Dog Walking The Palisades

About: I'm not just another dog walker or pet sitter — I'm your reliable neighborhood neighbor who’s already the go-to person in my 10-story NW DC apartment building for everything from quick walks to overnight stays (and yes, I handle both dogs and cats with ease!). What really makes me different is my background as a recently retired Special Education teacher. That means I bring serious patience, structure, and a knack for reading behavior to every pet I care for. Whether it’s helping a energetic young pup learn polite leash manners, crate training basics, or simple commands during our walks and playtime — or giving gentle, attentive care to senior dogs and cats who need slower paces, extra cuddles, or help with mobility and medication — I’m genuinely good at meeting each pet exactly where they are. I grew up with dogs and cats, so I’m comfortable with all personalities and ages. I focus on making sure your pet feels safe, loved, and happy while you’re away — with consistent routines, plenty of affection, and that extra layer of responsibility that comes from years of working with kids who needed thoughtful, individualized support. In short: You get a sitter who’s dependable, experienced with all life stages of pets, and truly enjoys the work. Your furry (or not-so-furry) family member will get the kind of calm, attentive care that makes coming home even sweeter. Pet care fits perfectly into my daily and weekly routine! Since I’m recently retired, I have a very flexible schedule and plenty of time to give your pets the attention they deserve. I live right in a 10-story apartment building in NW DC, so I’m already here and can easily pop down for midday walks, quick drop-ins, or overnight stays without any commute hassle. A typical week for me includes several regular dog walks and cat visits for neighbors in the building. I genuinely enjoy starting my day with a good walk or ending it with some playtime and cuddles. It keeps me active, social, and smiling — plus it gives me that wonderful sense of responsibility I loved from my teaching days. Whether it’s a quick 30-minute walk around the neighborhood, a full night of house sitting, or daily check-ins while you’re traveling, fitting pet care into my schedule is easy and something I truly look forward to. I’m available most days and evenings, and I’m happy to work around your needs! I provide all pet care in your home only, so your pets stay in their familiar environment where they feel safest and most comfortable. For dogs, I will only consider bringing them to my house on very rare occasions — and only after I’ve gotten to know the dog well and we both agree it’s the right fit. All cat care happens exclusively in your home. In your home, I follow your exact routines for feeding, walks (for dogs), playtime, litter box care, medications, and more. I’m very mindful about safety: keeping doors and windows locked, using secure leashes when needed, and treating your space with complete respect. As a retired Special Education teacher, I’m patient, observant, and highly responsible. I treat every pet and every home with the care they deserve. You can trust that your furry family member will be in safe, loving hands.

About: I have experience caring for dogs of different ages, from energetic younger dogs to elderly dogs who need extra patience and attention. I have cared for my own dog, which has taught me how important it is to be responsible, gentle, and attentive to each pet’s needs. I have also helped care for my neighbors’ dogs, including both senior dogs and younger dogs, by making sure they are fed, walked, comfortable, and given plenty of love and attention. I understand that every dog has its own personality and routine, and I always do my best to make pets feel safe, happy, and cared for while their owners are away. I currently work on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but the rest of the week I am usually at home working or studying remotely. This gives me a flexible schedule and allows me to provide pets with plenty of attention, walks, playtime, and care throughout the day. I am also especially available on weekends, which is a great option for pet parents who need to board their dog at my apartment. I live in a pet-friendly one-bedroom apartment where pets can feel safe, comfortable, and cared for. I make sure to follow each pet’s usual routine, including feeding schedules, walks, playtime, and any special instructions from their owner. I also give pets plenty of attention, love, and a calm environment so they feel at home. My apartment is in a great area with plenty of parks and trails nearby, making it easy to take dogs on walks, get fresh air, and enjoy outdoor time. I always prioritize each pet’s safety, comfort, and happiness while they are staying with me.

About: I have a pet Russian tortoise who requires special care and delicate handling that's more involved than, say, walking and feeding a dog or taking care of a cat. I have a pretty flexible schedule both this summer and into the fall. Pet care can easily be scheduled around my summer job and college classes. I make sure pets, my own and others that I've been responsible for, get plenty of attention. I don't leave them until all their needs have been met

About: Hi there! I grew up loving dogs, in fact, my older sibling was our family German Shepard! She made sure I was safe, and I made sure she was well loved! I understand how important four-legged family members are. I will provide your fur baby with the same level of care I would want for my own. I LOVE dogs and they love me! I have owned and cared for a full range of dogs. You can feel relaxed with your pet in my care, whether a baby or mature pet, I’ve handled them all! Also, as an experienced foster mom, I am fully comfortable and capable of handling newly adopted or foster dogs, and shy/timid dogs. I have no breed or size restrictions. All furry friends are welcome! Whatever you and your pet need, I am here to help. Currently, I am focused only on dog sitting. Although I tend to schedule tasks when I am not caring for a dog, if I need to run an errand, pups are never left alone for more than one to two hours. My home is very pet friendly and safe. Your fur baby is more than welcome to hang out with me on the couch or on the bed! Let my love of pets help you feel secure in your fur baby's safety and well-being.

“Katy was able to wrangle Sable’s puppy energy into a great walk. Sable and her sister Cinder immediately felt comfortable around her, and Sable came back ready for a nap. Thanks, Katy! We will see you again.”

Jeff H.

“Sarah was great with my senior pup and her love for animals is clear. I appreciated that she was available for a meet and greet and booking on short notice. Would gladly have her care for Finn again!”

Jane K.

“Audrey took such great care of our pups while we were away today. Very responsible, caring, and thoughtful caring for our dogs. We highly recommend Audry!”

Aaron A.

“We are so grateful for Esther. She was prompt to connect with us when booking and set up a meet and greet. She has been reliable and so kind to our Teddy!”

B O.

“Got to know Juliet this week and learned how enthusiastic and helpful she is. My goldendoodle had no trouble adjusting and off they want to walk and explore. Will keep using Juliet in the future.”

Nancy S.

“Julia walked my two dogs all summer while I was working. From the beginning, Julia took the time to make sure she understood my (very detailed!) preferences, always made sure she got things right, and was accommodating for schedule changes and when we moved. Julia was such a big help and I could entrust her with walking my two fur-babies. She is great!”

Grace A.

“Ashton was incredible with our senior dog! Ashton was kind and gentle with her, ensuring she got good exercise even when she was a bit stubborn. Ashton even went above and beyond, coming to our house to help even after a big snowstorm. We’ll definitely have her help out again!”

Alex R.

About: I’ve taken care of animals since I was a child, I’ve owned a fish, 7+ rabbits, 2 hamsters, a turtle, a chick, and currently own 2 dogs. I’ve petsit for mainly friends, I’ve housed a dog until we could find him a home. I also have experience with Guinea pigs and cats. My current schedule is very open and I have lots of availability! I am available almost daily now and will have lots of time for your fur babies. When I walk dogs I love to play with them and pet them before doing anything else so that they feel more comfortable with me being in their home. Then I clean their diapers and wash/replace their food bowls. Then I will take them for a 30min-1 hour walk and when we return back home I like to give them play time if time allows.

About: Hi! I have grown up in a household where there were always multiple dogs of many breeds and even some cats. I love the company of pets and the energy I get while around them. I’ve watched over my families pets for years and those of close friends. Can’t wait to have my own home of four legged friends in the future! I have the commitment of school (until June) and a few after school activities but I have a fairly open schedule usually, especially on weekends. I try to always create an environment where my pets feel relaxed and stress free while understanding their needs when they try to communicate them. I will make other pets feel comfortable, excited, and stress free while fulfilling their adventurous nature.

“Faustine was quick to respond with our last minute walk request and was easy to communicate with! She clearly has great experience with dogs and it looked like our lil guy had a great time on his walk. Would highly recommend.”

Max B.

“Jana was a great walker. She was very patient with Hazel the hound who had to be coaxed on the walk. Hazel had a wonderful time. Thank you Jana!”

Heidi H.

“Hannah was great getting Logan moving in the middle of the day while I was at work. She's super responsive and was a huge help to me in my first week back in the office.”

Sarah E.

“The best! So helpful and lovely. They made sure to accommodate all of the special requests and left a note to me about how my dog did! Can’t recommend enough.”

Caroline K.

About: I own a dog of 10 years, so I have plenty of experience taking care of a happy and healthy pet. I deeply understand what keeps a dog in great spirits. I feel an emphasis on play and experiences with a pet can elevate the relationship between owner and pet. I'm very flexible, all I need is a day's notice. I can work just about any hour of the day. If anything were to change suddenly, my client would be the first to know. My dog lives in my home and has a nice fenced yard to run around in. He goes on daily walks and gets plenty of exercise and play. He is also fed twice a day. I would bring the same energy for my client's dogs.

“Chiara was great with my puppy. She responded to a somewhat last minute request and came for a meet and greet, which went quite well. She showed up on time for all of our appointments, and the puppy seemed very satisfied when I saw her next! Would definitely hire her again.”

Amber P.

About: I have been around dogs my whole life and have experience caring for everything from small dogs to large dogs, including a couple of Belgian Malinois. I frequently take care of friends’ dogs when they are out of town, providing walks, feeding, playtime, bathroom breaks, and lots of attention to help them stay comfortable and maintain their normal routine while their owners are away. Caring for pets is already a regular part of my week. I have a pretty flexible schedule, which makes it easy for me to fit in walks, drop-in visits, and pet sitting. I’m very clean and organized, - I can clean up after pets including messes or accidents to ensure home is tidy. - - - -