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About Us

Welcome to House of Dogs

A journey that began as a family-owned haven and has blossomed into a family-owned network of pet sitters. My story starts with me, Kevin, a devoted pet lover who found his calling while navigating the bustling halls of Seton Hall University in 2018.

It all started when a friend mentioned the Rover app at a lively Fourth of July party. Intrigued by the idea of pet sitting, I learned more about the app from my new friend, who was caring for a Jack Russell Terrier through Rover. This encounter became a catalyst for my journey into the world of pet care.
Growing up with a Rottweiler; Sasha and German Shepherd; Bandit, both integral members of the family at the time, my connection with four-legged friends was deeply ingrained. The tradition of Shake and Paw outings post soccer game Sunday—just to window shop and play with them—was a cherished part of my upbringing, fostering a genuine love and appreciation for the companionship of dogs.

Back in Springfield, I shared my newfound passion with my family—my mother, Irma, and sister, Melanie—who rallied behind my vision. Starting with a month-long wait for the first booking, my dedication paid off. In just a year, I bid farewell to other jobs, dedicating myself entirely to the joyous company of dogs. However, several months into my pet-sitting journey, I faced a heartbreaking loss when my childhood German Shepherd, Bandit, a beloved companion who had been part of the family for years, passed away from stomach cancer at the age of 10. Contemplating whether to continue the pet-sitting gig, I discovered that, instead of deterring me, having other dogs around helped me appreciate the job even more. This experience reignited a spark within me, and deepened my passion for pet care.
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The communities of Springfield, Summit, Westfield, and Short Hills embraced me and my vision. Alongside my mother and family's assistance, our pet sitting business flourished. Three years after its inception, a couple certifications, and 200+ meet and greets later, we transformed our home into a haven for dogs, complete with gates, crates, toys, and secure outdoor fencing. For three consecutive years, we proudly held the title of the #1 sitter in Union County on Rover.com before transitioning to our own brand in 2021; House of Dogs.

However, success brought challenges. Overwhelming demand led to a full house and the unfortunate need to turn away pet parents. In late 2023, I embarked on a mission to expand the mission of House of Dogs, transitioning from a single-house model to establish New Jersey's most thoroughly vetted and dependable network of pet sitters. Nowadays, Irma and Melanie manage the flagship house, ensuring the legacy of House of Dogs continues to thrive.

Amidst the joyful chaos of dog boarding, a heartwarming chapter unfolded when one of our beloved regulars, a 25-pound Sheltie with short, stubby legs, captured not only our attention but also a permanent place in our family. This delightful soul, Siri, a cherished guest, seamlessly transitioned from a temporary visitor to a permanent resident. Now, alongside the various tails that grace our space, she adds an extra layer of warmth and joy to our family dynamic. This unexpected journey of adoption reaffirms our commitment to not only providing outstanding care but also fostering connections that go beyond the conventional. Siri's story is a testament to the love and trust that define House of Dogs, where every wag and every bark contributes to the rich tapestry of our shared experiences. We are honored to invite you to be a part of our ever-growing family!

When we say we treat your pet like our own, we mean it. Our own dog and House of Dogs mascot; Siri used to be a frequent boarder within our home before we adopted her!

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Dogs

Hi, I'm Kevin! Proud owner of House of Dogs, and I'm thrilled to welcome you to our family. At House of Dogs, our mission is simple: to ensure that every pet owner in the Garden State has the easiest and most reliable access to top-notch pet care.

Your furry companions are not just pets to us; they are cherished members of your family, and their well-being is my utmost priority. I understand how scary it can be to trust someone new with your beloved pets, and that's why I've dedicated my life to creating a space where you can feel confident in the care your pets receive.

I want your experience with House of Dogs to be as seamless and accommodating as possible. Whether you have questions, special requests, or simply want to share a cute pet story, I encourage you to reach out to me personally at kevin@houseofdogs.co. Your feedback and communication are invaluable, and I am here to ensure that you and your pets receive the exceptional care you deserve.

Thank you for the honor of trusting House of Dogs with your fur baby. I look forward to serving you and creating a lasting bond with both you and your pets!

Warm regards,

A word from our owner - Kevin Oliva
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Our Pet Care Family

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Kevin Oliva
Founder and Passionate Pet Marketer

After years of overwhelming success that consistently led to an influx of requests beyond maximum house capacity, resulting in the need to turn away pet parents, and facing a shortage of trustworthy sitters to recommend, Kevin embarked on a mission in 2023 to rebrand. The goal was to transition from a single-house model to establish New Jersey's most thoroughly vetted and dependable network of pet sitters.

Irma Oliva
Pharmaceutical Veteran and Pet Sitter

Irma is a pharmaceutical regulatory specialist and U.S. Army Veteran by day and passionate pet sitter by night! She provides the tender care and warmth that your fur baby needs while you’re away on vacation. Need a groomer after your pup’s stay? Ask Irma and she’ll refer you to some of the best local groomers!

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Melanie Oliva
Cybersecurity Wiz and Pet Sitter

Melanie graduated from Seton Hall in 2021 with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and soon after started her career in cybersecurity. In her free time she works at House of Dogs and volunteers at Girls on the Run, a non-profit organization that strengthens girls’ emotional and behavioral skills. Whether you need a life coach or someone to care for your fur baby, she’s your gal!

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Trust, Love, Comfort, Just a Click Away!

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House of Dogs isn't just a service; it's a haven for your pets. Each sitter is trained to provide the highest level of love and care. So, why wait? Secure a blissful stay for your pet today.
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