Personalized care for your dog or cat - Ballard

“I think my dog absolutely loved it there! Communication was good and I felt very confident leaving my pet with her. She seems great with animals!”

Amanda N.

“I love this girl! I was stressed out due to my regular sitter was ill and unable to care for my boys. I had a funeral to go to out of town and I was online frantically trying to find a sitter all morning. I heard back from Brette within a few minutes. Her home was just a couple of miles from the highway I was using and that was a big time saver. When I entered her home Baxter "christened" her house and Kiwi and one of her dogs did not hit it off. I told Brette I would leave quietly, but she took it in stride and said "dogs will be dogs". She had the mess cleaned up quickly and said she would keep her dog in a separate room. Brette sent me pictures during their stay to ease my mind that all was ok, and I was able to focus on the grieving family of a woman we all loved dearly. When I picked up my boys they were happy and healthy. I highly recommend Brette - she is a lover of all things furry and cuddly.”

Patti L.

About: I’ve taken care of cats & kittens and dogs with their puppies for family, friends and workmates. They’ve snuggled on my lap and slept in my bed and their comfort and routine are my priority. I’m currently working from home so I would be with your pet continuously. Boarding could be any day of the week including weekends….and holidays too. I have a fenced yard and large porch where your pet will be comfortable…although your pet would never be outside alone. I start my day when they do and I’m near a state park where walks are wonderful.

“Veronica's is like a vacation home for our dog. She and her family, both 2-legged and 4-legged, are always great with our pup, and we appreciate them all. We can't slow our high-energy, dog-loving, aussie shepherd & mountain cur mix down when we're at home with him, but he always comes home from Veronica's happy and tired, which is great for us as we recover from our trip!”

Andrew T.

About: I am a stay at home Mom and would love to help other pet owners be at ease knowing their pets are being taken care of while you’re at work or out of town. Being at home allows me to be very flexible with the care you need. My family has both a dog and cat at home, so I’m familiar with the care needed for both. I’ve also cared for an elder dog before needing insulin administered. I am a stay at home mom, so my schedule is very flexible to work with your needs! I’m happy to work with you! I have a large un-fenced yard surrounded by woods; supervised time outside only and on a leash unless you and I both are confident in obedience to come when called. I have a small dog at home who prefers a cuddle buddy over a play mate, but she is friendly with most dogs and loves cats! In the event I leave home I prefer crating until I get to know your pup.

“Took great care of my pups. Sent updates throughout their stay! Went above and beyond. I was afraid they'd want to stay there with Courtney and Cam!”

Joyce L.

About: I’ve grown up with dogs my entire life and have nearly 7 years of dog sitting experience starting in middle school. I’ve cared for dogs of all sizes, breeds, and personalities and I pride myself on being extremely attentive, reliable, and detail oriented with every pet. I have experience handling multiple dogs at once including caring for up to five dogs for 7+ days, so I’m very comfortable with both longer stays in higher-energy households. I treat every dog like my own and always make sure they feel safe, happy, and well cared for. I also provide consistent updates so you can feel confident and not ease while you’re away. I’m a student at Virginia Tech with a flexible schedule, typically having at most two classes a day. Outside of class, I spent most of my time at home, which allows me to give pets plenty of attention, supervision, and care throughout the day. My routine makes it easy for me to incorporate walks, feeding, playtime, and check-in consistently. I’m able to adapt to each pets needs and schedule, whether that means early mornings, midday visits, or evening care. Your pet’s safety and comfort are my top priorities. I live in a pet friendly apartment with a fence dog area, so dogs have a safe place to get outside and play. I’m very attentive and make sure pets are always supervised and cared for based on their specific needs and routines. I also keep owners updated regularly so you always know how your pet is doing.

“Kennedy was extremely kind. Our dog Remi can be nervous and she quickly came around to Kennedy. Kennedy provided daily updates and was quick to respond. She was very flexible of our travel times and understanding. We look forward to having Kennedy watch Remi again”

Lauren Y.

About: I have tons of experience because of living abroad on American compounds where people are always travelling, they always come to me to take care of the little guys! I’m a junior at Virginia Tech double majoring in Cybersecurity Management & Analytics and Management Consulting & Analytics. My schedule is pretty flexible throughout the week, giving me plenty of time to focus on pet care. I’m available for boarding, overnight stays, walks, playtime, and drop-in visits, and can easily work around your pet’s normal routine. I’m also available on game days, weekends, and during school breaks. I always prioritize each pet’s comfort and safety, whether I’m in my home or the client’s. I have experience handling large, untrained dogs and know how to stay calm and in control. I also use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior. For senior dogs or shy pets who need extra patience and care, I take things slow and make sure they feel safe and supported. I always follow any instructions you leave to make sure your pet feels at home, happy, and secure.

“Java had a great time with Andrea! She was very attentive to her needs and communicated well with us. We certainly will call on Andrea again.”

Debra S.

About: Previous volunteer at a humane society in Dublin, Virginia before moving to Roanoke, VA. Previous foster volunteer at the Roanoke, VA SPCA. This helps if I care for an animal that has health problems. Work Monday - Friday 8-5 away from home. Check on my dog at lunch and can let yours out to walk as well if they are crate trained and can stay in the crate while I am not home. Maeve is a spoiled dog. She is turned three in Oct. She loves being around other animals. Currently Maeve is an only pet but does well with other dogs.

About: I've grown up surrounded by animals my entire life, and that hands-on experience is what truly sets me apart. I was raised with three cats (2 indoor, 1 outdoor), caring for them from kittenhood all the way through end-of-life care, including demanding daily routines and administering medication. I also have two dogs of my own: a Mini Australian Shepherd I raised from a puppy and personally trained. He’s so smart he keeps me on my toes, which means I know exactly how to handle high-energy, high-drive breeds and the escape artists of the dog world. The other is a large pitty mix we adopted at age two who came to us with leash pulling, reactivity, excessive barking, and rough play habits, all of which I've worked through and successfully managed. I know how to confidently handle dogs of all sizes and temperaments. Beyond cats and dogs, I've owned two guinea pigs, a hamster, and fish, so I understand the specific and often overlooked needs of small pets too. I've also assisted my sister in fostering cats, many of whom were shy, post-surgical, or required medication and special feeding instructions, so I'm completely comfortable with pets that need a little extra patience and TLC. Most recently, I pet sat a kitten over spring break 2026, and I'm always happy to sit for other pet owners' animals as well. As a sophomore in Alpha Chi Omega, I bring the same reliability, respect, and communication to pet sitting that I bring to everything I do. I treat every pet as if they were my own, follow your routines to the letter, and love keeping owners in the loop with regular updates, photos, and videos, as often as you'd like. If you're looking for someone experienced, trustworthy, and genuinely passionate about animals, I'm your person! I currently only have one exam left, so my schedule is essentially wide open! I'm in Blacksburg and available May 9–12 and May 16–22, with virtually nothing on my plate during those windows. Whether you need someone for a full house sit, multiple check-ins throughout the day, early morning visits, or late night drop-ins, I can make it work. Flexibility is my strong suit right now, so don't hesitate to reach out no matter the timing or frequency! I'm happy to care for pets both in my home and in yours! For in-home sitting and visits at your place, I'm completely comfortable following whatever routine, rules, and setup you have in place, your home, your way. If you'd like your pet to stay with me, I welcome that too! Just note that I live in an apartment, so I don't have a fenced-in yard, but my complex has a dog park and is surrounded by beautiful neighborhood nature trails that are perfect for walks and exploring. I'd also ask that you send everything your pet needs along with them (crate, food/water bowls, bed, toys, leash, etc.) so they have the comfort of their own familiar belongings, which is honestly better for them anyway!

About: I would take care of little to big puppies of all ages. My favorite was a 7 year Great Dane I would house sit for. I have always grown up with animals and would also pet sit when my parents were out of town. My schedule is super flexible, since I am a college student! I can work with the owner and make sure the dog and cats get the attention they need:) I walk, feed, play and bath pets have worked with and have in my own house. I go for long walks and feed pets based on the owners preference.

About: Facebook: Brette’s Boarding 🐾 Welcome to Your Pet’s Second Home! 🐾 Thank you for considering me to care for your beloved pets! Below, you’ll find my business information, such as pricing, policies, holidays, cancellations, and information about me to help determine if we’re a great match. Feel free to reach out with any questions, for a quote, or to schedule a Meet & Greet—I look forward to meeting you and your furry (or feathered) family! 🐾 Boarding Services (Overnight Stays in My Home) Dogs: $30 first dog, $15 per additional dog Puppies (under 1 year): $35 Cats: $18 first cat, $9 per additional cat Holidays (applied to the first animal): - First dog: $45 - First cat: $33 - First puppy: $50 🐾 Drop-In Visits (Care at Your Home) Dogs: - 30 minutes: $25 - 60 minutes: +$10 - Additional Dog: $12.50 - Puppies (under 1 year): $30 Cats: $20 first cat, $10 per additional cat Holidays (applied to the first animal): - First dog: $40 - First cat: $35 - First puppy: $45 What’s Included: - Feeding, watering, litter box cleaning, poop scoop, dishes, sweeping litter, and light tidying. - Plant watering, mail collection, and medication administration (if requested). - Photo and video updates! 🐾 Doggy Daycare (Playtime in My Home) Full Day (5+ Hours): $25 first dog, $12 per additional dog Half Day (Up to 5 Hours): $15 first dog, $7 per additional dog Puppies (under 1 year): Full day $45 / Half day $22 Puppy Day School (Recurring Weekly Schedule Only): $40/day ($5 a day discount) - Available only for puppies enrolled in a recurring schedule of at least 3 days per week. Designed for owners who need weekday care while they're at work. Includes: - Structured potty routine - Crate training (if desired) - Scheduled rest breaks - Basic obedience reinforcement - Enrichment activities - Supervised socialization * Daycare is NOT available during holidays.* 🐾 Additional Services Small Animals (Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, etc.): $10/day per enclosure (feeding, watering, socialization, light cleaning) Large Animals (Horses, Goats, etc.): Starts at $30/day (feeding and watering) Birds (Chickens, Ducks, etc.): Starts at $20/day (feeding, watering, egg collection) *All pricing in this section is subject to increase or decrease due to the number of animals, breeds, care instructions, and service needs (daycare, drop-in, boarding)* 🐾Pet Taxi: $30 round trip within 25 miles. $1/mile over 25 miles. Available to all services. 🐾 Boarding Capacity: I do not have a fixed maximum intake number. The number of pets I can accommodate depends on their size, energy level, temperament, and individual needs. I carefully assess compatibility to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for all boarded pets. If you prefer and request that your pet(s) be the only ones boarded during their stay, please notify me in advance. An additional fee will apply to compensate for the space reserved and the clients I must turn away. 🐾Holidays: The following days in 2025 are considered holidays: January 19 - 21 Martin Luther King Jr Day February 16 - 18 President’s Day April 19 - 21 Easter May 10 - 12 Mother’s Day May 25 - 27 Memorial Day June 14 - 16 Father’s Day July 3 - 5 4th of July August 31 - September 2 Labor Day November 26 - 29 Thanksgiving & Black Friday December 23 - 26 Christmas Eve & Day December 30 - January 2 New Year's Eve & Day - Holidays include the days listed above (the day before, day of, and day after listed holidays) and are a $15 upcharge to the first pet. - NO pick-ups/drop-offs on these dates—plan accordingly! - Holiday rates apply to all services booked during these times, but will be used only for the dates above. 🐾Meet & Greets: Highly recommended before new bookings! They allow us to get to know each other, discuss your pet’s needs, and ensure we’re a great fit. Flexible meeting locations: dog parks, my home, your home (for drop-in services), or public areas. *Please respect my home. Doors must remain closed, and meeting animals from other families is not permitted for safety reasons. Thank you for understanding!* Bonus for Your Peace of Mind: You’ll receive a Welcome Packet during the M&G for your safekeeping. It includes: - My contact information and emergency procedures. - A summary of policies and services for easy reference. - Tips for a stress-free stay and reminders for preparing your pet. 🐾Introductions Between Dogs: All dog introductions are supervised and take place (estimated) 12–24 hours after drop-off. This waiting period allows each dog to decompress, adjust to the new environment, and display their natural behavior before meeting others. If a dog shows signs of stress or discomfort, introductions may be delayed or adjusted for safety. 🐾About me: I was raised on a farm containing large and small animals so I was taught the importance of all living things, but the passion for them bloomed on its own. During my time as a veterinary technician, I gained valuable hands-on experience, including learning how to properly administer medications and mastering essential techniques. My experience at a professional boarding facility further reinforced my passion for providing personalized, attentive care through home-based pet services. I recently worked as a groomer's apprentice, but I’m currently studying to become a certified dog obedience trainer, which will expand my ability to support your furry family members. I’ve loved every moment of my past six years on Rover, from meeting incredible families to caring for pets of all types and personalities. 🐾As a stay-at-home mom, I have a flexible schedule that allows me to give your pets the attention they deserve. I’m here to help whenever you need a trusted sitter! To ensure a balanced schedule for both my family and the pets in my care, my phone is silenced between 10 PM and 8 AM. During this time, I may not respond immediately, but I will get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you for understanding! 🐾About my home: Your pet’s safety and happiness are my top priorities! If your fur-baby is a social butterfly, they’ll love visiting me. My home often welcomes friends and family, some bring their dogs for playdates, too! For less social pets, I will ensure a calm and comfortable environment tailored to their needs. While my new home doesn’t have a fenced yard, I’ve adjusted by providing supervised outdoor time with 15-foot leads in my spacious backyard. I also prioritize mealtime safety and feed pets in separate spaces to ensure a stress-free experience. If a crate is needed, I have one available so you don't have to transport yours!

“Emily was amazing with my dog, Butters! She had so much fun that she didn’t even want to come home! Emily sent pictures and updates throughout the stay, which I really appreciated. It was clear that Butters was in great hands the entire time. Emily is such a caring and attentive sitter, and I would absolutely recommend her to anyone looking for someone to take great care of their pup!”

Catherine T.

About: I’ve owned a black Labrador(Anna) for over 13 years, she has not once had any sort of health issue as I’ve feed her well, and kept her up to date on vet visits. I’m caring, compassionate, and smart and versatile enough to be calm in any situation that may arise. I assure you that I will treat your pet as if it were my own. This allows me the freedom to stay focused on your pet and be there when other folks have to leave. If a situation ever does arrive my strength are communication so you can rest assured I will be in constant contact, which as a pet owner for an older girl myself id expect from others if I left her in their care. If the pet requires adequate exercise I have no problem going on a long walk with them and the space is pet friendly as my dog (Anna) is there. In your home, I can assure you that my experience will allow me to provide the best care for your loved ones.

“Lucy was tuckered out at the end of the day! Full day of running around and socializing with other dogs. She is one happy pup!”

Samantha S.

“Jaret was great with Marti and my mom's dog Maggie. We wound up having to change our drop off and pick up times slightly but Jaret was completely flexible. He took great care of them and made sure they were comfortable.”

Robert & Brittany M.

About: I have always grown up around pets around the house! I am currently at college and am missing being around animals. I am always available to hang out, walk, play, or just chill with a pet. I have dealt with my goldendoodle for 9 years and it is the best thing that has happened to me. I am a college student and have 2 classes everyday which are each 1 hour. Therefore, I have a lot of flexibility before, in between, and after classes. I exercise daily so walking/playing with a dog fit perfectly in my schedule. At my home I live with 3 other girls who also love pets so having pets in our place is no problem! We have a dog park right down the road and also plenty of trails near me where I can them on walks.

“Jessie always does a great job taking care of our sweet, but shy fur baby! We appreciate the pictures and updates she regularly sends us. It makes our hearts happy knowing that our dog is getting wonderful care and lots of love when we’re away!”

Ronda S.

“Becky does an amazing job with caring and walking my dog. She took time to learn his daily walk routine and how to best handle him. She’s very personable and kind and I would recommend her to anyone!”

Tynia C.

About: I’ve had dogs my entire life, and enjoy walking them and getting to hangout with them, though my dogs normally weigh over sixty pounds, I also like walking small dogs. I’m pit bull friendly and I don't mind crazy, jumping, pulling, hyper pups. I can start at 6 am but would like to be home by 9 pm. Hours are, of course, subject to change depending on the amount of clients booked. I provide 15 minute to 1 hour walks, as well as, approved trips to parks. I can also check in on pups for feeding and any clean ups throughout the day.

“I think my dog absolutely loved it there! Communication was good and I felt very confident leaving my pet with her. She seems great with animals!”

Amanda N.

“I love this girl! I was stressed out due to my regular sitter was ill and unable to care for my boys. I had a funeral to go to out of town and I was online frantically trying to find a sitter all morning. I heard back from Brette within a few minutes. Her home was just a couple of miles from the highway I was using and that was a big time saver. When I entered her home Baxter "christened" her house and Kiwi and one of her dogs did not hit it off. I told Brette I would leave quietly, but she took it in stride and said "dogs will be dogs". She had the mess cleaned up quickly and said she would keep her dog in a separate room. Brette sent me pictures during their stay to ease my mind that all was ok, and I was able to focus on the grieving family of a woman we all loved dearly. When I picked up my boys they were happy and healthy. I highly recommend Brette - she is a lover of all things furry and cuddly.”

Patti L.

“Amber was wonderful! She sent us several updates, including videos and pictures, was very friendly, took great care of our two girls and had great communication! We look forward to booking with her again :)”

Amber H.

About: I am a stay at home Mom and would love to help other pet owners be at ease knowing their pets are being taken care of while you’re at work or out of town. Being at home allows me to be very flexible with the care you need. My family has both a dog and cat at home, so I’m familiar with the care needed for both. I’ve also cared for an elder dog before needing insulin administered. I am a stay at home mom, so my schedule is very flexible to work with your needs! I’m happy to work with you! I have a large un-fenced yard surrounded by woods; supervised time outside only and on a leash unless you and I both are confident in obedience to come when called. I have a small dog at home who prefers a cuddle buddy over a play mate, but she is friendly with most dogs and loves cats! In the event I leave home I prefer crating until I get to know your pup.

“Took great care of my pups. Sent updates throughout their stay! Went above and beyond. I was afraid they'd want to stay there with Courtney and Cam!”

Joyce L.

About: I’ve grown up with dogs my entire life and have nearly 7 years of dog sitting experience starting in middle school. I’ve cared for dogs of all sizes, breeds, and personalities and I pride myself on being extremely attentive, reliable, and detail oriented with every pet. I have experience handling multiple dogs at once including caring for up to five dogs for 7+ days, so I’m very comfortable with both longer stays in higher-energy households. I treat every dog like my own and always make sure they feel safe, happy, and well cared for. I also provide consistent updates so you can feel confident and not ease while you’re away. I’m a student at Virginia Tech with a flexible schedule, typically having at most two classes a day. Outside of class, I spent most of my time at home, which allows me to give pets plenty of attention, supervision, and care throughout the day. My routine makes it easy for me to incorporate walks, feeding, playtime, and check-in consistently. I’m able to adapt to each pets needs and schedule, whether that means early mornings, midday visits, or evening care. Your pet’s safety and comfort are my top priorities. I live in a pet friendly apartment with a fence dog area, so dogs have a safe place to get outside and play. I’m very attentive and make sure pets are always supervised and cared for based on their specific needs and routines. I also keep owners updated regularly so you always know how your pet is doing.

“Kennedy was extremely kind. Our dog Remi can be nervous and she quickly came around to Kennedy. Kennedy provided daily updates and was quick to respond. She was very flexible of our travel times and understanding. We look forward to having Kennedy watch Remi again”

Lauren Y.

About: I have tons of experience because of living abroad on American compounds where people are always travelling, they always come to me to take care of the little guys! I’m a junior at Virginia Tech double majoring in Cybersecurity Management & Analytics and Management Consulting & Analytics. My schedule is pretty flexible throughout the week, giving me plenty of time to focus on pet care. I’m available for boarding, overnight stays, walks, playtime, and drop-in visits, and can easily work around your pet’s normal routine. I’m also available on game days, weekends, and during school breaks. I always prioritize each pet’s comfort and safety, whether I’m in my home or the client’s. I have experience handling large, untrained dogs and know how to stay calm and in control. I also use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior. For senior dogs or shy pets who need extra patience and care, I take things slow and make sure they feel safe and supported. I always follow any instructions you leave to make sure your pet feels at home, happy, and secure.

“Java had a great time with Andrea! She was very attentive to her needs and communicated well with us. We certainly will call on Andrea again.”

Debra S.

About: My passion for animal is the upmost! As a former animal control officer I am trained in compassion and other skills that will be used in the best care of your pet I'm work for myself so I am home at all hours most of the time! I also uber and lyft in my spare time! Very flexible I live in a rural neighborhood that is perfect for dog walks and play time! Plus added roomate to love your pet even more! Dogs love treats!

About: I have been pet sitting as a side job for 4 years now, but my passion for animals has been a lifelong journey. From a young age, I’ve been surrounded by pets, and pet sitting has allowed me to further channel my love and care for animals. My experience spans a variety of pets, with a particular focus on caring for large breed dogs during my time in Australia. Whether tending to puppies or elderly pets, I approach each responsibility with the utmost dedication and a deep understanding of their unique needs. I have flexible availability as I focus only on my studies at the moment I don't have a side job, allowing me to offer reliable pet care. I treat each pet like they’re part of my family, whether they’re staying in my home or theirs. I make sure to stick to their usual routine to help them feel comfortable and secure. This includes playtime, walks, meals, and grooming as needed. I also keep in touch with the pet’s owner to provide regular updates and make sure everything is going smoothly. Above all, I strive to create a loving, safe environment where pets can feel at ease while their owners are away