less interaction, they are kept either in a large multi-level cat condo with a litterbox at the bottom, or a large wire dog crate with the litterbox on one side and a plastic step stool on the other so they can sit elevated on top or hide underneath. I set these up inside my master bedroom if I have no boarding dogs, or my daughter's room if we do. They are allowed to decompress in a quiet warm space, and I will spend lots of time petting and loving on them if they would like it, otherwise I give them their space with just periodic check-ins and caretaking (litter, food, water, etc). BOARDING EXOTICS: Species-dependent, we can discuss specifics! DOGGIE DAYCARE: Exactly the same as boarding, just for shorter periods, whether that's an hour or two while you attend a doctor appt, or 8 hours while you work! PETSITTING IN YOUR HOME: I am fully able to stay 24/7 if you prefer, or I can just stay during the day and then head home around 9pm and back again the next morning. For clients who wish me to stay 24/7 in their home, I will need access to high-speed WiFi in order to work my remote job overnight, as I work third shift. I do not have to be isolated from pets for this job, they can hang out with me. :) While I am in your home, I can sleep either on the couch or in a guest bedroom if you have one and are comfortable, either is fine with me. For couches, I will bring my own pillow and blanket. I will not do any cooking or anything that requires making a mess or cleaning up, and guarantee your home will be left in the same condition/state it was when I arrived, and will take any trash with me when I go. Your pets will sleep wherever they are used to sleeping, so if that's with a person, they are very welcome to sleep with me! I can let them out every 1-2 hours, including while working for puppies and seniors who need overnight potty breaks. DROP-IN VISITS: For pets who stay at home and have me come over for care, I usually come over 2-3x per day for potty breaks, play breaks, a walk, meal times, litter scooping, cage cleaning, etc. and overall health checks to ensure all is well. I will always treat them as if they were my own babies and ensure they get lots of love and exercise to burn off that energy during the short time we have!

About: I have experience with puppies, senior pets, and those with special needs, including mild-moderate reactivity. I, myself have a 10-year-old pup that we adopted from a shelter in 2018. I've fostered dogs in the past for a senior rescue non-profit in Monterey, CA where I cared for and assisted in the adoption placement of 6 dogs over the course of 1 year. You can rest easy on your business trip, family vacation, or wherever you are knowing that I will treat your four-legged family member as my own. Thank you very much for considering me! I'm currently working part-time as an after-school teacher, so I'm only away for 3-4 hours a few days a week. Outside of this, my daily schedule is fairly flexible so I can work around your pets' normal schedule! I like to keep to a regular schedule with the pets I'm caring for. I've found that by doing this, they warm up to me more quickly and it helps ease any potential stress of their family being away. A typical general day would include a morning walk, afternoon park visit, hike, or other similar high energy play-time, and an evening walk. I also love to include mental stimulation throughout the day such as mini-training sessions. I will always do a consultation before care begins to ensure I have a thorough understanding of the daily needs for your pet to adjust the schedule as needed.

“Very happy with Matthew's service. Amazing communication.”

Veronika H.

About: I’ve been petting sitting since I was fifteen. I have pet sat for family, friends, neighbors and family friends. I have been is charge of reptiles, fish chickens, guinea pigs, horses, hermit crabs, cats and dogs. I love all kinds animals and love adding to pet sitting photo box on my phone. I take pictures of all the pets that I watch. I was a kennel technician for a year and four months at a veterinarian office. I have watched multiple dogs at one time. The most I have watched is three. However when I was a kennel tech I was in charge of a lot. I have my own transportation and loving animals is one of my passions in life and always will be. I do have a full time job however, most of my clients have no problem with me staying at their house while pet sitting. However, it's all up to whatever you want to do. If you prefer I can also drop in and take care of them as well. I have no trouble doing both jobs. Your pup will get plenty of time with me still and it will be properly taken care of. I have been house/pet sitting for some time now and have had no problems at it. I make sure that I have plenty of time to take care of everything that needs to be done. In your house I will treat them like my own. Every pet that I watch becomes a part of my own in a way. I will love on them, take them for walks, or to the park if that is what your wanting. If you have a less active pup no worries we will have a chill time just taking it easy.

“Vanessa was great! We booked her for a last minute dog walk and she was super fast to respond and very accommodating to our fairly high-maintenance requests. We will definitely use her again!”

emily s.

About: What sets me apart is how genuinely I connect with every animal I care for. I take the time to learn their routines, quirks, and what makes them feel safe and happy. I treat every pet like family. I always go the extra mile to make sure owners feel at ease while they’re away. I am pretty flexible with scheduling for all needs! You let me know what you need and I can more than likely make it happen! My home is clean, pet-friendly, and set up for both play and rest. I can easily crate your dog if needed, follow any feeding or medication routines, and keep you updated with photos and messages while you’re away.

About: Caring for animals is more than a job to me, it's something I genuinely love! I provide pet care and house sitting full-time, allowing me to offer reliable, flexible, and personalized attention. I have experience with dogs of all ages and personalities, as well as cats and other animals. I'm trustworthy, respectful of your home, and committed to keeping your pets comfortable and happy while you're away. You can count on regular updates, plenty of pictures, and peace of mind knowing your pets and home are in caring hands! Pet care is my full-time focus, so my schedule is flexible and built around the needs of the animals I care for! I'm typically available 7 days a week for walks, drop-in visits, and house sitting. I enjoy spending my days with animals and make it a priority to give each pet plenty of attention, exercise, and companionship. Whether your pet needs a consistent daily routine or occasional care while you're away, I'm happy to work with your schedule. My place features a secure, fenced in backyard and easy indoor access, ensuring your furry friends have plenty of space to play and relax. With constant supervision, and a pet friendly environment, your pets will feel right at home while you are away.

About: I’ve been walking & sitting dogs for friends and family for several years. I’m reliable, love long walks or cuddle time, and always follow feeding & care routines. Your dog’s comfort and safety are my top priority; I treat them like they’re my own! I have a flexible schedule that lets me be there for your furry friends when you need me most: early mornings, evenings, weekends, or last-minute walks. I’m reliable, responsive, and happy to adjust to your pet’s routine so they feel comfortable, safe, and loved. I will provide updates & photos so you can relax knowing your pet is happy & safe! I make sure to maintain your pet’s usual routine to reduce stress and preserve comfort. I have a two year old golden doodle who loves to play with other dogs!

About: I love animals and I don’t have much space in my life for one right now, but I have plenty of space in my heart! I think all pets should be spoiled with love and attention and pets owners should be able to have their pets stress free! I work a regular 9/5, but my hours are relatively flexible. Fridays are pretty short days for me, and Saturday and Sunday are typically completely open I like to put the pets needs first. I will give them their own desired amount of attention and be ready to take them for a nice walk. I also have a lot of energy so playing fetch and getting the zoomies out would be a big part of my care! I think doing very light training (simple commands) and reinforcement is fun, and it’s also good for the pets.

About: Hello, I have much experience owning/taking care of different types of animals such as house hold pets just as well as farm animals: horses, cows, pigs and chickens etc. I love and enjoy caring for all different breeds and sizes of animals. I’m super flexible with my schedule so I will be available most days and times for Rover just give me a heads up a day or so before hand. I always make sure to give the best care and treatment to our fur babies. Keeping them on their normal routine while keeping them healthy and happy is my main priority.

“Shamon was awesome! She gave me constant updates and walked my dog. I am so pleased! I will definitely be booking her again!”

Morgan B.

“Joslynne was great and very attentive to our dogs. My Boston doesn't deal well with the heat and Josylnne made sure to cut the walk short in order for her to not overheat. She also offered to clean up a plant that had fallen in the house. Very sweet! We will use again!”

Jessica N.

About: I’ve been in animal care for 24 years. I have animal shelter experience and am passionate about animal care. I have full time availability to care for your pets. I have full time availability and can always take care of your pets at any and all times. I have a flexible schedule and love animals. I have a fenced in yard and safe neighborhood for walks. I am available 24/7 for your pet care needs. I have diverse animal experiences for all types of animal care.

About: I am an experienced animal owner and previous vet assistant. I have three dogs and two cats, and have experience with exotic and small/caged animals as well. I have worked with many types of special needs animals (aggressive, multiple medications, assisted walking, etc) so I am comfortable around ALL cat and dog types! I would love to just stop by or stay for extended visits. I am in the East Brainerd area but definitely willing to travel when needed. I run everyday with my dogs and could with yours too. Although, I would love to sit and watch some Netflix with your couch potato puppies too! Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions about stays or arrangements- I have flexible hours and availability at this time and would love to hear from you! Pet care is my life! I love animals and am willing to work hard for your fur family so you can rest easy while you are away. I am willing to clean after myself and your animals while you are away, just leave details, also happy to take care of small chores, like putting the garbage out and getting the mail.

“Emily did a great job on taking Pei for a walk while I am moving in! Pei (who is generally about) went along with Emily like they’ve been besties for a while. 😁”

Shauna H.

About: I've grown up around animals and have been caring for pets since I was young. I've helped friends, family, and neighbors with pet sitting, feeding, walking, and giving pets attention while they're away. I'm comfortable with dogs of all sizes and love staying active, so walks and playtime are something I genuinely enjoy. I'm a college student in nursing school, so I'm responsible, attentive, and love to give love! I truly have a soft spot for all animals and treat every pet like my own. I’m currently working part-time, but I have a flexible schedule and can easily fit dog walks into my day. I’m available most days and can adjust to your pet’s needs. I do work occasional night shifts, so I may be resting during parts of the day, but I’m still very open and flexible with timing. Since I focus on dog walking, I prioritize safety, patience, and building trust with every pet. I take time to make animals feel comfortable and pay attention to their behavior and needs. I’ll always follow your instructions carefully and make sure your pet is safe, happy, and well cared for during every walk.

“Very dependable. Provided video updates of walks. Would use again.”

Bradford B.

About: I’ve had animals my entire life and have always had a natural love for caring for them! 🐾 I have years of hands-on experience working with dogs, cats, farm animals and reptiles. I treat every pet like they’re my own. I’m dependable, caring, and passionate about making sure your pets feel safe, happy, and loved while you’re away. ❤️ Pet care has always been a part of my everyday life! I own a dog, two cats, a snake, bearded dragon, leopard gecko, and a betta fish, and that’s after I rehomed 5 animals lol. Caring for so many different animals has made taking care of pets a natural part of my daily routine. 🐾💕 I do not have a fenced-in backyard, so I wouldn’t have a private area to let your dog out, but we can always go somewhere public or use your yard if your home offers one. I also have a crate available if needed! I care for every animal with the same love, patience, and attention I give my own pets. In my home or a client’s home, I make sure pets are comfortable, safe, fed, exercised, and given plenty of love and attention while sticking to their normal routines.