Our Staff
Pet Sitters Rockford MI
Dog Sitting in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Pet Sitters in Grand Rapids, Michigan
At Pet-Agree, we pride ourselves in offering reliable services to both current and future clients. We hold ourselves to high standards – offering flexible, dependable, and affordable in-home care for a variety of pets. Pets are happiest in the comfort of their own homes. Let’s face it, animals are creatures of habit. The home offers a relaxed routine environment which decreases stress and anxiety. This, in turn, encourages a stable appetite and comfort for your pet.
Not only will your pet receive an abundance of affection while in the care of their personal assistant, but you can also rest assured they will continue to be safe while you’re away. Your pet’s personal assistant is fully insured through Pet Sitters International.
Our pet sitters are professionally trained to care for your pet. They handle each and every job alone, so you never have to question who’s inside your home. They will take the time to get to know both you and your pet – ensuring a trusting relationship is developed.
Through stimulating interaction with your pet’s personal assistant, a purr-fect relationship will form. Your pet will agree!
Danyell
My name is Danyell. I started working with Pet-Agree in April of 2019. My family began fostering and volunteering when I was 15yrs old. Helping with foster pets in my teenage years really taught me love and patience. We worked with energetic puppies, shy seniors, large breeds, special needs, and everything in between. Over the years, my love for animals has only grown. Our own family dog, a Boxer named Clover, was the one that truly turned me into an animal lover. She was not just a dog, but also a best friend. She had such a silly, human-like personality and a zest for life that could not be tamed. My own first pet was a sweet lil orange kitty named Lefty that I found abandoned in my old apartment building when I was 20. She later developed arthritis and asthma, but she was always full of life and I was blessed with 10 years with her. I currently have an 8yr old rescue dog named Zada and she fills my life with lots of love and shenanigans. From my experiences I have developed a soft spot in my heart for rescued, special-needs, and elderly pets. I care for each animal I meet as if they were my own 
Crystal
Diane
Greetings and Salutations!
My name is Diane Whyatt and I have been working with and caring for animals both personally and professionally for most of my life. My love for animals began at a very young age. Growing up as part of many packs has taught me how to respect all of them as individuals, with personalities as unique as they each were. I was lucky enough to be part of packs that have included German Shepherds, Saint Bernards, Cairn Terriers and Poodles along with other types of pets. Naturally, my love affair grew to include cats, birds, lizards, snakes, guinea pigs, rabbits and many more.
Early on, I began working for Curious World and V.I. Pets. This eventually evolved into a job with Chow Hound and also earned me the title of Assistant Manager. During my employment with these companies I began to service their patrons on a more personal level by performing some pet sitting for them as a side job. Providing this service only intensified my longing to continue working with pets in this capacity.
Eventually my pet care background landed me in a position working for Woodland Veterinary Clinic as a kennel assistant here in Grand Rapids, Michigan. While with Woodland I had even obtained an ABKA Pet Care Technician certificate.
My duties at Woodland included:
- Daily feeding, medicating, and cleaning of all animals in current residence.
- Administer daily medical exams of veterinary patients. (TPR) Temperature, pulse, and respiratory.
- Daily monitoring of weight, appetites, and general health of all animals in current residence.
- Educate clients on animal diet needs.
- Several times weekly perform direction and operation of doggy daycare.
- Other duties included kennel cleaning as well as boarding facilities.
Also in my past are a host of continuing educational events and seminars which include:
- Various other seminars from dealing with difficult customers to dealing with the death of a pet.
Currently my pack includes two Blue Heelers named Ziggy Lee Tator Tot and Birdie Tee . I have a Quaker Parakeet (Chick) and a Senegal Parrot named (Baby) and a gorgeous white Dove named Angel . I have inherited all of the birds I keep.
I also treasure my 11 African Clawed frogs and breed fancy guppies along with my very lovely Crested Gecko named Lola .
Matt
My name is Matt Acker, Office Manager.
I started working at Pet-Agree, LLC in February of 2021. I grew up on a farm in Central Michigan and attended Michigan State University. We grew corn, soybean, black turtle beans, kidney beans, and wheat. We always had dogs and barn cats, along with chickens, hogs, and steers we showed at the county fair. I also showed horses at the county fair, and also showed at the State Fair in Detroit back in 1978.
I moved to Holland in 1986 when I met Diane at a pet store in 1989. We became quick friends. I formerly worked in hotel and restaurant and golf resort management for 32 years before coming to Pet-Agree.
I started my customer service as a 15 year old, carrying out groceries at the local IGA store, and have been in customer service most of my life.
Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.
If you need information on pet sitting or with help on scheduling, you may reach me at 231-720-4522 or mattacker.petagreellc@gmail.com
Melissa (Mel)
Hi, my name is Melissa Symanski and I have always loved animals since I was very young. Growing up my family had several different types of animals, from fish, guinea pigs, rabbits, and Labrador Retrievers. I really loved helping my dad train each of our dogs for duck and goose hunting. Currently I have two small older dogs, a Rat Terrier and a Chihuahua that are both rescues. My first dog named Gem, which I adopted back in 2010 really helped me get though some tough times in my life and now I value every day with each one of my animals. I also have 3 cats that are all rescues. My first cat named Meow is from a litter of cats who the Momma cat was hanging around a client’s house. This client is a very big cat lover, so they fed her and gave her an outside shelter. She decided to stick around and not long after that she had 5 baby kittens, and she was very young cat herself. One day our clients asked me if I would like a kitten, and I said yes, but I would have to see how my dogs would react to that. Well long story short I now have my Meow and our clients kept Momma cat, whose name is Janey now and I take care of her and their other kitties regularly.
I currently work full-time in the Accounting Department for Alliance Beverage Distributors in Grand Rapids. I have an Accounting Degree from Davenport University plus several years of Purchasing and Human Resources experience as well.
I am a volunteer and Board Member for the Pleasant Heart Pet Food Pantry in Grand Rapids, which is a non-profit organization that provides food and supplies for people’s animals that are in need on a temporary basis. Also, I foster animals and work with a few local rescue groups in the Grand Rapids area.
I have been working for Pet-Agree for around 12 years now on a part-time basis, working mostly nights and weekends. I am very thankful that I met Diane on that warm summer day at Dogs Days in the Park where I was walking my dog and that she was able to hire to be part of her wonderful crew.
Email: petagreellc.mel@gmail.com
Willow
Joshua
Hello there, my name is Joshua and I just started working for Pet-Agree in March of 2023.
I’ve been an animal lover as far back as I can remember. As a young kid I remember helping my dad train our hunting dogs (Springer Spaniel and Beagles) and always had dogs and cats in our house growing up. Along the way I’ve cared for dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, fancy rats, snakes and even some piranha. I learned quite a bit about animal care through the years.
Most recently I worked at Chow Hound pet supplies where I had the opportunity to learn a lot about pet nutrition and had lots of interaction with a variety of different breeds. Before Chow Hound I had a seasonal position at the John Ball Zoo as a customer experience associate which was an amazing experience just being able to see all the amazing animals. Especially having my lunches at monkey island with my buddies.
Besides working, I have a tween daughter that keeps me on my toes, a Border Collie named Atlas who just turned 5 in March as well and two rats, Smokey and Ratatouille.
I truly love being with animals and look forward to providing excellent care for your pets as if they were my own.
Jennifer
Hi!! My name is Jennifer ! I started working for Pet Agree in March or 2023.
Since I was little, I have always had a passion for Animals, especially dogs! I worked at a doggie daycare (Dogtopia) for over 3 years and took care of upwards of 30 dogs daily! I had many responsibilities when working here from, basic grooming needs, temperament evaluations for new dogs coming in, and being a canine coach in the daycare rooms. Working at a dog daycare ( Dogtopia) educated me in many different aspects. I learned a lot about dog behavior and their social cues/body language.
To add to my experience, I have been dog sitting and walking for over 5 years!
I currently have two dogs of my own, Ralph who is four and Ruby who is one. They’re both mini Goldendoodles. They have taught me the meaning of unconditional love, and have shown me how strong a bond can truly be. Sense the day I added them to my family my love and passion for dogs has only gotten stronger.
I am incredibly excited to get the opportunity to work at Pet Agree! I can’t wait to meet all your sweet fur babies and give them the best of care like they’re my own!
Nick
Hi, I’m Nick!
I started working for Pet-Agree this past Fall .
I have experience working for Bainbridge Labradoodles for 3 years. During my time there, I socialized the new litters. Cleaned up after the dogs, provided fresh food and water and played with them. This job helped me gain a ton of experience in caring for dogs.
I have always loved dogs and finally got one of my own a few years ago. I have a labradoodle of my own and his name is Benny and he’s 2!
I really discovered my love for dogs while working at the kennel .
Some of my hobbies are motorcycle riding and basketball. I just acquired a motorcycle of my own this summer and put 3100 miles on it already. I follow basketball heavily and love to shoot around whenever I can.
I truly look forward to taking care of your pets .
Audrey
My name is Audrey and I started working for Pet-Agree in the Fall of 2023 . I find this work to be absolutely amazing, flexible and fun . Bonding with all of these animals I care for is the most rewarding job I’ve ever had .
I look forward to meeting you and your pets !
Carolyn
I have enjoyed getting to know your pets and I can’t wait to love them and give snuggles as I get to know all your fur babies. I will give them all the love and attention as if they are my own.
Cheyenne
Shannon
Hey there, I’m Shannon!
As a lifelong dog lover and advocate for animal rescue and adoption, I am excited to be a part of the Pet-Agree team! Growing up surrounded by dogs, I developed a deep connection with these wonderful animals and a particular soft spot for bully breeds.
I am proud to be a pet parent to two pit bulls, Lenny and Cosmo, who have profoundly impacted my understanding of sensitive and misunderstood dogs. My experience with them, including caring for a reactive dog, has taught me invaluable lessons about patience, empathy, and the importance of training.
Animals have a unique way of teaching us about ourselves, and I couldn’t imagine my life without them!
In my spare time you can find me hiking, gardening, reading and I also am a professional hairstylist.
I look forward to helping take care of your pets!
Kristi
Hi there, I’m Kristi, and I’m thrilled to be a part of the Pet-Agree team!
Animals have always been a huge part of my life. Growing up, I had dogs, hamsters, guinea pigs, and turtles. Since 2017, I’ve been actively involved with animal rescue, volunteering my time and opening my home to foster dogs in need, helping them find forever homes. I currently live with three incredible rescue dogs: Bailey, Holly and Woody. In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors hiking, biking, swimming, and skiing.
I can’t wait to meet your pets!
Primary Communities Served
Rockford
East Grand Rapids
Ada/Cascade
Grand Rapids
Wyoming
Comstock Park
Cannonsburg
Belmont