Dog Walking Zirkle

About: I have taken care of and been around animals since I was a child. I had worked in Dog Daycares, walking dogs, and being a sitter for all kinds of animals. I can be gentle or authoritative with your pet while giving them love and kindness. My life is taking care of animals and loving them. I have plenty of free time to spend with your pets for walks, playtime, and so much more! I am quite strong to be able to hold tightly onto a leash if your animal is leash reactive. I am well versed in dog body language and can handle a hyperactive animal or a calm and cuddly baby.

“Cate is wonderful! Super communicative and timely. Very sweet with my pup and sent picture updates after his walks. Highly recommend! Thanks Cate 🙏🤗”

Erin E. S.

About: I've had cats and dogs growing up, and have loved taking care of them. I've pet sitted for neighbors the past couple of years, and have recently widened my customer range. I have cared for dogs of all ages, cats, and birds! I will have a part time job so there are days when I’m out of the house for 8 hours, but not super often. My weekends are pretty free typically! I head to college in late August, so I just have a few months to take care of animals. I try to care for pets as closely to how their owners do so they feel comfortable! I will happily play with them indoors or out, or just cuddle with them if that’s what they like. I can also crate them if that’s their safe place.

About: I have taken care of pets for many years now for relatives, neighbors, and friends. It is something I enjoy to do when my schedule is open enough to do so! I am providing stop in, walking, day to day, and overnight care for pets. This includes regular activities like walking, playing, potty, feeding, car rides, cuddles, all included in the set price. I can also bathe the pets for an additional fee. I currently work full time my work day is typically split in half. Giving me the perfect timestamps throughout the day to check in on the pets. I work only in the Harrisonburg area so I am all around town. I am a local to Harrisonburg and know all the dog-friendly spots! Pet care fits into my daily schedule as I have always had pets until college, I am use to fixing my schedule around them, as pets are like children. I work short shifts where I drive to different clients all day, giving me many breaks throughout the day to spend time with the pets! I am a very neat and righty person. As I work with elderly patients, I am not afraid of bacteria or most things! I believe I am trustworthy for pet sitting as I have extensive experience in caring for humans.

“Very easy to communicate with!!!”

Baillie S.

About: Its incredibly easy for me to pick up on a pet's personality. Whether they're out and about, or too lazy to go out, I champion myself for being able to understand a pet's emotions. Pet care has turned from something I do as a favor for friends and family into a passion I want to practice as frequently as possible. I am an incredibly timely individual. I love sticking to checklists, as they help me remember the tasks assigned, and ensure that I have performed the requested duties to the owners, and the pets.

About: I’ve cared for dogs of all sizes, ages, and temperaments since I was around 10 years old. Friends, neighbors, and family have trusted me to walk, feed, bathe, and play with their pets. I’m patient, attentive, and comfortable following specific routines, administering basic care, and making sure pets feel safe, loved, and relaxed while their owners are away. I currently have a flexible schedule that allows me to give pets plenty of attention and care. I’m available for walks, drop-ins, and sitting during weekdays (especially afternoons and evenings) and weekends. I love spending quality time playing, exercising, and keeping pets company so they never feel lonely. I prioritize safety and comfort at all times. I carefully follow feeding, medication, and walking instructions, and I always keep pets supervised. I communicate regularly with updates and photos so owners feel confident and at ease while they’re away.

About: Hi there! I'm Carrie. I have been a pet owner and caretaker for over 15 years! I am experienced in walking, feeding, and otherwise caring for several types of pets. I currently own a cat and a dog, but I can also care for rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, and fish! My main option here is dog walking, but I can also do drop-in visits as needed. I currently work part-time so I have plenty of time to care for your animals and take them for walks. I am available most weekends for drop-in visits, and I will house sit as needed! I will ensure that dogs remain safely leashed during all walks. If the temperature of asphalt is too warm for walks I make sure to stick to grassy areas. I ensure that I know current vet care and contact numbers for emergency situations.

About: I’ve been around dogs my whole life. I have been taking care of dogs of my own since I was able to walk and talk. I work hard and play harder with our furry friends! I am a fast learner, and can assist with training pups or taking care of senior dogs. My father is a veterinarian, so I was able to learn from him how to care for your pets. I attend James Madison University, so I will have classes with a varying schedule each weekday. I can stay full time at your home with your pets. I go to the gym, so I may be out for a short time to work out, but once I’m finished I’m right back at home with your pets! I have two dogs of my own. I feed/provide medication to them regularly (might go without saying) and I love to cuddle up with them on the floor and play with their toys with them. I’m very affectionate and will give your pets lots of attention and love.

About: Hi! Honestly, just here to fill a void for safe, affordable, reliable care in the community. I have a golden doodle that we're obsessed with and found that there's not a ton of options in the immediate area for reliable, safe care. Fenced in back yard! Currently a part time nurse that works 2-3 days a week. Availability will be made around my work schedule. Daily walks around the neighborhood to explore. I have a fenced in back yard with a friendly golden doodle. He's not crated but can offer crating animals visiting if a crate is provided!

“Shay was great! She walked my dog Tilly a few days the past 2 weeks and I couldn’t have asked for a better walker. Tilly was sick during this time and Shay took such great care of her and provided me with detailed updates with each walk. I would highly recommend her!!”

Meghan S.

About: I have had many pets, having taken care of dogs, rabbits, turtles, and fish. Detail oriented and attentive to understand how our pets are feeling. Collegiate soccer player with plenty of energy to play with our active friends and love cuddling with the more mellow ones. I’m currently on summer break from college at EMU. Looking to volunteer here and there for med school with plenty of time to take care of lovely pets. I will be very respectful of the pets and their space with a good understanding of dog behavior. Making sure the comfort and happiness of our pets are the top priority.

About: I have been a dog parent for my whole life in which I have administered medication, walked, fed, played with, and of course cuddled, them I have also grown up around cats as well given that most of my girlfriend and friends are cat parents. I can clean litter boxes, food bowls, vomit, etc. I currently am a student at James Madison University, so message me for specific availability during the week. Additionally, I do not have class on Friday, and am mostly available during the morning and mid afternoon. I am willing to come multiple times a day and multiple days a week unless I have a prior engagement. I have a dog of my own, and I care for him the same as I do for other dogs as well. I play fetch, take him on walks, feed him, and of course cuddle. I also, respect his boundaries as I would my client’s pet by giving him space or avoid petting him when he does not want to be bothered!

About: I have taken care of animals since I was in elementary school! I have petsitting experience with dogs, cats, bunnies, fish, hamsters, tortoises, lizards, crabs, rats, birds, guinea pigs, and even chickens and turkeys! I am currently in harrisonburg completing grad school! My schedule is pretty free at the moment as I have night classes and they’re all online. My best friend is a 12 year old beagle basset hound mix! I feed and walk her, but my favorite thing to do is spend time with her. Always down for fetch or a good pet session! Your animals will not feel attention-starved when I am there. My camera roll has thousands of pictures of my dog, so you can trust I will FOR SURE send pictures of your pets.

About: I have always had a deep love for animals, especially dogs and cats, and caring for them brings me genuine joy. Over the years, I have gained experience looking after pets of different ages, sizes, and personalities, including feeding, walking, playing, administering basic care, and providing plenty of affection and attention. I understand that every pet is unique and deserves patience, kindness, and a safe environment where they feel comfortable and loved. Whether your pet is energetic and playful or prefers a calm and quiet routine, I am committed to treating them like a member of my own family. My goal is to ensure that both pets and their owners feel happy, comfortable, and confident while they are in my care. I am currently free most of the summer as I am a teacher. I am willing to work with your schedule and what works best for your pet. I will play with them, give them all the space that they need in order to get used to me. I will be patiently waiting for them to come to me and allow me to play with them. Making sure they are happy and safe.

“Katie was phenomenal and so easy to work with. She was extremely caring and loving to our golden retriever Rocky. She communicated and took pictures of our pup and sent to us to keep us informed and up to date. I will definitely use Katie again and recommend to anyone looking for a loving and caring pet walker.”

Melody D.

About: I've been around dogs all my life and more recently acquainted with cats. I have participated in formal dog training over the years for personal pets and had the pleasure to experience some training techniques while in the military. I am currently going to graduate school full time, but my schedule is relatively free Mondays and Thursdays until 2pm and all day Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Your pet's safety is of the utmost importance. Safe routes and pathways will be established before every walk. All emergency clinics will be identified and of course you will always be with us for every step via updates.

About: I have sat for pets since I was in high school. This was for cats and dogs and included both overnight house sits and dog walks. I’m working partially as a freelance journalist, but that’s a very loose schedule so I should have a lot of time for pet sitting and care. I am free on most weekends and Fridays I care for my dog back home making sure he always gets enough food, exercise, and love. I can ensure that the pets are cared for well and give them as much attention as needed

About: What sets me apart is the warm, lively family environment I provide. As a mom of two, my home is already focused on care, routine, and patience. I am a stay at home mom of 2 school aged children, so my availability is unlimited. I will be there for you and your pet whenever you need me. I approach pet care with a focus on safety, comfort, and meeting each pet’s specific needs, whether they are in my own home or a client’s. Daily Care & Routine Feeding & Hydration: I provide meals at the correct times and in the right portions, following the owner’s or pet’s dietary needs. Fresh water is always available. Exercise & Play: Dogs get regular walks and play sessions; cats and other pets receive interactive play, puzzle toys, and enrichment activities to keep them mentally stimulated. Grooming: I brush fur, clean ears, and trim nails as needed to maintain hygiene and a healthy coat. Health Monitoring: I watch for changes in appetite, behavior, or physical condition and report any concerns to the owner or recommend a vet if necessary. Safe & Comfortable Environment I create a secure, hazard-free space with designated resting areas, pet gates, and soft bedding. I keep the living area clean, regularly cleaning litter boxes, picking up waste, and maintaining tidiness. For client homes, I check for safety hazards, secure gates, and ensure all pet access points are safe. Enrichment & Socialization I provide a variety of toys, scratching posts, and chew items to encourage natural behaviors. I spend quality time with pets through play, cuddling, and talking to build trust and reduce stress. I may reinforce basic training or good behavior during care. Communication & Consistency I follow the owner’s schedule for feeding, walks, and playtime to maintain routine and reduce anxiety. For client pets, I give regular updates via text, photos, or video to keep owners informed and reassured. I honor any specific instructions the owner has for care, feeding, or behavior. Special Considerations If I specialize in senior pet care, I provide gentle handling, extra attention, and a calm environment to support their comfort. For boarding or day care, I maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming space with plenty of social interaction. By combining consistent routines, attentive care, and a safe, pet-friendly environment, I ensure pets are happy, healthy, and well-cared for, whether they are in my home or a client’s.

About: I have a dog and 6 cats of my own that I have rescued from the RHSPCA. I also have volunteered at our local SPCA, cleaning, and fostering pets for years. I have pet sit many times for friends and family and really enjoy it! I am currently home from college for the summer and my schedule is open anytime during the week. I am flexible and available to work with clients schedules. I know pets are happiest in their own home, so I’ll do my best to keep their routine as normal as possible. I’ll follow all of your care instructions, make sure they have plenty of love, attention, exercise, and fresh water, and keep your home clean and secure while you’re away. My goal is to make both you and your pet feel comfortable and stress-free.