Business Details
10 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Dog Care Experts in Boston
Founded by Jill Stammer, Second Chance Dog Walking & Sitting Dog Walking & Sitting has been redefining dog care in the Boston metro area since 2016. Our team of certified professionals combines over 15 years of canine rescue experience with specialized training in CPR, emergency response, and behavioral expertise to provide unparalleled care. We operate in Somerville, Cambridge, Medford, and Arlington, offering customized solutions that prioritize your dog's physical and social well-being.Our pack-based approach ensures every dog receives personalized attention through curated playgroups, individual walks, and in-home pet sitting. Backed by Kennel Pro insurance and guided by a mission to change perceptions about bully breeds, we maintain rigorous safety standards while fostering community through partnerships with veteran organizations. With daily photo/video updates and flexible scheduling options, we provide peace of mind for working professionals and traveling families.
Services
Play groups
Individual walks
Pet sitting
Special events
Photo updates
Pack placement
Veteran partnerships
Canine CPR training
Behavioral expertise
Community programs
Details
- Year established: 2016
Highlights and features
- Certified EMTs and dog trainers with 15+ years of rescue experience
- Customized pack placement based on behavioral compatibility
- Daily photo/video updates from professional photographers
- Community partnerships supporting veterans through outdoor programs
- Kennel Pro insured operations with 24/7 emergency support
What people say
Super nice
Well cared for
Wonderful
Excited to see
Best care
Services
Play groups
Our structured playgroups provide essential socialization and exercise for dogs of all breeds. Certified pack leaders organize daily sessions in secure environments, carefully matching dogs based on temperament and energy levels. Each session includes professional photography to document your dog's adventures while ensuring they receive mental stimulation and physical activity.
Pet sitting
Professional caregivers provide personalized attention in your dog's familiar environment. Services include medication administration, feeding schedules, and customized activity plans. Overnight stays maintain your dog's routine while offering 24-hour monitoring for complete peace of mind during extended absences.
Individual walks
Tailored walking services accommodate specific needs through multiple time options. Certified trainers incorporate behavioral exercises during walks to reinforce positive habits. Evening and weekend appointments ensure flexibility for owners with irregular schedules or special requirements.
Special events
Wedding day coordination includes professional handling for photo sessions and ceremonial participation. Our team manages logistics for canine involvement in special occasions, providing stress-free support from preparation through event completion with experienced handlers.
Pack placement
Scientific pack organization considers behavioral traits, energy levels, and social preferences. Daily assessments ensure optimal group dynamics while introducing new dogs through gradual integration. This approach minimizes stress and maximizes positive social experiences during all group activities.
People
Jill Stammer
Owner & Pack Leader
15+ years of pit bull rescue experience with EMT certification. Founder of Second Chance Dog Walking & Sitting, combining emergency response skills with canine behavior expertise. Organizes community programs through veteran partnerships while managing daily operations in Somerville.
Lily Battite
Pack Leader
Certified dog trainer specializing in behavioral rehabilitation. Coordinates daily playgroup activities while maintaining safety protocols. Participates in community outreach programs and contributes to training new staff members with specialized canine care techniques.
Sarah Palumbo
Pack Leader
Experienced handler with expertise in canine CPR and emergency response. Manages special event coordination while ensuring proper socialization during group activities. Contributes to staff training programs focused on behavioral assessment and pack dynamics.
Gretchen Devine
Pack Leader
Specializes in puppy socialization programs and behavioral development. Organizes photo documentation during play sessions while maintaining detailed client communication. Participates in community events supporting veteran organizations through canine therapy programs.
Madelein McCormick
Operations Director
Manages scheduling logistics and client relations while coordinating staff training programs. Implements safety protocols across all services and maintains insurance compliance through Kennel Pro standards. Oversees daily operations to ensure service consistency across service areas.
Questions
What areas do you service?
We operate in Somerville, Cambridge, Medford, and Arlington with flexible pickup/dropoff options across these neighborhoods.
How are dogs placed in playgroups?
We match dogs based on temperament, energy level, and social preferences to ensure safe and enjoyable group interactions.
Are staff members certified?
All pack leaders hold canine CPR certifications with several team members having EMT and professional trainer credentials.
Can I customize service frequency?
Yes, we accommodate one-time visits through regular schedules with no minimum requirements for park trips or walks.
Do you handle special needs dogs?
Our team has experience with medical needs, behavioral challenges, and senior dogs through personalized care plans.
Are breed restrictions applied?
We welcome all breeds without restrictions, focusing on individual temperament rather than breed-specific limitations.
