About Us

We are a dog lovin' family business. We are lifelong pet parents - dogs, cats, guinea pigs, birds, hermit crabs, fish and salamanders. What can I say (perhaps NO once in awhile) we love animals!

Like most families, sometimes our schedules couldn't accomodate the daily hike or even playtime. On those days, our pups had to do without.

Things would get worse, when we vacationed and would send the dogs to "camp" aka the kennel as they needed care in our abscence.

The kennel was fine and the people were great. They hated it. They always returned home anxious, exhausted and smelling horrible.

It seemed that there had to be a better option than caged isolation in awful smelling kennel. That's when we decided to offer pet parents a "surrogate-care" option for when plans don't include pets.

Substitute Pet Parents promises "Parent-Level Care" for your pets. Overnight house sitting, walks, feeding, play-time, bathroom-breaks, etc. Our team of trained, trustworthy pet lovers will dutifully follow your care instructions and treat them as our own. We will strive to maintain their daily routine, in their environment. Our pet parents tell us the experience for everyone is 100% better!

We proudly serve pet parents within Upper St. Claire, Mt. Lebanon, Chartiers an Carnegie aeas.

Our Mission

We de-stress pets and pet parents during times of seperation. We're pet people that decided to become pet care people. We step-in when life keeps you from being there for your pets. Whether that's stopping in for feeding time, a long hike or overnight sitting in your home, you're covered. Simply provide times and activity notes and our team will deliver parent-level care - directed by you.

Meet Our Team

Brenda is a lifelong S. Hills resident and dog lover. Her room was always the family dog went to chill & sleep. When they would visit family, their dog chose to hang with Brenda also. Why did/do dogs love Brenda? She is really nice and played with them (& she carries a sandwich bag of bacon with her at all times). Currently, "B" is the proud mom of a 2 yr. old Peekenese named Alex.

Alyson is a co-parent to, along with her sister Theo (4 yr old Beagle) and Rudy (5 yr. old Weimareiner). The pups are shared between her and her sister Shannon. The girls are acustomed to high energy dogs and know how to reduce anxiety in pups (& cats). Aly is an excellent cook. Rarely does she visit the kitchen without a line pups curious about what's she going to get.

Patrick is the founder and owner of SPP and and a true animal lover. Big dogs gravitate too him, especially when he's on all fours for a wrestling match!

He is professional, dependable and always goes a little further than promised in his care of your pets.

Pic of dogs.

Wherever Shannon goes, she brings at least 1 dog in tow, Shannon is extremely diligent and reliable. She makes sure her pups exercise every day. One of her favorite activities is hiking with her dogs. Shannon is a customer favorite. Once, when asked what she would do if she won the lottery - she replied "have as many dogs as I want".

Sitter 4

Our Clients "speak"

Bella

Bella is a three year old German Shepherd with really high energy. Without alot of exercise daily, she becomes extremely anxious, destructive and less friendly.

Jackson

Jackson loves everyone and every dog. He absolutely loves going to the dog park to socialize and play.

Nico

Nico loves his Sitters. He greets them at the front door just like family. I love the fact that he is tuckered from playing when I get home!

Nico is a four year old Bully mix that suffers from seperation anxity. His anxiety can result in destructive and sometimes aggressive behavior.

Nico loves his Sitters. He greets them at the front door just like family. I love the fact that he is tuckered from playing when I get home!

Nico loves his Sitters. He greets them at the front door just like family. I love the fact that he is tuckered from playing when I get home!

FAQ

What is "home boarding"?

Do you have a facility where you board dogs/cats?

No. SPP does not offer boarding at our location,

Home-boarding is a service where as a Pet owner, choose for your pets to be cared for in your home Vs. a kennel. Terms like house-sitting, overnight-stays are often used interchangeably.

Is your staff trained in case there is an emergency??

Yes, all staff have been trained in appropriate emergency response and 1st Aid.

How much input can I provide with regard to my dog's daily schedule?
Do you offer training?

Not currently

As much as you would like!

Can you help with dog socialization?

Yes. We can bring a non-aggressive dog to your house or a neutral location for socialization or play.

What vaccinations must my dog have completed?

Click the "schedule a service button below. If you have difficulty, email us at info@substitutepetparners.com

When is payment due to SPP?

The State of SC requires all pups have rcv'd a rabies shot

How can I book an SPP service?

50% deposit at the time of booking. This reserves yor chosen time.

50% at the time of service.

What are the benefits of "home-boarding"?

Pets, much like people, don't like change. Familiarity breeds contentment. When boarding at home, there is only one variable - new people. In comparison, outside kenneling dramatically alters ALL daily elements of life for your pet,

info@substitutepetparents.com

SPP emails our blog 2x/month to those interested in a fun look at pet parenting topics.

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