Samantha S.
Avondale, IL
Samantha S. has Star Sitter status
The Star Sitter program highlights responsive sitters who deliver highly rated care and have a history of listing accurate availability and preferences, making it easier for pet parents to find the best care for their pets.
Your dog will be treated as my own!
Pet care experience
** Please note, at the beginning of 2023, I transitioned to set daily drop-off and pick-up windows to be aware of when requesting bookings. This allows for more predictability and routine for the dogs I care for, myself, and my clients! The drop-off/pick-up windows are as follows by appointment. Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 9 am and then again from 5pm-7pm and from 11am to 3 pm Saturday and Sunday. I understand the shortened weekend hours are a bit of an inconvenience and I appreciate everyone's understanding and cooperation! ** I have been caring for dogs in my home for about 20 years now. I have experience with all types of dogs and am very comfortable with all sizes and personality types. Before dog sitting full time, I worked for 10 years grooming dogs and also spent time working at a veterinary clinic. I also run a small foster-based dog rescue. Dogs are my entire life! I own a single-family home in the Avondale neighborhood ( Belmont/Elston) with three levels and fully fenced back and front yards, allowing for lots of outdoor time. This is my full-time profession, so I am home much of the day with the dogs, and they are usually not left alone for more than 3-4 hours at a time. They have free run of the home when I am home, and I try to keep it as close to their home routine as possible. They are allowed on the furniture and in bed; if that's what they are accustomed to at home, I make snuggle time a priority for the dogs! When I am away from the house, all dogs that do not live together are separated. This is both for safety and to allow your dog a safe space of their own to nap and decompress for a few hours throughout the day. Being in a different environment and a group of new dogs can be overstimulating, so providing them some time to themselves helps maintain a calm and stress-free environment. I pride myself on offering the dogs I care for an environment designed to be as stress-free and nurturing as possible. I purchased my home specifically for the dogs, so it is very cozy, cheerful, and dog friendly! I live alone but have a full-time employee who also helps out with the dogs. Generally, 8-15 dogs are at the house at any given time, so dogs staying here must be social with dogs of all sizes. I do have enough room in the home, though, to separate larger dogs from smaller ones or older ones from the younger, more enthusiastic ones if need be for short periods. Your dog(s) must be current with vaccinations (rabies, distemper/and Bordetella) and spayed/neutered if older than 12 months. Canine influenza vaccines, along with monthly flea and tick prevention, are not required but are strongly recommended. My rates start at $45.00 per day for one dog or $75 for two. My drop off and pick up windows for boarding are by appointment between 7:30-9am and 5-7pm Monday through Friday and between 11am-3pm on Saturday & Sunday. Why I love dog sitting I've been a passionate dog lover all of my life! I got my first dog when I was six years old, a German Shepherd named Pal. He was with me until my junior year of college and could not have been a more loved and cherished companion. I've always been employed with jobs involving animals. I began grooming at the age of 16 and worked as a dog groomer for over 1O years. I also worked as a vet tech for several years and taught horseback riding lessons for over two years. A true animal lover all around! I began professionally dog sitting almost 20 years ago and, around the same time, started my own dog rescue, Pal's Place, which I'm quite proud to say places more than 2OO dogs in wonderful loving homes yearly. I'm experienced and comfortable with all breeds, sizes, and personality types. About my yard I have two fully fenced yards. The front yard is landscaped with flagstone and some shrubbery. It is fully enclosed with a 4' wooden picket fence. The backyard is all concrete, which makes for a cleaner environment and is completely enclosed by a 6' privacy fence as well as double locked gates. The house and the yard were designed with the dogs in mind! My experience administering medication I worked as a vet tech for several years, and I am familiar with and comfortable with giving medications, including injectable ones.
Reviews
Samantha is awesome, as always!
each time we travel I’m so grateful to Sam. It means the world having someone we trust so much take care of our pups when we have to be away. They come home happy and relaxed every time.
Samantha was fantastic! She sent daily updates with pictures, and my dog is very sleepy after a fun 3 days! Highly recommend and will be using again!!
Another long stay (10 days) at Sam’s place. Tyson was dressed up for Xmas as well, loved his outfit and photo shoot.
About Samantha S.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have been caring for dogs in my home for about 20 years now and I have lots of experience with all types of dogs. I own a single family home in the Avondale neighborhood ( Belmont/Elston) with three levels and fully fenced back and front yards allowing for lots of outdoor time. This is my full-time profession, so I am home much of the day with the dogs and they are usually not left alone for more than 3-4 hours at a time. They have free run of the home when I am home and I try to keep it as close to their home routine as possible. They are allowed on the furniture and in bed, if that's what they are accustomed to at home,I make snuggle time a priority for the dogs! When I am away from the home, all dogs that do not live together are separated. This is both for safety but also to allow your dog a safe space of their own to nap and decompress for a few hours throughout the day. Being in a different environment and in a group of new dogs can be overstimulating so providing them some time to themselves helps maintain a calm and stress free environment. I pride myself on offering the dogs I care for with an environment that is designed to be as stress-free and nurturing as possible
Home
Information Samantha S. would like to know about your pet
I welcome all breeds and sizes as long as they are social or at least tolerant and trustworthy with other dogs of all sizes. Your dog should also be comfortable being crated. Dogs staying here must current with vaccinations (rabies, distemper, bordetella) and spayed/neutered if older than 12 months.
A typical day
Here's where we'll take our walks The dogs are in and out of the yard throughout the day for potty breaks, but I also try to get the dogs out for at least one walk a day to explore the neighborhood and nearby Brands Park. Your dog's sleeping arrangement Your dog will sleep where he/she is most comfortable and I try to keep it is close to their home environment as possible. If they are allowed to sleep on the couch or bed at home, they are more than welcome to here! Dog beds are located throughout the home and plenty of crates are available as well if that is what your dog is most accustomed to. Time I'll spend with your dog This is my full time profession, so I spend much of the day with the dogs!
Services
Samantha can host
Availability
This is my full-time profession, so I am home for the majority of the day with the dogs. In order to provide a predictable and routine schedule to the day for the dogs and myself I have set daily drop-off and pick-up windows. My drop off and pick up windows for boarding are by appointment between 7:30 am-9 am and then again from 5 pm-7 pm Monday through Friday and between 11 am-3 pm on Saturday and Sunday
About Samantha S.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have been caring for dogs in my home for about 20 years now and I have lots of experience with all types of dogs. I own a single family home in the Avondale neighborhood ( Belmont/Elston) with three levels and fully fenced back and front yards allowing for lots of outdoor time. This is my full-time profession, so I am home much of the day with the dogs and they are usually not left alone for more than 3-4 hours at a time. They have free run of the home when I am home and I try to keep it as close to their home routine as possible. They are allowed on the furniture and in bed, if that's what they are accustomed to at home,I make snuggle time a priority for the dogs! When I am away from the home, all dogs that do not live together are separated. This is both for safety but also to allow your dog a safe space of their own to nap and decompress for a few hours throughout the day. Being in a different environment and in a group of new dogs can be overstimulating so providing them some time to themselves helps maintain a calm and stress free environment. I pride myself on offering the dogs I care for with an environment that is designed to be as stress-free and nurturing as possible
Home
Information Samantha S. would like to know about your pet
I welcome all breeds and sizes as long as they are social or at least tolerant and trustworthy with other dogs of all sizes. Your dog should also be comfortable being crated. Dogs staying here must current with vaccinations (rabies, distemper, bordetella) and spayed/neutered if older than 12 months.
A typical day
Here's where we'll take our walks The dogs are in and out of the yard throughout the day for potty breaks, but I also try to get the dogs out for at least one walk a day to explore the neighborhood and nearby Brands Park. Your dog's sleeping arrangement Your dog will sleep where he/she is most comfortable and I try to keep it is close to their home environment as possible. If they are allowed to sleep on the couch or bed at home, they are more than welcome to here! Dog beds are located throughout the home and plenty of crates are available as well if that is what your dog is most accustomed to. Time I'll spend with your dog This is my full time profession, so I spend much of the day with the dogs!
Location
Chicago, IL
Pets
Samantha S.
Avondale, IL