Animal Support
Here for your pets, here for you.
I guide humans and animals through life's transitions with compassion and expertise—designed for pet parents who want more than just basic care. As a life-long animal lover with Fear Free certification and extensive rescue experience, I understand the profound power of human-animal connections. My services range from welcoming new fur-babies with walks and basic training to supporting senior animals with dignity and specialized care.
I’m proud cat mama to Count (my medical-needs foster fail) and devoted animal auntie to all shapes, sizes, and floofinesses. My specialty? Working with shy, fearful, and special-needs (often rescue) animals while emphasizing communication, consent, and boundaries with both my human and additional-legged clients.
Remember, it takes a village—we aren't meant to do this alone!
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What is a sliding scale and how do I determine my rate?
Dog Walks: Solo or single-household walks (for more than two dogs, please contact me for custom rates)
In-Home Visits: Care for all pets including feeding, medication, playtime, and litter maintenance
Additional notes:
Two dogs: $60/hour
Weather Rate: $60/hour during rain, snow, or heat waves
Please contact me for custom rates:
Households with 3+ animals
Special and medical needs animals
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Comprehensive home and behavior assessment
Specialized support for timid, shy, reactive, and rescue animals
Guidance for all household members to ensure consistent approaches
Personalized behavior plans based on boundaries, communication, and consent
Using our deep animal connections to support nervous system regulation and personal growth
Equipment recommendations (harnesses, toys, training tools)
Optional guidance for animal communication and intuitive resources
How to determine your sliding scale rate.
Learn more about my mentorship approach.
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3x hour walks per day
1 quick late night pee before bedtime
Access to local parks and dog runs
Off-leash meetup opportunities
Please note that we share our home with Count, a wonderful senior cat who is very dog-friendly. For everyone's safety and comfort, all animals are kept in separate areas when not under direct supervision.
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Expert care for sensitive, anxious, and reactive animals
Rescue transition expertise—supporting adoption processes and adjustment periods
Pet lifecycle support—from welcoming new animals to compassionate end-of-life care
Family transition guidance—helping pets adapt to new family members, moves, or environments
Training for guardians seeking deeper connection with their pets
Medical management for animals with health needs
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Fear Free certified methods for stress-free pet care
Personalized, distraction-free attention tailored to your pet's unique needs
Clear communication and consent practices with both you and your pets
Regular photo and video updates to keep you connected!
Access to additional pet care resources and tips
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I value our sessions and want to make scheduling work for both of us! Since I reserve time specifically for you and your pets, I often decline other work to ensure I'm available. With that in mind:
When Life Happens (24+ Hours Before)
Changes or cancellations: No charge
Last-Minute Changes (Less Than 24 Hours)
Full fee applies, but I'll offer a make-up session within the next 48 hours when possible
Session length changes: Original time commitments and fees apply
Need more time? Let me know and we'll see what's possible!
Please text me at (917) 903-2456 for any requests.
I appreciate your understanding as this allows me to provide reliable care for all my clients and their beloved animals.
Testimonials
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Fiona, Sassa & Olaf
We had the great fortune to cross paths with Talisman on the very first day at the WS Dog Park with our latest rescue,Fiona, a 90LB Belgian Malinois/ Shepard/Poodle mix puppy. Fiona is the sweetest gentlest being, but was so highly traumatised and deregulated from a stint on the streets in LA, and then in a high kill shelter in Covina, that she refused to be walked or touched by anyone but my husband or myself. She only trusted other dogs. Talisman managed to earn her love and support and is now working on fully socialising Fiona with strangers. Talisman works boarding/training/walking and is always reliable, timely, fantastically great mood and super intelligent. She's not only our three dogs' favourite, but ours as well. Couldn't recommend Talisman more highly!
—Alex H.
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Uni 🐶 & Cleo 😻
Talisman is an absolute animal whisperer. She was able to train my puppy to follow by close lead while walking outside within a day. She has also watched my cat and even helped provide her with medication when she was diabetic (she's in remission now!). I can't recommend her enough. She is the epitome of kind, responsible, and communicative when petsitting. Anyone would be lucky to have her.
—Laura Beachy
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Walter
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars)
I can't recommend Talisman enough! When I adopted my rescue puppy, Walter, I was facing a lot of uncertainty—it's been years since I had a dog, and the transition was much more challenging than I anticipated. That’s where Talisman came in, and she became a total lifesaver.
From the very start, Talisman was an incredible support system. She’s so much more than just a dog walker—she offered invaluable training, advice, and encouragement. She helped reinforce key commands and behaviors that are essential for city living, which made a huge difference in Walter’s development.
There were moments where I felt frustrated or unsure, and Talisman’s guidance gave me the confidence I needed to push through. She made me feel like I was a good dog parent, even during tough times, and I truly believe that’s why my relationship with Walter is so strong today.
I think every new dog owner could benefit from having someone like Talisman by their side, especially in those crucial first months of training. Walter is the well-behaved, happy pup he is today thanks to Talisman’s expertise and unwavering support. Weather it’s walks or housesitting, she has truly been a game changer!
—Jackie DeHoney
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Bob
Talisman is a very trusted and responsible house/cat sitter. She cares for the home as if it were her own and respects the wishes of the homeowners. She truly loves animals and is very attentive as may be needed. She is also an excellent communicator - clear and friendly. I would definitely request Talisman’s help again in house/cat sitting in the future.
—Evelyn Ramirez
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Henry & Louise
Talisman has been walking my two rescue dogs, Louise and Henry for a few months now and she is fantastic! The two dogs have very different needs and she caters to each one accordingly. She respects my older dog’s boundaries and makes sure to keep him safe from eating things off the sidewalk. She also takes great care of my younger lady who has severe urban anxiety. She is patient and encouraging, making sure to use patience and positive reinforcement. My dogs get so excited every time they see Talisman! She is reliable and always quick to respond. She has been a real game changer for our family.
—Emma M.
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Shadow
I've been fortunate to experience Talisman's exceptional pet care services through my beloved companion Shadow, a spirited 70-pound rescue with a rich blend of Lab, Husky, Hound, and Shepherd heritage. Over the years, Talisman has become more than just a service provider – she's become an integral part of our family's support system, always ready to step in for everything from urgent walks to overnight stays.
What truly sets Talisman apart is her remarkable ability to forge genuine connections with animals. Shadow's face lights up every time she arrives, knowing he's in for another amazing adventure, whether it's an invigorating walk through familiar neighborhoods or exciting off-leash explorations in new territories. Her calm, grounded presence creates a sense of security that both pets and their owners can feel instantly.
As someone who deeply cares about their dog's wellbeing, I've been consistently impressed by Talisman's professional approach. Her communication is impeccable – she's always responsive, thoughtful, and follows care instructions with meticulous attention to detail. Yet she also brings creativity and insight to her work, offering wonderful ideas to enrich the time she spends with her four-legged clients.
In my years of working with various pet care providers, I've never encountered someone with Talisman's unique gift for animal connection. Whether dealing with a tiny kitten or a large dog like Shadow, she demonstrates an innate understanding of each animal's individual needs and personality. Her patient, intuitive approach allows her to build trust with even the most challenging or timid pets.
I can say without hesitation that leaving Shadow in Talisman's care gives me complete peace of mind. For anyone seeking exceptional pet care services, I couldn't recommend her more highly. Talisman brings a rare combination of professionalism, compassion, and genuine love for animals to everything she does – truly a guardian angel for our beloved pets.
—KP Portelli
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Lily
Talisman is the only person I trust my dog with. She knows how to communicate with anxious dogs and comes up with super creative ways to engage, relax and play with them. She’s also very knowledgeable about animal health so I always know my dog is in safe hands. She loves animals so much—and they know it!
—Ellen Guido
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Bobby
Talisman loves your pet the way that you love your pet. She relates to animals the way she relates to people -- she's attentive, loving, always trying to understand how she can help and offering to do so. She's kind, active, organized and quickly adaptable to changing situations. I am sure Talisman will give your pet the loving care and supervision that you do. She's the sort of person that you, and your pet, will be happy to count among your friends.
—Meg Reilly
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Loki
Talisman cares for pets, plants, and homes as though they were her own. As a long-time pet owner herself, she knows what it means to be entrusted with the care of a beloved animal.
I have known Talisman for many years and she's highly responsible, exceedingly compassionate, and completely trustworthy. She has taken care of my rabbit—rabbits are shy and delicate—and she took the time to get to know everything about him. I never have to worry when she's taking care of him.
Talisman will do whatever it takes to keep your pet safe. If she needs to jump in a cab to get to the vet in the middle of the night, she will do it without hesitation. She genuinely loves animals (she's that person who pets every dog she sees) and will spend as much quality time with your pet as you would like her to (and probably more).
Your pet will probably not miss you while Talisman is around. ❤️
—Morgan Avery
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Pebble
Talisman has a deep love of animals. She is passionate about caring for both Dogs and Cats. I personally have a 10 lbs terrier named Pebble, and Talisman is on a very short list of people I would trust to watch her with complete trust. I can assure you that your pet will be in the best of hands with her.
Talisman has stayed at my home, and I have visited her home many times. She is a diligent housekeeper and has always kept an immaculately neat and tidy home. She has a refined attention to small details, and does an excellent job keeping up with regular home cleaning and maintenance.
Overall you will not find a better more trustworthy caretaker for your property, and you can rest assured that Talisman will treat you pet with a kindness and compassion that few others will match.
—Jason & Jes Stricker
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Morty
I’ve known Talisman for years. She is kind, considerate, thoughtful, generous, and empathetic. She is an excellent host, going out of her way to make her guests feel comfortable and welcome. She even offers slippers when it’s cold out! She has dog-sat for me on numerous occasions and my pup adores her. I would trust her with my home KNOWING that she would return it in better condition than when she arrived. She’s a rare and special human being.
—Andrew Medlin