Personalized care for your dog or cat - Colfax

“Kelsey did a nice job caring for Tanzy, our 15 year old Sheltie. Kelsey took Tanzy on walks, let her play with other dogs, and sent us photos. I would recommend Kelsey. Thank you.”

John R.

“Beth is amazing! Her home was perfect for our high energy dogs, and they really enjoyed playing with her dog as well. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to trust my fur babies with. Thank you, Beth!”

Laurie E.

About: What sets me apart is the diversity and depth of my experience. I have cared for animals in AZA Accredited Zoos and Aquariums in addition to beloved pets. I am a Certified Canine Training and Behavior Specialist (CCTBS) with the Animal Behavior Institute, and my methods are backed by empirical scientific evidence. No matter what the service, I treat my responsibilities with the utmost care and attentiveness. I am also more than happy to accept reactive and fear-aggressive pups, for which much of my experience involves. :) Any pets under my care take priority in my schedule outside of my work as a part time driving instructor. The rest of the time I'm all theirs! I take pride in all of my work, and my level of pet care makes that very clear. I treat all animals with respect and kindness. My approach is positive reinforcement only - gentle, firm and backed by real science. With my experience caring for animals of all ability levels and temperaments, I am comfortable administering any medications. The same care, attentiveness, and professionalism applies to all of my work.

“Pam was a perfect match for Nikki. Calm, reassuring, active, and a true animal lover. This was Nikki's 1st time boarding. She was able to roam the house, took golf cart rides and walks. Nikki likes activity but also loves her quiet snuggle time. She got both. My husband and I were totally comfortable with Pam and Bob. We'll surely use this sitter again.”

Jean M.

“Our dog had the BEST time at Ashley's! He was there for a week and made new friends; both human and canine. He was well cared for and enjoyed himself immensely. Thank you Ashley.”

cathy l.

“Carlie and her family took great care of my dog while I was gone. Brimley went to the park, took some walks, got to run and play ball and was fawned over by Carlie's little one. Brimley ate up allllll the attention!! I got plenty of pictures andy doggie was popped out when she got home. In fact, when I arrived to pick her up, I don't think Brimley was too keen on going home. I think she wanted to stay and play with the other doggies and their little girl. I let her in the truck and she jumped out the other side. Ha! Highly, highly recommend. I hope I can have them watch Brim again!”

Danielle M.

“We were pleased with our dog, Callie's stay with Alex and Nicolas. They walked her numerous times and sent us many photos so that we knew she was doing well. We had a great peace of mind while we had to be away. I would recommend highly!”

Jody R.

About: I’ve had my puppy for about 6 months now and would love to have doggy friends over for play dates. She could use some doggy interaction. She loves to play with other dogs. I work a few days out of the week a couple hours a day. I’m home the rest of the time. I won’t take in any dogs while I’m away. I can rearrange my work schedule so I don’t have to go in any certain day or time. I have a big yard that is not fenced in, but I can take your dog out on a leash if you provide one. I can take them for walks around my property. And if you allow it they can free roam the yard as well.

About: What Sets Me Apart- Pet care is my profession, not a casual hobby. Backed by over a decade of industry experience, independent professional liability insurance, and Advanced Pet First Aid/CPR training, I offer a level of safety and expertise that standard sitters cannot match. Professional Grooming & Boarding Background: With professional hands-on experience working in grooming salons and boarding facilities, you can have peace of mind that your pet is in good hands. I excel at reading subtle canine body language, handling all breeds and sizes safely, and monitoring your dog's physical and emotional health. First Responder Background: As a former paramedic and firefighter, I bring a high level of situational awareness, hazard recognition, and emergency readiness to my pet care. I have a college-level education in anatomy, physiology, and medication administration. Senior & Special Needs Care: Experienced in handling low mobility pets, arthritis management, complex medical schedules, and the predictable routines that aging pets require. Puppy & Young Pet Support: I provide the patient and consistent care needed to keep your housebreaking, crate training, and basic leash manners right on track. Whether boarding or on a walk, your pet receives premium, attentive care backed by real world emergency response and professional industry experience. Since providing pet related services is my full-time profession, my schedule is built around the dedicated care of my clients and their pets. I keep a detailed calendar, but I also understand that flexibility is a necessity. My clients' needs can shift rapidly, and my routine is designed to adapt to those situations efficiently. Strict Timing for Core Needs: Even with a changing daily route, specific feeding times, medication windows, and midday walks remain locked into my itinerary and are prioritized to happen on time. No Excessive Absences: Because my schedule brings me back and forth throughout the day, pets are never left alone for excessive intervals. Sitting and boarding guests are typically left for no more than 3 to 4 hours at a time. When you book with me, you get the best of both worlds: I am an organized and reliable professional who can pivot instantly to meet your changing needs. In My Home (Boarding) Location & Yard: Near downtown Ludington and Cartier Park. My home is located on a standard sized city lot and features a secure 4 foot fence. Controlled Environment: My home is a cozy and quiet, adult only bungalow (only myself and one other adult female live in the home). Indoor Air Quality: Strictly no smoking, candle burning, or oil diffusers are permitted inside the home. Health & Safety: All guest dogs must be fully vaccinated and current on flea/tick prevention. Advanced Yard Sanitation: Outdoor areas are sanitized using the professional-grade Wysiwash system to eliminate pathogens like Parvo, Giardia, and hookworm. Built In Companion: I have one friendly, 50lb neutered male dog living in the home. He is fully vaccinated, socialized, and non-aggressive. Home Comforts: Dogs are welcome on the furniture, but only if allowed by your specific house rules. In Your Home (Walking & Sitting) Safety & Security: I actively scan for household and environmental hazards while ensuring all entryways, doors, and gates are locked. Focused Walks: I provide structured, fully engaged walks to prevent hazardous encounters. I always wear a high-visibility safety vest, carry a specialized pet first aid kit, and ensure all waste is professionally recovered and disposed of. Health Inspections: Leveraging my grooming background, I regularly check paws, coat, and body language to catch any early signs of stress or discomfort. Property Respect: Your home is treated with respect and left exactly as you left it (if not better). In any setting, you receive clear communication and the peace of mind that comes with a fully insured, emergency trained professional.

“She went out of her way to help us this weekend on short notice. She did an amazing job with the dogs and the house. She gave us so much relief knowing the dogs were in such good hands! we are beyond thankful for her help”

Julie D.

About: I’ve always had dogs and love caring for animals. I lost my beloved dog and I miss her wildly. Spending time with dogs allows me to honor that bond and brings me genuine joy; I truly enjoy getting to know each animal unique personality. I treat every animal woth the same kindness, patience and love I gave to my own dog. I have a very flexible schedule and I can give pets the attention, supervision and companionship they deserve 24/7! I don’t work so I’m completely free to take care of your fur babies. We travel extensively in our motorhome, but we are based in Michigan. Our Michigan home has an acre of woods for the dog to enjoy. There are no roads nearby and it is very safe and quiet.

About: I’ve always been the go to friend/aunt to pet sit. I love all animals and would rather spend my free time hanging out with a fuzzy friend. I would loveeeeeeee to walk your dog! I currently work from home and would love a buddy to hangout with! I live close to the bike trail and many parks and would enjoy a furry friend to take walks with! If you are in need of someone to drop in, have a place for your pet to stay or just a companion for your friend to take walks with I am the one you are looking for!

About: I’ve taken care of animals for as long as I remember. It started with my family dog and bearded dragon which both lived a very long and fulfilling life. I currently have a border collie mix of my own right now and some fish. I have lots of experience walking and taking care of dogs. I have experience taking care of dogs of all sizes, all ages (puppy to senior), all energy levels, and various different breeds (Boykin Spaniels, Pitbulls, Pomeranians, Border Collies, and Labs to name a few). Some of those dogs were anxious and/or reactive. I also understand the extra patience it takes to care for rescues and fosters because I volunteered at an animal shelter in Minnesota when I was in high school, my dog is a rescue, and I fostered a sweet Black Lab puppy in college. I have some experience caring for cats. I’ve watched cats for a few of my friends with no issues! Something that makes me different than other pet sitters is that I’m a wildlife biologist, so I am very educated about a lot of species and am always so excited to gain more experience caring for a new creature. I handle and manage for wild animals daily. In summary, I’d love to take care of your pet and give it the love and attention it deserves. Feel free to reach out anytime! I have plenty of free time right now, all day, every day. I am temporarily furloughed because of the government shutdown so am looking for some more cash. This seemed like a fun way! Safety is very important to me. If your pet comes to my place or if I watch your pet, I would keep them safe by following these rules I’ve created: - I don’t let dogs have huge bones or huge treats without supervision to avoid choking. - I always have the closest vet’s number written down in case of emergencies prior to caring for your pet. - I always have pet first aid supplies available just in case. - I ask about a pet’s reactivity towards dogs, people, and other animals prior to caring for your pet so I can keep your pet safe on walks.

About: I love taking care of and playing with dogs as I have had 5 throughout my life! I am recommended by my friends to others. I am currently a student at GVSU and I work at Butterworth hospital in Grand Rapids on the weekends. I am available to dog/cat sit Monday-Thursdays. Right now I live in an on campus apartment at GVSU and live 2 minutes away from a huge dog park. During the summer, I will be at home with a fenced in backyard in a very safe environment. I have 4 dogs and 1 cat at home. When I move out, I will be living in an apartment that is pet friendly with a dog park!

“Debbie did a great job! She dropped in on our cats every other day while we were out of town as planned and the cats were well taken care of.”

Allison R.

“Upon first meeting Anna, I instantly felt comfortable leaving George & Rudy in Anna's care while we were away. She dropped in as scheduled and provided detailed feedback, as well as photos. We were pleased to know our dogs were being cared for by someone we trusted.”

Andra S.

“Taylor was great! She took good care of my cat Skippy. Received cute pictures daily. She even brought in packages that had been delivered to my house while I was gone. I definitely recommend and will be a repeat customer.”

Brandy H.

“We had Taylor come in for several drop in visits to care for our cat while we were gone for a long weekend. She made sure he was fed and litter box cleaned. She always sent pictures of him, which was really awesome! Her communication is great and fast! I would highly recommend Taylor!”

Chris G.

“Kiana is amazing. She’s attentive, loving and communicative. She left great updates on my dog each visit and was efficient in how to care for my dog while we were away. I’d definitely trust her to assist again and refer her to others.”

Arisha C.

“Kendall did a very good job of taking care of my cats. I would definitely use her again.”

Jack T.

“Arisha was wonderful with our old man dog. The pics that she sent showed him extreme happy and enjoying her visits. Will most definitely use her again!”

Bob A.

“Amazing pet sitter! Katelyn kept me updated with messages and pictures while we were gone. She’s very caring and trustworthy. We would definitely recommend and will be rebooking with her in the future.”

Dawn G.

About: I have had dogs since I was a child. We have consistently had two dogs, mostly labs and Goldens. I have experience in diabetic dogs since two of my dogs have needed shots. I would love to care for your dogs like they are my own. I just recently retired and have no future plans to travel at this time. So I am very flexible and available to care for your fur babies. I do request that the dogs be friendly to strangers coming into their territory. I have two very friendly dogs & a cat that I enjoy very much so I hope to share the love.

About: I’ve had my puppy for about 6 months now and would love to have doggy friends over for play dates. She could use some doggy interaction. She loves to play with other dogs. I work a few days out of the week a couple hours a day. I’m home the rest of the time. I won’t take in any dogs while I’m away. I can rearrange my work schedule so I don’t have to go in any certain day or time. I have a big yard that is not fenced in, but I can take your dog out on a leash if you provide one. I can take them for walks around my property. And if you allow it they can free roam the yard as well.

“Ashley is a warm and caring sitter and was great with my shy and fearful girl!! She understood that some dogs just need a place to feel comfortable and she provided that. That being said her farm would be like doggie heaven to dogs that want a fun day! I would definitely use her again and don’t hesitate to recommend her to others!!”

Bernie W.

“Kelsey watched my pup Winnie over a holiday weekend on short notice and it was a great experience! She was kind, communicative, and I felt great leaving Winnie with her. Would definitely recommend!”

Christina A.

“Pam was so kind and loving to our 7 month old Poppy and our girl seemed very happy and content. Poppy loved her walk and her golf cart ride. We will definitely schedule another visit.”

Annette B.

About: Hi, I’m Carlie a mom of three and animal lover who works from home. I understand the need for someone trustworthy to care for your pets. Whether it’s feeding, checking in, or walks, I’d be happy to help. We have Greenley, our 5-year-old English Cream Golden Retriever, Jack Jack the cat, and Moose the horse, so I’m experienced with all kinds of pets. I’ll ensure your pets get the care they deserve while you're away. I look forward to meeting your furry (or hoofed) friends! I work remote, so it is easy to fit your pet needs into my schedule. You let us know if there are any special requests. Greenley stays out and lounges in one of the kids rooms while we are out of the home. We are happy to leave your pet out or crate them if they feel safer that way. This is totally up to you!

“What a great family to watch our pup! She absolutely loves to visit and comes home happy and healthy! We get photos and updates to keep us informed about her activities.”

Jody R.

About: I’ve always been the go to friend/aunt to pet sit. I love all animals and would rather spend my free time hanging out with a fuzzy friend. I would loveeeeeeee to walk your dog! I currently work from home and would love a buddy to hangout with! I live close to the bike trail and many parks and would enjoy a furry friend to take walks with! If you are in need of someone to drop in, have a place for your pet to stay or just a companion for your friend to take walks with I am the one you are looking for!

“Maggie and I love when Celeste watches her! Celeste gives all of her attention to her clients and provides photos and updates throughout the day if needed. I will definitely be rebooking.”

Jennifer B.

“Deb does a great job, my dogs love her. And she is prompt, which I appreciate. Definitely will use her again!”

Mary S.

“Taylor was very patient with Whiskey as it was her 1st experience with a walker and she was nervous. I will definitely have her back and do believe her and Whiskey will be the best of friends”

Samantha S.

“Amazing person and took care or my dog well! Even gave my dog a new toy, would definitely hire in the future!”

annabella p.

“Taylor was amazing! Yesterday was my first time using Rover and I was a little nervous about my pup being home alone... Taylor called me at work (per my request) so that I could go over how to get into my house, etc. and she calmed my nerves too :) when she got there, he had tore up his mattress pad in his kennel- she cleaned it up so that he couldn’t eat it. She then walked him, took pictures for me and played with him enough to tire him out for a bit. She was so good with him anc it was so appreciated! ❤️❤️”

Heather R.

“The best care my pup has ever received. There are no words to recommend Eden enough. Took care of my dog like it was their own. Georgie just had a great day.”

Marcus W.

About: I have had a dog since I was 3 years old. I have dog sat for a variety of people back in Montana and in Michigan. I'm super excited to meet new people and dogs! I also get along with other animals as well. Growing up I had pigs, chickens, horses, and a dog. I have dog sat for other families since I was 13 and have been dog walking since I was 10 just for neighbor dogs. I have dog sat a three month old puppy for 3 months while his mom went out of the country. My schedule is pretty open and flexible. If you need to know anything else just let me know I'm glad to answer any questions. I love me some doggy time 😊😊 I am currently working full time first shift but outside of that I can spend as much time as need with the pets. I can also extend my lunches to check on them during my lunch as well. I can ensure your dog will be safe while you are away and worry free. I like to send lots of pictures and updates of how they are doing!

“Retia is an amazing person to work with! She has great communication, works so well with all dogs, and has an incredible training background. We know our pup is safe and happy with her each day for her walks and that gives us such peace of mind.”

Gretchen S.

“Kelsey did a nice job caring for Tanzy, our 15 year old Sheltie. Kelsey took Tanzy on walks, let her play with other dogs, and sent us photos. I would recommend Kelsey. Thank you.”

John R.

About: What sets me apart is the diversity and depth of my experience. I have cared for animals in AZA Accredited Zoos and Aquariums in addition to beloved pets. I am a Certified Canine Training and Behavior Specialist (CCTBS) with the Animal Behavior Institute, and my methods are backed by empirical scientific evidence. No matter what the service, I treat my responsibilities with the utmost care and attentiveness. I am also more than happy to accept reactive and fear-aggressive pups, for which much of my experience involves. :) Any pets under my care take priority in my schedule outside of my work as a part time driving instructor. The rest of the time I'm all theirs! I take pride in all of my work, and my level of pet care makes that very clear. I treat all animals with respect and kindness. My approach is positive reinforcement only - gentle, firm and backed by real science. With my experience caring for animals of all ability levels and temperaments, I am comfortable administering any medications. The same care, attentiveness, and professionalism applies to all of my work.

“Our dog had the BEST time at Ashley's! He was there for a week and made new friends; both human and canine. He was well cared for and enjoyed himself immensely. Thank you Ashley.”

cathy l.

“Carlie and her family took great care of my dog while I was gone. Brimley went to the park, took some walks, got to run and play ball and was fawned over by Carlie's little one. Brimley ate up allllll the attention!! I got plenty of pictures andy doggie was popped out when she got home. In fact, when I arrived to pick her up, I don't think Brimley was too keen on going home. I think she wanted to stay and play with the other doggies and their little girl. I let her in the truck and she jumped out the other side. Ha! Highly, highly recommend. I hope I can have them watch Brim again!”

Danielle M.

“We were pleased with our dog, Callie's stay with Alex and Nicolas. They walked her numerous times and sent us many photos so that we knew she was doing well. We had a great peace of mind while we had to be away. I would recommend highly!”

Jody R.

About: I’ve had my puppy for about 6 months now and would love to have doggy friends over for play dates. She could use some doggy interaction. She loves to play with other dogs. I work a few days out of the week a couple hours a day. I’m home the rest of the time. I won’t take in any dogs while I’m away. I can rearrange my work schedule so I don’t have to go in any certain day or time. I have a big yard that is not fenced in, but I can take your dog out on a leash if you provide one. I can take them for walks around my property. And if you allow it they can free roam the yard as well.

About: What Sets Me Apart- Pet care is my profession, not a casual hobby. Backed by over a decade of industry experience, independent professional liability insurance, and Advanced Pet First Aid/CPR training, I offer a level of safety and expertise that standard sitters cannot match. Professional Grooming & Boarding Background: With professional hands-on experience working in grooming salons and boarding facilities, you can have peace of mind that your pet is in good hands. I excel at reading subtle canine body language, handling all breeds and sizes safely, and monitoring your dog's physical and emotional health. First Responder Background: As a former paramedic and firefighter, I bring a high level of situational awareness, hazard recognition, and emergency readiness to my pet care. I have a college-level education in anatomy, physiology, and medication administration. Senior & Special Needs Care: Experienced in handling low mobility pets, arthritis management, complex medical schedules, and the predictable routines that aging pets require. Puppy & Young Pet Support: I provide the patient and consistent care needed to keep your housebreaking, crate training, and basic leash manners right on track. Whether boarding or on a walk, your pet receives premium, attentive care backed by real world emergency response and professional industry experience. Since providing pet related services is my full-time profession, my schedule is built around the dedicated care of my clients and their pets. I keep a detailed calendar, but I also understand that flexibility is a necessity. My clients' needs can shift rapidly, and my routine is designed to adapt to those situations efficiently. Strict Timing for Core Needs: Even with a changing daily route, specific feeding times, medication windows, and midday walks remain locked into my itinerary and are prioritized to happen on time. No Excessive Absences: Because my schedule brings me back and forth throughout the day, pets are never left alone for excessive intervals. Sitting and boarding guests are typically left for no more than 3 to 4 hours at a time. When you book with me, you get the best of both worlds: I am an organized and reliable professional who can pivot instantly to meet your changing needs. In My Home (Boarding) Location & Yard: Near downtown Ludington and Cartier Park. My home is located on a standard sized city lot and features a secure 4 foot fence. Controlled Environment: My home is a cozy and quiet, adult only bungalow (only myself and one other adult female live in the home). Indoor Air Quality: Strictly no smoking, candle burning, or oil diffusers are permitted inside the home. Health & Safety: All guest dogs must be fully vaccinated and current on flea/tick prevention. Advanced Yard Sanitation: Outdoor areas are sanitized using the professional-grade Wysiwash system to eliminate pathogens like Parvo, Giardia, and hookworm. Built In Companion: I have one friendly, 50lb neutered male dog living in the home. He is fully vaccinated, socialized, and non-aggressive. Home Comforts: Dogs are welcome on the furniture, but only if allowed by your specific house rules. In Your Home (Walking & Sitting) Safety & Security: I actively scan for household and environmental hazards while ensuring all entryways, doors, and gates are locked. Focused Walks: I provide structured, fully engaged walks to prevent hazardous encounters. I always wear a high-visibility safety vest, carry a specialized pet first aid kit, and ensure all waste is professionally recovered and disposed of. Health Inspections: Leveraging my grooming background, I regularly check paws, coat, and body language to catch any early signs of stress or discomfort. Property Respect: Your home is treated with respect and left exactly as you left it (if not better). In any setting, you receive clear communication and the peace of mind that comes with a fully insured, emergency trained professional.

“She went out of her way to help us this weekend on short notice. She did an amazing job with the dogs and the house. She gave us so much relief knowing the dogs were in such good hands! we are beyond thankful for her help”

Julie D.

About: I’ve always had dogs and love caring for animals. I lost my beloved dog and I miss her wildly. Spending time with dogs allows me to honor that bond and brings me genuine joy; I truly enjoy getting to know each animal unique personality. I treat every animal woth the same kindness, patience and love I gave to my own dog. I have a very flexible schedule and I can give pets the attention, supervision and companionship they deserve 24/7! I don’t work so I’m completely free to take care of your fur babies. We travel extensively in our motorhome, but we are based in Michigan. Our Michigan home has an acre of woods for the dog to enjoy. There are no roads nearby and it is very safe and quiet.

About: I’ve always been the go to friend/aunt to pet sit. I love all animals and would rather spend my free time hanging out with a fuzzy friend. I would loveeeeeeee to walk your dog! I currently work from home and would love a buddy to hangout with! I live close to the bike trail and many parks and would enjoy a furry friend to take walks with! If you are in need of someone to drop in, have a place for your pet to stay or just a companion for your friend to take walks with I am the one you are looking for!

About: I’ve taken care of animals for as long as I remember. It started with my family dog and bearded dragon which both lived a very long and fulfilling life. I currently have a border collie mix of my own right now and some fish. I have lots of experience walking and taking care of dogs. I have experience taking care of dogs of all sizes, all ages (puppy to senior), all energy levels, and various different breeds (Boykin Spaniels, Pitbulls, Pomeranians, Border Collies, and Labs to name a few). Some of those dogs were anxious and/or reactive. I also understand the extra patience it takes to care for rescues and fosters because I volunteered at an animal shelter in Minnesota when I was in high school, my dog is a rescue, and I fostered a sweet Black Lab puppy in college. I have some experience caring for cats. I’ve watched cats for a few of my friends with no issues! Something that makes me different than other pet sitters is that I’m a wildlife biologist, so I am very educated about a lot of species and am always so excited to gain more experience caring for a new creature. I handle and manage for wild animals daily. In summary, I’d love to take care of your pet and give it the love and attention it deserves. Feel free to reach out anytime! I have plenty of free time right now, all day, every day. I am temporarily furloughed because of the government shutdown so am looking for some more cash. This seemed like a fun way! Safety is very important to me. If your pet comes to my place or if I watch your pet, I would keep them safe by following these rules I’ve created: - I don’t let dogs have huge bones or huge treats without supervision to avoid choking. - I always have the closest vet’s number written down in case of emergencies prior to caring for your pet. - I always have pet first aid supplies available just in case. - I ask about a pet’s reactivity towards dogs, people, and other animals prior to caring for your pet so I can keep your pet safe on walks.

About: I love taking care of and playing with dogs as I have had 5 throughout my life! I am recommended by my friends to others. I am currently a student at GVSU and I work at Butterworth hospital in Grand Rapids on the weekends. I am available to dog/cat sit Monday-Thursdays. Right now I live in an on campus apartment at GVSU and live 2 minutes away from a huge dog park. During the summer, I will be at home with a fenced in backyard in a very safe environment. I have 4 dogs and 1 cat at home. When I move out, I will be living in an apartment that is pet friendly with a dog park!