Dog Walking Westside Connection

“This was the first time we’ve left our dogs overnight and the first time we had anyone visiting the house without us being there. Everything went so smoothly and Kate was excellent. She was able to manage our 2 giant dogs and 1 curious cat with no issues. They were all very spoiled with lots of pets, walks and attention. We loved seeing all the photos showing all was well.”

Kate B.

“Always timely and efficient. So sweet to our pup.”

Tina F.

“Thank you! Lillie was able to come by with very little notice and arrived right on time. She was easy to communicate with and very patient with Squidward, who is shy and nervous around new people. They went for a walk, and when the heat became too much for him, she appropriately brought him back early. I had a good first experience and will likely book with her again so Squidward can continue getting comfortable with her.”

Derrick B.

“Lauren has been amazing to work with! She met with us before since my dog can be a little shy but he warmed up quickly to her. She was always on time and quick to respond. I’d recommend her to anyone in need of pet walking/sitting etc.”

Paige B.

About: At a young age, I began to understand and care for our pets and those of friends and family members. I’ve learned how to be patient, kind, and active in order to provide the best care for dogs of various ages and sizes. Living in an apartment now post college, I’ve quickly realized how much I miss the joy and love a dog can bring. I would be incredibly honored to care and provide the most love to your furry family members! I do have a hybrid work schedule but it does come with flexibility to work around any at home requirements. I’ll typically be out of town Monday through Thursday, and have Friday through Sunday available at home. If given enough advance notice, I can manage my schedule to fit around your pets schedule. My work events can change weekly, so planning ahead of time is essential. When I’m not on the road, I work from home and have the ability to care for pets around the clock. My apartment complex is pet friendly, and there are many dogs that live throughout the building. There is an open grass area where many of them do their business, but I do prefer to walk around the block to give your dog more to sniff and space to choose where they’d like to “go”. There are also many local parks that I enjoy going to for little adventures! Since I will likely be working from home while caring for your pet, I will be able to provide 24 hour care and understand their needs throughout the day. Over the weekends, this will also be provided, as I typically stay home and go out around the area locally only.

About: I have cared for animals since I can remember- I grew up on a farm and my first ever job was at a pet store where we had extensive education about animal behavior and nutrition. I started fostering animals after college and while I don't do that full time anymore - cats and dogs always seems to find their way to our house when in need. I have done dog walking and house/ cat sitting on and off for friends and friends of friends for years and I always go out of my way to find more animals to cuddle. This gig seems like the best way to do that! I work 12 hour shifts only a couple days a week so I have many free days for pet care. I am home all the days I'm not working and can spend it with furry friends! I have a fenced in back yard and tons of walkable space near my house for plays and exercise for your baby. I am good at going with the flow of whatever the fur baby's energy is but I am also great at following a routine for your baby as well.

“Leah is so good with our baby, super communicative and he just adores her and their time!”

Hailey J.

“Thank you for your attentiveness and love for Lou 💕”

Jennifer D.

About: I've been caring for animals for more than 20 years, starting with my own cats when I was 13. Over the years, I've also pet sat for friends, neighbors, and members of my community, and for nearly 10 years they've trusted me to care for their pets while they're away. I have experience caring for pets with special needs, including senior animals and those with ongoing health concerns. I understand the importance of following routines, administering specialized care, and making sure every pet feels safe, comfortable, and loved in their own environment. Pet care fits naturally into my daily routine because I have a very flexible schedule. I primarily support my wife's career, which gives me almost open availability throughout the week. The only times I'm typically unavailable are briefly around 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM when I'm giving her a ride to and from work. This flexibility allows me to accommodate a variety of schedules, whether your cat needs morning and evening visits, midday check-ins, or care over multiple days. I'm happy to work with your pet's routine to make sure they receive consistent, reliable care and plenty of attention while you're away. Because I have two cats of my own, I don't offer boarding in my home. Instead, I provide care in your pet's home, where they can stay comfortable in their familiar environment and maintain their normal routine. I'm available for drop-in visits and walks, and I'm happy to tailor my care to your pet's individual needs. Whether that means feeding, refreshing water, cleaning litter boxes, taking dogs for walks, administering routine care, playing with energetic pets, or simply spending quiet time giving them attention and affection, I'm committed to making sure they feel safe, happy, and well cared for while you're away. I also have experience caring for senior pets and animals with special needs, and I'm comfortable following detailed care instructions to ensure your pet receives the same level of care they're used to at home.

About: I’ve always had animals of my own, basically since I was old enough to walk. I started my own pet-sitting business when I was 13. I’m the go-to for friends and family when they need their babies cared for and I love every breed. I studied veterinary medicine for a number of years and have more recently begun to train dogs, as well. I work full-time but I make my own schedule and I can have dogs at my work. I also live just a few minutes away from my work and can pop back to my house when need be. I’m already taking care of our senior dog, our new puppy, and our two cats. I love being outside and taking the babies for walks. I have a fenced in yard as well as two other dogs and two other cats. I have a large crate as well as two portable enclosures and no shortage of extra bowls, blankets, toys, and towels. I live in a great neighborhood and there is a park a block away. It’s important to me that animals are well taken care of and I love spending extra time playing and snuggling with any babies I get to hang out with.

About: I’ve dog-walked and house-sat for friends and families for over ten years. I have experience walking two dogs at a time, taking them to dog parks too, and experience with young puppies still house training and aging dogs with mobility issues. My mom ran a kennel and dog-walking service while I was at home (1st grade-12th grade years of my life), so I am very comfortable with all breeds and temperaments, from German Shepherds, Pitbulls, and Weimaraners to Dachshunds, Terriers and Schnauzers, along with mixed-breeds and rescues. I also have experience with cats, being a cat-mom for the last five years, and I've rescued and rehomed several cats over the last ten years. Working locally in downtown Grand Rapids allows me to visit pets, including my own, several times a day. Walking and physical activity are habits for me, so taking dogs out and walking them, running them at parks or in yards, is easy to fit into my schedule. I don't work a standard 9-5 so my hours are flexible and I can make visits at my own convenience. Dogs: I work to respond to the needs of the pet and the preferences/requests of the owner. Depending on that, care is case-by-case, but several rules I abide by are always: greet the dog calmly and warmly, and take outside first before checking on food and water. This gives the pup a moment to get the wiggles or nervous pees out, and diverts attention to sniffing and other senses so their energy calms slightly. We go back in to make sure food, water, and other elements requested by the owner are attended to. For the walk, I always bring a bag with poop bags, treats, and an extra collar. When we go further, like to trails or a park, I also bring a container and water as well as a towel for mud/wipe-downs, which I always do before we head back into the home, to make sure the dog is clean and won’t track in mud. I always practice basic commands as well, like sit, wait/stay, and come/here when we are at home, to build trust and reinforce the commands before going out. I always make sure to leave the home as it was, and check elements that the owner asked me to (i.e. water, food, mail, lights). I always leave a note on how the visit went and take a photo too so they know the doggo is happy and healthy. Cats: I work to respond to the needs of the pet and the preferences/requests of the owner. Depending on that, care is case-by-case, but several rules I abide by are always: call for the cat and then head straight to checking food and water, talking and calling for the kitty as I go. If they greet me, we pet/play for at least a half an hour. If they don’t greet me, I’ll look for them in the usual spots and speak gently and make sounds of play for them until they come out. I will not leave until I have set eyes on the kitty. I make sure to ask the owner what the favorite toys and types of play are for the cat. I then take care of the litter box. I always make sure to leave the home as it was, and check elements that the owner asked me to (i.e. water, food, mail, lights). I always leave a note on how the visit went and take a photo too so they know their kitty is happy and healthy.

“My dog is pretty anxious when it comes to new people/being around people when I’m not present, but Jasmine is so great with him! She was able to meet him prior to becoming his dog walker and he loved her instantly.”

Hannah R.

About: Grew up with a house full of pets, including several Greyhounds & chickens. 15+ years pet-sitting experience. Former therapy dog handler. Proud cat mom to 11-year-old Finley. Experienced with medications and special healthcare needs. I work as a flight nurse where my schedule is 5 days on and then I get 10 days off. On my days off I am very flexible to drop in anytime of the day including multiple visits. As an avid traveler, I have had to leave Finley home with pet sitters and it can be stressful. I am reliable when following instructions, will provide playtime, and give medications as needed, and will keep you updated with messages, photos, and answers to any question to ensure they’re well cared for.

“Moria is on time, happy,responsive and communicates well😊5 stars!! She is so dependable and my boy loves her😊”

Veronica M.

“Katherine was an awesome dog walker. She was punctual, communicated well and tracked the walk with a rover card. I would love to have her walk Moe again soon.”

Rob P.

About: I've been passionate about caring for animals my entire life and come from a family of dedicated pet lovers. Over the past 9+ years, I've provided reliable pet care for friends, family, and neighbors, gaining experience with pets of all ages, sizes, and personalities. I understand that every pet has unique needs, and I take the time to ensure they feel safe, comfortable, and loved while you're away. As the owner of a senior dog, I have firsthand experience caring for older pets and understand the patience, attention, and specialized care they often require. Whether your pet enjoys long walks, playtime, or simply relaxing with companionship, I'm committed to following their routine and providing individualized care. I have a flexible schedule that allows me to give pets plenty of attention throughout the day. I pride myself on being dependable, attentive, and communicative, and I treat every pet as if they were my own. My goal is to give you peace of mind by providing compassionate, trustworthy care while keeping you updated with photos and messages during your pet's stay. I would be honored to care for your pet and look forward to providing them with a safe, loving, and stress-free experience. I work for home 5 days a week with a flexible schedule! I’m available for walks/drop ins before work, on my lunch break or after! Rules that are set in your household/on walks for your pet are the rules that I will follow. Additionally, I’m a triple checker on everything I do for my pet and same goes for yours.

About: I have been caring for and loving dogs and cats for my whole life but have been doing pet sitting for the past 6 years! No longer having one of my own, I have a very open schedule and love to spend my time keeping your fur babies company! My favorite past times include walking and curling up with a good book and would love the opportunity to include your sweet pets! I do remote work right now so I have a lot of free time to spend with your fur babies! I am available for home stays or drop-ins of any length, and love to fill my time with sweet animals of all types and personalities! I am a very active person and love long walks but also love to curl up and cuddle with your fur babies on the couch with a good book. I can fit in wherever and however your pet will be most comfortable. I am capable of crating animals and also love to cuddle up with them, I am punctual and communicative and want to make your pet feel as comfortable as possible!

“Colleen has been walking our dog consistently for a few months now and our dog LOVES her! She has been super reliable, as we new parents and have limited time to go on long walks with our high-energy golden doodle. She also does a great job granted he pulls a ton. We are so grateful for her!”

Hayley S.

About: I understand how stressful it is leaving your dog or having to board him or her while away. I have experience working with Rover, and I would like to resume providing pet care services. I've been around animals most of my life. I have also cared for the pets of friends and family, including my six-year-old English cream golden retriever, Maxwell. He's friendly and loves playing with other dogs. I would love to be the trusted person to take care of and pamper your pet. Leave your pet with me and we can go for walks, play ball , Frisbee, or just relax. I will provide your dog with a quiet, loving home environment with plenty of attention and care to fit their personality. I am currently home majority of the time to care for your pet. I work three out of the five days per week at home. I am available on weekends. I am in office two days per week. I drive home for Max to to take a break on my lunch hour. I will provide your pet with a quite, safe environment. If boarding your pet I will provide him or her with care that will be tailored to their needs and personality.

“Kevin was great with Percy! Showed up on time with no issues and left feedback so I knew he was well taken care of! Thank you!”

Chelsea L.