ABOUT GLAD WAGS

Owned & operated in Lakewood Ranch, FL, our dog walkers and pet sitters are an experienced and dedicated team with a genuine love for all animals. We provide services for dogs and cats of all sizes and breeds, caged and aquarium pets, as well as special-needs pets that may require insulin injections and other medications.

Owner, Chris Cooper, is a Certified Professional Pet Sitter through Pet Sitters International (PSI), the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters and the gold standard within the pet sitting industry.

Glad Wags hires employees only, not independent contractors. We contribute to Medicare, Social Security, unemployment, and provide workers’ comp. Our sitters all receive the same training for continuity of care and daily field support. Our clients enjoy further peace of mind knowing that we carry liability insurance and bonding and provide clear background checks for each sitter.

Our team is confident that we will always provide the level of care that you expect for your furry, feathered, finned, and scaled family members! Visit us on Nextdoor and Google!

MEET THE PACK

A smiling woman in a white t-shirt kneels next to a happy dog outdoors on grass with trees in the background. In Lakewood Ranch with Glad Wags.

  • Pack Leader
    Certified Professional Pet Sitter (CPPS), Pet Sitters International

    Originally from Michigan, I moved to Lakewood Ranch to accept a position within the Wellness industry as a clinical exercise physiologist. While I’ve enjoyed caring for human clients over the years, my real passion is working with animals.

    I grew up surrounded by many Siamese cats, our Brittany Spaniel, and my hamster Gwen. I’m always grateful for the time I can spend with animals. They teach us how to live in the moment and of course unconditional love.

    My Vizslas are my constant companions, whether swimming at the beach, rollerblading at Benderson, or hiking the trails in Lakewood Ranch.

A woman smiling outdoors holding a small white dog. In Lakewood Ranch with Glad Wags.

  • Dog Walker/Pet Sitter

    I’ve lived in the Lakewood Ranch area for 15 years, originating from the Boston area. I have my Bachelor's Degree in Business Management and Supervision, and a health and wellness certification for personal training. Animal care and fitness are a true passion of mine, so why not combine the both?!

    I have three of the sweetest cats, and pup, who definitely keep me entertained, and have all the love to share. Being able to come home to such sweet faces, is truly a blessing.

    I work with rescues in both Manatee and Sarasota County as well to ensure found and stray cats are receiving the love and care they deserve, all while finding them a good home.

    I enjoy power lifting in my free time, and learning new food recipes to experiment with.

Young woman smiling while holding an orange cat outdoors. In Lakewood Ranch with Glad Wags.

  • Dog Walker/Pet Sitter

    I’ve had a love for animals for as long as I can remember and have been a lifelong cat owner. I currently have two cats of my own who mean the world to me, so I understand just how important it is to know your pets are safe, comfortable, and cared for while you’re away.

    Caring for animals is something I truly enjoy, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to take care of pets as if they were my own. Whether it’s playtime, feeding, or simply keeping them company, I always take the time to make sure each pet feels relaxed and loved.

    In my free time I like going on walks, catching up on tv shows and cooking.

A woman with sunglasses kneeling next to a large dog outdoors, both smiling. In Lakewood Ranch with Glad Wags.

  • Dog Walker/Pet Sitteraring

    Caring for both dogs and cats has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I have a calm, loving presence and take the time to understand each pet’s unique personality and needs. Whether it’s a walk, playtime, or quiet companionship, I treat every pet as if they were my own—making sure they feel safe, comfortable, and truly cared for. You can rest easy knowing your furry family member is in kind, trustworthy hands.

Close-up of a woman smiling and a black dog with a white patch on its nose, outdoors among trees and leaves. The woman is wearing a knit cap with colorful stripes and a dark zipped jacket. In Lakewood Ranch with Glad Wags.

  • Dog Walker/Pet Sitter

    I’ve called Florida home for the past 12 years after relocating from snowy Utah, and I truly enjoy the slower pace and quality of life here. I’ve lived and traveled in many places, which has given me a deep appreciation for adaptability, responsibility, and connecting with people—and their pets—wherever I am.

    I share my life with my 12-year-old black lab, Darby, whom I’ve had since she was a puppy and who is absolutely my heart. I’ve always grown up around animals and have loved ones with pets as well; my children both have cats, and I care for them whenever needed. Because of this, I completely understand how important consistent, loving interaction is when a pet parent is unavailable.

    I’ve previously worked with a dog-walking and animal-sitting service and truly loved the experience. Being around animals every day is something that brings me real joy—from the happy faces that greet me at the door to building trust and companionship with each pet. I genuinely enjoy talking to, engaging with, and caring for all fur babies as if they were my own.

    In my free time, I enjoy reading, going for walks, and traveling to spend time with friends and family.

Glad Wags employee with her pug

  • Dog Walker/Pet Sitter

    I was born in Florida and moved to Sarasota at a young age, I have lived here for 27 years and love the warm weather!

    I have always had a love for animals, growing up we always had dogs and cats. My first dog was a rescue cocker spaniel named Scruffy. I currently have 2 pugs, Loey and Pudge, they are my babies. I have worked with animals since 2016.

    When I am not spending time with my furry friends I enjoy reading, cooking and enjoying the beautiful Florida outdoors! 

Glad Wags employee LWR with dog

  • Dog Walker/Pet Sitter

    I am a lifelong lover of animals of all kinds. I moved to Florida in 1998 after living overseas. On the first day, I rented an apartment, and on the second day, I got a Great Dane puppy. Since then, my wife Sharon and I have had a parade of four-legged friends. We live on 10 acres just outside LWR, where, in addition to an exuberant labradoodle and a loving cat, we have 3 mini Jersey cows, 3 Nigerian dwarf goats, and 19 chickens. I'm thrilled to be a part of the Glad Wags team!

Smiling woman wearing a colorful patterned bucket hat and a white t-shirt holding a small tan and white dog against a plain beige wall.

  • Dog Walker/Pet Sitter

    I was born and raised in Naperville, Illinois, and later moved to Sarasota in 1994.

    Growing up, I had a Pekingese named Charlie who was my cherished companion. In my adult years, Joey, my first chihuahua, passed away at the age of 18. Tia Marie, my current chihuahua, brings so much joy with her playful and social nature.

    I am now retired after a fulfilling career as a pet groomer. Working with animals has been incredibly rewarding; their innocence, especially in their eyes, is something I deeply appreciate.

    I enjoy watching baseball and going to the games. Go Rays! I usually go to a few concerts a year as I love live music. 

  • Dog Walker/Pet Sitter

    I’m originally from Pennsylvania but have lived in the Sarasota-Bradenton area for over twenty years.

     I have always been an animal lover and found my passion when I began volunteering at the Humane Society of Manatee County as well as mentoring at Nates Honor Rescue. I currently have three rescue dogs from local animal shelters. My fur babies are Scruffy, (Poodle mix), Rowdy (Shih Tzu mix), and Dallas (Pitbull mix).  

    I enjoy going to concerts, attending sporting events, and traveling.

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