Meet Jennifer! A Dallas Dog Walker Spotlight Story

Hi all! We're back with another Pet Caregiver Spotlight story to wrap up the month of March, as part of our on-going series on spotlighting top dog walkers, pet sitters, trainers, and groomers around the nation who provide pet care on the Wag! Platform.
This time, we're featuring Jennifer — a dog walker who hails from Dallas. Jennifer has completed over 185 walks with reviews earning her a 5.0 star rating. People have said Jennifer is "very responsive and sweet" and "caring for pups" and "goes above and beyond" for the likes of Brady, Lulu, Wilder, and more pups. She "always sends updates and photos" to show how happy the pups are with her, and  "absolutely amazing," doesn't forget to send "pawsome video updates" of their pups to Pet Parents, and is "reliable" and "passionate about animals." We've asked Jennifer a series of fun questions to get to know her better! Here they are!

Hi Jennifer. Are native to the area? If not, where are you from?
Yes! I am a born and raised Houston native. Aside from 2 years in Chicago, Houston has always been home!

What do you do in your free time? 
I try to spend most of my free time outdoors whether it's a picnic in the park with a good book or hiking and chasing waterfalls. I also love to check out new coffee shops and staying in binging the latest Netflix series. It really depends on my mood and the weather.

Do you have any dogs of your own or have you had in the past?
I'm the proud Pet Parent to Louie. He's an 8yo black Pug and he's my whole world! I also have two angel babies that have crossed Rainbow Bridge, Samson (fawn Pug), and Delilah (Australian Red Heeler). 

How did you hear about us?
I heard from Wag! a few years ago on social media.

How do you prepare for your dog sitting services?
I immediately add the sitting to my calendar to keep track of my days. I'll reach out to the Pet Parent a few days before the sitting especially if I need any clarification on their notes to ensure their fur baby gets the highest level of service and attention while I'm with them. I'm also available for meet and greets before the sitting to familiarize myself with the pup and the neighborhood and get face-to-face instructions from the Pet Parent.

If you could give any advice to a brand new Pet Caregiver working with Wag!, what would it be? 
Get a fannypack! It's so convenient, that's where I keep treats (if the Pet Parent is ok with you giving them to their dogs), extra poop bags, the Pet Parent's house key, etc. On a more serious note, have open communication and build a relationship with the Pet Parent - let them know your availability so they can continue booking you, send them pictures while you're with their pup and update them frequently especially for sittings/boardings. 

What do you enjoy most about Sittings?
I enjoy the extra cuddle and play time I get to spend with the pups and seeing their personality come through.

What's your favorite thing about walking with Wag!?
I love getting to meet different dogs, but also enjoy my "regulars" and the bond I get to build with them as their Pet Caregiver.

What do you enjoy most about Sittings? 
I enjoy the extra cuddle and play time I get to spend with the pups and seeing their personality come through.

What are your hobbies or interests?
Before the pandemic, like most people, I enjoyed traveling. This past year I've taken a few road trips (a few stops include Amarillo, TX; Albuquerque, NM; Telluride, CO; New Orleans, LA; Nashville, TN; Chicago, IL). I also recently became a Plant Parent, so my weekends consist of taking trips to different nurseries and plant shops. My apartment is slowly becoming a jungle with about 50 plants! They are mostly pet friendly and the ones that aren't are in hanging planters or up on shelves, although Louie is pretty good about not getting into them! 

What's one thing about you that surprises people? 
Considering how laid back I can be in other aspects of my life, I am VERY Type A when it comes to trips. I will research my destination and create an itinerary complete with times, addresses and what outfits I'll wear each day (this helps me to not overpack).