Personalized care for your dog or cat - Raines Corner

“We stayed on a trip much longer than normal and knew once again Sam would be taken well taken care of. She loves her adventures on the farm and we feel so relieved leaving her in the care of Liz always. Until our next trip…thank you for taking such good care of our girl!”

Rebecca B.

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.

“Nancy was so good with our boy, who requires a little extra TLC. He came home happy and tired. Would be happy to have Casper stay with Nancy anytime.”

Melanie D.

About: I have 3 dogs at home in CLT, NC. All of my friends say I treat them like my babies. I miss them so much when I am at school and would love to give your puppy some snuggles while you are away! I have 1 class a day so I will be gone max 2 hours and I LOVEEE walks so they will be walked at least 2 miles everyday if able! I can easily crate your dog if preferred. I live in an apartment but live super close to grassy areas for when they need to use the restroom. I have 3 other roommate's who all have dogs at home and one of us is usually always home!

“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 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.

“Carmen was easy to work with and had good communication. We felt that our dog, Lucy, was well taken care of which gave us peace of mind while we were away.”

Melissa L.

“Clare was great and did the most important things- loved on our pup and sent lots of updates. Will definitely book again!”

Andy A.

“Amazing sitter, took great care of my old dog Prince and kept a close eye on him. He has seizures and had one at Claire's home, I was very relieved to know he was in good care and she kept me updated throughout the weekend. Couldn't recommend her enough!”

Sophia F.

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.

About: I have hands-on experience caring for multiple pets, including two dogs and two cats in my household. I was responsible for their daily care while my parents were at work, which included feeding, supervision, playtime, and making sure they felt safe and comfortable. I’ve cared for both small and large breeds, including a Chihuahua and a German Shepherd, and have experience raising them from a young age. Both of my dogs had anxiety, so I understand the importance of patience, consistency, and providing a calm, loving environment. I’m comfortable handling multiple pets at once and making sure each one gets the attention they need. I also have experience with basic training such as sit, stay, and reinforcing good behavior. I currently live with a friendly and calm dog named Penny, and my home provides a safe, welcoming space where dogs can relax, play, and feel at ease. I currently work part-time, which gives me plenty of time to provide attentive and reliable care for your pets. I’m available on weekend mornings and weekdays after 2 PM. On Sundays and Wednesdays, I have more flexible availability and can also accommodate morning requests. I’m happy to work with your schedule to make sure your pet is well cared for! I have a comfortable home with a fenced yard where your dog will have plenty of space to run, play, and relax. I also have a sweet, older dog named Penny who loves friendly company and can be a great companion for your pup! If needed, I’m happy to crate your dog as well—just let me know your preferences so I can make them feel right at home.

About: I am an Animal and Dairy Science student at Virginia Tech, part of the Honors College, and on the pre-veterinary track. I am also currently completing a master’s program in Animal Behavior and Welfare, which gives me a strong scientific foundation in animal behavior, stress, enrichment, and humane handling. Throughout college I have also worked as an RA for the Honors College and as an ambassador for the School of Animal Science, which has given me strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, I have hands-on experience working in multiple, varied veterinary clinics, allowing me to care for animals of different temperaments, ages, and medical needs with confidence and professionalism. I have years of experience caring for a wide range of animals, including dogs, cats, horses, ducks, and other livestock and companion animals. Throughout college, I volunteered consistently at an animal shelter, where I worked with shy, fearful, high-energy, and senior animals, gaining experience in safe handling, enrichment, and basic training reinforcement. I am especially comfortable with puppies, senior pets, and animals that need patience, routine, or extra reassurance. What sets me apart is my combination of academic training, real-world veterinary and shelter experience, and genuine love for animals. I approach pet care thoughtfully, paying close attention to behavior, body language, and individual needs. I am also actively working toward animal training certifications, allowing me to reinforce good manners, routines, and positive behaviors during care. I treat every animal as an individual and prioritize their safety, comfort, and well-being at all times. I am currently in a few morning courses to finish my undergraduate degree and taking animal behavior and welfare classes online towards my master’s degree. This gives my flexibility during almost every part of the day, every day. When caring for pets in a client’s home, I prioritize safety, trust, and consistency above all else. I closely follow each pet’s routine, feeding instructions, and any medical or behavioral needs, while paying careful attention to body language and stress signals. My background in animal science and behavior allows me to handle pets calmly and confidently, maintain a clean and secure environment, and ensure pets feel comfortable and well cared for in their familiar space.

About: I’ve taken care of my own dog since high school! I trained him myself, as well as had full responsibility over all his walks, food and medical needs. Beyond my own house dog, I cared for animals in a shelter in Key West for many years with my mom and learned how to calm and soothe big or stressed dogs. I’m right now a full time student, however most of my evenings are free. I love using my free time to go on hikes with my dog, Gavin and would love to bring yours along. Additionally I love being a morning person I also wouldn’t mind waking up early in order to care for pets. Every time I’ve had a dog, we would allow them to go into the fenced backyard alone. Much of my experience with animals is formed on a trust bond in which they ‘recognize’ that I’m their main care taker and I can occasionally allow them in the front yard without leash. However for someone else’s dog I would always put the leash on before opening the doors, and monitor potty time even if the backyard is fenced in case they dig.

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 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

“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.

“Sidney was great with the animals. We would 100% user her services again.”

Greg J.

“Colby had the most enjoyable day. He enjoyed the long walk through the community and meeting the golden retriever neighbor. Clare did a wonderful job tending to him.”

Christian M.

About: I've owned and taken care of all kinds of dogs, cats, and other animals from a very young age. Ive pet sat for many neighbors and relatives since I was 10, where I was responsible for feeding, walking, bathing, giving medicine, etc. I have great experience with dogs that are anxious, nervous, or shy, as my rescue dog and many pets i’ve looked after are like this. I also have experience giving pets medicine or any other special care they may need in their time with me. Most importantly, I love animals more than anything and I can promise a caring and safe home for your pet!! I’m a student at virginia tech with a very open class scheduel! I have 1-2 short classes a day where im gone for only an hour. Other than those classes, Im free all week and on the weekends to make sure your pet has constant care! I live in an apartment with an enclosed dog park less than a minute walk away, and along with that, my apartment is safe, secure, and kept very clean making it a great environment for any pet. When walking the dog, I prioritize safety with keeping the dog close to me at all times.

“David and Linda are great. They took great care of our elderly dog and our puppy. We trust them with our animals and will use their service again. Thank you.”

Thais C.

About: I'm diligent, conscientious, and careful when caring for dogs. I have a large fenced yard, and I'm home nearly all day, every day, so your pet will have plenty of attention, supervision, and space to play and feel safe. I have a large fenced yard and am home all day, most every day, so I’m free to focus fully on your pet’s needs and give you frequent updates as requested. I'm diligent, conscientious, and careful with dogs. I have a large fenced yard and am home most of the time, so your pet gets plenty of attention and care. I can easily crate your dog if needed for safety or routine.

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.

“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.

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.

“Stephanie S. did a great job. She was punctual, kind, followed all instructions for our reactive dog and they did very well together. We were very pleased. Thank you very much Stephanie.”

Mary S.

“We stayed on a trip much longer than normal and knew once again Sam would be taken well taken care of. She loves her adventures on the farm and we feel so relieved leaving her in the care of Liz always. Until our next trip…thank you for taking such good care of our girl!”

Rebecca B.

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.

“Bethany has sure helped my dog socialization skills with her careful introductions to her dogs and other guest dogs. My dog has become socialized and being around other dogs is now normal!”

Mark D.

“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.

“This is our second time and always the best place for our dogs,,, she is such a sweet heart for our dogs and always get update everytime so we love that.. We will always happy to let her baby sit our dogs”

Richard W.

“Rowdy was very well taken care of by Ms. Holly. She sent many pictures upon request, as well as fast responses. I believe he had a great time in her care and seemed to be in a good mood during pick up. Overall I highly recommend Holly as a great dog sitter and will come back again if I ever need!”

Melanie M.

“Ruth was amazing! She was incredibly flexible and so sweet. She made our dog feel right at home while we were away for 5 nights. She sent pictures and kept me informed. We would definitely recommend booking with Ruth!”

Tanisha S.

About: I’ve spent the past 3 years volunteering with shelter dogs that were reactive, nervous, high energy, sensitive, untrained, and everything in between. My sister and I would take shelter dogs out for the day and bring them to the beach, on long walks, car rides, basically just let them have a full day outside of the shelter. That experience taught me a completely different level of dog care than I was used to from simply caring for my grandmother’s dog, Lulu. I learned how to recognize when a dog is uncomfortable, when to give them space, and how to work with their individual boundaries instead. Shelter dogs taught me that no two dogs are the same, and caring for them isn’t something to take lightly. I’ve also volunteered at the Staten Island Zoo for 2 years and have had animals around me my entire life. My pets back home in New York include my 8 year old cat Nemo, a blue tongued skink, bearded dragon, gecko, gerbils, tortoise, pixie frog, and more. My sister and I grew up going to animal expos, so I’ve had experience being around and caring for many different kinds of animals. Because of that, I’m very comfortable around animals, but I also know that being comfortable doesn’t mean ignoring their boundaries. I want to know their routine, personality, triggers, habits, favorite things, and anything else that helps them feel safe and comfortable. The more I know about your pet, the better I can care for them! I’m a Virginia Tech student with a pretty open class schedule. Classes usually take up only about two hours of my day, so I have plenty of time to spend with your pet. I’m happy to take dogs on long walks and give them lots of time outside if that’s what they enjoy. When we’re home, they’ll have my attention too, whether they want to play, relax together, or just have someone nearby. I live at The Hub, which is a pet friendly community with its own dog park and plenty of outdoor spaces for walks and potty breaks. I’d only use the dog park if it’s empty. I’m also happy to skip it completely if that’s what you prefer! I’d follow whatever routine your dog is already used to and keep things as normal and comfortable for them as possible while they’re with me!

About: I’ve helped my mom pet sit her German shepherd for a year and I handled it well. I learned how to feed him properly and took care of him responsibly. I will be mostly available in the afternoon. Once school start, I will be mostly available during the weekends. Feel free to check with me on availability otherwise. I make sure to walk my dog at least three times a day and feed him the right amount of food at least two times a day. I will make sure to respect others when taking him outside and stop any improper behavior in time. I regularly buy him treats and toys.

“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: I’ve taken care of my own dog since high school! I trained him myself, as well as had full responsibility over all his walks, food and medical needs. Beyond my own house dog, I cared for animals in a shelter in Key West for many years with my mom and learned how to calm and soothe big or stressed dogs. I’m right now a full time student, however most of my evenings are free. I love using my free time to go on hikes with my dog, Gavin and would love to bring yours along. Additionally I love being a morning person I also wouldn’t mind waking up early in order to care for pets. Every time I’ve had a dog, we would allow them to go into the fenced backyard alone. Much of my experience with animals is formed on a trust bond in which they ‘recognize’ that I’m their main care taker and I can occasionally allow them in the front yard without leash. However for someone else’s dog I would always put the leash on before opening the doors, and monitor potty time even if the backyard is fenced in case they dig.

“Deann was very attentive to the needs of our dog. We really appreciate that especially during the summer thunderstorms. She carefully followed all of the instructions we gave for him, and made sure he was safe and happy.”

Kathryn D.

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.