Dog Walking Westside Connection

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.

“Annabell did great with my skiddish pup and supporting through some surprise apartment maintenance!”

Kayla S.

“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.

“Leah is great. She was able to accommodate a short notice walk for my pup Juice. Juice seemed to really enjoy the walk and was fast asleep within two minutes of getting home.”

Cameron T.

“Holly Jean was SUPER flexible! I actually booked the walk for the wrong day but she was kind enough to adjust for my error. What a wonderful experience! Thank you!!!”

Lisa U.

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.

“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.

“Lisa was great! She took wonderful care of my 11 week old puppy, I never worried because he was in such good hands.”

Leah G.

About: I have been around animals for most of my life and have over 50 years of hands-on experience caring for pets. Over the years, I’ve owned about nine dogs and currently have an Australian Shepherd and two sugar gliders, so I’m comfortable with both active dogs and animals that need more specialized care. I understand how important it is to have someone dependable, patient, and attentive caring for your pets, and I’ll treat them like they’re part of my own family. I'm a retired firefighter who went into nursing after that career but retired from that now, too. I really enjoy the company of dogs and they seem to enjoy me, too. My wife is in and out of the house because she still works full time, so you may or may not meet her. However I am the one who's retired and gets to be home with any fur babies 24/7 so you will be working with me directly. I have a fenced in backyard, a friendly Aussie who likes to play and numerous sized cages if your dog prefers that for sleeping or escape. I take a walk everyday (usually to the park two blocks away) and I would be happy to include your dog on my daily walk. If I come to your house , I'd be happy to walk your dog around your neighborhood , play ball or frisbee in the backyard or work on commands .. I have done all of these in the past.

“Christian was great with my adult pup! Very kind, professional, and communicative. Will definitely use again.”

Kellen H.

“We use Jillian for our 3 month old corgi puppy. She walks or plays with him in the small park near our home. She asks throughtful questions about his care, and sends relevant & hilarious updates about their time together on their adventures. We are using her again”

Susie B.

“Exceptional! My dogs adore Ema!”

Austen D.

“Tayler has been super helpful, was able to accomodate my 11th hour requests to check in on my dog, feed and walk him. My dog appears to have taken to her quite well.”

Rony B.

About: I’m a teacher looking to hangout with some cuddly pets this summer! I’ve had cats my entire life (27 years), including two who lived to be 18. I’m experienced with giving medication by syringe and caring for pets of all kinds. I’ve also helped care for friends’ dogs, birds, hamsters, and fish. I’m patient, gentle, and truly love animals. I’m currently a teacher and I have my summers off so my time is very flexible. I am looking for some cute animals to fill my schedule this summer! I treat every pet like family and follow any instructions closely to keep them happy and healthy. I’m respectful of clients’ homes, always clean up after pets, and make sure they feel safe, comfortable, and loved while you’re away.

About: I have cared for a dog for most of my life, so I understand how important it is to find someone you can trust with your pet. I will treat your animal with the same love, patience, and attention that I gave my own. As a social worker, caring for others is a big part of who I am, and that naturally extends to animals too. I am dependable, gentle, and attentive, and I want pets to feel safe, comfortable, and loved while their owners are away. I am comfortable with walks, feeding routines, playtime, giving lots of attention, and keeping owners updated while they are away. I work Tuesday through Thursday from 8-3:30. I also have 2 daughters, which is a full time job on its' own! With that being said, my availability would typically be M,F,S,Su 11am-3pm and after 8pm most days. I will care for pets in their own home, where they are already comfortable with their normal routine and environment. I will follow the owner’s instructions closely, including feeding schedules, fresh water, litter box or potty needs, walks, playtime, and any other specific care requests. I will also make sure doors are secure, pets are safe before I leave, and the home is treated with respect. I am happy to provide updates so owners know their pet is safe, cared for, and doing well while they are away.

About: Animals have been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve always had a natural connection with dogs and cats, and I genuinely believe they are incredibly intelligent, emotional, and individual creatures with their own personalities. Over the years, I’ve cared for many of my coworkers’, neighbors, friends, and my families pets, including dogs and cats that were described as shy, nervous, or not particularly friendly with new people. I’ve always been surprised by how quickly they tend to warm up to me. I’m patient with animals and pay close attention to their body language, giving them space when they need it while finding ways to build trust and keep them engaged. I’m also very active and love being outdoors, so I’m especially excited to take dogs on walks, hikes, adventures around the neighborhood, or to a park to play fetch and burn some energy. At the same time, I’m just as happy spending quiet time with a cat or a more relaxed pet. Whether your pet is energetic, shy, playful, independent, or needs a little extra patience, my goal is always the same to make them feel safe, comfortable, cared for, and genuinely happy while you’re away. I don’t just want to be their sitter I want to be someone they’re excited to see again. My current weekly routine is flexible and allows me to provide reliable, attentive care for pets. I work as a youth hockey coach, with practices or coaching responsibilities lasting approximately two and a half to three hours in the evening. I also work as a bar back three days a week. On those days, I typically do not need to be at work until 2:30 p.m., although my shifts usually end around midnight. Because of this schedule, I have availability during mornings, early afternoons, and on days when I am not working at the bar. I am able to plan pet care around my work commitments and make sure pets receive consistent attention, exercise, meals, and companionship. I understand that watching pets can affect my weekly routine, so I am careful to communicate clearly, organize my schedule in advance, and only accept bookings that I can fully commit to. I primarily provide pet care in the client’s home, where pets are already familiar with their surroundings and can maintain their normal routines. I believe this is the safest and most comfortable environment for most dogs and cats, especially when they are away from their owners. My home is relatively small, is not located in the most suitable area for walking pets, and does not have a fenced-in backyard, so I do not feel it would provide the best environment for boarding animals. Caring for pets in their own home allows me to give them individualized attention while keeping them in a familiar, secure setting. I am comfortable caring for both dogs and cats, as well as other household pets, depending on their specific needs and care instructions.

About: Are you looking for someone to take your dog on walks while you’re away? I’m your girl! I’ve been caring for dogs for over 10 years. I have a lot of free time and would love to help take care of your dog. I’m currently working part time and a stay at home mom, so I’m able to pickup shifts easily to help take care of your pets! Please let me know if you’re looking for someone dependable and available! In the clients home, I care for pets the same way I’d care for them if they were my own- with love and attention. The owners knows best as well, so I love a detailed list of instructions when caring for a pet the first time.

About: I've been caring for friends' and family's pets since high school, and I truly love every kind of animal. Whether it's a tiny pup or a giant breed, I make sure they get plenty of love, attention, and care. I have experience with dogs of all sizes, from playful puppies who need to burn off energy to seniors who need a slower pace and extra patience. Pets aren't just animals to me. They're family, and I treat them like my own. I'm back and taking new clients! I work part-time and remotely, so my schedule is flexible for dog walks and drop-in visits during mornings, afternoons, and weekends. Whether you need a regular midday walk or a few check-ins while you're out, I can be consistent and reliable so your pet's routine stays on track. All my visits happen at your home, so your pet stays comfortable in their familiar space. I follow your instructions exactly, from feeding schedules and medications to potty breaks and walking routes. I always double-check that doors and gates are locked before I leave, and I'll send photo updates after every visit so you know your pet is safe and happy. On walks, I keep dogs securely leashed and stay alert around other dogs, traffic, and wildlife.

About: Hello! I’m Hill, I have been a Rover sitter since 2024. I have clientele outside of Rover for various tasks/pet&house sitting). During the daytime I work with special needs adults which gives me the flexibility and freedom to put your pet first during your time away. When I’m not dog sitting or working with my clients I’m working on my degree (Mechanical Engineering). I hope to make a difference in the lives of the disabled/ special needs community as an engineer. Rover only lets me put 10 photos, I wish I could show ALL of the sweet pets I’ve spent time with, but I hope you love the pictures. I do not board pets in my home as that is my twin cats domain, I’m happy to set up a meet and greet if you find yourself in need of a trustworthy and reliable sitter. 🩷🦮💜🐩💙🐕‍🦺🐾 I am available within Grand Rapids and surrounding areas daily and weekly. I can do drop in visits, regular walks or sitting for an extended period of time. I will follow you and your pets normal routine to the best of my ability. Most of the homes I’m in have cameras, I can provide personal references upon request.

About: Hi there! Huge lover of all animals having grown up with them my entire life! In total I’ve had 5 dogs, 1 cat, lots of fish and most recently 2 rats as my personal pets. I am most knowledgeable about dogs. As a kid I helped train puppies (my parents were breeders for a few years) and went on to practice basic behavior training and agility with my dog. I currently do not have pets. I also love wild animals and have rescued and handled small birds, turtles, rabbits, and opossums. I’m comfortable caring for baby animals, odd animals, senior pets and special needs animals (my miniature schnauzer lived to be 16 and he was disabled for about 4 years, i.e. diapers, carrying around the house, bathed daily, etc.). I also have experience with how to handle anxious/prey animals (rats, rabbits). In my personal life I love the outdoors and walks/hikes! I am a very active and healthy person, I do not smoke or drink. I own a car and am happy to pick up pets at an additional small fee. I currently work from home as an artist and business owner. Because I’m the boss, your pets will receive all of the love and attention! Your pet’s enrichment and safety is number one and I take it very seriously! Meeting ahead of time to take notes on care and learn about the animals behavior is very important. I want your animal to be comfortable with me too and make sure I’m aware of any triggers or preferences. I like to send updates and photos (if you approve of that) to make you feel as comfortable as possible about our time together.