Companion Pet Services LLC

Serves Cranston, RI

35244

Hired 18 times

2 employees

5 years in business

$25/visit

4.9

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, and Venmo.

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Credentials

Background Check

Lauren Watts Larsen
Completed on 11/20/2020

Introduction

Hello! Quick Note: If you’ve reached out and haven’t seen my reply, please check your Thumbtack messages or email (sometimes messages end up in spam). I always respond promptly! I’m Lauren, the proud owner and heart behind Companion Pet Services LLC. Since 2008, I’ve been dedicated to providing exceptional care for pets and their families, treating every pet like they’re my own. My husband, Dan, joins me part-time, lending a helping hand with visits a few days a week, while I handle all communication and administrative tasks to keep everything running smoothly. We’re fully insured, CPR, and first-aid certified, so you can feel confident your pets are in safe hands. From seniors and special needs pets to daily walks and medication administration, we’re here to provide personalized, compassionate care for every situation. References are always available, and we can’t wait to care for your beloved companions! Our Services: Weekly Dog Walking (M-F) Pet Sitting Visits Pet Transportation Weekend Solo Trail Hikes Service Areas: Warwick, West Warwick, Cranston, East Greenwich, Coventry, Johnston, East Providence, and Providence. [Please inquire for location availability] Dog Walking Rates: 20-25 min: $23 30 min: $25 40-45 min: $28 60 min: $32 Pet Sitting Rates (For cats, dogs, and small animals): 10-15 min:$20 20-25 min: $23 30 min: $25 40-45 min: $28 Note for Dog Sitting: To ensure your dog gets the best care and attention, our pet sitting schedule includes one bathroom break for every two regular-length visits. For example, if you schedule four visits per day, we can provide up to two bathroom breaks. This allows us to focus on what matters most: plenty of exercise, proper feeding, and personalized attention to keep your dog happy and comfortable. Additional Services: Pet Taxi: Rates based on time and distance—contact us for details Trail Hikes: $40/hr Injectable Medications & Sub-Q Fluids: +$5 Holiday Surcharge: +$10 per visit (New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day) What Makes Us Special 💛 Compassionate Care for All Pets We treat every pet like family, with specialized care for seniors and pets with special needs. Whether it’s giving medications or helping with mobility challenges, we make sure your furry (or feathered or scaly!) friend feels safe and loved. 📅 Convenience You Can Count On From handling multiple pets to weekend visits and even cleanup, we’re here to make things easy—at no extra charge. 📱 Clear Communication, Always You’ll never have to wonder how things went. We’ll send you reliable text updates and keep a detailed visit log to give you peace of mind. 🏡 Every Little Detail Covered We go beyond basic pet care—refreshing water bowls, cleaning feeding areas, bringing in your mail, and adjusting lights to keep your home safe and welcoming. 🦎 Love for All Creatures From playful puppies to parrots, reptiles, rabbits, and aquariums—we’ve cared for them all. Whatever your pet’s needs, we’re ready to help. Why Choose Us? 🐾 Dog Walking Keeps your pup happy and healthy with regular exercise and mental stimulation. Reinforces training commands during every walk. Provides one-on-one attention, including bathroom breaks, playtime, and socialization. 🐾 Pet Sitting Up to 4 visits a day to ensure your pet gets meals, fresh water, medication, and plenty of playtime. Extras like plant care, trash removal, and home security checks to keep things running smoothly while you’re away. With us, your pet gets personalized care, and you get peace of mind! What to Expect as a New Client 🐾 Getting Started: We’ll begin with a quick chat (text is often easiest for me while I’m with other pets or on the move) to discuss your pet’s needs and the schedule you have in mind. 📅 Availability Check: Once we’ve discussed your needs, I’ll confirm if I’m available to accommodate your pet’s schedule. 🏡 Meet-and-Greet: After confirming availability, we’ll schedule a meet-and-greet at your home. This gives us a chance to get to know each other and review your pet’s routine. 💻 Setting Up in Our System: Once the service dates and meet-and-greet are scheduled, you’ll receive an invitation to set up your account in our system. You’ll provide your contact details, pet information, and any special care instructions to ensure I’m fully prepared for our meet-and-greet. I’m here to make the whole process easy and tailored to your pet’s needs! Get in Touch: We’d love to learn more about your pet care needs! Contact us to discuss how we can support you and your pets.

Q&A

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

We aim to keep things simple with our pricing. Here’s a breakdown of our visit rates: 10-15 minute visit: $20 20-25 minute visit: $22 30 minute visit: $24 40-45 minute visit: $28 60 minute visit: $32 These options give you the flexibility to choose the right amount of time for your pet’s needs. If you have any questions or need help to decide on the best option, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always happy to assist!

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

When you reach out, we’ll start with a friendly chat (usually by text for convenience) to discuss your pet’s needs, your schedule, and any special instructions you may have. Once we’ve covered everything, I’ll check my availability to make sure I can accommodate your pet’s routine. After confirming that I’m available, we’ll schedule a meet-and-greet at your home so we can get to know each other and I can learn more about your pet’s routine and preferences. Once that’s done, I’ll send you an invitation to our easy-to-use system, where you’ll provide your contact details, pet information, and any specific care instructions to ensure I’m fully prepared for our first visit. We want to make the process smooth and stress-free, and we’re here to support you and your pets every step of the way!

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

I’ve been working with animals in various settings since 2008, starting in pet stores where I cared for animals, and then transitioning to dog walking and pet sitting. For a year, I also worked at an animal hospital while continuing my pet care services, which gave me valuable hands-on experience in animal health and care. I’m a trained phlebotomist and certified in both human and pet CPR/first aid. I’ve also completed two semesters of a veterinary technician program, which deepened my understanding of animal care. I have significant experience administering medications, injections, and subcutaneous fluids, ensuring that pets with special needs are well taken care of. I’m always looking to expand my knowledge and skills so I can provide the best possible care to your pets.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

My love for animals began at a young age when I started pet sitting for my neighbors. As an adult, I worked in a couple of different pet stores, gaining hands-on experience caring for animals. I also pursued my dream of working in an animal hospital, taking vet tech courses along the way. While working in the hospital, I realized I was more suited for one-on-one pet care, where I could provide personalized attention to each pet. In 2012, I began working as an independent contractor for a local dog walking company, and it was then that I discovered my genuine passion for dog walking and pet sitting. I officially started Companion Pet Services LLC in 2021, and I’ve been providing dedicated care to pets ever since. It’s been an incredibly rewarding journey, and I’m grateful to continue doing what I love!

What types of customers have you worked with?

I’ve had the pleasure of working with all kinds of pet owners—busy families, professionals, newlyweds, and anyone with pets that need a little extra care. I’ve cared for dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, reptiles, fish, and pretty much every kind of pet you can think of! Many of my clients have pets with special needs, whether it’s senior pets, animals on medication, or those who need extra attention due to health conditions. I also work with a lot of puppy parents, helping with early training, socialization, and those extra bathroom breaks. I’ve worked with families who have multiple pets, creating routines that work for everyone, and I’m especially happy to help couples who are settling into married life and need a reliable pet care solution. No matter what kind of pet you have, I’m here to offer personalized, loving care to make sure both you and your pets feel happy and comfortable. I love meeting new pets and figuring out the best way to care for them!

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

One project I’m especially fond of involved two pet taxi services that made me feel really connected to my clients during significant life events. The first was for a family expecting a baby. I was on standby to transport their dog to a boarding facility while the parents focused on their new arrival. It felt great knowing I could help them during such a big moment in their lives and make sure their pup was well cared for in the meantime. Another memorable project was for a regular walking client who was getting married. She wanted her dog to be part of the photos but didn’t want her there for the entire ceremony. I drove the dog to the venue, kept her calm and comfortable while we waited for the photos, and then took her home afterward to get settled for the night. It was so rewarding to help make her special day even more memorable by taking care of her beloved pet! Both projects were short, lasting just a few hours each, but they brought a lot of joy to both the clients and me, and I’m so glad I could play a role in their important moments!

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

When hiring a pet care provider, my biggest piece of advice is to look for someone who truly understands the unique needs of your pets and your home. It’s important to find someone who not only offers the services you need but also takes the time to get to know your pets and their personalities. Whether you have a senior pet, a high-energy puppy, or a pet with special needs, make sure the provider is experienced and comfortable with the specific care your pet requires. Also, communication is key! Look for someone who is responsive, clear about their availability, and willing to keep you updated on your pet’s well-being while you’re away. A great pet care provider will always prioritize the safety, comfort, and happiness of your pets, and will make sure both you and your pets feel confident and at ease. Lastly, trust your instincts. A personal connection with your provider is crucial, as it helps create a sense of comfort for both you and your pet. Take the time to ask questions and schedule a meet-and-greet to ensure they’re a good fit!

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

Before reaching out to a pet care professional, it’s helpful to think through a few key questions to ensure you're both on the same page: What are my pet’s specific needs? Are they a senior pet who needs extra attention or medication, a puppy who requires frequent exercise, or a pet with special behavioral needs? Understanding these requirements will help you find a provider who is a great fit. What’s my pet’s routine? Does your pet have a set schedule for walks, meals, or playtime? Sharing this information will ensure the provider can match your pet’s routine as closely as possible. What’s my ideal level of communication? How often do you want updates? Some pet owners prefer daily text updates, while others are fine with just a quick message at the end of the day. Discussing your expectations for communication will ensure everyone is on the same page. What are my expectations for home care? Would you like the provider to bring in the mail, water plants, or check the security of your home? Having a list of home-related tasks can help the professional prepare accordingly. What’s my budget? It’s always a good idea to know your budget ahead of time, as this will guide you in selecting services that are a good fit for both your pet’s needs and your financial situation. Thinking through these questions will help make your conversation with a pet care professional smoother and more productive, and it’ll ensure you find someone who’s truly the right fit for your pet!