Doggy Day Care in Story City

“I'm pretty sure my dog, Frank, is currently petitioning for a legal name change to "Frank of Ames" after his stay with Katrina yesterday. We were in town visiting our daughter at Iowa State and needed a safe, fun place for Frank to stay, and we hit the jackpot. From the moment we dropped him off, Frank was already sizing up his new crew—Katrina's two incredibly friendly dogs—and planning his fun. The photo and video updates she sent were amazing, showing Frank living his absolute best life, running around and making new friends. Seriously, if you ever need photographic evidence that your dog is having a better time than you are, book with Katrina. Frank came home happy, perfectly exhausted, and now gives us serious side-eye every time we suggest a plain old walk instead of a dog playdate at her place. Thank you, Katrina! You made our trip worry-free. Highly, highly recommend!”

jeff t.

“This family is so wholesome and adorable it feels like dropping your dog off in a Disney movie for the day. Angela took great care of my dog and is very responsive to messages. 10/10 will be using her again.”

Shannon K.

“Thank you so much for watching Grover. Nothing is better than bringing home a tired and cuddly puppy. I enjoyed talking with you both and I have to admit I had a little bit of a teary moment on my way home. The environment of your backyard with friends and family as well as just your welcoming energy reminded me so much of what it was like when my Uncle Ryan was still around. He passed unexpectedly in 2016, leaving behind my Aunt Krista and their two young girls, Claire was 7 and Hannah was 5. My aunt and uncle loved each other so deeply and enjoyed hosting family and friends regularly. I am extremely grateful that you reminded me of those memories I had forgotten about. Please continue to have people over and share these moments with each other! So again, thank you for proving a loving home for my puppy to stay while also bringing back some wonderful memories for me, even though it was unknowingly. Grover and I will 100% be back to visit again!”

Olivia C.

About: Seasoned dog owner offering full-time pet care you can trust. My passion for animals started early—even before spending summers volunteering at the Ames Animal Shelter as a young girl. Every opportunity to pet sit for family and friends had me thrilled to spend time with animals. I bring 4 years of professional grooming experience, beginning as a dog bather and later graduating from grooming school. I’ve also worked 1.5 years in veterinary medicine at a vet hospital, gaining hands-on experience in animal health and care. 🐶 Services I Offer: • Dog Walking • Doggy Daycare • Boarding • Pet Transportation ✓ Extended stays and special requests welcome ✓ LGBTQ+ friendly 🌈 With over 15 years of dog care experience, I’m confident and comfortable with pups of all sizes and temperaments. I’m experienced in administering oral medication and have cared for diabetic pets as well. In addition to dogs, I also care for cats, reptiles, fish, small animals, and exotics. I worked at a pet store for a year, caring for everything from ferrets and snakes to hamsters, chinchillas, bearded dragons, and tropical fish. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out! I look forward to connecting—and giving your pets my very best. 🫶 I provide pet care full-time, so your pet gets all of my love, attention, and care—day and night. I know how hard it can be to leave your furry family, which is why I go out of my way to make them feel safe, relaxed, and loved while you’re away. I’m available 24/7, and I send regular updates and photos so you can feel at ease knowing they’re in kind, capable hands. I like to do a meet and greet before we book anything. It’s a great chance for your pets to get to know me, for us to go over how a typical day looks at your place, and to talk through anything I should be ready for—so I can make sure your pets get the best care possible. I’ll keep you updated with plenty of pictures and videos—and we can even FaceTime if you’d like! If there’s anything else I can do to make your time away from your pets easier, just let me know.

“Samantha is so great to work with! She follows directions perfectly and takes excellent care of all the (3) dogs we’ve had her sit for (doggie day care). She communicates effectively and timely and we never have to worry.”

Kim W.

About: I offer friendly service and plenty of extras. I can do grooming services while sitting. I also can offer group play sessions and off-leash play time (in a secure field). Your pet (s) will be safe and happy with me. I am experienced with many sizes and temperaments and I can handle anything. I know how to seperate dogs from other pets/animals as well, if needed. I will supply the care your pet needs per your instructions and make sure that your loved one is healthy and happy while you are away from home. If you have questions, feel free to ask! Pet care is my main gig! Between grooming, training, and pet-sitting, I am always keeping busy. The care of your pet is my highest priority I have a fenced in yard that I ensure to check the perimeter of on a regular basis. Additionally, I can leash walk dogs or allow them to spend time in a large 10x10 run that is inside a fenced yard

“They are so lovely! A massive yard for Ace to run in which he definitely needed. Her dogs are so friendly and playful. Her children are also very helpful and respectful in asking if they can give my dog one of their dog toys. Will definitely be coming back!”

Hannah D.

“I was visiting town for a work trip and was beyond impressed by the care and communication! My pup Barley is older and just had surgery - it was so wonderful leaving him without worry, knowing he would be extra loved and cared after during the day!”

Caitlin B.

“Absolutely Wonderful care for our new pup. Patient, Loving, Kind. Thank you for the wonderful start to our pups life. You definitely set the bar top notch!”

Debb T.

“My dog loves loves going over to her home. She does a great job. You can tell she has a love for dogs.”

Aerin T.

About: I bring years of experience as a veterinary tech and positive-reinforcement, force-free trainer. I have cared for dogs through every life stage, from neonates puppies to seniors, always prioritizing safety, enrichment, and emotional well-being in a calm, dog-savvy home. In addition to a fenced area, we have 10 acres for walks and individual play time. My work schedule varies throughout the year, but we always have someone at home to care for our personal pets in addition to any other pets staying with us. Your dog's safety and comfort are my top priorities. I work one-on-one with owners to ensure I can provide individualized care to help every dog feel safe, relaxed, and at home. I provide careful supervision and secure routines ensure the safest environment possible.

“I was visiting town for a work trip and was beyond impressed by the care and communication! My pup Barley is older and just had surgery - it was so wonderful leaving him without worry, knowing he would be extra loved and cared after during the day!”

Caitlin B.

About: I grew up caring for dogs my entire life so far, and cats/exotic animals later on. I had a golden retriever from ages 0-10, two Bichon Shih Tzu mixes from ages 11 into my late teen years, and a mini golden doodle and Bichon poodle mix from my teens until i moved out at 18. I also grew up keeping exotic animals since age 8 with help from my parents, and started caring for them on my own since age 16. I have kept frogs, toads, an anole, and even a praying mantis! My partner and I currently have a Husky/German shepherd mix, 3 cats, a bearded dragon, a red eared turtle, a day gecko, and an american toad. I am well versed in caring for all kinds of reptiles and amphibians of all habitats, including arboreal/tropical, desert, aquatic, etc. When it comes to feedings, any kind of feeders/bugs don’t scare me😅. I currently work part-time, and am a full time student. I am doing online college, and working towards a business management degree. My coursework is online, so my schedule is pretty flexible when it comes to pet care. I am home daily, and my partner has days off on Mondays and Tuesdays. We are both huge animal lovers, and have endless love to give! I live in a 3 bedroom condo, with a partial non-fenced backyard, so I would be walking any dogs on a leash. We have 3 cats, so we have 2 litter boxes in the house for use.

About: My pets are indoors AND outside because I have safe, pet friendly, separated or joined, sheltered, natural areas where we can all unwind on my seven acres. I'm a retiree who devotes all my time to my grandkids, animals and hobbies. Your pets' needs are provided for at all times whether they are here for a day, week or month as they are included in our family activities. Pets are kept separated or allowed to play together depending on their needs. I provide crates, mats, kennels and even my bed for peaceful sleeping.

“Cynthia took great care of our dog, Maizy! She went above and beyond to make sure was Maizy was comfortable and engaged. Maizy can be a picky eater and Cynthia even got her to eat a full meal. She was lovey to communicate with, was very responsive, and sent lots of pictures. We will definitely be dropping our pup off with her again!”

Elice B.

“Kelley did a wonderful job taking care of our 15 year old dog, including mealtime and medicine. Kelly is kind and responsible and we could tell that Adi felt comfortable in her home. 5 out of 5 stars. We highly recommend.”

Dave And Karna B.

About: I’ve taken care of fur babies of all kinds since before I could walk. I grew up with a dog and cat always in tow. I lived in the country, so learned fast that the world can be hard for an animal, thus beginning my rehab ‘career’. As I got older, I pet sat for neighbors and family friends. In my mid 20s I trained as a vet tech, prepping animals for surgery, giving vaccinations, nail trims, etc. Until the ISU Wildlife Clinic closed, I volunteered there, learning more care for wild native animals. I’ve had dogs and cats my entire life, I can’t imagine life without animals. I currently have a senior border collie named Lola, she has arthritis so sometimes she needs help getting around and I’m always willing to help my girl. I also have a senior cat. Currently I’m a doordash/grub hub driver, so I literally am free 24/7 to care for your pets! I will prioritize Rover over delivery, so I can work with any schedule you need. I’m available for repeat needs (several walks a week, drop ins, etc). I live in a duplex with a yard. For me to board a pet, they would need to get along with my dog, and she can honestly be a bit grumpy meeting new dogs, so I feel going to the client’s home would be best. I will respect your home and follow whatever instructions you have for the care of your pets.

About: I have had pets in my life since the day I was born. I got my first cat when I was 3 and have had many more since then. :) Caring for my pets has become something that I have worked on and improved over the years - and I love meeting new pets! I own my own business that is run from my home and a downtown location - just three blocks from my home. :) My husband runs our household and is home or helping me daily. We have a fenced in yard that is big enough for the dogs to run laps - and three other dogs who adapt well to having friends over. :)

“We were so lucky to find Beth! With just a few days notice, Beth was available to watch our senior pup while we toured Iowa State with my son. It was so nice to bring our dog along and also not worry about him while we took our tour. Cody was treated to two long walks and is sleeping soundly on our trip back home. Thank you so much, Beth!”

Marianne W.

“I was referred to Mallory when my last doggie daycare person moved out of town recently. I'm so glad she did! Mallory is amazing! So many pictures and videos throughout the day and I can tell Misty had so much fun that she wants to sleep for the rest of the day! Gives me and my husband peace of mind that Misty is in good hands when we are both at work. :)”

Kaitlin S.