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If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
First and foremost, I am insured for both animal massage and pet sitting, bonded, and pet first-aid trained. I am one of the only pet sitters who is also a canine/feline massage therapist. I am also very interested in animal behavior and have studied it extensively, so I truly understand animals, sometimes better than their owners do! I take pride in the relationships I build with clients' pets. I recently saw a news story about pet sitters promising things to clients and not delivering (leaving early, not spending any time with the pets). That is appalling to me! The most fun part about being a pet sitter is getting to know the pets and watching their personalities come out as they start to feel comfortable with you.
I also make sure the house looks nicer than it did when I started, with respect to the animals in the house. Litter boxes are scooped daily and the area around them swept, areas where the pet hair rolls across the floor like tumbleweeds in West Texas are also cleaned up. Any pet accidents are immediately cleaned up as well. If towels are used, they are typically washed, dried and folded.
The best part about this job is getting to know the pets! I have certain massage clients that wouldn't let me touch them for more than 5 minutes at a time during the first couple of massages. I recently massaged one of those clients for an hour and a half! That makes me feel really good that this dog has warmed up to me that much. I have many, many dog and cat clients (and some birds and reptiles!) that treat me like part of the family. I love getting to see them on a regular basis. It is like having a whole lot of animals without needing the space to keep them!
Overview
Hired 32 times
1 similar job done near you
Background checked
5 employees
15 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash and Credit card.
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Excellent 4.9
21 reviews
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86%
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Read reviews that mention:
Caroline C.
Jun 2, 2014
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Hired on Thumbtack
We have only been using Stephanie a couple of weeks with our two boxers and it is working very well. She obviously loves pets and our dogs took to her immediately. She is very professional and leaves messages every day regarding their "outings". It is very comforting to have someone you not only trust with your pets, but also in coming into your home. I would highly recommend her.
Dog Walking
Melissa P.
May 15, 2015
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Hired on Thumbtack
The perfect dog walker. Timely, dependable, hard-working, honest and mature. If you're looking for a adult walker who behaves like one, look no further!
Dog Walking
Christie R.
Apr 15, 2014
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Hired on Thumbtack
Stephanie is great and you can really tell from the first time meeting her that she really loves animals, especially, dogs. I knew after we had our consultation that our puppy Talia was in good hands. Also, what I love is the notes she leaves letting me know how her time spent with Talia went.
Dog Walking
Matt A.
Mar 15, 2015
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Hired on Thumbtack
The animals were calm and happy when I got home, (aside from my little beagle's squeals of delight to see me after my trip), there were no messes whatsoever, and I totally recommend Zen Dog to anybody who needs a walker/sitter, be it short or long term.
100% satisfied.
Dog Walking
Katie S.
Jan 7, 2017
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Hired on Thumbtack
Zen Dog was fantastic! They came twice a day to feed our kitties while we were gone. They even left us notes of what they did during their visits. When we came home, the cats were happy and relaxed. They house looked just as we left it - litter box was clean, cats had water, no messes, no odors from old cans of car food. We also had ants while we were gone and they texted me before doing anything and then took care of them. I highly recommend this company!
Cat Sitting
Credentials
Background Check
Stephanie Sorensen
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My pricing system is not complicated. I charge $22 per 30-minute visit for daily dog walks (midday walks that occur while the owners are at work), and vacation visits while owners are out of town. Massages are $45 for 30 minutes, or $80 an hour.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
During our phone conversation, I find out a little about your pets and their typical behaviors and routine. Then we discuss a time to meet for a free consultation, and I get information from you, such as your email address (to email you paperwork) and your street address.
Then I come over to meet you and the pets, collect completed paperwork and house keys from you, see where things are located for the pets, discuss your needs and dates for services, and generally find out if we are a good fit for each other. I collect credit card information as a requirement to book services, and then I go home and set you up in our system, schedule your visits, and we are good to go!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am constantly reading and learning more. I have two levels of massage certification and plan on getting the 3rd level some time within the next couple of years. I also plan on adding certifications in canine nutrition, dog behavior, and dog training. Pet sitting certification is also something I am considering. I belong to the Georgia Network of Professional Petsitters (GNPP) and attend conferences and seminars related to pets throughout the year.
