ABOUT
The Best Care for Your Best Friend
Hi, I’m Auntie Abby, Owner and Founder of Auntie Abby’s Professional Pet Sitting Service.
In 2019, I started Auntie Abby’s as a solo operation because of my incredible passion for animals and their welfare. I quickly realized that there was a tremendous need for home based pet care that was professional, affordable and available 7 days a week…a much greater need than just one person could fill. It was then that I set out to build a team of professional, caring and capable sitters dedicated to providing affection, companionship and enrichment for all pets.
I have always works in a “care” capacity and am happiest when I am making a difference in the lives of the pets and families that I care for.
I am committed to managing a team of pet sitters and providing Professional In-Home pet care services to the Des Moines metro for many years to come. I am very proud of the professional Pet Sitters that work for me and would absolutely trust them with my own pets and with the reputation of Auntie Abby’s!
I am so grateful to have found a career that compliments my love of service and my love of animals. I have two cats of my own at home and I guarantee your pets will be well cared for and loved while under my team’s care.
Auntie Abby • OWNER
Our Caregiver Team
Alana
Caregiver
Meet Alana
Hi! My name is Alana.
I joined the Auntie Abby’s team in July 2022. I love ALL animals and I promise to love and care for your pets like they are my own! I grew up with pets and as an adult have been blessed to be a mom not only to 4 amazing humans, but also to dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, lizards, crayfish, fish, one darling rat and a very noisy, beautiful Cockatiel!
I am a stay-at-home mom of adult/teen children who runs a non-profit out of our home. I am very active and love to partake in physical activity with pets whether it’s a brisk walk or playtime with a flirt pole, ball or other toys. I also love any snuggles from pets!
I have experience giving medication, including insulin injections, and caring for young and aging pets. I look forward to working with you!
– Alana
Alissa
Caregiver
Meet Alissa
Hi! My name is Alissa.
I joined the Auntie Abby’s team in September 2022. I have had a big love for animals ever since I was little. I grew up in the country, so I’m very familiar with farm animals. I also have always owned dogs & cats and (previously) rabbits!
My fur babies at home are my dog Mac and my cat Katniss, both rescues! I know how nerve-racking it can be to trust someone to take care of your pets while you’re away. That’s why I will always treat your pets like my own! I want to ensure clients have complete peace of mind.
I am experienced at giving medication to pets as well as walking strong dogs. I look forward to meeting you and your furry/scaly/feathered babies!
– Alissa
Angie
Caregiver
Meet Angie
I joined the Auntie Abby’s team in February 2023. My first experience with the company was as a client. In the past, I was super nervous and cautious to leave my dogs with someone…until I met Abby and her team. I’m so lucky to be a part of her team now. I truly enjoy giving others peace of mind when entrusting me to care for their beloved pets.
Animals have always been my passion. I’m the person who pets every single dog I meet and will ALWAYS stop to help a lost dog.
I grew up with dogs and can’t imagine life without them. I am blessed to be a mom to two amazing teenagers and three furry kids. I have two small Brussel Griffons (Mila and Ruby) and one large Boxer (Javy).
I have a huge soft spot for senior dogs, puppies, and special needs pets. I have owned and cared for hospice dogs for many years in the past. I have also fostered dogs for Forever Home Dog Rescue.
I’ve been a full-time realtor for two decades. My job has allowed me to have a flexible schedule and continue to enjoy my passion for animals. It has been an absolute joy to meet, care for, and love-on so many other pets outside my home! I would love to help you and your pets.
– Angie
Bethany M
Caregiver and Assistant Manager
Meet Bethany
I began with Auntie Abby’s in September 2021 as a full-time pet care provider. I have since joined the management team and enjoy engaging directly with both pets AND clients! If you are an established client, we’ve likely met in person or online!
Those who know me know I’m most passionate about two things: children and pets. I’ve been fortunate enough to have spent my life working with both. I am mom to 3 children, 2 large rescue dogs, 1 senior cat and a bearded dragon. Puff, our bearded dragon, loves to join me wherever I am and I often act as his personal jungle gym! I have a background in childhood education. I am also skilled at administering insulin injections and other medications.
I look forward to working with you!
– Bethany
Cassandra G
Caregiver
Meet Cassandra
Hi! I’m Cassandra.
I joined Auntie Abby’s in November 2022. Animals have been my passion for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I had dogs, cats, a hamster and a rat. I was always trying to bring home another cat (this remains true today!).
Throughout the years, I have volunteered with various animal shelters, including Animal Lifeline of Iowa. During this time, I learned how to care for various health conditions and give medication, including insulin injections. I have fostered 2 dogs, both with complex medical needs.
My current family consists of Bentley, a rescue dog who is quite unfriendly (but very loved), Boysenberry, a Parti Yorkie rescued from a puppy mill, and Kara, a shy 3 legged tabby from Animal Lifeline. I truly love all animals but especially those with special needs or those who need extra care.
I am most experienced with dogs, cats and rodents but enjoy working with all types of pets. Along with loving animals, I love to travel! Therefore, I know how important it is to have the best care while you are away from your furry ones. In fact, my first experience with Auntie Abby’s was as a client!
If I’m not petsitting, you may find me working at Jett and Monkey’s Dog Shoppe or at East Village Spa.
– Cassandra
Elaine T
Caregiver
Meet Elaine
I joined the Auntie Abby’s team in May 2023. I have loved furry friends for as long as I can remember. I am mom to a sweet 3 year old Pomeranian, Rocket. Previously, I had my beloved Angel, who was a Springer Spaniel/ Pit mix. She was with me for 16.5 years before she passed.
My goal is to lift your worries so you are able to go away for short periods of time and enjoy yourself.
– Elaine
Erin P
Caregiver
Meet Erin P
Hello! My name is Erin.
I am a lover of all types of animals! I have been with Auntie Abby’s since July 2022.
I am mom to 2 sweet cats, Perri and Buttercup. I grew up with large, energetic dogs and also have excellent experience with birds and reptiles. I volunteered with an animal shelter in my hometown for 4 years. During that stint, I learned to help pets to feel safe and cared for in a new environment. Today, I enjoy providing that same feeling of reassurance for pets when their families are away. I am sensitive to pets’ varying needs and personality traits. I also enjoy engaging your pets in physical activity, playtime, and enrichment activities as well as snuggling those who crave human contact.
I am experienced in administering medication, including insulin injections. I am also a licensed mental health therapist in West Des Moines.
I would love to give you peace of mind while you’re away, knowing your furry, feathered, and scaled family members are being cared for as if they were my own. I hope to meet you!
– Erin P
Grace
Caregiver
Meet Grace
Hi, I’m Grace!
I joined the Auntie Abby’s team in January of 2025.
I’ve been around animals my whole life and always knew I wanted to work with them someday. After I graduated college in 2023, I started working with a pet care company in my hometown and realized that this was my calling. I moved to Des Moines mid 2024 and am super excited to continue connecting with new critters every day!
I grew up with cats and dogs in my own home, as well as many pets in friends’ homes. I have experience with administering medications of all kinds, calming anxious critters, walking big and reactive dogs, and reading and respecting the boundaries of antisocial kitties. I think it’s important to be able to communicate clearly with pets, so I prioritize understanding body language and speaking it back to the best of my human ability.
Petcare is my full-time job and lifelong passion, so I will give everything I have to ensure your critters feel safe and cared for, and to meet all their wants and needs while you’re away!
– Grace
Heather
Caregiver
Meet Heather
Hi! I am Heather.
I joined Auntie Abby’s in April 2024. I am an Urbandale/ Waukee resident, southern-born, mom to 2, wife, and cat mom to 2 adorable felines. Our cherished golden retriever passed recently.
I have had a variety of jobs, including nanny, teacher, counselor, flight attendant, and now pet sitter. I understand the responsibility of pet ownership and the importance of pets as family members. Communication, organization, and extreme attention to detail are my strengths.
I am fortunate to be part of an amazing team!
– Heather
Jenna P
Caregiver
Meet Jenna P
Hi, my name is Jenna!
I joined the Auntie Abby’s team in March of 2024.
Animals have always held a special place in my heart and are a big part of who I am as a person. Growing up, I was surrounded by many family pets and also volunteered at the Animal Rescue League. I developed a deep bond and understanding of each individual animal’s needs. Currently, I’m a proud pet parent of a Dachshund named Benzi, a Labrador named Oakley, and a cat named Fiji!
I have first-hand experience caring for special needs animals, including my Dachshund who battles IVDD. Caring for him and animals with special needs has equipped me with the skills necessary to provide specialized care, including administering medications and injections, and accommodating unique requirements.
When I am not pet-sitting or cuddling with my pets, you can find me working part-time at the medical examiner’s office as an autopsy technician!
Every pet in my care is treated with genuine love, respect, and empathy, as if they were my own. I look forward to creating bonds with your pets while you are away!
– Jenna P
Lori P
Caregiver
Meet Lori
Hi! My name is Lori, and I have always had a big heart for animals!
I joined Auntie Abby’s in January 2024. A good friend and neighbor is a pet sitter on the team. She first recommended pet care services. After speaking with Abby about services for my own pets and hearing her passion and enthusiasm, I realized that working for Abby would be a natural fit!
I’m blessed to be the mom to 3 wonderful, school-aged children and 5 furry pets: Gia (Pomchi), Xena (Black Lab), Eva (Tuxedo cat), Axl (Silver cat), and Chip (Teddy Bear hamster). I truly understand how stressful it can be to be apart from your furry family members. I would consider it a real privilege to be entrusted to care for your sweet babies and to love on them while you are away. I want to put your mind at ease and reassure you that your babes will be cared for as if they were my own.
I am experienced with providing medication to pets as well as walking high-energy dogs. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you and to love on your furry family members.
– Lori P
Makala M
Caregiver
Meet Makala
I joined the Auntie Abby’s team in July 2023. Prior to joining, my first experience with Auntie Abby’s was as a pet sitting client.
I absolutely love all animals! I have 5 cats and one dog at home, and they are my whole world. My late cat, Lucky, was diabetic and had a host of other health issues. I am very experienced giving insulin injections and administering other types of medication to cats and dogs.
I am also an avid plant mom, so your plants will be in good hands with me as well if you are traveling! I look forward to working with you and your pets!
*I am currently on maternity leave, but look forward to resuming pet sitting jobs again soon!
– Makala
Marisa
Caregiver
Meet Marisa
Hi! I’m Marisa, and I joined the Auntie Abby’s team in October 2024. I was introduced to this amazing company by a close friend—who’s also a fellow sitter—and after hearing all the wonderful things she had to say, I knew this would be a great fit for me!
Animals have always held a special place in my heart. I truly can’t remember a time in my life without a furry (or scaly!) companion by my side. Over the years, I’ve cared for cats, dogs, guinea pigs, gerbils, hamsters, fish, and even one very bright green tree frog.
I’m a proud mom to three incredible kids—two young adults and one teenager—and together we share our home with Zoey, our sweet senior mini Goldendoodle, and Paisley, our fickle feline. I’ve loved passing on my appreciation for animals to my children and showing them how much joy and comfort pets bring to our lives.
I understand how important it is to have reliable, compassionate care for your pets when you’re away. I’m also experienced with administering medications. I look forward to getting to know you and your furry family members!
– Marisa
Morgan C
Caregiver
Meet Morgan
I joined Auntie Abby’s in February 2023 due to my passion for animals and their wellbeing. I have been a “fur mom” my entire life and a pet sitter for over 20 years. I am a friend to dogs of all sizes, cats, rodents, cavies and all sorts of barnyard pals. I am confident dispensing medications and administering insulin injections.
I have a full time job with the State of Iowa and a Masters in Public Health. In my free time I volunteer with the ARL “Catsnip” Trap Neuter Release (TNR) program, coach high school track & field, and enjoy spoiling my growing crew of nieces and nephews. I also foster many cats and kittens and have a wonderful dog of my own whom I love to hike and jog with!
– Morgan
Rachael I
Caregiver
Meet Rachael
Hi! My name is Rachael.
I am a HUGE animal lover! I joined Auntie Abby’s team in January 2022.
I am a part-time receptionist at a local vet clinic and have enjoyed building relationships with clients. I have a bachelor’s degree in biology (and Master’s degree in being a Fur-mama!)
I have always had pets (cats, dogs and at one point a lop-eared bunny) and am currently the mom of two dogs: Ruby, a Golden Doodle and Barkley, a Labradoodle. I am also the mom of three human children so not much surprises or intimidates me!
I have experience working with dogs, cats, rabbits, chinchillas, parrots, rodents…you name it! I am also skilled in administering medication to pets. I would love to take care of your fur babies for a single visit or for your entire trip. Either way, I promise to love them like family.
– Rachael
Sabrina
Caregiver
Meet Sabrina
Hi there! I’m Sabrina, and I joined the Auntie Abby’s team in August 2024.
As a lifelong animal lover, I truly enjoy caring for any and all pets — I can’t walk past a dog or cat without stopping to say hello! Since joining the team, I’ve been in heaven with a never-ending supply of puppy kisses and kitty cuddles.
At home, I’m the proud fur mom to four amazing pets: two dogs, Bigsby and Clay (both 3 years old), and two cats, Lucky (7) and Mama (6). They bring so much joy to my life, and I know just how important our furry companions are to their families.
I have experience caring for pets of all sizes and temperaments, including administering medications and ensuring every animal feels safe, loved, and comfortable. My goal is always to treat your pets like my own — with compassion, patience, and lots of love.
When I’m not spending time with your fur babies, I work full-time as a special education teacher — a role that has taught me the importance of empathy, clear communication, and individualized care, all of which I bring to my work with animals.
I can’t wait to meet you and your beloved pets!
– Sabrina
Sara
Caregiver
Meet Sara
Hi! I’m Sara — a dedicated nurse and lifelong animal lover. I joined the Auntie Abby’s team in January 2025 after a close friend (and fellow pet sitter on the team) told me how rewarding and joyful this work is. As the proud pet parent of two amazing dogs, I know how important it is to find someone you can trust to care for your furry family members. With my background in nursing, I bring a calm, attentive, and reliable presence to every visit, always keeping your pet’s comfort and safety as my top priority.
I believe every pet deserves to feel safe, loved, and seen, and I’m honored to provide that kind of care for every animal I meet. Whether your pet needs a quick potty break, a long walk, or some cozy companionship while you’re away, I’ll treat them like one of my own. I can’t wait to connect with you and provide the level of care and attention your pet deserves!
– Sara
Shelli O
Caregiver
Meet Shelli
I am a stay-at-home mom to three teenagers and one Mini Goldendoodle named Bentley. I grew up in a home of animal lovers and married one as well. My husband is a “one animal at a time” guy so working for Abby has given me the opportunity to love on more than one animal.
I work with all types of animals including (but not limited to) dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents, birds, and reptiles. I am skilled at giving medication and insulin injections and I am confident walking large dogs. I would relish the opportunity to take care of your pets!
– Shelli
Tonja
Caregiver
Meet Tonja
Hi! I’m Tonja! I joined Auntie Abby’s team in August 2024 after meeting another of Abby’s sitters on the job!
I have a deep affection for all animals, and have always had cats and dogs in my life. Understanding the challenge of finding quality care for your pets, I bring experience, particularly with my elderly cat who requires medication and lots of attention. I am skilled at administering medication to both cats and dogs, keeping up with active and energetic dogs and caring for more fragile, senior pets. You can trust me to provide your pets with loving attention and care during your vacations or outings.
I hope to meet you and your beloved pets very soon!
– Tonja
“Auntie Abby’s Professional Pet Sitting Service has been a lifesaver for our family and golden retriever, Bella! We trust Abby’s amazing staff! Morgan and Brenda are Bella’s pet nannies and she loves them. I know that Bella is in good hands when we leave her with them. Auntie Abby’s is great at communicating and the staff is so reliable. Morgan and Brenda send updates during and after the scheduling sitting time. They make sure that Bella has plenty of water and playtime while they stay with her. I recommend Auntie Abby’s Professional Pet Sitting service to all of my family and friends.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question? We have an answer! Check out our frequently asked questions and contact us if we don’t have an answer for you below.
A Liability insurance policy protects a business owner in case they are liable for accidental damage or injury that they cause while caring for pets in your home. Bonding means that the job that the sitter has been hired to do is performed and that the customer is protected against losses from theft or damage done by a company’s employees or contractors. Our Insurance is specific to the Pet industry.
Our screening and hiring process includes:
- A face-to-face interview
- Followed by both a professional and character reference checks
- Followed by a complete criminal history and background check conducted by AQUTRAC
All of our Pet Sitters are Liability Insured and Bonded.
Each sitter shadows management on several types of pet sitting jobs in addition to management shadowing them on their first visit prior to joining the team.
