Pals for Paws is a family-owned and operated business owned by Aaron and Rebecca Dirks, both graduates of the University of Iowa class of 2007 and long-time residents of the Iowa City area.

Pals for Paws uses a team staffing model where we have a small team of people who share the care of most of our clients, this allows us to hire and keep great animal people without them getting burned out by back-to-back shifts (as well as easily cover illnesses and vacations). Your pets are likely to meet 2-4 of our awesome sitters!

In addition to the two of us, we have a team of three full-time dog walkers (Kearstyn, Shannon, and Jade), three part-time dog walkers (Jaz, Sarina, and Gina), and our long-time, beloved backup/holiday sitter (Emory). Each of our sitters is an experienced animal lover who has been fully trained and vetted by Aaron and Rebecca and is a regular W2 employee, we do not use contract or temporary help. Every walker is individually insured through Pet Sitters Associates and has references available on request. 

At Pals for Paws, our care for each pet is determined by the instructions and needs of each client, however, our philosophy is rooted in positive reinforcement and caring for each pet from a place of love and understanding rather than fear and control. Additionally, our company stands for equality and diversity in both our staff and the clients we work for. Please see our blog for more information.