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 have a very flexible schedule with a lot of daytime, evening and weekend availability. I am very active and love to partake in physical activity with pets rather it’s a brisk walk or playtime with a flirt pole, ball or other toys. I also love any snuggles from pets!
I provide drop-in visits, walks, pet nanny care and “almost” overnights. I also 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. The services I provide include drop in visits, dog walking, pet nanny care, “almost” overnights and overnight pet and house sitting. I look forward to meeting you and your furry/scaly/feathered babies!
-Alissa
Amanda H
Caregiver
Meet Amanda
A little about me…I am a wife, mom of four amazing kiddos and as you can probably guess, I have a major pet obsession! I have 2 dogs, 1 cat, and 2 bunnies. I also love the beach, lake, and traveling with family and friends.
I am experienced in medicating pets and walking a variety of breeds of dogs. I offer drop-in pet visits, dog walks, pet nanny care and almost overnights.
I thoroughly enjoy working within the community building relationships! It will be my complete pleasure to establish a wonderful connection with you and your sweet pet(s). Here’s to many wonderful moments ahead with your four-legged family member(s)!
Amber T
Caregiver
Meet Amber
I joined Auntie Abby’s in September 2023 after learning about this business through both my very good friend, Bethany (long time pet care giver and Auntie Abby’s assistant manager) and my dog trainer, Sheila Williams!
-Amber
Amy H
Caregiver
Meet Amy
Hello! I’ve had cats for over 50 years! Currently I have three ginger boys: Murray (9), Henry (1), and Teddy (1). For the past four years I’ve been volunteering with the Animal Rescue League (ARL) of Iowa. I also foster cats and kittens for the ARL and I’ve taken their cat/kitten training courses. I know how to give pills, trim nails, and administer sub-cutaneous fluids. My friends and family call me the cat whisperer because I have a way with cats. I’ve never met a cat I don’t like (or one that doesn’t like me!). I live in Ankeny and work part-time at DMACC, so I have plenty of spare time to love your fur babies while you’re away.
Amy H
Annika W
Caregiver
Meet Annika
Hello! My name is Annika.
I joined the Auntie Abby’s team in July 2022. It would be a privilege to help you with your furry friends!
I’m a mom to 3 humans and 3 fur babies. When I’m not working at my full-time job at Pain Specialists of Iowa; I’m enjoying my kids, pets, and being very active outdoors. I love both walking and jogging with dogs or just spending time relaxing on a sunny day in your yard.
I am experienced working with all types of pets, including: small, medium and large (and XL!) dogs, cats, rabbits, turtles, chinchillas, hamsters, guinea pigs, fish…you get the idea!
I am skilled at medication pets, including giving insulin injections. The services I provide include drop-in visits, dog walking, pet nanny care, “almost” overnights and overnight pet and house sitting. I would love to give you peace of mind while you’re away knowing your special family members are being lovingly cared for as if they were my own.
– Annika
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.
The services I offer include dog walking, drop-in visits and pet nanny care. I am also skilled at administering insulin injections and other medications.
I look forward to working with you!
-Bethany
Brenda B
Caregiver
Meet Brenda
Hello! My name is Brenda.
I joined the Auntie Abby’s team in December 2021. I truly believe that pets can sense whether you are an animal lover or not. More than once, dogs and cats who wouldn’t normally approach strangers have come right up to me. They just seem to know!
We got our first dog when I was three and I’ve had one or two dogs in my home ever since. I started dog sitting for friends and family when I was a teenager. A few years back, I had the pleasure of accepting a kitty into my home and it’s been the best experience!
I am grateful to Abby for allowing me to join her group and pursue my dream job of playing and caring for animals on a regular basis. I thoroughly enjoy working with our team to provide the best service for our clients.
I offer drop-in visits, dog walking, pet nanny care and “almost” overnights. It will be my pleasure to provide your pets with the TLC they deserve!
-Brenda
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!
I’m available for drop-in visits, dog walks, pet nanny care and “almost” overnights. I am primarily available during mornings, evenings and weekends. If I’m not pet sitting 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. I have a very flexible schedule and offer weekday and weekend care from early in the morning to late in the evening. I provide drop-in visits, walks, pet nanny care, “almost” overnights and overnight pet and house sitting.
-Elaine T
Erin P
Caregiver
Meet Erin P
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 home town 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 the human contact.
I am experienced in administering medication including insulin injections. The services I provide include dog walking, drop-in visits, pet nanny care and overnight pet and house sitting. I have availability on evenings and weekends and occasionally over the lunch hour. I am also a licensed mental health therapist in Ankeny.
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
Jenna S
Caregiver
Meet Jenna S
Hi! My name is Jenna!
I have a tremendous love for pets. For this reason, when the opportunity presented in mid 2023 to join Auntie Abby’s pet sitting team, I was ecstatic!
I grew up with a Sheltie, Labrador Retriever and two shorthair cats. I was also fortunate to learn how to ride and care for horses. In addition to my own family’s pets, I knew each and every pet in our neighborhood and was eager to interact with them as often as possible.
Today, I have a Malamute/Husky mix, named Six (short for Got Your Six). I rescued him 7 years ago. At that time, we went through very extensive training. Through this process we developed a good obedience foundation and addressed some behavioral issues. Six challenged me in ways I’ve never experienced. It took hard work and dedication. We are both better for it! I have built a much stronger relationship with him than any of my previous dogs as we both had to learn (and earn) a deeper trust and respect for each other. I know how I would want Six to be cared for, which is why you can rest assured that I will treat your important family member(s) with the utmost kindness, respect, and attentiveness.
I am skilled in administering medication to pets as well as walking and handling larger, exuberant dogs. I offer drop-in visits, dog walking and pet nanny care. It would be my pleasure to provide the best possible care for your cherished pets.
-Jenna S
Kim T
Caregiver
Meet Kim
I joined Auntie Abby’s in October 2022. I am a huge animal lover and I’ve always had to have animals in my life. I am fur mom to 2 cats, including Sox, pictured below. I also have 2 school age children.
Now that both kids are in school full time I enjoy keeping myself busy by helping pet parents with their fur-kids’ care. I enjoy working with many different breeds and sizes of dogs in addition to cats and smaller animals. I’m also skilled at administering oral and topical medications. I am available for drop-in visits, dog walks, pet nanny care and “almost” overnights.
I absolutely love meeting new people and their pets. Nothing makes me happier than providing the reassurance that your pets are well taken care of in your absence. It brings me an incredible sense of joy to lend a helping hand.
– Kim
Lori H
Caregiver
Meet Lori
My family includes 4 young men and a senior Golden Doodle, Aspen. As you can imagine, raising 4 boys has invited MANY pets into our world! We’ve raised ducks, lizards, birds, turtles, dogs, goats…You name it and we’ve likely had it joining or visiting our home! We’ve created wonderful memories over the years with all of our animal friends. I look forward to creating many more with your beloved pets while you are busy or away!
I am skilled in administering medication to pets. I am very active and walk several miles a day, so as you can imagine I thoroughly enjoy walking dogs. I offer drop-in visits, dog walking, pet nanny care and “almost” overnights. I look forward to working with you!
– Lori H
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 provide drop-in visits, walks, pet nanny care and “almost” overnights. 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 available for drop-in visits, dog walking, pet nanny care and “almost” overnights. 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
Monica M
Caregiver
Meet Monica
Hello there! My name is Monica.
I joined the Auntie Abby’s team in April 2022. I grew up alongside many dogs! My earliest memories involve helping my family raise Doberman Pinschers. In fact, I had my own Dobie when I was three! We went on to raise Miniature Schnauzers, and then Chow Chows.
In my adult life, I’ve been blessed to have a Schnauzer of my own, a crazy Beagle, and another Doberman. Currently, I keep busy with my two very active teenage boys and do not have a dog that lives with me. For this reason, I truly enjoy serving as “dog aunt” to many of my friends’ dogs and also pet sitting clients.
I love all different breeds of dogs as well as cats and other small animals. I’m experienced in administering medication and enjoy walking, playing and snuggling with pets. I offer drop-in visits, dog walking, pet nanny care, “almost” overnight care and overnight pet and house sitting.
– Monica
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
Natalie
Caregiver
Meet Natalie
Hello! My name is Natalie and I am a lover of ALL creatures!
I joined the Auntie Abby’s team in February 2024 and hit the ground running with several regular clients! It’s been great fun getting to know all sorts of wonderful pets and pet parents.
Growing up, my parents didn’t allow dogs or cats. Instead, I had the joy of caring for a Conure (parrot) and a fish. As an adult, I absolutely knew that I wanted a fur family. My husband and I are now pet parents to 2 dogs and 3 cats. One of our dogs is elderly and incontinent but still enjoys wonderful quality of life. We are so glad that we are able to provide a loving environment for him later in his life and the additional TLC he requires.
I have previously fostered cats and kittens. I am also a big proponent of the TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) initiative. We have a large, stray cat population in our neighborhood and I’ve been able to help facilitate the spay and neuter of 6 cats.
I am experienced in administering oral and topical medications to pets. The services I offer include drop-in visits, dog walking, pet nanny care and “almost” overnights. I love meeting new pets and would be so honored to be of service to you and your important furry, feathered or scaled family members!
– Natalie
Rachael I
Caregiver
Meet 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. The services I provide include drop-in visits, dog walking, pet nanny care and “almost” overnights. 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
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 then 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 given medication and insulin injections and confident walking large dogs. I am available to provide drop-in visits, walks pet nanny care and “almost” overnights. I would relish the opportunity to take care of your pets!
– Shelli
“We’ve had the pleasure of working with Abby over the past two years with multiple house/dog sitting adventures. When thinking about leaving your house along with your precious puppies with another person you want to make sure they will care for them as you would. Abby absolutely loves on and takes care of our fur babies as if they were her own. We appreciate how she sends photos every day of the various activities. Recently one of our dogs had a seizure while Abby was watching them. Knowing she has lots of experience with dogs in various medical conditions made us stress way less as we made our way back. Our little Sally was so spooked by the episode she refused to come out of her kennel (located in the guest bedroom). Abby stayed with her in the room until we got home 2 hours later. This is just one example of how Abby will go above and beyond. I cannot recommend Abby enough to help take care of your little four legged friends while you are away.”
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.
