We love our cat, which is why I can't recommend this company to anyone. We had a few breeches of…read moretrust: 1) We were under the impression that Shayne would be the only person taking care of the cat -- turned out not to be the case (we thought, ok no big deal, the cat still was cared for). 2) the last time we used this service, we requested care for 2 days and the cat was only fed once. We know because there was way too much food left over from what we left for the sitter. Finally, we've requested the keys to our house back several times -- via their online portal several times, over text, etc. Both my partner and I have reached out, and still no keys. This is such a low hanging fruit, and I sad to say that I just have no trust in this company anymore. Probably need to call our landlord and pay to have the locks changed.

We used this service for a few months and in the beginning it seemed great. But as time went on…read morethings got worse. I would text the owner and always got a "who is this" reply with an excuse that she just got a new phone. Who doesn't save their clients info in a better way? I have a whippet who is very thin by nature. I came home once to a dog who lost 2-3 lbs. That's not much for a regular dog but her ribs already show so it was really bad! I don't know if she didn't get fed or didn't get treated well but this dog doesn't miss meals so something was seriously amiss! Another time we were gone for a weekend. When we got back on Sunday our cat was acting funny. He would walk three steps and sit. He wouldn't jump on furniture, he could barely do stairs, etc. He ended up at the vet for a very serious condition. Ummm...wouldn't a pet sitter notice a drastic change in behavior? I suppose not if they never actually gave any attention to my pets. The last time we used them, we were stuck at BWI and texted the owner to let her know she didn't need to come the next day because our flight got cancelled. She never replied. We got home at 1am to dogs that hadn't been let out or fed...the check we left was still on the counter. Our oldest dog had a stroke and we found her on the floor. If our flight hadn't been cancelled, she probably would have sat there all night. They of course said that they left the check and the oldest dog was fine but I call BS! We ended up going with a new pet sitting service and the sitter we got worked for this company in the past. She confirmed everything we thought. You pay for a 20 minute walk and you're lucky to get five minutes. They are so overbooked and understaffed that you aren't getting what you pay for. If you need a good recommendation let me know. My dogs and cat are my babies and we searched far and wide until we found a great service in the Alexandria area.

I am so glad I found Gizmo's LuvBuggy. Allison and her assistant Mika were wonderful with my pooch…read morewhile I was on vacation. They are responsive and truly caring people who love animals, and my sensitive senior dog was well taken care of and content while I was away. I enjoyed receiving the daily pictures and summaries. Gizmo's LuvBuggy rates are very competitive relative to other options, and the coverage area is large through the county. I would not hesitate to recommend this service.

I've been using Ivana's service for some time now and love it! I have 2 shih tzu's that are really…read moredifficult to train and imagine having them boarded. I have never had any issues with my dogs staying with her. Hardest part is probably taking them home because they never want to leave. Shes typically booked way in advance, but she always makes time for my pups. Highly recommend her services to anyone in the area. I personally live about 30 minutes away and will drive out of my way to her spot. I have also recommended friends in the area to dog walk with her and she's great with that as well. Gone are those over priced boarders that don't take care of your pets. If you are away for some time or have a short weekend trip book with Ivana. You'l have peace of mind knowing your loved ones are in great care!

Ivana has been watching my pups Aly and Henry for three years now and I couldn't recommend her…read moreservices enough. In fact last year I moved an hour away from her and still use her as my dog's pet sitter rather than find someone closer because she's amazing! I know when she watches my dogs they are going to be spoiled and well taken care of. She sends me updates and photos multiple times a day, and I love following them on Instagram. My dog Henry is an older pup with a lot of special needs and requirements and Ivana always does a such a great job of making sure he gets the care he needs. Before I found Ivana, I tried regular doggy daycares and boarding facilities and Ivana is just so much better. With Ivana, my dogs can sleep on the couch, dog beds or wherever they want. It's just like being at home, and I love that!

To say that I'm satisfied with TJ and his company would be a major understatement. I have been…read moreusing his service for eight years after originally being referred to him by a co-worker. My dog at the time was animal aggressive and I was very hesitant to place responsibility for Balboa in the hands of a stranger, but TJ put my fears to rest immediately. It is obvious to anyone with animal experience that he not only understands dogs, he bonds with them and communicates with them effortlessly. Within a few months of walking with TJ, Balboa was able to play with and greet other dogs and he never snapped or attacked animals again. As my dog became old and senile, TJ was incredibly kind and patient with him and even carried all 75 pounds of Balboa up and down the stairs of my apartment building after his hips began to succumb to the effects of the cancer. When I called to inform him that I'd put Balboa to sleep, I could hear the sadness and pain in TJ's voice and he sent me a sympathy card the same week. After a few months, I decided I was ready for a new dog and I contacted TJ to let him know I would soon be requiring service again. He volunteered to go to the NY Ave shelter with me, where he helped me pick out an adorable lab/hound mix, Adrienne. She is as excited to see her Uncle TJ every day as she is to see me and she simply adores him. My neighbors often comment that she is better behaved for him on leash than she is for me! I have referred at least a half dozen friends, neighbors, and co-workers to DC Dogs & Cats LLC without ever hearing a single complaint. Even my ex-girlfriend uses him for cat-sitting! I have been unexpectedly home sick and had family staying in my apartment and TJ shows up at the same time, every day, just like clockwork. I have absolute faith in him and it is a huge relief to know that my furry son is taken care of by the best in the business. I even call TJ when I have veterinary questions and he always seems to know what to do. While it seems like every unemployed housewife and college dropout is trying to start a pet care business these days, it is good to know that I have a genuine professional working for me. He has literally dedicated his life to animals- I believe he has 3 or 4 dogs of his own at home. It is worth noting that as owner of the company, he does have other walkers working for him. Although I've been fortunate to have the man in charge walking my dog himself, I did have the pleasure of dealing with one of his walkers, Chris, while TJ was on his honeymoon five or six years ago. It's clear that when he does his hiring, TJ uses the same high standards that I've come to expect from every aspect of his business. Oddly,I can't ever recall him taking a vacation day besides his honeymoon. In eight years, I've had only one billing mistake which TJ corrected quickly and with apologies- not a bad record, considering I'm billed every month. Checks are made out to the company name, so I know he is above reproach with taxes. He is also bonded, insured, and a member of the Better Business Bureau among other professional organizations. Alright, I could go on- but you get the point. If you're lucky enough to get on TJ's schedule, jump at the opportunity!

TJ is very responsible with our dog Cecilia. He adapts to our crazy schedule (cancelling and…read morerescheduling all the time) with no complaints. Our dog seems happy and healthy. I'm not sure if he walks her 15, 19 or 47 minutes, I've never witnessed any of the short-walks other posters described here. My husband has been in the house when he came by and witness our dog's joy to welcome TJ. I do recommend DC Dogs & Cats. Besides, so many walkers dismissed my area as "We don't service your area" (hello! it's NE!) that I appreciate the time that TJ took to meet us and care for our dog daily.

It's nerve wracking to pick your first pet walker because they have access to your home and your…read moreloved pets. Gerri's Pet Care is wonderful and trust worthy and their pet walkers truly take care of the dogs. The price is reasonable-$15 per walk for 2 dogs during the week. She operates in the Alexandria/Arlington area around Quaker Lane (Fairlington and Park Fairfax). They also offer extended care of dogs if you would prefer that over boarding. Not a bad idea! You can email Gerri at gerri@petandplantcare.com.

Best care we have had in working with the owner Colleen has been PERFECT! All the love for our 7…read moreyrs old Morkie Buddy and the staff all have been fantastic! Communication has been terrific and detailed! Always timely & professional! Highly recommend!

The below conversation basically confirms the lack of customer service ive been referring to. I…read morehave been contacted by the owner of the company and will report the issue to the better business bureau. As a consumer, I do not appreciate being told that my reviews are slanderous or for the owner to continue going back and forth with me over an issue I had, while still not addressing the issues I had as a consumer. Below is the correspondence that I received from the owner. Note to all: read your contract. I'm not disputing this company's billing policy, but know that you will be charged for services prior to actually having the service and if the services are cancelled (whether by the company or you) you will not receive a refund but a credit. Just be forewarned. ******* Honestly Tracy, If you update it or not that is up to you. All the info about those policies is public on our website and clients sign our agreement before they begin service so if they do not like that aspect they know from the beginning. I do not need further response I just wanted to make sure your comment on us not refunding your money was not something out of our policies as your review makes it sound as if we just took your money for nothing. As I have reviewed your account it does not appear we took any money beyond the services you requested. Your account has been closed and we wish you the best. Thanks, Your Dog Smiles Pet Services ******* I will review the contract and if it states no refunds then I will indicate that however I will not retract my review. There are others that may be looking for a service and not like this aspect and as a consumer I want other consumers to be forewarned. As a customer/consumer of your services, I feel that yet again this is a back and forth issue rather than a business handling an issue that a customer stated. The facts are the facts and if I feel a certain way about an issue and let you(the business) aware of it, rather than go back and forth about the specifics, recognize that that is your practice and you won't change it and that I (as a consumer) will take my business elsewhere to accommodate my needs. This is not personal and as I stated before, I have had wonderful experiences with the sitters with this company. I'm just not keen on the billing, and if that's something in writing then I have the choice and option to take my business elsewhere. Thank you very much for being prompt in your response. I will update my review to include that this info was in my contract (upon second review) and update that aspect accordingly. ******* Yes that is what we do. It's on our website and in our agreement that you signed. And your credit was used in future services. I am sorry but that is not what your review says. In fact I consider what your review says to be slander. ******* Hi Colleen, You didn't hold the deposit but I paid for service that wasn't rendered due to weather and when I requested a refund was told only credit was given. ******* Hi Tracy, Please see below and attached photo. I don't see that we ever help any deposit for any of your services.

I've had a very positive experience with Wag 'n Tail Pet Sitting. Owner (Medalis) has been very…read moreprofessional and thorough, yet approachable and warm-hearted towards my dog. She is the most reliable, trustworthy, and friendly petsitter we've ever had and I truly feel safe/content leaving my dog in her care overnight. We loved getting photos of our dog randomly over the weekend and she had a daily diary of when she visited and how our dog was doing on the kitchen table for us when we got home. Medalis had come by to hang out with our dog while she studied and even took her outside for a walk/study session at a cafe for a few hours on a sunny morning. After shopping around extensively for a short-term petsitter (when out of town for a night or two) and sometimes-dog walker (on days we work late), I was glad to find Wag 'n Tail. I've found her prices to be competitive (affordable, in the Bethesda area) and her enthusiasm/services provided to be unparalleled. Sensitive to our previous negative experience with another petsitter in the Bethesda area, Medalis happily furnished references and came by my apartment on a day or two's notice for a free meet & greet (some petsitters/companies oddly charge for this necessity). She brought a very detailed questionnaire for me to fill out with everything from our dog's daily schedule to toy preferences, health issues, and quirks. She even built out a sample schedule for when she would stop by over the weekend. It gave us great peace of mind and I can tell our dog was truly cared for. I'm a picky pet parent and think Medalis is top-notch. She beams when she talks about the other pets she works with and doesn't mind reaching out to us to let us know how our pup is doing.

I was in a desperate situation when just days before the holidays, my housemates suddenly told me…read morethat they *might* be going out of town for a couple of days at Christmas, leaving nobody to care for my elderly cat. I needed someone to come twice a day, so didn't feel comfortable asking friends who don't live very close, especially at Christmas. I contacted some other well-established services, a couple of them responded that they were completely booked, a couple didn't respond at all (not nice). Although Wag "N Tail was a new business and only had one review, I decided to give it a chance knowing everybody has to start somewhere. Medalis responded very quickly and was happy to help. We set up a meeting for that evening. My house is difficult to find (yes, even with GPS) and Medalis came out in the rain, cold and dark and indeed couldn't find the house and called from a nearby school. Despite the frustration I'm sure that caused, she was nothing but friendly and cheerful once we met up. As we discussed her services and my needs, she was fully understanding of my "I don't know, maybe I'll need you, maybe not" situation, and was willing to be in an on-call situation. (She did not request it, but i gave her a small "non-refundable deposit" because I wouldn't have felt right having her come out for the consultation if she didn't end up getting a job out of it... I hope others would do the same in that situation.) My cat, who is friendly but often nervous with new people. sat comfortably with her during her whole visit and she was very attentive to him. Medalis asked very detailed questions about his needs and habits, and left me with a comprehensive questionaire to leave for her when she comes. I asked her many questions about what the business is like, and I could tell that she always puts the needs of the animals above her own. As it turns out, my housemates stayed home and I did not end up needing Medalis. However, I would have felt completely comfortable having her come into my house and caring for my old cat. If/when I need services in the future, I will skip all the others that have been around longer and have more reviews... I will first contact Medalis!

My dog was so happy and enjoyed her time with Sophie. Definitely recommend and the prices are…read moregreat! She walked my dog around the whole neighborhood and brought her back happy.