Doggy Day Care in Whately

About: Parents Jessica and Philip are the responsible adults guaranteeing that your dog will get everything they need, but 13-year-old Josie is the primary caretaker of our dog guests. She is a very attentive, loving and engaged pet pal! Since we started on Rover as a summer job for Josie in 2023, we have hosted dogs of all sizes, energy levels and needs and she loved every single one of them. She gets up early every day (whether or not she is caring for a dog) so she often gives the pups their first walk of the day before anyone else has gotten out of bed. In spring of 2023 Josie rescued an Eastern Phoebe (songbird) that was pushed out of its nest and injured; she fed it dry cat food soaked in sugar water and set it free a week later as a robust young fledgling (see pictures). On weekends and school vacations, Josie has little to do other than care for your dog! We are early risers. Our calendar has school days blocked off, but we would consider boarding a dog during the school week if its needs match Josie's availability so please inquire. Both parents work mostly or fully from home and could manage a midday walk for a quiet dog. Jessica is an elementary teacher and education administrator who is accustomed to carrying great responsibility for the safety of precious smaller beings. She closely supervises Josie as the primary caregiver. Our home is in the woods with access to Mt. Toby trails so your pup will get to enjoy the outdoors several times a day. Sometimes dogs who are anxious in the busy neighborhoods of their homes are much calmer when they come to our quiet, wooded setting. We have a flock of chickens in an enclosed outdoor area.

“John is the best! He knows my dog so well and takes such good care of him, both for day care and when Muffin has stayed overnight. Muffin can be a bit anxious, and in the past has been hesitant to leave his people, but when we get to John's house Muffin is always so happy to go and play! John is also very communicative and sends great photos. Thank you John, for all your amazing care of Muffin!”

Emily R.

“We're very happy with Xianshu. He took care of Shah very well, went for a couple of walks with the dog, and sent us plenty of pictures. We left a happy pup, and we got back a happy pup. We highly recommend Xianshu for your dog.”

Ejaz N.

“Christian was a great dog watcher for a day while we went on a ski trip! We got photo updates while we were gone and Hudson came home tired!!”

Curtis M.

“Dorjee took great care of my pup! Sadie was immediately comfortable with her, and I felt at ease as well. Highly recommend!”

Alie S.

“I am so happy to have found Emma. My two sweet but somewhat anxious dogs were immediately at ease in her lovely space. Her calm, confident energy is just what we were all looking for in a caregiver. Emma was easy to communicate with and very professional. I look forward to working with her again!”

Jill F.

About: I took care of dogs growing up, and now dogs are part of my family. My children have also grown up with dogs, helping with training, feeding, brushing, bathing, and playing with our dog. I am a middle school teacher who is home with my family during the summer. My 10 year old son and I are available to welcome your dog into our family life during the summer weeks and on weekends during the school year. We have a large yard with a stream and conservation land behind our house. We enjoy walks in the woods, running around and playing catch in the yard with dogs who stay with us. Inside dogs are allowed on the couch. We are home all day during the summer. We are excited to meet your dog and welcome them into our family life.

About: **Accept cats boarding only.** I had been taking care of the stray cats in my neighborhood and have two cow cats of my own (currently are not in the apartment). I also have experiences of sitting doggies - love walking with them in the fresh air! I have plenty of toys and abundant times to play or just be around them throughout the day. I am good observer for their behaviors and health conditions; I will always be there when furry friends need me. 💓💓 I spend most of the day at home so that I have flexible time with lovely kitties/doggies. I am able to follow their regular routines and make sure that they are feeling home here. If I left the house for an hour or two during the day, there’s always enough food and fresh water for them. 💓💓 I live in a spacious 2b2b where they can have fun running and playing around. It’s on the top floor with elevators and floor-to-ceiling window in the living room. I found that kitties/doggies love laying in the sun near the window. 🐶 There’s an acrylic, warm playpen for small/medium doggies to sleep in. Of course, I would love to have them sleep with me in bed if they want. :) 🐱 There are cat towers, scratchers, and toys everywhere in the house for cats to explore around. Litter boxes are located in several corners at home too. There’s walk-in closet, cabinets, and beds for shy fellows to hide, without worrying about being in enclosed small place. 💓💓💓

“Nicole was amazing! My pup had a blast at her place, and she came back very happy and tired after the fun playtime. Nicole provided photos and updates along the way. Thank you!!”

Laura R.

About: I’ve taken care of dogs and cats of every age and many breeds since I was 12 years old. I’ve lived with dogs for my whole life. I believe pets deserve special attention and lots of love. I have taken care of pets recovering from surgery, trained puppies, entertained energetic dogs who love long walks and play, and cared for senior cats and dogs. I look forward to caring for your pet! I work from home and have flexibility in my schedule so I am available at lunchtime and in the evenings and all weekend to care for your pets. I have a fenced in yard and no pets of my own currently so your pet would get all the attention. I can crate your dog if they are used to that and also am comfortable without crating if you or your pet doesn’t like that. I have many toys and leashes and am well experienced in caring for pets.

“Jessica did a fantastic job watching my 5 year old goldendoodle during the day while I was in the South Hadley area traveling. She was very responsive leading up to the "daycare" dates and provided multiple photos throughout her time there. Rizzo and Jessica's doodle, Chloe, got along well.”

Becca E.

About: I've loved and cared for dogs for most of my life, and currently have a Chihuahua mix named Chico and a cat named Frankie. I'm a good-hearted and easygoing person excited to spend my free time with some lovable pooches! Chico is an 11-year-old rescue, who loves ice cream and burying himself in blankets. He is a little guy but has tons of energy, and loves to make friends with all people or other dogs. Frankie is a snoozy indoor cat, but still loves playing with Chico when they are together. On all of my bookings, I like to provide constant attention to your pet to ensure they have as much care as possible. With the pets I've met so far, it was always a ton of fun hanging out with them, and I would love to meet some more furry friends and owners soon! I currently work from home full time in the healthcare industry. I am looking to offer sitting services in my free time, but can likely be flexible with my schedule. Safety for all pets is my biggest priority, whether they are my own or yours. I’m open to any information that would make your pets feel more comfortable, and would love to answer any questions during a meet and greet before a service.

About: I’ve taken care of all different kinds of pets from one hundred pound dogs to chinchillas and reptiles. I was lucky enough to grow up in a neighborhood with lots of animals and found great joy in taking care of them. As a kid I volunteered at my local shelter and saw first hand how each animal has a different story. Above all I love pets and understand what your pet means to you. I am college student with a flexible schedule. I am available weekends and weekdays and can work with you and your schedule to make sure your pet gets the care they need. I prioritize quality walks and play time. I care about your pets well being and understand that meaningful one on one attention helps them feel safe and happy. I make an effort to be fully present during our time together, creating a calm and intimate experience tailored to each pet’s needs.

About: Ive been caring for pets for many years. I had a dog walking business over a decade ago. We taken care of our own and others elderly dogs. We like taking dogs on long off leash walks in groups if possible. Dogs are always welcome to cuddle up on the furniture. Im a stay at home-mom, homeschooling. We go to play groups and trips but we can plan our day around dog walks. We take the dogs out first thing in the morning on leash as our yard isnt fenced. We are happy to come feed kitties and water plants. We love taking dogs out on walks and caring for them in our home. We love going on long walks mid day out in nature

About: Our family dog just moved out with my daughter, so my grandpuppy 😂. Thankfully he comes to visit a few times a week when my daughter has to work in town. Most of my photos are of him, truly spoiled & loved. I’ve cared for animals most of my life. I’m available for walking, boarding, or checking in daily while you’re at work to feed or let out. Flexible availability, reliable and kind. I have very flexible availability for boarding, house sitting and checking in and walking. Let me know your needs and I’m sure we can work something out that’s best for your pets needs. I have a smoke free, very tidy home. I live in a townhouse that has close proximity to walking trails. You can provide a crate if needed for boarding. I will welcome gentle, people-friendly dogs, who are house & potty trained only. No overtly dirty or muddy dogs please! Thanks for your understanding.

“Amad was amazing!! Would definitely recommend him to take care of your pup. Marley was well taken care of and came back tired from all the walks they went on🙌🏼 10/10”

Jessica Z.

“Shawna was a great sitter. My dogs are never tired. But they were worn out when I picked them up so I know they got plenty of exercise and attention. I highly recommend Shawna!!”

Amanda G.

About: As a registered nurse, I offer gentle, attentive care to people in vulnerable moments. I bring the same calm, respectful presence to the pets I care for. Their feelings and situations are accounted for while I tend to their personal needs. My partner Jordan has a lifelong love of animals, and this gentle giant cannot be resisted by even the smallest of creatures. HOLIDAYS AND OUT OF AREA REQUESTS are subject to significant price adjustments. Please be aware of this before making your request. I work part-time on an as needed basis and can work around the schedules of my clients. Available on short notice, including nights, and 12-24 hours' notice is preferred. I have a lightly fenced yard and two friendly dogs. A canine guest may be offered crating for sleep, or they are welcome to bring their own bed. Must be cat friendly. If caring for a pet in a client's home, care will be provided in their own environment precisely as they are used to.

About: I have fostered dogs and cared for them my whole life. I know how to train and positively reinforce the training you have already set in place. I have worked with dogs ranging from puppies to senior hospice. I am coming home to visit family for the holidays and will be on Maui from 12/16-1/16 I have lots of free time and a very flexible schedule. I have worked with all types of dogs while fostering and use positive reinforcement modalities and trauma informed training techniques. I prefer longer walks or frequent shorter walks

About: I am a lifelong dog person with a large fenced yard and miles of trails out my back dog. A tired dog is a happy dog. Unless I am traveling myself I am extremely flexible and available. I will let you know if I will need to spend more than a few hours away from your pet before booking a stay. I think it’s important for pets to keep to their normal routine while their people are away. A little extra attention and affection also helps ease the stress of separation. I have a pretty mellow disposition and enjoy cuddling with a furry friend while reading or watching a show.