Dog Walking Van Meter

About: I've had dogs and cats for most of my life that are treated as family. Buster, my 16 year old Border Collie mix, recently passed. My family consists of several grand puppies who come for visits. I am retired and have a very flexible schedule. I am home most days all day long, with occasional appointments. I would love to go for walks with a dog. I have a pet friendly home with a large fenced yard. I have several grand puppies who visit. I love dogs and would welcome them into my home as part of my family.

“Olivia was so great with Maverick! I booked for 4 walks and she was prompt and every walk was a good 30min which is perfect for my dog. She sent updates and communicated well. I’ll definitely be rebooking in the future”

Sammi C.

“Elliana was on time, super friendly, and loved on the pups! Can't wait to have her walk them again soon!”

Anne W.

About: I'm an experienced pet care professional with over four years of hands-on experience caring for dogs of all ages, sizes, and temperaments! I've worked in an animal shelter, a dog boarding and daycare facility, and a dog training facility, giving me experience with everything from energetic puppies to senior dogs and pets with unique needs. I'm currently earning my animal training certification, which continues to strengthen my understanding of animal behavior and positive, reward-based handling techniques. My goal is to provide every pet with safe, attentive, and compassionate care while making sure they feel comfortable, happy, and loved when you're away. Whether your pet enjoys long walks, playtime, enrichment activities, or simply relaxing with a companion, I'll tailor my care to their individual personality and routine. I understand how important it is to trust someone with your best friend, and I treat every pet as if they were my own. I provide pet care full-time, so I have a flexible schedule and plenty of time to provide your pet with the attention and care they deserve. Whether you need weekday walks, weekend care, or holiday check-ins, I'll do my best to accommodate your schedule. I'm committed to being reliable, responsive, and ensuring your pet receives the time, attention, and companionship they need while you're away! When caring for pets in your home, my priority is keeping their routine as consistent and stress-free as possible! I'll follow your care instructions closely, including feeding schedules, walks, potty breaks, playtime, medications (if needed), and any other routines that help your pet feel comfortable and secure. With over four years of professional experience in animal care, I'm comfortable caring for dogs of all ages, sizes, personalities, and energy levels. I treat every home with the same respect I would my own and every pet as if they were part of my family. I'll also keep you updated with regular messages and photos so you can have peace of mind knowing your pet is safe, happy, and receiving attentive, compassionate care while you're away.

About: I grew up around dogs & cats of all kinds! I have been a solo pet owner for 8+ years & have 2 dogs, a cat, and 2 birds in my home. I am able to care for reactive dogs, diabetic cats/dogs, and know how to operate an E/Collar. I work for Rover because being around animals is a passion of mine & I am always open to helping out! I have flexible hours during my work week (between 7AM-11AM and 2PM-9PM specifically) and I am available on weekends! Anytime after 6pm, I can be there for your pets. I live in a central enough location, so travel to different parts of the metro easy! If I come to your home to care for your pets, I am an avid runner & am sure to get those pups out & active. I am comfortable using treats as incentive & have worked with my own dog through reactivity, so ensuring your pet feels safe is important to me! If your pet stays in my home, I live close to Gray's Lake & Waterworks Park.. making it easy for us to get out and explore. For cats that may come stay with me, we've got large windows & a cat hammock for lounging!

About: I’ve had dogs my entire life and absolutely love being around animals! I grew up with a Lab, two Boxers, and a Morkie, so I’m comfortable with dogs of all sizes, personalities, and energy levels. I’ve also pet sat for many coworkers, neighbors, friends, and family over the years. I know how important it is to find someone you can trust with your pets and in your home. My goal is to make your pets feel comfortable, loved, and cared for while you’re away. Whether they need a long walk, some playtime and attention, a quick potty break, or just a little company, I’m happy to help! I currently offer house sitting, drop-in visits, and dog walking. I’m happy to follow your pet’s normal routine, including feeding schedules, walks, medications, playtime, and plenty of cuddles. I’ll also make sure your home is treated with the same care and respect I would want for my own. I’d love the opportunity to get to know your pets and give you peace of mind while you’re away.

About: Hello! My name is Sammie and I’m a recently retired college athlete and nursing student. I’ve had three dogs in my lifetime so far with many more to come. I am 22 years old and a New Nurse. Im also a huge animal lover and obsessed with every furry friend. I had two beagles growing up… and now I have a six year-old sassy, husky named Skye… we rescued Skye a little over 6 years ago when she was 1 year old. We take her on three walks a day, short car rides, dog park trips, and we give her plenty of playtime. She has a few different husky friends in the neighborhood. Although she’s a little crazy, she’s my best friend. I recently moved to Des Moines, IA from Massachusetts and I’m excited to get started helping other families with fur babies. Every morning and every evening I walk my husky. We play with her throughout the day depending on who is around in the family. She gets weekly dog park trips as well and hangs out with her friends in the neighborhood. Plenty of playtime, cuddles and walks. I know my dog loves to take long walks in the neighborhood, play fetch with her ball and snuggle on the couch when she’s tired.

“Our boy had so much fun on his walks. He loved when she brought the kids along for play and cuddles. I loved the photos and report cards.”

Shawna P.

“Alok did a great job with Oakley while I was gone during a couple of days over the weekend. He showed up at the requested time, and sent photos and videos of each walk. I will definitely ask him to care for my pup again, and would recommend him to friends.”

Shane Z.

“Jerad is the most flexible and attentive sitter I've had the pleasure of working with. He'll do his absolute best to get a feel for your dog and work with their particular temperament and needs, and he always rights the most detailed reports of every walk or visit. Highly recommend for your next doggy needs!”

Elliot N.

About: Hi! I’ve been an animal lover for as long as I can remember and have grown up surrounded by dogs. I currently have a Golden Retriever named Sayde who lives with my parents back home, and although I don’t have a dog of my own in my apartment right now, caring for animals has always been a huge part of my life. Throughout the years, I’ve cared for pets belonging to family, friends, and members of my community. While attending Iowa State University, I joined the ACE Project, where I had the rewarding opportunity to foster several dogs who had experienced trauma or needed extra help with socialization. Working with these dogs taught me so much about patience, compassion, and the importance of creating a safe, loving environment where every dog can feel comfortable and thrive. I currently work at BluePearl Pet Hospital in Des Moines, where I care for and handle animals with a wide range of medical needs, including critically ill pets. This experience has given me valuable hands-on animal care experience and a strong medical knowledge base, allowing me to feel confident caring for pets who may need extra attention, medication, or specialized care. I truly miss fostering and spending time with dogs, and pet sitting feels like the perfect way to continue doing what I love! My goal is to make every pet feel safe, loved, and comfortable while their owners are away. Whether your pet is energetic and playful, shy and still warming up, or requires a little extra TLC, I’m happy to meet them where they are and give them the individualized care they deserve. I can’t wait to meet your furry family members! I work three 12-hour shifts at BluePearl Emergency Pet Hospital in Des Moines, and my schedule varies each week. I receive my schedule monthly, so planning ahead is helpful, especially for overnight stays. On my days off, I have plenty of time to dedicate to your pets and am available for drop-ins, dog walks, and spending quality time with them. For longer stays, I appreciate at least a month’s notice so I can coordinate with work and ensure I’m available. I always want to be upfront about my schedule to make sure your pets receive the time, attention, and care they deserve! I focus on keeping pets comfortable and sticking to their normal routines while their owners are away. I follow feeding schedules, make time for walks, playtime, and cuddles, and provide plenty of attention. I live in a spacious, pet-friendly apartment in a great neighborhood for long walks, with nearby hiking areas to explore. I’m also happy to crate your pet when I’m away if that’s part of their normal routine. Through my work at BluePearl Pet Hospital, I have experience caring for pets with medical needs and am comfortable following medication instructions. My goal is to make sure every pet feels safe, happy, and well cared for!

About: Caring for people and pets comes naturally to me. I worked in nursing for several years before leaving to care for my father full time. Between that and being a mom giving love and care comes easy. Sadly, now my father is no longer in my home. His care was too much for an in home setting, but we still visit and he shows my dogs off to everyone in his building. I find myself with time to spare and I know it's hard to get the minutes is for our 4 legged friends during busy weeks so why not let me take some of the burden from your schedule ? I have 2 dogs of my own, both of which are friendly and love a bit of play time. I am a big believer in fresh air and exercise. Let's get those steps in for your 4 legged family member. Cats are welcome too, we have plenty of treats and love to share. I don't work a regular job, I have recently moved my elderly father to a care facility, and I am taking classes to become a certified dog trainer in the hopes of making this my fulltime gig. I am available for walking and/or drop in visits at a moments notice a lot of the time. So let's get this thing started! For walking: usually I do a meet and greet with pet parents before we actually book services. Just to make sure your furry family member and I are fast friends, and also so you can show me how you care for your pet. I like to keep with the same que words and knowing where the leash and stuff is makes getting out of the house so much easier! I do keep a few different leashes and simple harnesses in my vehicle as well just in case it is ever needed. For drop in visits: I like to pop in with big excitement and spend a few minutes with your pet just simply petting and being social. After all drop ins are usually because a pet is in the home alone for an extended period, so we meet the social need first. Then I like to tackle the need to stuff, like feeding, or medication, or whatever the tasks may be, I finish out the visit with cleaning up any supplies, or food dishes, and a quick bit of play just for fun. Ending with a double check of the pet, the tasks, and bid goodbye, check that I leave the home secure and let you know how things went, then I'm off. For Stays: combination of both those with a rinse and repeat action and some added lounging and cuddle time if applicable. With stays I do walk (assuming it's a dog or more) at least once a day but usually more.

About: I have been the main caretaker of any animal I’ve ever had, some because I was the one who begged for it. And others because I just love animals so much that their care is only half the fun. I have experience with animals in all stages of life, from puppies to seniors. My puppy experience ranges from being the one who nursing a parvo puppy back to excellent health, she is now 3 years old and thriving. I also have a senior dog, who is such a joy but I think he forgets he has arthritis with all of his puppy antics. I also have a lot experience with teaching many tricks so don’t be surprised if your animal learns something new every time they see me! I work from home and have only two courses a day, so I have a lot of time on my hands to do a good pet care routine. My babies (my cats and hermit crabs) are on a routine or rather I am. We do feedings in the morning and have an hour of down time for everyone to “stretch” their legs before I go to class. I’m away for 3 hours before I’m back and during that time I can walk a dog if one is staying. And then I work from home so pretty much I’m at the animals beck and call whenever they need anything. I am in an apartment which lessens the risk of anything happening to your pet on my watch! Also with living in an apartment by campus we can always go for walks and meet some college students wanting some animal love!

“Hunter did a wonderful job filling in for our regular dog walker while she was out of the country! Our dog loved him and he was very prompt with communication. Highly recommend and look forward to working with him again in the future!”

Leah M.

“She was soo helpful and is so diligent!! Today I was so stuck and I totally wrote my whole calendar day down wrong. She was super flexible and was able to accommodate. I won’t do that often but I’m so grateful”

Maany A.

About: I have been working with dogs for years in daycare and shelter settings. I have managed play groups of up to 80 dogs, handled dog breeds of all sizes and ages, managed feeding schedules and medication administration, etc. I’m a college student with a pretty flexible schedule!! I would love to care for your pets, or even just take them on a walk :) House sitting and dog sitting go hand in hand - I will care for your home and for your pup all in one. Leave as many instructions as makes you comfortable!!

About: My ability to love animals is a gift that I want to share with others. I have had a dog, hamster, ducks and a cat and all are the most happy animals I have met. I go above and beyond to make them all comfortable and feel loved! I currently am blessed to have a senior lab, Cokie! She is truly my soul dog and my best friend. I take care of her everyday. I also help with my neighbors, family and friends pets! I respect the household of others, if you give me rules they will be followed. Along with basic common sense of what is/isn’t ok in someone else’s home. When I have a pet over to my house, they are respected and treated just like a human guest

About: Hello! I am an avid dog and cat lover. I often watch my family and friends pets but aside from that I managed a cageless doggy daycare for 3 years. I own two senior cats myself. I am attentive and flexible. Always available to do meet and greet in person or over the phone prior to my services <3 helps me and your animals get an acquainted! I currently own my own business that allows me plenty of free time. I’m available most days and nights on short notice. Happy to accommodate any schedule. I do travel out of state quite a bit for my job but I will let you know immediately if my schedule were to change. I have first hand experience in handling all sizes of dogs and temperaments. Including training with dog aggressive dogs. I have experience in administering meds and first aid for both cats & dogs.

About: I currently work at Banfield Pet Hospital in Clive as a Registered Veterinary Technician! I have lots of experience with animals of all kinds. I have owned animals my whole life and they are a big part of my life. I can help keep up with training as well as take care of your pets special needs. I am fear free certified and cat friendly certified. I also can trim nails and more for additions charges. I know emergency CPR and more. I am so EXCITED to meet your babies❤️ I can usually accommodate to your schedule. I work 10-11 hour days 4 days a week. I work with animals daily whether it’s my job or my own pets so I am around them 24/7! I can maybe stop by to do potty breaks on my lunch breaks depending on how far it is. I have demanding hours but will stop in before and after work. My first priority would be to make sure your pet(s) are comfortable with me! I want to make sure they feel as that i am not an intruder. I don’t want them to get nervous or anxious! I would be doing lots of cuddling, playtime, naps, and of course…treats (if allowed) with your fur baby(s)! I can help train your pets as well as provide enrichment.

About: I've taken care of dogs since I was 15 years old when I adopted my first dog Fez while working at the local animal shelter. I've also worked at the Louisiana SPCA for a year where I spent a lot of time getting to know all the different times of breeds and temperaments of both dogs and cats. I'd be happy to take care of your furry family member. My schedule is flexible. I can work with you to find the best time to take care of your fur baby. I'm even available for same day appointments. I would take great care of your fur baby with my undivided attention. I'd make sure they'd have all the time they need outdoors plus extra enrichments indoors during my visit or stay.