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 currently holds an ABKA pet care technician certificate and 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 15. 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 last 10 years, my love for animals has only grown. Our own family dog, a Boxer named Clover, was the dog 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. Next came Cookie, a sweet pit bull baby rescued from an abuse situation. Even with a missing foot, she has never let it hold her back. She has such a sweet, gentle demeanor and a glued-to-your-side personality that you just can’t help but be cheerful when she is around. My husband and I have two cats and one dog of our own – Lefty, Kiwi, and Zada. In my free time I enjoy reading, cooking, and yoga.
Jackie
My name is Jackie and I’ve been a lifelong animal lover. I am also passionate about animal welfare. I have worked at the Kent County Animal Shelter starting off as a volunteer, then hired as an Animal Care Specialist and later promoted to Animal Control Officer. I was also a Veterinary Assistant at C-SNIP for 6 years.
I grew up riding horses and they continue to have a special place in my heart. Currently I have 1 dog who is a 15 yr old Hound mix named Brooklyn and 2 cats, Ty-Ty and Georgie.
I look forward to caring for your beloved pets!
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 .
Tara
Hello my name is Tara. I have had dogs all of my life and recently have gotten a cat. I currently have a 5 year old pit bull, 6 year old Boston terrier, 2 year old boxer and a 6 month old kitten. I love spending time with my animals, their unconditional love is the best feeling. I look forward to meeting all of your pets and providing stellar pet care .
Melissa (Mel)
Hi, my name is Melissa Symanski and I’ve been working for Pet-Agree since July 2012.
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 dogs, a Rat Terrier and a Chihuahua that are both rescues. A few years ago, I also adopted 2 kitties that are 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 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.
I have taken online courses in Animal Psychology, Veterinarian Support Assistant and Animal Nutrition to further my knowledge of animals and their care.
I am a volunteer for the Pleasant Heart Pet Food Pantry in Grand Rapids, which is a non-profit organization that provides food and supplies for people in need. Also when I have time I work with a few local rescue groups in the Grand Rapids area.
I have been working for Pet-Agree for almost 9 years now on a part-time basis and love it so much and now I am also helping with the marketing of the company. I am very glad that I met Diane on that warm summer day at Dogs Days in the Park and that I was able to join her crew.
Email: petagreellc.mel@gmail.com
Wren
Hi, my name is Wren! I started working for Pet Agree October 2021, after previously working for a vets office. I’m an avid animal lover with 3 cats and a cattle dog mix named Avery. I’ve had animals my entire life, including cats, dogs, rodents, and reptiles! I have always been passionate about animal care, and look forward to getting to know your pack. Some of my hobbies include collage work, video games, and going for walks!
Susan
Hi, I’m Susan, I started at Pet Agree in May of 2022. I’m a longtime animal lover currently with two cats, a snake and a few beehives. I also help my mom out with her yellow Labrador from time to time.
I’ve had a long career as a Physical Therapist Assistant and Massage Therapist but eventually I decided to just focus on massage and opened my own massage practice in 2021. I’m originally from Midland,MI and moved to Belmont with my family in 2016 after spending 14 years in the Chicago area. I love the Grand Rapids area and all it has to offer as well as meeting new people and their pets!
My free time is usually spent outside in the garden, cutting down invasive brush in the yard or hanging out with my family.
Quinn
Greetings! My name is Quinn Hanline-Webb, I’m a 25-year-old Film Student, UAV Pilot, Author, Director, and even Composer! I started working with Pet-Agree in November 2022, and I have been working with animals of all kinds for nearly my entire life! I grew up on a small farm in LeRoy, Michigan taking care of chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, rabbits, cats, and dogs every day from a young age. I love spending time with and taking care of animals, though I don’t have any of my own at the moment. I’m currently living in Grand Rapids studying for my 2ndcollege degree; a Bachelor’s in Film & Media Production at Compass College of Cinematic Arts. My first degree is an Associate’s in Applied Science in the field of Unmanned Aerial Systems, (UAS). For several years I traveled the USA working for multiple companies as a 1099 contractor doing electrical line, sub-station, and aerial mapping surveys for various clients! After reaching the pinnacle of my field in my early 20s working with LiDAR technology in the UAS field, I decided to take a career turn with what I was doing. Instead of flying drones for surveyors, I decided I wanted to work in the film industry with them! One dream of mine is to be able to fly UAVs with National Geographic and travel the world capturing all manner of animals on film in their natural habitats! I used to watch Caesar Millan’s Dog Whisperer all the time growing up which helped to teach me excellent temperament skills, good energy, and patience with dogs. My mom however was a crazy cat lady with anywhere from 7-9 cats at a time! This taught me patience with cats! Each day growing up I would have to feed the cats, clean litter boxes, take my dog for a walk, and take care of the farm animals as soon as I got home from school. Oftentimes I’d have to get up before school and take care of the farm animals, whether it was a warm spring day or a raging blizzard! Given my experiences and a lifelong love for animals, I will ALWAYS go the distance for the animals in my care! My goals are to give them the very best care possible and bring them as much joy as they bring me!
Tate
My name is Tate, and I started working with Pet Agree in May of 2022. I grew up on hobby farm, have been a small animal foster for many years, previously worked at a dog vaccine clinic, and volunteer at the Wildlife Rehab Center in Grand rapids. This means I’m a bit of a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to animal care with a love for animals of all shapes and sizes. I am always working to learn more and to improve my animal knowledge and handling. I am incredibly happy to be working for Pet Agree, and overjoyed that I get to care for animals for a living.
Heidi
Hiya! My name is Heidi! I grew up in a very rural area working on farms in North Carolina. I’ve been around animals of all kinds since I was a baby. I worked at a vet clinic in Colorado for about two years before moving to Michigan. I’m also currently in a online program for my veterinary technician certification. I have an old hound/lab mix named Izzy, she’s a rescue I found at a gas station 12 years ago. I have three cats Pip, Seras, and Freyja who are all rescues from shelters. I, also have a ball python named Nue and an albino corn snake named Waffles. I love working with all animals and providing amazing care for them. I can’t wait to meet all your pets too.
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
Bethany
My name is Bethany. I am married with 2 fun-loving daughters. We have a Goldendoodle named Eleanor Rigby (Ellie), and many goldfish. We also own and manage a longhorn cattle farm. I have a Biology degree and love to spend time outdoors. Mycology is one of my many passions, and I enjoy spreading my knowledge to others. I have a deep love for animals and developing relationships with them. I look forward to meeting your wonderful, four legged loves.
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!
Primary Communities Served
Rockford
East Grand Rapids
Ada/Cascade
Grand Rapids