All Friends Pet Care is proud to say we have 65 of the most wonderful professional pet sitters servicing all of Northern Virginia. Only a few are represented here -- we are in the process of posting the remaining biographies and pictures. Thank you!

Alicia

I have been working for All Friends since the beginning of 2007, and it has turned into the best job ever! I love being around all the animals. When I don't go see them on weekends I begin to miss them. I have also worked in a Vets Office for 2 years.

Alisha

I grew up with animals from a very young age, including a dalmation, Roxy, and a husky, Blue. I currently have an Akita, Shadow, and a cat, Tipsey. I love coming home to my two very best friends. :-) I have been with AFPC for almost two years, and I have loved every minute of it! I choose this job because of my love for animals, first and foremost, but also because it give me the opportunity to spend more time with my own pets and family. Getting to know and learn about a variety of animals has been wonderful. I am able to give both cats and dogs oral medications and injections.

Andrew

Andy

Angelica

I have been a pet sitter for several years. I started by taking care of my former neighbor’s cats that I still sit for sometimes, and taking care of a couple of my high school teacher’s dogs. Also I have had pets all my life: birds, hamsters and now a very spoiled cat. My main motivation for working as a pet sitter is the satisfaction that you get when you know that the pets are happy and well taken care of. Also, the love that you receive back from the pets as a thank you for looking after their well being. I believe in The Dog’s Whisperer's philosophy, I have read his book and put in practice if the client believes in it too.

Annie K.

Annie lives in Oakton with her two Balinese cats, Ali and Latte. She grew up with all types of animals, has been pet sitting since 1989, and has worked for AFPC since 2001. She says “working with AFPC has really been a great experience, because I work with professionals who care about the pets as much as I do!” She currently is a full-time pet sitter, with a schedule of midday dog walks that keeps her quite busy.

Annyce

Hello! I began working for All Friends Pet Care in August 2007. I grew up with animals, but alas my beloved poodle of 17 years passed away and I have not had the heart to replace her. I needed my fix of pet love and thought working for AFPC would be a great way to give and get that wonderful relationship. I have not been disappointed. I have enjoyed each and every pet I have been assigned to care for. AFPC is a company staffed with great people who are all ardent animal lovers and it is a pleasure to be a part of the team.

Autum T.

I grew up on a farm in Florida where we raised chickens and horses, and my best friend for the earlier years was a black lab named Lic. Overall I have around 16 years experience with pets. I think my most memorable experience with them was helping a mare give birth. I have been somewhat fortunate not to have to put any animals down, I only had one bad incident with my older cat Casper (she’s three) when she almost died from an allergic reaction to her shots. However she is doing wonderful and has a playmate Dexter that I found under my parents deck last summer. Casper has shown me a lot, with her I have to watch for her opening doors and getting shut into places, food allergies and lots and lots of mischief that one has. I love animals and like being around them. Its something I enjoy doing while I am finishing college - I am working towards a BS in Biology, and then I hope to enroll in vet school. I am able to pill a cat or dog and give other types of medication.

Autumn M.

I grew up with two dogs and I currently have two cats and a dog. I am currently studying Veterinary Medicine. I work part-time at a bank and could not see my life without working and caring for animals. I'm comfortable with all dogs and cats, rabbits, birds and reptiles. I am comfortable giving medicine to pets to include pilling and insulin shots. In describing myself, I'm a hard worker, reliable, dependable, trustworthy and I'm told I have a great personality. :-)

Boura

Brenda

I do a lot of traveling with my husband with his job, but still while at home wanted to keep myself busy and with something I knew I wanted to do. I had set up pet sitting with AFPC for my two Jack Russells, Jiminy & Cricket, for one of our trips. On my return all I heard from the two of them was AFPC this and AFPC that, so if my two beloved dogs loved AFPC this was a job for me. I have truly loved all of the many animals I have got to play with and love. My favorite part of my job is just being able to talking out my problems with the dogs on my midday walks and not being questioned!! : ) I also enjoy getting out to see the neighborhoods and enjoying quiet time, as well as getting some fresh air, but most of all I love being with the animals. I truly do enjoy each and every one of them. Each one brings something new to the table each time I see them. They never stop bringing a smile to my face and heart.

Caitlyn

I have had pets all my life, including dogs, cats, fish, and some unusual animals like wild rabbits and a baby squirrel. I have always had at least one pet at any given time. My love for animals led me to look for work with All Friends Pet Care, and I enjoy the flexible schedule that I can work around my full time school schedule. I love my job!

Carly

Hi! My name is Carly Ikuma and I have been with AFPC since 2001, although I have been pet-sitting for most of my life. It's one of the most rewarding and fun jobs I have ever had! Even through my full-time employment and other various activities, I enjoy pet-sitting the most. It's also a job that allows me enough free time to pursue my passion for travelling the world! I just returned from a year in Israel, where I was an intern at the US Embassy in Tel Aviv and a volunteer for the Cat Welfare Society of Israel (http://www.cats.org.il/). My plan for the near future is to return home to Hawai`i for graduate school. I would love to eventually work for a non-profit agency in a position that combines my devotion to anthropology and compassion for animals. In my spare time, I enjoy volunteering for animal welfare groups and horseback riding. But no matter where I am globetrotting, I will probably always be pet-sitting, too!

Carole

A lifelong pet lover, Carole joined All Friends Pet Care in 1999, shortly after retiring from the Federal Government. She loves all of the pets in her care, and is committed and responsible to their happiness. She primarily cares for cats and dogs, but occasionally cares for birds, and even a hermit crab! Carole loves working for AFPC, and says her work is fun and great exercise.

Casey

From birth I was 'doomed' to be an animal lover. With veterinarian parents and a complete menagerie of animals, it was inevitable. I currently have two red tabbies, whom I adore, and being a dork from Wisconsin, I named them after cheeses (Asiago and Niolo, and my parents also have a red tabby named Cheddar.) :-) Growing up I had pets ranging from a salamander to horses. With my mother's veterinarian clinic in the basement of our home, I got to see and experience a variety of animals and breeds. I'm just finishing up my Master's degree at Marymount University and All Friends allows me to maintain my current full time job (of searching for a full time job!) and lets me be around animals. My great friend Sara introduced me to All Friends, and greatly suggested that I apply. I cannot thank her enough. Even though I've only just started, I love this job!

Cindy

I have had pets all my life and I love being with them. I currently has three dogs, two birds, and a horse, and I have cared for hundreds of pets thru All Friends. I love my job because it allows me to spend my days with my four-legged friends. I feel connected to them, and I know that this is what I was meant to do.

Cynthia

I am the proud mother of two cats: Max is a Persian and Sally is a Domestic Longhair. When I'm not caring for client's pets, I am a personal trainer.

Danni

I have been working with animals since 2000 - I came to AFPC when I left my job as a Veterinary Technician. I have worked at 2 local animal hospitals as well as a local referral practice where I worked in the departments of Radiation Oncology, Radiation Therapy, Medical Oncology, Rehabilitative Therapy, Emergency, and I-131 (Radioactive Iodine treatment for cats with Hyperthyroidism). I also spent some time as the Operations Manager of one of the most advanced boarding facilities in the country. I wanted to work with animals in a more positive setting. I think that animals are happier and respond better in their own environment. I can pill both cats and dogs. I can also give injections (SQ, IM, and IV) as well as give fluids. I can also administer eye and ear medications. I love my new job!!

Dominique

“Dogs steal our hearts because they touch us in ways that nothing else does, and in places that nothing else can reach. The moves us with their courage, loyalty, and resolve; they astound us with their athletic prowess and the awesome capabilities of their noses; they delight us with the playfulness and eagerness to please; they comfort us with their uncanny ability to peer into our souls.” Tom Davis …author of “Why Dogs Do That” I always had pets as a child. They included Lady the poodle, several cats, a rabbit, and even two guinea pigs. It was obvious to me that they were members of the family, but just a little furrier. An important part of the covenant we have with our animal friends is that it is our job to protect them and to take care of their needs. I have been a professional pet care provider and dog walker since January 2006. I think it is the goal of many us to be able to do something that we love. I find great satisfaction in providing pet care services to people, allowing them to know that their animal is well taken care of when they are not home or available. Dogs have been with human beings for approximately 15,000 years. Because of this, at times dogs can seem quite human. But they are happiest when some of their simpler and more basic needs are being met. I find that dogs are happiest when they have a chance to be outside and explore their territory every day. Being a dog walker provides a service both to the dog and to the owner. The dog gets some much appreciated attention and a chance to be out, while the owner knows that their friend is being taken care safely and with affection.

Edie

I've been with All Friends since February 2001. I do vacation visits and midday dog walks for many different breeds of dogs, cats and birds/and all major groups of dogs (herding, sporting, hound, terrier, working, non-sporting, and toy). I trained my own dog to become certified as a therapy dog, to get her Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certificate, and to do fun tricks. I am pet first aid certified. I love animals, enjoy bringing out the best in them, and enjoy helping out their humans, too!

Enrique

Gail

After working in corporate America for 25 years, I left last year to start my own chair massage business, Gail's Relaxation Station. Pet sitting combines my love for animals with my need for a flexible schedule. I love my job! Some of my favorite pets to visit are Buckey, Edie, Phoebe and Noah - dogs who are always happy to see me. The cats are happy, too, but they show it in a different way. I have two cats of my own: Scooter and Piper, and they've finally gotten used to the smells of strange pets on me when I come home. The photo is me with my grand-dog, Smurf, a true-blue Redskins fan, as you can see!

Ginger

After working office jobs since college, I realized that I wanted to get back to the basic things that I enjoy most: animals and art. After being told how great All Friends Pet Care was to their clients and sitters, I was excited to make the change. Now I get to spend my days between caring for animals and creating jewelry and I couldn’t be happier! I am getting paid to do something that I’d be doing anyway (caring for and loving animals) and the freedom that it allows me to take classes and create my own schedule. I’ve always had a soft spot for cats, but I also love dogs and have recently discovered a love for lizards and fish. At the end of the day, it’s always nice to come home to the head-butts and wagging tail of my own cat and dog, though!

Glena

I work full-time for an Orthodontist as a Patient Care Coordinator. I love my job; it’s great to get to know so many kids. I work part-time for All Friends -- I’m an absolute animal lover! Spending time with friendly animals is just something I love to do. All of the pets have interesting personalities! I love getting to care for the same pets again and again, because then I get to know the pet, and they get to know me! Some of my favorite pets to visit are: Mischa & Kat, who are sweet little kitties; Nugget, the loving Lab who is always happy to see me; and my newest client, Hercules the Chihuahua!

Jacquie

Hello! I just started working for AFPC, but I am so excited about the opportunity to work with animals in any way I can. I just love animals and wanted to do something involving them in addition to my current work at an insurance company. I love dogs!!! I have a pug of my own, Sadie Belle, and she is the most precious pet! I can’t wait to meet some new friends!

Jamie

I have a B.S. in biology and currently work full time at the US Geological Survey. I have been with AFPC since 2003 when I was a vet tech. I live with my Bichon and Yorkie, two Eastern Painted turtles, two red-eared sliders, and one fish tank. YOU NAME IT, I've probably cared for it...such as dogs, cats, birds, reptiles and amphibians, sugar gliders, monkeys, livestock, horses, and fresh and saltwater aquariums and ponds. I have an enormous heart for animals that need a home and have adopted almost all of my animals. I recently lost a cat and my precious dog Honey which I adopted from one of our AFPC clients.

Janet

I have owned dogs all my life. I currently have a 10 year old Golden Retriever named Honey. I have done a lot of pet sitting for my neighbors over the years. I work for AFPC because I enjoy providing tender loving care to pets for their owners' peace of mind. I am outgoing, dependable, trustworthy and enjoy being outdoors. I am most interested in midday walks for pets so that I can form a relationship with the pet and owner and provide a valuable service for them.

Janie

Hi! I'm Janie Frenzel and I joined All Friends Pet Care in the summer of 2002, at the suggestion of my sister Carly, who also works for All Friends. I had just finished graduate school and found out that I was pregnant. So I could not think of a better part time job that would let me work with animals while allowing me the opportunity to remain a "stay at home" mom. I now have over 25 regular clients, and I love all the pets I am grateful to have the opportunity to sit for. As a result of working closely with several rescue groups and being “parent” to a wide variety of pets, I have experience with animals from all walks of life (from dogs, cats and birds, to fish, reptiles and amphibians)! I also know how to administer medications as well as give fluids and insulin shots. I live in Fairfax with my husband and two daughters, six rescued kitty “babies”, and three very ornery tropical fish.

Jeamine

Jenifer C.

My family has owned pets since before I was even born; therefore, I have grown up as a pet lover. We have owned dogs such as: Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers, Alaskan Huskies, Pomeranians, and Yorkshire Terriers. I am currently the mother of an adorable and vivacious 2 year old, 2lb Yorkshire Terrier named Punky. She’s the love of my life, and I don’t know what I would do without her. I am certain that I will always be a dog owner as there’s nothing more fulfilling than to be greeted by an energized, panting little creature after a long day’s work. I love being in the company of pets…all types. So I figured, why not get paid for doing something I love for once? ;-)

Jessica

Since I was born I have always had pets in my life, and I have lost count of the many cats, dogs, birds, fish, lizards, and mice that my family and I have had the pleasure of living with. I currently have three cats that I rescued myself and love spoiling them with treats and new toys. Since my teenage years I have taken care of neighbors’ and friends’ pets during their vacations, and made the position of pet sitter official by joining All Friends Pet Care almost two years ago. I joined All Friends Pet Care while I was in graduate school, as I was looking for a fun job that involved spending time with animals. I loved getting to know the dogs on my midday walk schedule, and the many other cats and dogs during vacation visits. I enjoyed the job so much that I have continued to pet sit after graduating with my MSW degree and always look forward to my vacation jobs! As much fun as the job is, I also take it very seriously and make sure to treat your pet as if they were my own.

Jet

I started pet-sitting full time with All Friends Pet Care in 2004. I've had so much fun visiting and playing with many different pets these past three years! I've had the pleasure of owning six funny little kitties of my own over the years (most of them strays I brought home and convinced my parents to let me keep!), and I've always had a soft spot for cats. I'd adopt every stray and shelter kitty out there if I could! Working for AFPC I've been able to meet and get to know lots of wonderful kitties - it's the perfect job! :) In addition to the kitties, I visit several doggies for midday walks during the week (some for a few years now!) and have many more doggies I've become buddies with while their owners were away (not to mention a few chatty birds and a pair of mischievous ferrets!) In the photo with me is my 12 year old kitty Critter (who obviously can't be bothered with looking at the camera :P )

Jodi

Jodi joined the AFPC team in 2000 as a pet sitter before becoming the full-time office assistant. She is responsible for scheduling all pet sitting jobs and maintaining the client records in our database. If you call the office, more than likely you will speak with her!

Julia

I worked at a pet store, then a vet hospital, but I wanted a job that was less demanding. I love pet sitting because the pets help me and I love helping them! I currently have two dogs, two cats, and four snakes of my own, and I enjoy caring for all kinds of pets.

Karen E.

Karen L.

I've been with All Friends Pet Care since August of 2000. I've loved animals all my life, particularly dogs and horses. What I truly love about my midday clients is being able to get to know all the quirks of each dog's personality. Most of my clients I've been walking daily for years; they keep teaching me more and more about canine behavior. It's a joy to see them every day. I was born at West Point and grew up in Hawaii (Dad was an army Col.). I went to Penn State where I majored in international politics, and later took several graduate level classes in international transactions at George Mason. I was a paralegal for 13 years; 6 years in private practice, followed by 7 years at the Department of Justice.

Karen M.

Kathleen

Kelleyanne

I have been a pet sitter with AFPC since 2007. I currently have two cats – Max, a gray and white tabby (in photo) who’s a rambunctious 1-year-old, and Eve, a regal brown tabby who’s about 6 years old. Despite both being rescue cats, they don’t have much in common. Max tears around the house, loves to watch the water go down the drain and is very loving and affectionate. Eve is affectionate on her own terms and hasn’t quite gotten used to having to share us with this interloper Max. I had a dog, Lacey, for 12 years before she had to be euthanized early this year. She was about 13½ and was the sweetest, most loving dog soul on earth. We got her from a shelter and she grew up with my two daughters. I enjoy pet sitting, particularly the chance to play with the cats and walk the dogs.

Kelly

I grew up around dogs, began horseback-riding when I was 8, and began pet sitting when I was in middle school. I worked as a vet tech assistant for a year and learned valuable medical information, as well as how to work with fearful animals. There is no animal I don't like! I've worked with birds, reptiles, amphibians, dogs, cats, horses, and small animals. There is nothing more rewarding than doing something you love, and I'm so happy to work for AFPC!

Kim B.

I am honest hardworking, caring, dedicated individual who loves animals. I have experience in caring for dogs, cats, reptiles, birds and other small animals. I ride and have cared for horses at Old Welborne Farm. I've completed a two-year Vet Tech course at the Chantilly Academy, and I've also worked as a dog groomer at Fox Mill Pets. I've been a pet sitter for All Friends Pet Care since 2000. I am able to pill a cat or dog, give insulin injections and Sub-Q Fluids.

Kim J.

Kris

Hi everyone! I just started working for AFPC part time earlier this year. My full time job is as a Program Administrator and Meetings and Convention Coordinator. I love my new part time job - getting to play with all the animals and give them love is so rewarding! The photo is me with with my two terrors: the orange one is Midas, and the goodlooking gray one is sweet Kayde. They are both two years old and are the loves of my life!

Kristen

Hi! My name is Kris, and I'm a creative, caring cat lover/dog adorer looking forward to treating your "kids" as if they were my own! I am a former media professional who believes that spending my free time with furry, four-legged friends is a worthwhile cause. My husband and I live in Burke with our 6 cats (Sadie, Gracie, Murphy, Smoochie, Iggy and Scotch) as well as our Black Lab/Dalmatian, Darby. All creatures, great and small, give me two "paws up!"

Kristina

I am a college student and a true animal lover, and I thought "what better way to spend my time at home during breaks than with the animals?" I just started working for AFPC, but I already have two wonderful cats to visit, Pierre and Bijou. They are wonderful! I think my favorite part of this job will be interacting with all of the different people and animals. I can't wait!

Kristyn L.

As an avid animal lover, I’ve owned cats my entire life. I’ve been pet sitting for 10 years, the last two for All Friends. My primary motivation for seeking this job is to experience the joy animals bring without having to build Noah’s Ark in my backyard. ;-)

Laura

I have 2 cats and a dog now, but I’ve had tropical fish, hamsters, cats and dogs when I was young. I’ve always taken care of pets for my friends, family and coworkers, but I’ve been sitting professionally for the past year. I started pet sitting to earn extra money while doing something I enjoy. In addition to meeting wonderful pets and their owners, I can get a little bit of exercise while taking care of their critters. I have biology degree from GMU, but I currently work at a small software company in Fairfax. I am also a certified stream monitor and monitor a site in Reston. One of my hobbies is birding. When I go out, I can identify most of our local birds by song. If I am really lucky, I’ll hear something that is not native to the region, but is just passing through on its way to a breeding site.

Layla

Layla has been working full time for AFPC since March of 2001. Before working for AFPC she worked many different jobs including working for veterinarians and a few office positions, but she wanted to work with animals in their own environments and that is why she came to AFPC. She is a lifelong pet lover, and enjoys the perks of her job: meeting new people, working with animals in their own environment, and the flexible schedule. She works with all types of animals including but not limited to dogs, cats, reptiles, exotic birds, small animals, rodents, and even some farm & wild animals such as roosters, chickens and ducks. She especially likes working with rescued & aggressive dogs, and developing the bond of trust with them. She is trained in Pet CPR, and is able to give medications both orally and by injection. Layla lives with her 8 yr old Pit Bull, Xtacy (in picture above) and Xtacy's 3 yr old daughter Uggs.

Linda J.

I remember when I was only 4 years old, my tan Cocker Spaniel named Taffy and I would run in a little field near my home in La Plata, MD. More animal fun while living in Ft. Gulick, Panama, about 7-9 years old, my brother Bruce and I canoed in the Big Lake, I would see sloths, big boas and wild birds in the trees there. One day when we were on the dock we saw a black panther, he was passing through the jungle about 40 yards from us. We had the lake to jump into, and he knew that. We still remember his green eyes looking at us as he passed by. We collected many creatures while living in Panama: Green Dwarf parakeets, Blue Head Parrots, a dove, and a small exotic monkey. I even had a hummingbird in a cage for a few minutes, until my mom explained that she would die if I tried to keep her. I set her free. I housed turtles, and loved watching them eat. I have raised 5 black cats, and one gray tiger kitty. And have mothered many hamsters and their babies, donating them to pet stores. For Christmas one year, my then 16-year-old son and I picked out an eight-week-old boxer pup and named him Aries…God of War. He is now 7 years old and is a gentle giant with a strong name. He is almost a person in fawn clothing. We love him so much, and he is my company when I need it. He always makes us laugh and gives the cutest kisses. I love working as a pet sitter, and rest assured that I will love your pets as if they were my own. I have enjoyed a professional relationship with Jodi, Beth and Pam at All Friends for at least 5 years.

Lindsay

Hi! Ever since I was born I have been around animals. As the years went by it seems as if we have kept on adding to our family. I currently have two dogs (Zack and Chloe), two bearded dragons (Darwin and Billy), two guinea pigs (Ms. Piggy and Coco), and a fish named Hunter. I also enjoy riding horses on the weekends. I have pet sat pretty much all of my life, starting from watching my neighbor’s fish for a day to watching their dogs for two weeks. I love animals of all types and enjoy keeping them company. I am also very reliable and responsible, and dedicated to making animals happy!

Liz

I grew up with pets -- starting out with small animals and eventually owning dogs. I now have 2 dogs of my own, including my girl Sugar, in the picture with me. Since I love dogs, I thought working for AFPC would be a good job for me, since I'd be doing something I love. I really love my job, and am really glad I decided to do it! I've also done some volunteer work at two different animal shelters in the past two years.

Lorna

Mandi

I left my job as a technical recruiter to join All Friends Pet Care. For as long as I can remember, I've always wanted to work with animals. Seeing them happy makes me happy! I can't ask for a better job; I love waking up every morning knowing I get to go take care of "my" dogs! As an added bonus, everyone that works at AFPC is great, and we just get the best clients!! I also work and the self-service dog wash Bark 'N Bubbles, so you can tell how much I really love dogs. :-) Actually, I love all pets! But I really get a kick out of the older dogs. They are so sweet and get excited about anything; I just love them up. Hope I get to meet your pets soon!

Mary H.

I was originally in the Technical Management field. I was laid-off four times. After that I got a job as a assistant manager for a vet hospital, where I worked 12 – 15 hours per day. I love working with animals, so I decided to become a pet sitter. I wanted a flexible, stress-free job that would allow me the time to pursue my own business. I absolutely adore animals!! I get a warm, heart-felt feeling every time I see how excited and happy my pets are when I arrive. Sometimes, it brings tears to my eyes. I love all of my pets!!! They are ALL my favorites. I treat each and every one of them like they are my very own. The picture is me with my Queen Mainecoon, Rosie.

Mary J.

Retired from the Dept of Navy and Army, where she worked for 20 years. Mary loves all animals, especially dogs and cats.

Meg

Menda

I have been pet sitting (cats only) for five years, but my kids had cats (and gerbils) growing up, so there have always been cats in my home. I love their different personalities, the love they give back to me, their sweet adorable faces, their purring - everything! After I retired from Fairfax County Public Schools I was interested in a part-time job that was fun, flexible, and rewarding. Working for AFPC was a perfect fit! I love all of my pet clients, and it's satisfying knowing that pet owners trust me to care for their pets while they are away.

Michelle

Mike

Our family has had Labs, and I've had squirrels, birds, turtles, frogs, snakes, and animals from Down Under. I've also worked at the Great Falls Kennels for 6 1/2 years, and I have a degree in Animal Science. This job is perfect for me because it allows me to be outdoors, and I get to meet new friends. :-)

Mollie

I have been working for All Friends since early 2007. I would have to say that this is the best job that I have ever had! I enjoy spending my day working with all the different animals. I currently have two dogs: Bob is a lab/great dane mix and Shaggy is a Shih Tzu. I have had a lot of experience working with animals, and I worked at a Refuge for 2 years.

Nellie-Jo

Nicole

Pam T.

I have always had a lot of pets, and most of them have been rescues. I raised my three children with a menagerie of three cats, three dogs, and four ferrets. I cannot imagine my life without my wonderful critters!

Phyllis

I have had dogs and cats as pets ever since I was a little girl – over 60 years ago. I presently have one cat, Sassy, who is 11 years old and fits her name. I have rescued two cats in the past and then adopted them and kept them until they passed away. My last cat had a mysterious intestinal illness as well as mitral valve regurgitation and I had to give him meds for that as well as sub-q fluids the last six months of his life. Unfortunately he died at the young age of 11. Prior to that, I had two cats who were hyperthyroid and had to be given meds daily (fluid not pills because they could spit pills across the room after hiding in mouth for 15 minutes.) Mieu and Shadow lived to be 19 and 21, and I miss them greatly. I love animals and since I live in a condo and am frequently away, I cannot keep a dog of my own and my cat is an “only” so I have to get my “fixes” elsewhere. It is so great to work with the All Friends people who are so caring and professional. Of course, it helps to make a little extra doing what I enjoy. ;-)

Rianne

I have lived in Herndon for 20 years and am best friends with Pam T., another All Friends pet sitter. My golden retriever, Jackson, passed away two years ago, but I get to dote on my "grand-dog", Kane when he comes home in the summer and over holidays. I even taught Kane to swim this summer at the lake! During the rest of they year I enjoy filling my love for dogs by being part of the All Friends Pet Care family.

Ruth

I have always loved animals -- I usually say that I love furs as long as they're alive. And, if you're cold, hold a dog or a cat! My kids tease me and say when I'm away, I miss the animals more than I miss them . . . not true - really, I mean it -- (my kids may read this ;-)...). Animals make our lives so much better - they are loving, entertaining, healing and add so much. I'm a part-time pet sitter for All Friends, and this is my second and favorite job. I love all my furry customers and miss them when I haven't seen them for a while -- so after a while I just hope that their people will take a vacation. Hey, perhaps I should go into the travel business as well so I could encourage vacations with wonderful opportunities so they would go away more often??? Brilliant! In the photo, I'm holding my Manx kitty, Timex; Little Bear, my Chow/Corgi mix (Chorgi) is sitting next to me on my right; Lady, my shy girl (Sheltie/Beagle/something) is on my left; and Ziggy Brown, my Shepherd/Collie/Setter/ something is out in front.

Samantha

I grew up with multiple pets, including cats, dogs, fish, hamsters and birds. I even have two pet rats! All Friends Pet Care offered the flexibility I was looking for while still enrolled in college. Taking care of animals while their moms and dads are away was just a bonus! I am very comfortable taking care of exotic animals, including birds (all sizes), small animals, and even reptiles.

Sarah M.

Hi! I have worked with All Friends since 2006 and love it. I am truly an animal lover and this was the main reason for joining their team! Great satisfaction comes with taking care of animals when their main caretakers are away and usually we become fast friends!

Sharon

I have been an animal and nature lover since I was a small child. I spent most of my time outside with critters of all kinds. Bugs, lizards, snakes, hermit crabs, rabbits, mice and, of course, cats and dogs. A home is not a home without, at least, one pet. I currently have two wonderful pets: a beautiful Abyssinian cat named Limbo, and an American Eskimo dog named Queenie, that we just recently adopted through a rescue organization. I am just as comfortable taking a brisk walk with a very spirited pup as I am taking a nice, slow stroll with a senior canine. I can be just as happy having a chat (albeit, mostly to myself), with a very shy, reserved kitty as I can playing hide-and-seek with a more playful, curious feline. Over the many years of being around animals, I have come to learn that each pet is different, and that I love them all! As my career in Human Resources and Process Management progressed, my family began to grow, and I realized I needed to switch things up a bit in order to care for my two school-age children the way I wanted. The need for a flexible schedule doing something I really enjoyed, prompted me to join All Friends Pet Care as a pet-sitter/dog walker, and it couldn’t be more perfect! I have taken basic obedience training for my own dogs, and like to follow Cesar Milan’s philosophy for dog behavior. Have read his books and listen to tapes and TV show.

Stephanie C.

I have worked as a professional pet sitter for 2 1/2 years, and I worked a year at a dog groomers. I have owned pets for 18 years - I currently have one dog, two cats, and three hairless rats - and I used to breed pet rats. I love all types of people and animals -- providing care for a pet is the best job in the world!

Summer

Previously I have worked with horses and as a veterinary assistant, and I periodically volunteer at the Luray Rescue Zoo. I love animals and have always enjoyed being around them. In the past I have owned mice, guinea pigs, fish, parakeets, finches, lovebirds, cats, and several dogs, ranging from daschunds to white German Shepherds. I currently have a Siberian Husky.

Susan

Suzanne

I work at a non-profit in Reston and I am available for mid-day and vacation visits for dogs and cats. I really enjoy walking and playing with the pets I care for, including my own sweet pup, Honey (with me in the photo). I am also available to dog-sit (one small dog only) at my home in Sterling, convenient to Dulles Airport.

Tabatha

From the age of 3 on I have always lived with at least one dog and one cat! I have had many different breeds throughout the years, and I also work at a self-service dog wash, so I encounter many different dogs daily. I love animals, and I am happy to be able to work with them every day!

Teri

I have worked as a pet sitter for almost six years. I love all dogs and cats, and I love this job because it lets me "have" dogs that I don't currently :-( It's also great exercise, and I love being loved back. My clients' pets are treated as if they are my own, and I go out of my way to make sure all is well with them.

Terry K.

Tika

I grew up with 2 wonderful kitties and a toy poodle. Currently I am a proud mother of a Shih Tzu/Maltese named Monet (in the picture with me). However there are always numerous animals in my house because everyone in my family has at least one dog, and when they visit so do their dogs! I have always enjoyed pets of all kinds and working for All Friends seemed like the perfect addition to my new life here in Northern VA. Because I am a pet owner I know the kind of care and love that I would want for my pet and I love being able to give that kind of care to others! Mommy brag note: Money and I were the top dog in our puppy training class! I am a fun loving individual and try to bring a little bit of joy where ever I go!!

Tina