Business Details
32 Years
experience
Your Trusted Pet Care Provider in Jacksonville, FL
Founded in 1994 by Sue Towler, our business has evolved from a dedicated pet sitting service into a comprehensive pet care provider offering daycare, boarding, and in-home services. With over 28 years of experience in animal care, we combine hands-on expertise with a deep commitment to animal welfare. Our team specializes in individualized attention for dogs, including special needs care for medical conditions like diabetes and epilepsy. We operate with a unique flat-rate pricing model that ensures all pets receive equal care without additional fees. Our facility in North Riverside provides a safe, stimulating environment with structured playtime, multiple potty breaks, and personalized affection.We distinguish ourselves through complimentary exit baths for boarding clients and a nonprofit no-kill animal shelter that rescues abandoned animals. Our services extend to both on-site care at our Jacksonville location and in-home visits for various pet types. We maintain strict operational standards with required reservations and prepaid fees to ensure quality service. Our founder's military service background and ongoing community involvement through Kamp Kritter reflect our dedication to ethical business practices. We continuously update our facilities and branding to better serve our clients while maintaining our core mission of compassionate pet care.
Services
Doggy Daycare
Overnight Boarding
Special Needs Care
In-Home Pet Sitting
Complimentary Baths
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We offer flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees for all services
- Our staff provides special needs care for medical conditions
- Complimentary exit baths included with every boarding reservation
- 24/7 personalized attention during operating hours
- Nonprofit animal rescue organization affiliation demonstrates commitment
Services
Doggy Daycare
Our weekday daycare provides structured playtime and supervision from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM with half-day options until 1:30 PM. Dogs receive multiple potty breaks, socialization opportunities, and personalized attention in a secure environment. Reservations ensure optimal staff-to-pet ratios for safety and engagement.
Overnight Boarding
365-day annual boarding includes all daycare activities, comfortable sleeping areas, and multiple daily feedings. Each stay concludes with a complimentary bath to ensure pets return clean and refreshed. Special medical needs accommodations available with prior arrangements.
Special Needs Care
Professional care for pets with complex medical conditions including diabetes management and post-operative recovery. Services include medication administration, specialized feeding, and over ten daily bathroom breaks. Requires veterinary contact information for emergency consultations and care guidance.
In-Home Pet Sitting
Personalized care in pets' familiar environments for various animal types. Services include feeding, playtime, and companionship during scheduled visits. Ideal for pets with specific routines or those uncomfortable in group settings while owners are away.
Complimentary Baths
Included with all boarding reservations, our exit baths ensure pets return clean and well-groomed. Professional-grade products and techniques maintain coat health while minimizing stress. Service completed prior to owner pickup as part of our flat-rate pricing structure.
People
Sue Towler
Founder
Military veteran with 24 years of service who established Critter Sitters in 1994. Expanded to The Barking Lot in 2005 while founding Kamp Kritter animal rescue. Provides hands-on leadership emphasizing individualized pet care and community animal welfare initiatives.
Questions
What services are included in your flat-rate pricing?
Flat-rate pricing includes all daycare activities, multiple potty breaks, feeding, water, and personalized attention. Boarding includes these services plus overnight accommodations and a complimentary exit bath.
Do you care for pets with special medical needs?
Yes, we provide specialized care for pets with medical conditions like diabetes and epilepsy, including medication administration and post-operative monitoring. Requires prior veterinary information sharing.
What are your operating hours?
Doggy daycare operates Monday-Friday 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM with half-day options until 1:30 PM. Boarding available 365 days annually. In-home services scheduled by appointment.
How do reservations work?
All services require advance reservations with prepaid fees to ensure proper staffing and space allocation. Daycare packages available for multiple-day commitments at discounted rates.
What makes your facility unique?
We combine flat-rate pricing with complimentary baths, special needs care, and a nonprofit animal rescue foundation. Our hands-on approach ensures individualized attention while maintaining structured safety protocols.
