How it works
Skip the kennel
Sittings take place at your home and boardings take place at your pet caregiver's home.
Flexible transportation
All pet caregivers offer pick-up and drop-off for boarding services.
Live updates
Your pet caregiver will send photos and videos throughout the service in addition to a thorough report card.
What is Wag!?
Wag! is the nation's fastest-growing network of pre-screened and insured pet sitters and dog walkers. In less than 15 minutes you can book a nearby dog sitter, daycare provider, or dog walker, who'll take complete care of your loved one - at their place or yours.
Book pet caregivers near you
“Experienced with training and patient dog lover!”
I’ve been a lifelong dog lover, but my dedication to pups doesn’t just end there! I have over 14+ years of experience as a dog owner or handler. I wouldn’t trade a second of it for anything! I’ve learned so much in the process, and getting to bring happiness to loving pups is always such an amazing experience.
Background Checked
High Demand
Can run with dogs, Oral medicine administration, Senior dog care, Special needs dog care, High energy dogs, Training experience, Dogs who pull, Puppy care, Fast walker
“It's all about the fur babies big and small!”
My name is Penny Merta. My love for animals began at a very early age. There hasn’t been a time in my life when pets weren’t a part of it. Pets are my passion! As a pet lover myself I understand the difficulty of finding someone who will care for your pets and respect your home. All pets are unique and deserve undivided attention.If you have a bored pooch and need daily dog walks, I will be there. I will not only treat your pets like my own, but I will ensure they are in good hands!
Background Checked
High Demand
Oral medicine administration, Senior dog care, Special needs dog care, High energy dogs, Dogs who pull, Puppy care, Fast walker
“Caring and reliable dog whisperer”
I am a lover of dogs and enjoy keeping them healthy and happy through exercise and play. Being a dog owner the last 14 years has kept me active in Johnston on the sidewalks and trails. I want to help pet parents who may not have the time or energy to walk their own dog(s) or are going to be away from home. Experienced with dogs from xsmall to xxxl. By day I have a professional career that requires responsibility and organization while interacting with government officials across the US.
Background Checked
High Demand
Top Pet Caregiver
Socially Distanced Pet Care
Oral medicine administration, Senior dog care, High energy dogs, Dogs who pull, Puppy care, Fast walker
“Who runs the world? Dogs.”
Hi all! My name is Laura and I’m currently a student at a local college here in Des Moines. I decided to give Wag! a try as it is something that can fit into my busy schedule, while keeping me active at the same time. I grew up around dogs, and I’ve always loved having the pups around :) I look forward to meeting and building a bond with your furry best friend!
Background Checked
High Demand
Oral medicine administration, Senior dog care, High energy dogs, Dogs who pull, Puppy care, Fast walker
I am a life long animal lover. I grew up in the country on a ranch in Washington state. I have had many dogs over the course of my life ranging in breeds from large to small. I am very organized and punctual and will make sure your pooches are well taken care of. I will always give them lots of loves and playtime!
Background Checked
High Demand
Top Pet Caregiver
Can run with dogs, Oral medicine administration
I'm an animal enthusiast that loves dogs! I've been working with all sorts of animals since 2012 when I started volunteering for the Animal Rescue League of Iowa. I've also been working at a boarding facility in Waukee, IA since 2013. I don't have any dogs myself (I actually have two cats), but I have worked with hundreds (if not thousands) of dogs throughout the past several years. I also do dog training as a little side hustle of mine.
Background Checked
High Demand
Dog first aid and/or CPR, Can run with dogs, Oral medicine administration, Injected medicine administration, Senior dog care, Special needs dog care, High energy dogs, Training experience, Dogs who pull, Puppy care, Fast walker
Hello,My name is Renee. I am a dog mom of 2. Cat mom of 2. I am a lover of all animals volunteering from time to time at the Animal Rescue League. I have fostered, boarded, trained, and provided day care in my home for other dog parents. I am a former Special Education Teacher and Pre- K Teacher. I stepped away from teaching a few years ago to pursue other ventures. I am a writer and a musician. I would love the chance to meet your dog and provide much needed walks and enrichment while you are working or unable to do so yourself.
Background Checked
High Demand
Top Pet Caregiver
I have lived with dogs all my life and they will always have a special place in my heart! My family has owned all kinds of dogs, and I haven't met a dog I didn't like. My love for dogs extends even to those I meet for the first time regardless of their size or temperament. Right now I don't have a dog of my own, so I am ready to give your dog all of my attention and eagerly look forward to our walks!
Background Checked
High Demand
Top Pet Caregiver
Can run with dogs, Oral medicine administration, Senior dog care, Special needs dog care, High energy dogs, Dogs who pull, Puppy care, Fast walker
Hey! I'm Traci. I have lived in the Des Moines area for about 20 years and am familiar with all sorts of dogs! I have volunteered for different organizations, training, fostering, bathing and walking! I love all dogs, big or small!
Background Checked
High Demand
Top Pet Caregiver
Hi, I'm Laura! I live in DSM with my family and 2 dogs, Paisley (Newfoundland) and Bobo (Toy Poodle). I work from home and have a lifelong passion and love for all animals. I will treat your furbabies as if they are my own. Some other things that make me happy include attending Prince tribute concerts, BravoTV (guilty pleasure) and spending time with my family, just like every other mom.I’m very excited to be a part of Wag! and look forward to loving and caring for your pets.
Background Checked
High Demand
Top Pet Caregiver
Socially Distanced Pet Care
Oral medicine administration, Senior dog care, Special needs dog care, High energy dogs, Dogs who pull, Puppy care, Fast walker
Dog Boarding in Urbandale
Located west of Des Moines lies Urbandale, Iowa. While not a large city, Urbandale does have homeless animals in the area that are looking for new homes. Fortunately, there are rescues in the area that provide shelter, food, and medical care to these animals.
The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is the largest non-profit animal shelter in the state. This animal welfare organization care for thousands of animals each year and does so with the help of donations from the public. While the main focus of the group is to help homeless pets get adopted, the organization also provides humane education and pet behavior training to the public. Low-cost spay and neuter services are also provided to those in need. The Animal Rescue League of Iowa also helps with animal cruelty intervention.
Furry Friends Refuge is a non-profit humane organization that helps homeless animals in the West Des Moines, Urbandale, Clive, and Windsor Heights areas of Iowa. Furry Friends Refuge sets itself apart from other shelters in the area by becoming the first no-kill shelter in the Des Moines metro area. With two adoption centers, Furry Friends Refuge is able to help a large number of animals in the area.
For animal lovers looking for a new pet, consider a visit to one of these shelters to find your new best friend. Volunteers are always needed at local shelters, so if you aren’t ready for a pet but want to spend time with some animals, consider becoming a volunteer.
Upcoming Dog Friendly Events Urbandale
Pedal for Paws
48
Admission
Month
DurationPedal for Paws
48Strap on your helmet and prepare for your dog for the bike ride of your lives with the Pedal for Paws event in Des Moines, Iowa. On a day in May, hit the streets with other dog lovers to raise money for the Animal Rescue League of Iowa!
Check-in begins at 9 am and the rides start at 10. You can choose to participate in either the 9.8- or 26.2-mile ride.
During registration, enjoy a beer or Bloody Mary. If you are participating in the longer ride, there are six stops, and each stop will last about an hour to give you time to enjoy a drink and maybe even a snack!
Registration fees start at $25 per biker with early registration. Late registration fees are $30 per biker.
The Great Iowa Pet Expo
36
AdmissionMonthDurationThe Great Iowa Pet Expo
36Get ready for a two-day event for you and your dog at the Great Iowa Pet Expo this October! The Great Iowa Pet Expo takes place at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines And lasts for two whole days!
During the event, you and your dog can participate in contests, watch fun demonstrations, and have a caricature drawing done. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, and there will be health clinics and training opportunities at the event.
Admission is $8 per adult and $4 per child between the ages of 6 and 12. Dogs get in for free.
Iowa Dog Jog
24
AdmissionMonthDurationIowa Dog Jog
24Are you ready to get some exercise while spending a day with your dog? At the Iowa Dog Jog event each September, you can do just that! Head over to Terra Park in Johnston for a 4k or 2k walk/run. After the run, stick around for the after party for all kinds of fun!
Registration is $12 per human when purchased early. Prices increase the closer it gets to the event date. Dogs are $10 each. Registration includes a race bib, race medal, and post-race food for people. Dogs will receive a leash bib, race medal, post-race treats, and a dog waste bag. Sign up for the pup-graded tickets to receive additional goodies!
Proceeds from this event help care for the animals at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.
Hoops & Hounds
12
AdmissionMonthDurationHoops & Hounds
12Spend an evening watching the Iowa Wolves take on the Oklahoma City Blue with your dog at the Wells Fargo Arena. In February, your dog can join you for a basketball game and you won’t want to miss the chance to experience this!
All tickets for dogs must be purchased in advance. Discounted tickets for this game are available through the Animal Rescue League of Iowa for just $12. The proceeds from these tickets go to helping the Animal Rescue League of Iowa help more animals at its shelter.
All dogs coming to the game must be older than 6 months and remained leashed throughout the game. No dogs in heat will be allowed in, and you need to bring proof that your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations to get into the stadium.
Furry Friends Refuge Chili Cookoff
0
AdmissionMonthDurationFurry Friends Refuge Chili Cookoff
0Bring your dog out to the Furry Friends Refuge Chili Cookout each April to support a great cause while enjoying a day of socialization, great food, and beer. Proceeds from this event go directly toward helping the animals at Furry Friends Refuge!
For just $10, you can enjoy unlimited samples of chilli and beer. Once you have sampled the chilis, vote for your favorite by placing a donation in that chilli’s jar. The top four earners will receive prizes! All donations go to Furry Friends.
During the event, place your bids on great items in the silent auction, which includes MLB tickets, a spa basket, and more. There will also be raffle prizes.
About Wag!
© 2020 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.
About Wag!
© 2020 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.
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