Dog Boarding in Schererville

I will respond to you as quickly as possible! We have been so blessed by keeping so many dogs through this website! I am stay at home mom and home school teacher. We have worked with dogvacay for almost 4 years. Our family loves dogs! I have taken care of dogs my whole life and my children have always had dogs in the house. We have two wonderful medium size dogs of our own. We understand how it feels to leave your puppy at a kennel with only a little room to sleep and run around outside. You rest assure that your dog will be played with and loved on the whole time!! We have a fenced in yard in back and we also take our dogs for walks numerous times in the day, hot or cold!! Feel free to ask any questions! We can't wait to meet new friends!

Greetings, fellow pet parents— Sam Rae K. here. So happy you and your favorite paws, fins, and/or wings found your ways to my Rover page.

Brief insight on my animal background—before becoming a professional petsitter and dog walker:

Fieldwork at Chicago's B.A.A.R.K. Foundation (BAARK) and the South Suburban Humane Society (SSHS) was instrumental in preparing me for a future in animal care. BAARK volunteer for over three years, I've devoted ample time & energy to its mission—that which fights to find homes for those often whom owners are least inclined to adopt and most inclined to give up for adoption. BAARK in particular granted me intensive experience with, and a profound understanding of, senior & special needs rescues—a whole lot of Pit Bulls—and their charitable maintenance.

In addition, as volunteer and animal attendant for eight years at the SSHS, I've devoted the time & energy to a wider variety of pets: cats, rabbits, birds, & few from the reptile species. Both organizations, however, have instilled equal knowledge on handling conflicts among animals & their poorly, if ever, trained behavior as well as in the rewards of helping them.

​

From hobbyist, to professional—how my animal care career began, and how it became my 24/7 livelihood:

Coupled with countless dogs, cats and a handful of other pets (birds, snakes, rats, turtles, bunnies, guinea pigs), with each booking, my concept of various species of animals--specifically that of dog breeds--sharpens.

Through individualized attention to pets, I am constantly learning, evolving and developing stronger sensitivity to how animals differ and relate as the family members they become from one household to the next.

With a passion to harness mastery within the infinite field of pet care, I am hungry for knowledge on anything animals. For, such knowledge is power in the establishment of a versatile business, one which offers compassionate, safe, and responsive care to a vast number of pets--whether domesticated, reptile aquatic, exotic, etc.

Nevertheless, the heart of my own personal specialty anchors itself within canine behavior & psychology, as it is through my specialized conscientiousness of dogs that I find myself and my business to flourish most. From giant & inherently more dominant, to mini and medium-sized dogs (though not at all small personalities), I've walked, watched, boarded, & home sat purebred & mixed breeds that together constitute the 7 main dog groups.

Impossible to name them all since many are rescues & thus official breed(s) were never determined. However, for owners who find that type of info helpful in their search for the right sitter, scroll to the bottom for an in-depth list of the dog breeds with whom I've been privileged to have as furry clients.

With that, I cater to a diverse set of dog breeds. That meaning, not just for out-of-home care (i.e. homesitting, check-ins, and walks), but also for boarding and daycare, I've made my dog-friendly version of Grandma's house, investing in pet products which seek to supply numerous breeds with items to suit their individual size, sensitivity level, playfulness, etc.

That I offer 24/7 pet care is no stretch of the truth. Home full-time, I dedicate my life to each service I provide.

Licensed, bonded, and insured, I work to be reliably communicative with my human clients—and observant beyond belief of my furry ones. That way, I can ensure a trustworthy delivery upon being hired. A shelter assistant for so long, petsitting if anything teaches me more valuable lessons on animals, and what it means to foster a 5-star service for the compassionate care of their both physical and mental well-being.

​

I place extreme precedence on meet and greets with owners and their pet(s) before proceeding with a service. So much so that it's highly unlikely I will book with an owner & sadly their fur child if one is not held prior to the requested booking date(s). It's critical I am familiarized and thus comfortable in committing to the care of a pet's individual needs: e.g. dry vs. wet food, medication(s) and feeding mechanisms, strict vs. flexible eating, exercise habits.

However, meet and greets are especially critical so that I understand the full scope concerning the traits of which require hyper-vigilance. All pets practice their own vice: e.g. stool eating, snout or sight-driven wanderlust, aggressive chewing. I hence strive to be over-prepared should I need to take control of a situation as owners would in their instructions.

If requested to petsit at your home, I respect house duties/specifications: e.g. garage/door codes/keys (locking doors when I leave and keeping keys safe for return), mail upkeep, taking out garbage/recycling bins and bringing them to the curb.

---

Round of a-paws if you managed to read this far. You've reached the most important piece of information about myself as a pet sitter (and person) and my pet preferences! Lazy, hyper, energetic, cuddly, stubborn, drooly, skittish, dominant, protective, attention-obsessive, jumpers, incessant face-licking dogs—or, loving, friendly, shy, distant, and/or outright cold/mistrusting cats—whatever the pet and the personality unique to their breed and background, I love him/her as my own, always. ​

If I earned a dollar every time an owner expressed the intense anxiety they feel upon first meeting me and especially upon first leaving their pet(s) in my hands, I'd no longer need charge for service. I'd be financially set for life.

​

And so, fellow pet parents, please do not fear if your pet(s) tend to show signs and/or symptoms of, say, innate aggression, hyperactivity, health concerns, or anything you find may scare or annoy me. Not only do I possess natural patience, empathy, and open-mindedness; I practice it. And there is nothing I work to be as patient with, empathic for, and open-minded about as I do animals. On top of free consultations in which the owner and pet(s) meet me, and I, the owner and pet(s), I am ready and willing to set up what I call “trial runs," performing either one or more minor services for those who may need to get more used to me prior to officially booking.

​

Because I get it– your pet is your baby and deserves the very best care. You don't want to receive—I don't want to make—the frantic phone call about an incident that could've been prevented had I more adequately prepared to alleviate your worries. Animals can be a process, and there is nothing wrong with that. Come the moment they are comfortable, or otherwise trust me, I grant all pets—the furry, furless, scaly, or slimy—the attention, affection, and individualized care they need so they miss not one beat while their humans are away.

If nothing at all, please remember:

I am a professional petsitter —

I am not a kennel.

​

Wag after me:

Cuddles. Not kennels.

------------

DOG BREEDS:

- Alaskan Malamutes

- American Akitas

- American Pit bull Terriers

- American Staffordshire Terriers

- Australian Cattle Dogs

- Australian Shepherds

- Basset Hounds

- Beagles

- Bearded Collies

- Bernese Mountain Dogs

- Bloodhounds

- Bluetick Coonhounds

- Border Collies

- Border Terriers

- Boston Terriers

- Boxers

- Chihuahuas

- Chow Chows

- Cocker Spaniels

- Dachshunds

- Dalmations

- Doberman Pinschers

- Doodle breeds (e.g. Aussiedoodles; Bernadoodles; Cockapoos; Goldendoodles; Labradoodles; Maltipoos)

- English Bulldogs

- English Mastiffs

- German Shepherd Dogs

- German Shorthaired Pointers

- Golden (also White) Retrievers

- Great Danes

- Great Pyrenees

- Havenese

- Italian Greyhounds

- Jack Russell Terriers

- Labrador Retrievers

- Lhasa Apsos

- Maltese

- Miniature Pinschers (Min Pins)

- Miniature Schnauzers

- Old English Sheepdogs

- Poodles

- Pomeranians

- Pugs

- Puggles

- Rottweilers

- Saint Bernards

- Shih Tzus

- Siberian Huskies

- Soft-Coated Wheaton Terriers

- Staffordshire Bull Terriers

- Treeing Walker Coonhounds

- Yorkshire Terriers

PET CARE SUPPLIES (note: ALL of these within the contract that owners sign prior to the beginning of any service):

TOYS:

- plush & non-plush (+ squeakers)

- tug ropes

- about every chew toy imaginable (aka NYLABONES!)

- Kong tennis balls (+ countless regular tennis balls for that matter)

- classic rubber toys, balls, etc.

- every kind of athletic ball (basketball, football, soccer ball, etc.) -- but for dogs (+ squeakers)

GROOMING / HYGIENE :

- eye & ear moist wipes (also used for daily cleansing if they're prone to eye tears or ear infections)

- scissors *w/ safety-ball tips!* for hair cuts

- dental chews & liquid tartar remover

- various shedding brushes

- de-tangle spray & safe dematting combs

*While I'd love to supply my own shampoos & conditioners, I do not. Too often 1 brand or ingredient is only either beneficial or detrimental for 1 specific breed (or individual pet). Thus, if looking to pay for grooming during a pet's stay, I ask owners at least tell me which ones to purchase should they not wish (or forget) to bring their own. *

SAFETY / HEALTH / PROTECTION:

- doggy seatbelts

- car hammocks (prevents sliding forward if riding in the back)

- jackets, coats, hoodies, vests, & more outdoor (& indoor) clothing items for warmth / water resistance

- Hertzo cat & dog cleaning brush (for everyday cleansing of germs, allergies, etc. but even better, for cleansing of fleas & other pests that tend to cling to the discomfort of pets)

- paw & snout protectant cream to chapped or dryness

- washable belly bands for male dogs in every size (XXS-XXL). YES! I own this many. They are the best invention ever created, & if you are not comfortable knowing that your male pup may wear one should he tend to mark—AS SO MANY DO EVEN IF POTTY TRAINED!—then I am sorry, but we are not a good fit. These are comfortable, easy, & they: 1. deter your male fur baby from peeing within a home which a nice lady works so hard to keep clean so that every male pup following does not do the same & 2. thus keeps the nice lady from turning crazy trying to keep her home clean, safe, & healthy for her furry guests.

- joint supplements from the clinically-approved brand, NaturVet (especially beneficial for pain in senior dogs)

- pill pockets: both capsule & tablet-sized (peanut butter, bacon, & chicken-flavored)

- metal, wooden, & plastic separation gates should dogs not get along and/or are prohibited from certain areas

- Winix Air purifier (helps keep house accidents & other animal, & human of course, smells & odors not so overwhelming for furry guests; also good for fresh air circulation & thus healthy indoor living conditions)

- Diatomaceous Earth (backyard/garden pest-repellet product; especially beneficial for flea control to protect dogs if pottying/playing out back)

*While I own Benadryl, all-natural calming chews & CBD oil, these will NEVER be administered unless asked otherwise or for emergency purposes only. I also have Capster Fast-Acting Oral Flea Treatment on deck. While I also only administer Capter tablets by a strict case-to-case basis, I admit I’m much quicker to administer treatment should I see serious signs of fleas, & obviously, if I physically see fleas on your pet(s). Emergencies are as unpredictable as the pet(s) you own themselves. It’s so, so immensely important to be prepared for unpredictable circumstances or tragedies. It is as simple as that.*

SLEEP / COMFORT:

- 2 L, 3 MED, 1 S, & 1 XS-sized dog bed(s)

- throw pillows & fuzzy / warm blankets

- 1 L & 1 MED dog crate (however I only have these if owners ask or recommend it, should the dog be either well crate-trained or perhaps feel more comfortable in their crate; in other words, I'm not a kennel unless preferred).

*On top of these means to comfort, my husband & I also have them within what we deem our furry guest room. & yes, it is exactly how it sounds —your pets, on top of, realistically, having free reign over our home, even have their very own room where all of these sleep & comfort supplies are laid out just for them. *

OUTSIDE / YARD / WALKS:

- large fully fenced-in yard (w/ even bigger one down the road at my parents')

- heavy weight tie-out leash w/ stake

- everyday walking leashes, slip ropes & retractable/locking leashes

- XS, S, MED, L & XL harnesses

- poop bags... so.many.poopbags.

DOG BONES / CHEWS:

- NO RAWHIDE (100% DIGESTABLE) dog bone brands / chews: DreamBones; SmartBones; SmartSticks; Purina Busy Bones;Oinkies; Natural Nubs Edible DogChews; Blue Wilderness Dental Bones (original, peanut butter, chicken,beef, vegetable, bacon-flavored / wrapped)

- Kong peanut butter / treat plastic bones

- Smoked/meaty bones

- Bully Sticks

- Blue Wilderness training & regular dog treats

* I do own a few bags of rawhide dog bones, as some are immune to it than others & can handle them if supervised & never eaten as a meal. That said, any dog bone (or toy for that matter), no matter the brand or quality, is administered on a case-to-case basis. Anything I have mentioned above are things that every owner has the right to discuss with me should they not feel comfortable with them eating, chewing, what have you, on whatever the treat, chew toy, or bone. **

*******PLEASE READ POLICY FIRST*******

Please make sure your furbabies are up to date on ALL vaccines (Rabies, Bordatella, Influenza, Parvo, etc.). Proof is required prior to acceptance of the booking.

Please make sure your furbaby is bathed prior to their doggy vacay. If not, no worries I offer bathing services as well.

The Drop off/Pick up schedule is as follows:

(Think of it as a Doggy Hotel ☺)

*Check in* at the earliest is 1pm. If you need earlier it's an early drop off fee of $15.

*Check out* at the latest is 1pm. If you need a later pick up it's $15 late fee until 3pm. Anything later than that is considered another days stay at the nightly rate of $25-$35.

Cancellations:

If provided atleast 1 week of notice you will receive a 100% refund. If less than 1 week of notice you will receive a 50% refund.

Any damages caused by your furbaby will result in an additional fee for repairs.

Pups must be thoroughly house broken.

Thank you so much for visiting my profile. Nothing would make me happier than to care for your babies as if they are my own.

*****************

I am a very trustworthy, compassionate and dependable animal lover. Ever since I was a young girl I knew my calling was to care for them in some capacity. I started by rescuing strays on the street until I could find them loving forever homes. Then I began to pet sit for family and friends. I enjoy volunteering at the Animal Shelters. And as a hobby a like to groom dogs as well. I make sure that my home is a safe and peaceful environment for the animals to enjoy their stay. I give the animals free range at my home so they can be most comfortable. If an owner has specific preferences and/or instructions I make sure to abide by them to the fullest extent.

Have a great day!

Kiana ?

Your pup will definitely enjoy his/her time away from home with us - Daisy, Tony and I look forward to keeping your pup happy and well entertained while you are at work or on vacation. Daisy is our hound-mix rescue; she is two years old and loves having playmates around for company and exercise. We have been with Dog Vacay (now Rover) for over six years and love taking care of your pups and treat them as our own. Our home provides plenty of room to play inside and outside. We have a great backyard that is completely fenced in for safe outside play-time. Your pup will have 24/7 companionship and supervision. I also provide walks and drop in visits for your cat or pup!

Happy Pet = Less Stress

My husband Rich and I are your perfect dog sitting POWER couple! You'll get both of us for the price of one :) . Rich is a young retiree, home full time and a super dog lover! He's owned dogs all his life, even breeding dachshunds for many years. I am a school teacher, who is home a lot, including holidays and summers. I've owned dogs for most of my life, including a cocker spaniel, dachshund and a beagle. Together we are the proud owners of an English Cream Golden Retriever named Libby. She is super sweet and loves having doggie friends over to play! We're always the dog sitting home for friends and relatives when they go on vacation! We really do love it! Our BOARDING service consists of a maximum of 24 hours of care. Our DAY CARE service consists of a maximum of 10 hours of care.

I have been dog sitting for about 5 years, and for the past 2 years, I have been pet sitting full time. I have experience in administering oral medication, eye drops as well as injections. I love dogs of all ages. Senior dogs have a very special place in my heart and understand their needs and special attention they require. I believe dogs should be part of the family with lots of attention, affection, stimulation as well as providing a safe environment at all time.

About this sitter:

My husband and I live in a large 3 bedroom home in addition to a "dog room" and have made the basement dog friendly. Your dog will be cared for in a dog loving home with free range of my home. I supervise outdoor play and indoor play and make sure your dog feels safe in our care. I offer plenty of toys, blankets, beds as well as interactive and stimulating puzzle toys to keep your dog curious and busy. I am home all day so that your "furbaby" will always have my attention.

Why I love dog sitting

I was born and raised with dogs in our household. Being an only child, my dogs gave me companionship and unconditional love at all times. I love all animals but dogs have the biggest piece of my heart. An English sheepdog was my first dog and was my best friend until was 7. After that, we mostly had dobermans and the occasional stray dog.

About my yard

We live in a corner house with a large, fenced yard with plenty to explore such as rabbits, squirrels and the neighborhood children who love to visit the variety of dogs we host. Both gate entrances have signs that read "DOG ON PREMISES". There is plenty of grass with two very large trees for shade during the summer and squirrel chasing. We have some areas blocked off with a smaller fence such as behind the garage and shed. It makes me nervous when I can't see what they are up to. I supervise from the patio and other times, I walk around the yard picking up things to keep our yard safe and tidy.

My experience administering medication

I am very comfortable administering medication and injections. My schnauzer is diabetic and she receives insulin injections twice a day.

My name is Kayla and I am a full-time pet sitter! There is really nothing better than spending my days caring for dogs. It brings me so much joy. When your dog is in my care, they are treated with as much love and affection as if they were my own.

Use my Promo Code: kaylac60351 for $20 off your first booking with me on Rover!

I am comfortable caring for dogs of all ages, including puppies and senior dogs that require special attention and care. I can assist with potty-training, learning new "tricks", and can administer oral medication if needed. I typically do not take dogs over 45 pounds, but may make exceptions. I will not accept dogs that show signs of aggression during our meet and greet. I require all dogs to be on flea preventative and be up to date on their vaccinations. I will not accept male dogs that “mark” in the house - I will notice this during our meet and greet.

Please continue reading for a description of each of my services. Thank you. :) 

Doggy Day-Care or Overnight Stays:


For the safety of your pet and my own, I require a meet and greet before all first-time stays in my home. Please let me know of any "quirks" or "naughty" behaviors beforehand so I know what to look out for. Things like laundry picking, trash digging, door darting, counter surfing, jumping, food aggression, resource guarding, herding behaviors, and so on.

~I only board 1 or 2 dogs at a time to give them the individualized attention and care they deserve. I may have up to 4-5 dogs in my home at a time if I have some over for Day Care.

~I live in a spacious bi-level home. While the downstairs area is gated off, the upstairs area is free for the dogs to roam and play. I keep the doors to all bedrooms and bathrooms closed for safety.

~I do not have a fenced yard, so all potty breaks will be on leash. I take the dogs outside separately unless I feel they can walk nicely together. I prefer a walking harness, but will use what is provided by the owner.

~I feed the dogs separately. I respect food preferences and do not allow food sharing whatsoever. I do provide some treats if owner allows.

~I have plenty of toys, beds, and blankets for your pet to get comfortable. You do not have to bring your own, but feel free if you'd like to. They are free to use the furniture as well. I also have extra food and water bowls, so you do not have to bring them from home. *Please no rawhide bones.

~My goal is to make your dog feel like they are at their home away from home. I try to stick to their 'normal' routine when it comes to going outside, feeding, playing, and sleeping arrangements! 

- There will be times that I have to leave home to accommodate walks and drop-in visits; please let me know if your dog is okay to be left alone for a short period of time and whether or not they need to be crated while I am gone.

Drop-In Visits or Dog Walking:


I have limited availability for walks and drop-ins. I try my best to accommodate all requests by using a time frame rather than a set time for the service.

Please try to book the service at least 24 hours in advance.

~Drop-In visits include going outside, feeding, fresh water, playtime, and another round of going outside!

~Walks are 30 minutes long, usually between a half mile to a mile. I always bring doggie waste bags and water along during hot months just incase! I can also feed and provide fresh water at home if needed.

I am a dog lover. I have a big yard where they can play, and I love to go on walks. I have owned several dogs over the years, shepherds, labs, pit bulls - all rescues, all mutts - and I have learned from every one of them. I also have enjoyed training dogs over the last 25 years , and it's still a thrill when I can make a connection with a dog and see their excitement when they are engaged and learning a new skill.

I will make sure your dog is loved and well cared for, and if there are any behaviors that you would like me to work on while you are gone, I would be more than willing to try!

Our 2 dogs are gracious enough to allow my spouse, Nancy and I to live in our very dog friendly home. We have a large fenced yard over looking a small lake and our gates are always locked so no one can accidentally leave them open. We also have a separate fenced area in the event we need to keep the little ones separated for safety while playing outside. We have both had dogs our entire lives and they are truly our babies. Our dogs are great with other dogs and are socialized often. We are confident that your dog would quickly become one of the pack while staying with us. They will get plenty of cuddle time as well as play time. My spouse is home so the dogs would rarely if ever be left alone. We have experience with medication administration and over the years have had to care for dogs with a variety of health issues. While in our care you can rest assured your babies will be treated as our own, that is code for SPOILED ROTTEN! We will also keep you updated with photos and are more than willing to allow you to facetime while you are away.

I SERVE ALL OF CHICAGOLAND AND NORTHWEST INDIANA!! I've been working for veterinarians for the last 9 years with experience from veterinary assistant (assisting surgeries) to kennel attendant to reception so im HIGHLY qualified to take care of your pet. I can also bring your pet to a vet of your choice if need be. I can spot if your pet is not feeling well better than the average pet sitter. I Also take care of pets ranging from dogs, cats, reptiles, fish etc. My wife Heather also currently works for a veterinarian so you're really getting 2 qualified people. I've been dog sitting on the side for years now and am hoping to make this a full time job. I have many references available upon request! I will spend as much time with your pet as you would like! I have no issues juggling my work schedule with pet sitting since my boss at work basically let's me make my own hours. I'm skilled in pet training, behavior, giving oral and injectable medications, pet CPR, and since I currently work for a veterinarian I'm able to tell if your pet is not feeling well better than your average pet sitter. All my pets at my home are all fully vaccinated, get dewormed twice a year, and get heartworm medication and flea/tick medication consistently. I always keep your pet(s) separate from my pets and others pets for their own safety. :)