Pit Stop Dog Walking & Pet Care was started with the intention of providing top caliber pet care for all animals. We are advocates of training and structure, and believe that animals thrive with a few rules, some boundaries and lots of love and attention. Our network of independent walkers and sitters are friendly, professional, trustworthy, and reliable. We treat all animals like the cherished family members they are and make the extra effort to keep your mind at ease with photo updates after each visit.
Meet our Crew
I grew up in sunny Ventura, California with two cats and a dog. When I was in college, I began pet sitting for my boss who had two pit bulls. I fell head over heels in love with the breed, and after graduating from California Lutheran University with a degree in Biology, I adopted two pit bulls, Athena & Chloe.
After bonding so deeply with my own dogs, it wasn’t long before I had the desire to give back and help more animals. I started volunteering and fostering for various animal rescues, and honed in on rescue groups that rescued, trained and adopted out bully breeds. If nothing else, I am a believer in second chances and an advocate for the underdogs.
I started Pit Stop Dog Walking & Pet Care with the intention of providing the caliber of pet care I would desire for my own dogs. I am an advocate for training and structure, and I believe all animals thrive with rules and boundaries. Both my dogs are certificate holders for the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen program, and Chloe is also a certified therapy dog who loves to work with children.
In my spare time, I enjoy going to concerts, cheering on the Cowboys, coaching soccer (Go Ventura!), and living the beach lifestyle.
I was born and raised in Ventura, California. I grew up with two cats, a black lab, and a Mexican Red Lore (species of parrot). When I was about 7 years old, a stray cat had kittens in my backyard. I helped my family to find safe and loving homes for all of the kittens but we could not find a home for the mother so we kept and took care of her. Today I still have the same bird plus two cats and a dog that my family and I rescued from an animal shelter. I’ve always had an adoration for animals and could not imagine living without pets.
I went to Ventura College and then transferred to the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) and earned a degree in Interior Design. In my spare time I enjoy hiking, getting out into nature, building large art pieces, and finding art installations to visit in the desert.
My name is Mandy, and I’m Marnae’s sister! I’m a nursing major at Mount Saint Mary’s College. I enjoy painting, hanging out with friends, and hiking with my parents. I have two turtles, Charlie and Lola. I have always loved animals and have always wanted to be a part of Pit Stop. I started helping out in my spare time between classes and studying and I love it! I have experience taking care of many types of animals, and I look forward to helping take care of your pets!
FAQs
Most private walks are done in the vicinity of your neighborhood. Sometimes we may also travel to a nearby park to play and give your dog extra room to stretch their legs and sniff the fresh air.
In general, our walks are private walks. If we walk another pet in the area who we think would be good friends with yours, we might ask if you would like your dog meeting another dog. We NEVER do introductions without full consent from each owner.
No, we never force socialization. But, we find that most dogs end up pairing up with a buddy they love spending time with! (and sometimes these pairs make the cutest odd couples!)
No problem! Just let us know what you’d like us to do during our visit. We’re happy to feed your pet a meal, fill water bowls, give medication, clean the litter box, or whatever else may be needed!
We get it, plans change! If you need cancel a scheduled service, we ask for 72 hours advanced notice for a full refund. Should you need to cancel with less notice, you will be charged 50% for 48-71 hours notice, and 100% for less than 48 hours notice of the scheduled service. We always try to be as flexible as possible, so please feel free to contact us with any questions!
Yes! We believe pets need care 365 days per year. There will be an additional $15 fee for each service rendered on a holiday and holiday weekends. Holidays are a very busy travel time, and spots do fill up quickly, so please email us to book your service ASAP!