Takoma BARK

contact for price

Select a service

Zip code

Frequency

Dog size

Sorry this pro can’t do your job, but we know other pros who can.

Check them out

Introduction: In the years I have spent both walking dogs and hiring walkers for another company I have come to appreciate that my particular qualities and skill set are rare and valuable in this line of work. I am detail oriented, great with all kinds of dogs and other animals, good with people, respect others' property and take responsible care of it. I am able to socialize shy and aggressive dogs. I truly care about each pet I am responsible for and I understand how important adequate exercise is for most dogs and am sure to give them the amount of exercise my client and I have agreed upon. I care about your dogs safety and therefore do not walk dogs off leash nor in most cases do I introduce them to dogs I am not personally acquainted with whom are outside of our pack. If you sign up for the longer group hikes I keep the number to a manageable size so that I can give your pet the attention he or she needs. I am confident that your animals and your home will be in good hands with me. I LOVE dogs and really all animals. And I love being outside. AND I love exercise! So this really is the perfect job for me. What I love most is hikes in the woods and being with dogs makes it even better!

Payment methods

Ask this pro about their preferred payment method.

Featured Projects

8 photos

Reviews

Exceptional 5.0

10 reviews

100%

Jane B.

Sep 20, 2011

Dear Takoma Park Dog Owners, Your life just got a lot easier! Shannon has been walking our dog Jagger for many years now. When she told us she was leaving to walk dogs in her neighborhood, we were very sad. Not only did Jagger look forward to seeing his pal, Shannon, in the afternoons, but we also know that Shannon looked forward to seeing Jagger just as much. We never had to worry about a thing. That said, our loss is, by far, your gain. I cannot say enough good things about Shannon. If you are looking for a dog walker who is dependable and who not only takes care of your dog/s, but is also the most trustworthy person you would ever want in your house, Shannon is who you want. When I say that dealing with her is worry-free, I mean just that. So enjoy your neighborhood windfall! Takoma Bark has come to Takoma Park and you will be very happy that it did. Very sincerely, Jane Braden Washington, DC

Susan B.

Sep 20, 2011

When it comes to dog walkers, Shannon is truly special. She has been with us through the last years of our two older dogs (a shepherd-husky mix who lived to 15 and a boxer who lived to 13), and the first four years of a young dog (also a boxer). Through all the trying times of geriatric issues and puppy issues and issues in-between, she has become a part of our family. Shannon was particularly great in the last years and months of our older dogs. When they couldn't move as well as they used to or required extra care, Shannon was there and patient and actively involved in making sure they had exactly what they needed. I don't know what we would have done without her. Similarly with our young dog, Shannon was there to work through potty training and crate training and all the issues related to young or adolescent pups. She was great. I've seen Shannon subdue some the most difficult dogs in the neighborhood; I've seen her draw shy dogs out of their shell. She's just got a knack for dogs and knows how to handle them in a way that is both incredibly kind and yet quite firm. She's reliable, incredibly conscientious, and, most of all, trustworthy. I think any person would be extremely lucky to have her as a dog walker.

Pat G.

Sep 26, 2011

I have known Shannon for over five years, in her capacity as dog-walker, pet-sitter and manager for the Adams Morgan dog-walking company where she has been working. Shannon is dependable, trustworthy, patient, calm and experienced. I was aware she was assigned to walk certain dogs that were socially challenged, and missed her when she was reassigned from walking my first, very easy dog, to focus on the tricky ones. When I later adopted a second dog who was shy and occasionally fearfully aggressive, she confidently accepted the challenge and helped him overcome many of his adverse traits, when some other less experienced walkers were unwilling or unable to handle him. It has been a team effort, and I believe that Shannon had a key role in helping him become the confident, well-behaved dog he is today.

Bruce D.

Sep 26, 2011

I have known Shannon for a number of years both as a walker and caregiver for my chocolate lab and as an administrator of the dog-walking service that I use. In both capacities she has always been personable, reliable, responsible and promptly responsive to inquiries, scheduling changes, etc. Shannon cares deeply about the pets in her care and is attentive to their moods and needs as well as those of their owners. Shannon has helped me find weekend dog-sitters on short notice, intoduced me to new walkers when they first take charge of my dog and frequently sent me emails alerting me to any signs that my dog may not have been feeling well or seemed out-of-sorts on a particular day. These are services beyond the ordinary, and I have greatly valued them. I am pleased to highly recommend Shannon's services.

Wendy B.

Sep 17, 2011

I couldn't recommend Shannon more highly as a dogwalker. She's reliable and trustworthy, but most importantly, my dog Cookie absolutely loves her. Cookie would run down the hall to meet her! Cookie could be a bit of a handful around other dogs but Shannon kept her line with no effort -- she's definitely the alpha! I only wish I lived in Takoma Park so Shannon could keep walking Cookie.

FAQs

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
Check references, go with someone with maturity and experience and understand that just being a dog lover is not enough. You want someone who will respect your home and property and know how to care for your pet and be able to handle him or her in a variety of situations. You want to look for someone who understands that the safety and well being of your pet and home is the most important part of the job. You will also want someone who is detail oriented so that your door being left unlocked or dog out of his crate will not be a concern for you. And you will want someone who is responsive so that you can be sure to reach them in an emergency. I would also advise to be on the alert for any behaviors that make you suspicious of drug or alcohol addiction. Your home and pet will be particularly vulnerable if addiction issues are of a concern in regards to your walker/sitter. With Takoma BARK you can rest assured your pet and home will get the best care possible.