Zen Dog, LLC

$21/walk

starting price

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Introduction

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

13 years in business

Business hours

This pro hasn't listed their business hours.

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Cash and Credit card.

Social media

Facebook

Featured Projects

10 photos

Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for value, work quality, and professionalism.

Excellent 4.9

21 reviews

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86%

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Read reviews that mention:

Deb J.

Aug 30, 2016

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Hired on Thumbtack

Stephanie did a great job with my shy cat! Obviously, she took care of chores like feeding and cleaning the pan, but also took the time to engage my shy kitty with play -- and succeeded! I totally appreciate that level of caring and have already recommended Zen Dog to friends! The professional business side is also very important to me. A+ to Zen Dog on that front as well. Knowing they have what they need to get veterinary care for my pet provides a lot of piece of mind.

Cat Sitting

Jeff A.

Mar 14, 2014

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Hired on Thumbtack

Stephanie Sorensen and Zen Dog are a dream come true. Steph is professional, loving, and responsive. She has been one of the best service providers I have experienced since moving to Atlanta about 19 years ago. She has treated my little dog Gus as if he were her own. I highly recommend Zen Dog, and will be using Stephanie for years to come.

Dog Walking

Margot C.

Apr 13, 2014

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Hired on Thumbtack

I have had the BEST experience with Stephanie and Zen Dog. My dogs are my babies and I am hesitant to let just anyone care for them, but I was instantly comfortable with Stephanie and knew I could trust her!! I had emailed several companies but honestly, even through email, I really had a gut feeling that Stephanie was someone who would take excellent care of my pups--I think animal lovers can just sense that quality in other animal lovers, and Stephanie has it and put me at ease right away!! Not only can it be nerve-wracking to let someone else care for your pets, but also to let a stranger into your home when you are gone--but I did not think twice about it after meeting her, she was wonderful! Last week, I was in desperate need of help due to a last minute trip and had ONE day to find someone--Stephanie responded within an hour and fit me in the NEXT day. She was on time, GREAT with the dogs, and extremely dependable. I emailed her for updates while I was out of town and she responded immediately. She left notes with updates every day for my husband (who was in town but working very late) which was so thoughtful! Her prices are very fair and competitive and she even threw in a little doggie massage for my babies. Even though I only planned to use her services while I was out of town, I have already booked her to come back again for several long work days--the dogs loved her! I only wish that I could hire her to come live at my house with my animals for the next time that I am out of town!! From one pet fanatic to another, I HIGHLY recommend her. Look no further for someone to care for your pets, hire her, your pets will thank you and you will not regret it!!!!!!!!!

Dog Walking

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

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

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.