Dog Walking Sugar Loaf

About: I’ve spent over a decade helping dogs and the people who love them build better relationships. My background includes professional dog training, developing an animal-assisted intervention program in a special education school, working with therapy dog teams, supporting rescue dogs, and educating handlers using positive reinforcement methods. As a former teacher, I bring patience, observation, and a thoughtful approach to every dog I care for. I believe every dog is an individual, and I take the time to understand their personality, communication style, comfort level, and what motivates them. Whether I’m taking your dog for a walk or stopping by for a visit, my focus is on more than just exercise. I pay close attention to body language and stress signals while providing enrichment, safe exploration, and positive interactions tailored to your dog’s needs. I love giving dogs the opportunity to sniff, explore, and enjoy the world while building confidence and trust. I have experience with puppies, adolescent dogs, senior dogs, and rescue dogs adjusting to new homes. I incorporate positive reinforcement principles, including concepts from Puppy Culture, to help puppies develop confidence, healthy habits, and a strong foundation. For dogs who enjoy adventure, I’m also happy to offer longer enrichment walks or easy hikes on dog-friendly trails (with owner approval). These outings are a great way for active dogs to get additional physical and mental enrichment while exploring safely at their own pace. As a dog owner myself, I understand that your dog is family. My goal is to provide the same thoughtful, reliable care, communication, and attention that I would want for my own dogs. I also have experience caring for cats, including living with a senior cat, and I understand that cats often need a different approach than dogs. I’m happy to provide thoughtful care while respecting their individual personalities and boundaries. Every visit/ walk, you will get text updates and photos. As a pet mom myself, it always puts me at ease to see a happy picture while in the care of a trusted sitter or walker. I’m looking forward to meeting your furry family members! Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions! ☺️ I currently offer walks/ hikes Mondays & Wednesdays: 9:45-12:30 Fridays: 9:45-11:15 I can do check-ins and occasional walks on scheduled weekends and evenings as well. Your pet’s safety and comfort are my top priorities. I believe every dog and cat is an individual, and I take the time to understand their routines, body language, personality, and needs before providing care. For walks and drop-in visits, I follow your instructions closely and maintain a safe, calm environment for your pet. I use thoughtful handling practices, pay attention to stress signals, and make decisions based on what is best for each individual animal. I always make sure they have fresh water upon return from our walk, and during check-in visits. As a longtime pet owner with dogs and a senior cat of my own, I understand how important it is to trust someone with a member of your family. I treat each home and pet with respect, provide reliable communication, and will always prioritize your pet’s well-being.

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Shannon and Justin have been absolutely wonderful with our puppy, Aria! They are reliable, communicative, and clearly care so much about the dogs they look after. We always feel at ease knowing Aria is in such good hands. She gets plenty of attention, playtime, and care during their visits, and they give us great updates each time. It’s such a relief to know we can trust them when we’re at work or away. Highly recommend them to anyone looking for dependable and loving pet sitters!”

Emily G.

“Everything was perfect! Archie would love to have her visit again!”

Amy K.

“Best drop-in dog walks!! Shannon is always right on time, provides updates and truly plays with and loves on our Goose! He is always smiling so big in his photos while he’s with Shannon. Best part of his day, and so much peace of mind for us while we’re at work during the day. Don’t hesitate to book with her!!”

Sierra T.

About: Super flexible schedule! located in Goshen, NY. ** I have experience with reactive dogs, 100+ lb dogs, and a specialty in small animals incl. rabbits, birds, guinea pigs & more ** Whether your pet is in need of a walk, medication or feeding routine, time at home, assistance to their special needs, or checking on their wellbeing, I will ensure your babies get everything they need with a stress-free experience! I would be more than happy to help with pet sitting or dog walking, no matter your pet’s size or age. ♡ I have fully open and flexible availability. I’m able to dog walk and do home drop-ins in Orange County. I can usually squeeze in last minute bookings. If owner would like to opt-in for photos, I’d be more than happy to take some photos of your pet and send them over to you!

“Maddy was excellent! I booked her as a walker when I was in a pickle last minute, she is very kind and quick to respond. She also makes the extra effort to make sure your fur baby is taken care of, the way I, as an owner would want. Definitely would recommend!”

Joyce C.

About: I have life long experience taking care of dogs, between my own personal dogs, to my siblings dogs as well as close friends and family. I have this connection with animals that I can't describe which makes me the favorite uncle amongst my furry nieces and nephews. I have experience training my own dogs and my siblings dogs as well in the past. I also have experience with elderly dogs. I have a full and open schedule during the week and I am flexible with time. The weekends can be discussed further upon request of service. We are currently set up for only walks and visits. so care for pets will be at client residence to ensure they fell safe in their environment

“Alexa is beyond great! She is a pitbull aficionado and I’m sure she knows a lot about other dogs as well. I feel blessed to have found her! My dog absolutely loves her! She knows so much about dogs that I’m learning from her. Thank you so much Rover for getting us together. I am beyond grateful.”

Linda C.

“Julia was terrific! She showed up for a last minute request. She was friendly, prompt and flexible. My dog was very comfortable with her at the outset. I was so impressed that since she needed to address something at home she offered to take my dog with her rather than give me less than the full hour walk.”

Marcy R.

“Tessa takes great care of my rescue dog, Glen, who can be a handful at times. When I come home he is way more relaxed than stressed, and this is a credit to Tessa. I am fortunate and grateful that she is able to take care of him.”

Mary B.

“Erika was very personable, professional as well punctual. I had knee surgery and was laid up for some time. Erika was there for me she was kind and sweet to Abby gave her a good exercise. She also always asked if I needed something which I found very comforting. I recommend Erika and will surely use her again”

Joe P.

About: I have many years of experience living with and caring for a variety of animals of all ages. I've had cats in my own home my entire life and have owned dogs as well for the last 10 years. Neighbors and friends have trusted me with caring for their pets since I was 12 years old. I've also cared for horses and competed in the equestrian sport for over 20 years, which requires a high level of responsibility and discipline. All of this experience has allowed me to develop a great understanding of animal behavior, communication, and basic training concepts. You can trust me to safely care for your furry loved ones as if they were my own with lots of love, cuddles, and play! Im available with a schedule that is flexible during the week and on weekends - please check with me for my current availability for bookings! I can adapt to the needs of your pet whether it is caring for an indoor cat who needs food, water, litter, and attention, or a dog who needs to be walked around the neighborhood or exercised with a game of fetch in a safe fenced in area. I will always allow the animal to lead in establishing a trusting relationship with me. I have enough experience to identify signs of distress in an emergency and can also apply basic training methods in a warranted situation while walking a dog on a leash in order to keep everyone safe.

About: I have personal experience with two dogs (Sunny and Roland) and a cat (Loki). Additionally, I have taken care of the pets of family and friends for years without complaint. I have worked as a dog sitter/walker for over 5 years now, and 3 of those on Rover. Unless my employment status changes, I am available 24/7 over summer, winter, fall, and spring breaks. My time is also very flexible and I don’t mind if I need to work at odd hours. I try to be as gentle and friendly as possible towards pets and will do more than the bare minimum when it comes to exercise and entertainment. I also have experience with cleaning up all kinds of potential messes.

“Nice Job!!”

Evelisis V.

“Super reliable and i can always trust her with my dogs”

2fit2quit_ b.

“Linda was extremely accommodating and took great care of Howie. Would recommend!”

Kyle B.

About: I have always walked and house sat for friends and family members that have multiple dogs, cats, rabbits and more. I have my own dog for over a year, and had family animals for my whole life! I will follow your schedule and pets needs as you instruct. I am comfortable walking on a leash, letting out in a yard, bathing and giving medicine as needed. I am a stay at home mom looking to get out of the house and make a few extra bucks at this time so whatever your need is, I will be there! I will make sure to send photos when I get there and communicate through the entire time. Any issues will be problems solved based on our previous conversations or I will reach out with any concerns.

“Words will never be enough to express how unbelievably thankful I am to Natisha!! She accepted a contract on VERY SHORT NOTICE!!! She agreed to be there for me and my family with less than 24 hours notice for twice a day walks for my 2 kids (2 dogs). She came same day to meet with us and was sweet, understanding and flexible. It was our first time. It was hard to trust and we were so nervous!! She made it easy with daily check-ins, texts and pictures! We highly recommend and will DEF use her again! THANK YOU NATISHA!!!”

John J.

About: As a lifelong animal lover, I have multiple years experience caring for dogs, cats, pocketpets, rabbits, fish, parakeets, reptiles and chickens. I also have experience providing care in a rabbit/cat/small animal rescue and in stables so I am very well rounded when it comes to all manner of pet care. I am comfortable walking, feeding, playing, etc. Currently my schedule is generally Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm with a bit of leeway here and there. I can do walks and drop ins on evenings and weekends. Knowing what your pet needs in advance makes it easier for me to set my upcoming schedule to accommodate them. And as an added bonus when it comes to working from home: House sitting is a breeze! I am able to give tons of attention during the work day and use my breaks to take pups out for walks and play time. For my own pets I have two cats and guinea pigs. The guinea pigs have a large cage in my spare room/office and there is plenty of room to board other pocket pets if need be. For other people's pets I will absolutely treat them with the same care and attention as my own. I understand that each pet and family is different so I will use your guidance and details to know exactly what your pet needs to make them happy and comfortable!

“Amy is Fantastic! She is very reliable and always prompt to respond. I had complete confidence in leaving our dog in her care. Highly recommend.”

Cynthia S.