"Can I have something to do, too?"

 

It’s the question that every dog in RVA asks. We can help with that. Walks, trail hikes, play dates, the whole shebang. Whether this means getting their workout on the trail so you can live and work without them tugging at your shoe strings, or lounging on the couch and cuddling to cartoons if you’re away, we got you.

As pet parents and lovers ourselves, our goal is to make sure your friend is walked, fed, groomed and cared for as if you were doing it yourself. You’ll get real-time updates about what we’re doing so you never have to worry. We can hike, run, walk, and play. Or we can sit…and stay. And you get a happy, tired pet.

 
 
woman+and+brown+pitbull+sharing+ice+cream+cone
Richmond Capitol building, Pit bull & Rottweiler on walk

Hi, I'm Sarah, Owner of Sarah Sits-N-Stays.

I've grown up with animals my whole life. As an animal lover myself I have modeled my business after the kind of love and care I give my own animals. As a company, we’ve cared for cats and canines from pups and kittens to sick and elderly dogs. We've even cared for the occasional rabbit, fish and bird. Regardless of the pet, you can be sure you'll receive the best care and love a human can give.

 

owner of business in winter hat cuddling her cute brown pit bull

Sarah hays

I’m an animal nut. I started Sarah Sits-N-Stays in 2010 because I wanted to do what I love...spend my day with animals...but also because I saw a need for a service that has a standard so high that the animals in its care are treated like family. DumpTruck (my dog) is my right-hand man, I grew up with dogs (and goats) as siblings, and I worked as a Vet Assistant for almost two years.  During Katrina I volunteered for animal emergency relief, and I have a Bachelors of Science in biology. I have a passion for rescues and rescue work, a weak spot for pit bulls and the like, and I've never met a better friend than a dog.

DumpTruck the pitbull

DumpTruck

The real boss. The one that made it all happen.

woman in hoodie giving pitbull treat

sarah gaskin

I can't recall a time in my life when I wasn't involved with animals. My baby pictures are with our Siamese cats, we always had dogs (and all the neighbors’ dogs) in our home, and I sneaked strays into my freshman dorm and eventually found homes for them (shhhh…). I’ve been volunteering with shelters (currently RACC) since I was 12 and have a soft spot for shy dogs and pitties. I’m also working towards certification in wildlife rehab. I love dogs, and I love being outside; so this is my dream life!

 

monika knecht

Dogs have been a massive part of my life for as long as I can recall, and animals in general have been my core passion. My love for them has stood so strong that, as a young kid, I had already decided to dedicate my life to spending as much time with them as possible. Working with them every day is a gift that keeps giving. I really started to take my passion seriously when I began working as a veterinary assistant and began my path in veterinary medicine.  While in school, I’ve had the amazing opportunity to work for Sarah Sits-N-Stays, feeding my passion.  It’s truly a blessing to work everyday with not only amazing people, but amazing animals.


 

Brittney Schardein

heather filipski

My name is Heather and I am incredibly excited to meet you and your best “Fur”iend. I have been here in Richmond for 16 years and working within the dog industry for about 14 of them.  I was first immersed in a number of dog service environments from your local boarding and daycare to triage and ICU care.  It goes without saying that certain training and socialization techniques are also part of my job no matter where I find myself while working with dogs.

Outside of the dog world my son and I have a dog world at home too with our Siberian Huskies, making art and loving life along the James River.  Working with our dog community has always brought us happiness and peace especially with Sarah Sits-N-Stays because now we can come to you.   

Rachel redding

Bio to come

shealor raikes

Bio to come

Jenny schulz

Bio to come