Karen went above and beyond when taking care of my cats while I was on a weekend trip. She even…read morecleaned their bowls and plates. She sent pictures to keep me updated. I felt really comfortable with her and so did my kitties (and usually one of them is not so happy with people he doesn't know, but he loved Karen!) I'm so glad I've found her!

Karen really gives you the sense that not only does she love her job (who wouldn't love being able…read moreto play with dogs all day) but she genuinely cares about the dogs she walks and cares for. She helped my wife and I out with a very difficult situation where I was out every weekday for two months before we moved out of the Richmond area. It was very evident that our dog's attitude and demeanor improved whenever Karen walked her. Taking a photo of our dog each day was a big plus especially since I was away during the week. It brought me a lot of happiness to know my girl was content without me there. It's a shame we no longer live in the area but I can't recommend Karen enough to RVA folks who live within her service area.

I can't say enough good things about the folks at Barksley. I have a very large Malamute/Husky mix…read morewho is very opinionated and only likes some people. He is hard to manage and I was so worried that I wouldn't be able to find care for him. Lindsey and Olivia have become his very best friends, and I trust them completely to take the best care of him. I recommended Barksley to my Veterinary office as well as my friends. I highly recommend that you check them out! (photos of my happy boy with his Barksley besties)

You know the cliche trope of "when you're looking for love you don't find it but when you're not…read morelooking it finds you"? Well, that's how I feel about Barksley. I don't like asking friends to pet sit for my 4 cats when I'm out of town since they won't let me pay them, and I feel that I'm burdening them. Another pet sitter we tried was good but not always available when we needed. I had given up on finding a perfect fit for us, since most of the time I searched online for pet sitters, they were dog-centric. Then one day someone from Barksley left a flyer in my mailbox. It seemed like the exact service I was needing. They offer variable length visits (30,45,60 minutes), are available on holidays, evenings, and weekends, and love cats as much as dogs! They scheduled a meet and greet before the first visit where I showed them how to care for our babies step by step, and they took notes. They seemed like they actually liked our cats instead of it being just a chore. They were friendly and I felt comfortable with them in my home. They have a great website where you can log in to request visits, pay invoices, leave notes and messages for sitters. It's so great to have it all in one place and electronic. They went above and beyond during their service for us. -They brought in packages (including a really big one). -They cleaned the dishes after each meal!! Which I really appreciate, since the babies like to eat on clean plates each time and it's healthier for them, and some sitters historically haven't cared to bother doing that and instead just put new food down onto crusty old food -They provide a VERY DETAILED update after each visit, right down to how many poops and pees were in the litter box. And there's never too many details when you're away from and missing your beloved pets!! And they include lots of pictures -I promise we didn't creepily spy on them through ring cameras, but a couple times when we got notifications and looked on the video, we felt the people of Barksley really did ENJOY the time with our cats, like they were happy to be there. -one of the cats vomited (as cats do) on the couch at one point, and Emma cleaned it up!! Never had a sitter do that before. So impressed! Overall the team did such a great job taking care of our clowder that we will use them for as long as they service our area. I'm glad to have finally found the perfect sitters for us!

These folks are amazing. I called them to get urgent help for me door-eating dog, and they came…read moreover that same day to meet him. By the end of the week they had him on a schedule, walking 3 times a week for a half hour, to train him to walk on a leash. Once he can do that (which may take a while, he's hard-headed :)) he is going to go on adventure walks with them, which are basically long hikes with 2-3 dogs at a time, that completely tire your pooch out. I have two walkers that work with my dog, and they are both awesome. They send me an email after every walk, with pictures of my dog and a progress report of how he's doing. They also are bonded and insured, and offer to keep keys to the house so they can come in while you are at work and exercise the pooch. And get this- it's $20 for the walk... and $5 for every extra 15 mins! And that is for one or two dogs... very reasonable. So much so that I can definitely afford the 3 days a week walking, and seeing my puppy so happy at the end of the day is worth it. Love these guys.

UPDATE: 7/23/17: I'm…read morewriting an update to this review 7 years later, still as a loyal client of Canine Adventure. Unfortunately, my 3 boys (Ozzy, Tyler, and Bono) have since passed away, but my 2 new pups (Cannon and Hollywood) are still regular adventurers. They get to go hiking and swimming with Marti every couple of weeks - with Cannon generally finding some enormous stick or piece of trash to keep him entertained and Holly swimming laps in the river and playing chase with other dogs. They always come home happy and tired. There is a review posted from someone named "Matin" (which I assume is made up as it is a brand new account and contains false information) that says someone from Richmond Boxer Rescue steered him away from CA. I am the founder and president of RBR and a loyal client for almost 10 years now. Many of my fosters and volunteers use them and love them as well. NO ONE from my organization knows who this person is or said anything negative about CA, so that is a blatant lie. Review from 2010: I cannot say enough good things about Josh and Canine Adventure! Aside from actually being able to sometimes make my boxer, Ozzy, slightly tired (a nearly impossible feat), Josh was always reliable, responsible and ended up being a good friend! My own dogs (Ozzy, Tyler and Bono) were lucky to get Adventure Walks with him every week! The highlight of their week was seeing Josh pull up in front of the house! In addition to working with my own dogs, Josh graciously worked with my many fosters through Richmond Boxer Rescue. He donates his time to several other local rescue groups as well. The walks and training were an invaluable asset to the foster dogs as were the AMAZING photos he would take on the walks! We moved to the west coast but would still be loyal clients if we were in Richmond! I so wish there were a service like this available here!

Casey and Brandon are beyond, beyond. In other words they are beyond any expectation I could've…read moreever had. juggled some balls and was able to help in a pinch. I made a mistake with the dates of of which we needed them. We needed her for an extra day and day actually to be Friday night, but she was able to stay giving us great relief that be cared for properly. messing up with the dates needing . She and Brandon sent pictures every day. We were gone for two weeks and not once did I ever worry about our babies. They we're amazing. I cannot recommend them enough because once you use them, you'll probably recommend them to everyone. They're just perfect. Very responsible. Very kind. I would trust my babies with them any day.

From the owner: At Just ‘N Casey Pet & Home Care, we treat your pets like family and your home with the same care…read moreand respect as our own. Founded with a passion for animals and a commitment to reliable, compassionate service, we provide customized pet and home care solutions for busy pet parents and travelers. Whether you need daily dog walks, drop-in visits, or overnight stays through, we’re here to ensure your pets are happy, healthy, and comfortable in your absence. Our team understands that every pet has unique needs, personalities, and routines. That’s why we offer personalized care plans, whether it’s giving medication, providing exercise and enrichment, or simply extra love and attention. With early morning to late evening availability, we’re flexible to fit into your schedule. Beyond pets, we also keep your home secure and cared for while you’re away. From plant watering to mail collection and home checks, you can relax knowing everything is in good hands. At Just ‘N Casey, professionalism and trust are at the heart of what we do. We’re dedicated to creating peace of mind for pet parents while building loving bonds with every animal we meet. Your pets deserve the best, and with us, they’ll get nothing less.

SArah and her group are beyond great. They handle our tiny cat with breathing problems and our…read morelarge blind/deaf dog without any issue

We left two of our dogs at home for a little more than two weeks while we were out-of-town. These…read moreare both dogs who had never been boarded or left behind before. One is ten years old and the other a little more than 1 1/2 years old--and we were very concerned about their welfare without us around to take care of them. (Yes, they're both spoiled.) We decided that leaving them at home would be better than boarding them and contacted Sarah based upon the recommendation of our groomer. We could not have been more pleased with the result. Sarah had three young people who made four visits each day for the 2+ week period. They reliably showed up on time each day and fed, walked and played with the dogs during the visits. (It did take a couple of days before the dogs adjusted to the change in their routines but they generally did adjust--although one had eating issues but that was because he is a little neurotic and had nothing to do with the care provided. In fact, the sitters went out of their way to work with that particular dog to get him to eat.) We received detailed daily reports about each visit by email, with pictures. Most importantly, we were quickly contacted with any issues or questions that arose. We would absolutely use Sarah Sits again and highly recommend them to anyone who wishes to have pets cared for in their own environments.

I was looking for a new dog walker when my dog and I moved here, and I'm so happy we found leash…read moreand lead. They send daily updates from the walk (along with pictures) so you can see that your dog is having fun! Also, when my dog was sick, his walker, Kendall, did some of the clean-up, which I would not have expected!

Love, love, love this company! Very professionally run yet with a completely personal touch. Mel…read more(the owner) and her staff send you updates after each visit and although they come to walk my Mighty Titus, the cats come flooding down to see them after Titus is back in his room. I feel their prices are super reasonable for the travel and time, and Titus LOVES them! I recommend Lead and Leash to all my friends, and all my friends are super cool people who own pets so it works out well! You will be REALLY happy with these folks!

PETS at PLAY sincerely deserves five stars more than any business I've ever hired. I have two cats…read moreand when I go on short trips out of town, I schedule in-home visits for the days I'm gone. I've been using them for over a year now, and PETS at PLAY goes ABOVE and BEYOND anything I could've expected. (Note- they only provide in-home visits for the Church Hill neighborhood). They're always there for me when I need them. They just really have incredible customer service. They've been able to do same day visits for me when I've been worried about my cats but am unable to leave work, and email or call me to let me know everything is okay. On a couple of occasions the key I left in the lockbox was faulty (have since gotten rid of this key lol) and one time I even FORGOT to leave the key but was hours away. But on these occasions they didn't just say, "Oh well, not our fault" and leave - they went to my landlord to ask to be let in so my fur babies didn't have to go without food, a litter box change, and TLC. They send an email and pictures from the visit every time they come. They let me know how the babies are doing while I'm away. And the best part is my kitties don't have to be kenneled and put in a cramped up crate in a new, scary place while I'm gone. They get to stay in the comfort of their home and get visited by familiar, loving faces. I really do feel like PETS at PLAY truly enjoys seeing my cats. From the pictures it looks like my cats enjoy them, too. I really just couldn't be happier with this business. They've saved me and been there for me so many times and are such a huge convenience and frankly necessity in my life... that if I ever considered moving, I would specifically be sure to not move out of their service area. I don't know what I'd do without them.

I have to comment on mouthy - and dogs who do not like to play with other dogs- the reason a open…read moredaycare has to use the same protocol for different breeds behaviors is to avoid a dog fight- also if your dog "catches " a cold- etc while at any facility- it is exactly like children at a school- lice, colds,flu- etc your dog - your responsibility- if you feel like it is not - you should keep your dog at home.

I can't praise Ashley and Calm K9 enough for turning my dog life around. I adopted my 5.5 year old…read morePug/Chihuahua mix from a rescue back in February after she was surrendered by her previous owner. She was incredibly timid, anxious, and didn't know even the most basic command. Sit, for instance, was next to impossible. She would lock her back legs if you tried to guide her little butt to the floor, refusing to do it because she had no idea what was going on. Fast forward to a month out of the Board & Train with Ashley. She sits. She stays. We don't use a leash on walks anymore. She stays right by my side on walks or within an arm's length in front or behind me, constantly checking to make sure I'm still close every few seconds. At every curb she sits. I used to have to tell her, but now she just knows to sit, and not to move until I tell her "come". The best part for all of this, however, is that it's all a result of her overall confidence being boosted by knowing all of these new skills. She used to be super skittish and bark at people, jump when cars passed by, and freak out. Every person who walked near us on the street she would lose her little dog-mind over. Now she not only glides right past them, but if they're friendly and she sees that I'm ok with it, she'll wag her tail and allow them to approach (assuming I've given her/the person permission). She actually walks better and is more calm off-leash, which is also a huge advantage for me now that it's getting cold because I can keep my hands in my pockets. I still do bring a leash in my pocket just in case, but I haven't run into a situation where I've had to use it once. Lastly, I was really apprehensive about using an e-collar. Not only because I thought it was going to be cruel, but because of how big the thing looks on my 10lb. dog! I can honestly say that the brand of collar they have you purchase is so adjustable with it's settings that she's never shown any sign of it hurting or even bothering her. She actually gets excited when I put it on her in the morning because she knows we're about to start our day and go for a walk! Calm K9 came recommended from a friend, and I think since seeing the positive change my dog has experienced as a result of the training I've recommended them to anyone and everyone who's interested in getting their dog towards a better place, behaviorally. Lastly, it's been amazing to feel what her being trained has does for me, mentally. With everything else one has to deal with in their day-to-day life, having a happy, calm, well-behaved and confident dog-companion has been overwhelmingly positive. A+ from me. Highly recommended.

They state that they get back to you in 24 hours.. but both mine and my wife's form submission on…read moretheir website (which states that is the fastest response) have gone unanswered for the last 3 - 4 days. Very disappointed that they didn't even have the courtesy to call or reply.