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"EXPERIENCE MATTERS WHEN IT COMES TO THE CARE OF YOUR PETS"

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"Fred joined our family when he was a few weeks old. Barb was highly recommended by a friend and we called her right away. Our pup (now almost 2) absolutely loves hiking with her and meeting new friends along the hiking paths. Not only does Fred love his time with Barb but she has also been amazing with our family in helping us train Fred. We have two boys who love Fred so much and enjoy playing outside with him and walking him. Barb has made a world of a difference and we are grateful for the time she spends with Fred and are impressed how far along he has come!!"

CA Hopkinton- 8/2020

Resource Guarding- A Success Story!

Barbara started to work with our Golden Retriever, Tuckerman, at age two. Despite his lovable disposition as a puppy, he displayed signs of food aggression that further developed into resource guarding around other dogs. Early on, we invested time and money in training methods only to find transient improvement in his behavior that would quickly revert back. I met Barbara while walking Tuckerman at Hopkinton State Park (or should I say Tuckerman was walking me). She was quite observant and offered some useful advice. Shortly after, we hired her to train and walk Tuckerman. On day one, we were extremely impressed by her ability to take control over Tuckermans food aggression. She provided the family with strict guidelines around his feeding, walking and play. Barbara continues to work with Tuckerman weekly and has even taught him to share toys and treats with other dogs. Thanks to Barbara, Tuckerman is more lovable than ever! He is a gentle giant that is well-behaved at home, during meals, walks and playtime with other dogs.

~ Betina Shakespeare

Our Products and Services

Over 25+ years of experience with working with dogs and cats. â€‹ Fully Insured. Background & Driving Records Available.

 Service 1

Dog Hikes- Your dog(s) will be picked up and brought to a local State Park for a 70-minute hike on the trails.  This is an ideal option for young dogs or breeds with high energy levels.

The different surfaces, terrain, and inclines will not only entertain your dog but also provide an excellent physical and mental workout! This option is available for daily leash walks, (off leash walks if scheduled)weekly bookings,  three times per week or once per week. Your dog is guaranteed to come home well exercised and easier to manage.

 Service 2

Let the dog out and refresh water bowls and or food. (25minute visit) This service is available for the pet owner whose dog doesn't require a lot of exercises but needs a break(s) to get outside to do their business and exercise lightly. This service is available as a daily leash walk, play time in your yard, or a quick leash walk around the neighborhood.

Service 3

One on one walks with me to help manage and redirect unwanted behaviors you are experiencing with your dog. My philosophy is to reward the behavior you want and redirect the behavior you don't. This service is for an hour and a half session to show you proven techniques for correcting the behavior you don't want and rewarding and encouraging the behavior you do.

Service 4

Cat lovers can travel with peace of mind when I care for your cat(s). Cats are played with for 35-minute sessions, bowls are washed and water/food refreshed, boxes cleaned. The waste is taken out of your residence so you don't come home to a foul-smelling house. Cat(s) are brushed and medications can be administered. Extensive experience with hydration shots, insulin injections, and pills.

Service 5

Dog Hikes with owners at a local state park. During this booking owners will handle their dogs in real life situations. Most training is done in a controlled environment. My experience is -Most dogs are unable to transfer the skills learned in a highly controlled environment to real life experiences due to distractions or triggers.  I teach the owners what behavioral changes to look for in their dog(s) and in approaching other dogs, people or objects that your dog is unfamiliar with, or fearful of. These sessions run approximately 90 minutes from pickup to drop off.

Service 6


CONSULTATION For New Puppy or Dog

Many families have no idea what they are getting into when they purchase or adopt a new family pet. During this consult we will discuss the characteristics of specific breeds, what the nature and care requirements of the breed. Necessary equipment. Introducing a new pet into the family and home environment. We will review whether or not the choice is a good fit for not only the family, but also the dog. We can visit local shelters to choose a pet while I evaluate the nature of the dog, it's energy, personality, its background, needs and most importantly how the dog/puppy interacts with all family members.


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"Four months ago, my elderly mom and her dog, Bentley, moved to Hopkinton. We were grateful to receive a referral to Barbara for Bentley’s daily dog walking needs. Barbara is responsible, punctual, kind, and caring, and she keeps me well-informed with updates and dog photos during each walk. Barbara always goes above and beyond. I’m not sure who loves her more, Bentley or my mom!"

Debbie - Southborough  12/2020

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"I am very thankful for Barbara’s help with my 17-year-old cat, who has been living with my mother in Massachusetts for the past three years due to challenges with my babies. My cat was recently diagnosed with early stage kidney failure and requires IV fluids three times a week.

Even though I am located in New Jersey, Barbara was fantastic about providing me with updates on my cat’s care. Barbara is very caring and professional, and she has always been on time. She has been patient with my cat, giving him time to calm down before giving him fluids, and spending time to make sure he’s okay when she’s done. I have two cats, and she also clipped both of their nails several times. Another nice thing about Barb is that she is compassionate. A couple of times when my cat acted up, she could tell it upset my mother and took the time to make sure she was okay.

It is without reservation that I would recommend Barbara’s services."  JH 12/2019

+ American Red Cross Pet First Aid Certified

The safety and well being of your pets is a primary concern of Dog Hikes Cat Care. Rest assured, when your pet is in our care they are receiving the highest quality care available. Updates, photo's and videos of your pets while in our care are always sent to you the owner during our hikes, walks or home visits.

Additional Service Options

Medicine Visits

Insulin Injections/IV Solutions


Pet Sitting

Pet care in your home


House Sitting/Stand-in for Repairs

Expecting a delivery, or cable install. plumber coming and you can't take the day off- I got that!


What My Clients Are Saying...

"Fred joined our family when he was a few weeks old. Barb was highly recommended by a friend and we called her right away. Our pup (now almost 2) absolutely loves hiking with her and meeting new friends along the hiking paths. Not only does Fred love his time with Barb but she has also been amazing with our family in helping us train Fred. We have two boys who love Fred so much and enjoy playing outside with him and walking him. Barb has made a world of a difference and we are grateful for the time she spends with Fred and are impressed how far along he has come!!" Claudette Andrews, Hopkinton, MA

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"I’m so glad I made the choice to have my lab go on hikes with Barb each week. Since we’ve started, he’s calmer, barks less and is in great shape! Most importantly, I feel good knowing he's getting the stimulation and exercise his breed needs. I highly recommend Barb!"

Ami Howes, Southborough,MA


Please call us for more info

1-508-361-4409

Our Recent Work

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