Business Details
7 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Partner for Pet Care in Westminster, MD
Take The Lead Pet Services was founded in 2019 by Andrea Smith, a former veterinary assistant with over five years of experience in animal care. Our team of Pet CPR-certified professionals provides 24/7 care for dogs, cats, small mammals, reptiles, birds, and farm animals across Carroll County, Maryland. We prioritize personalized service, offering tailored walks, hikes, overnight stays, and special event packages.Each visit includes detailed follow-up updates with photos and route information to ensure transparency. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our insured status and team-based approach, ensuring reliability and continuity of care. With a focus on empathy and expertise, we treat every pet as our own, addressing individual needs and behavioral quirks with professionalism and compassion.
Services
Dog Walks
Check-in Visits
Overnight Stays
Dog Hikes
Special Events
Farm Visits
Pet CPR Care
24/7 Services
Meet & Greet
Medication Administration
Details
- Year established: 2019
Highlights and features
- We offer 24/7 availability for emergency and routine pet care needs.
- Our team includes Pet CPR-certified professionals with veterinary experience.
- Personalized service plans tailored to each pet's unique needs and preferences.
- Real-time updates with photos and detailed service reports after every visit.
- Insured services protecting your home, pets, and personal belongings.
What people say
Loves the care
Reliable and caring
Personalized attention
Detailed updates
Expertise with special needs
Services
Dog Walks
Customized leashed walks tailored to your dog's pace and preferences, including waste cleanup and water bowl maintenance. Routes adapt to your pet's interests, whether sniffing, exploring, or swimming. Each visit includes real-time updates with route maps, mileage, and photos to keep you informed. Our 30- or 60-minute sessions prioritize mental stimulation and physical exercise for your pet's well-being.
Overnight Stays
Dedicated 12-hour overnight care in your home, including multiple bathroom breaks, playtime, and medication administration. Pet caretakers provide companionship from 7 PM to 7 AM, ensuring your pet's comfort and safety. Daily updates and trash/mail collection accompany personalized attention. High-demand service requires advance booking and current client status for availability.
Dog Hikes
Transported adventures to scenic locations like Morgan Run and Liberty Reservoir, offering 60- to 120-minute hikes on 15-ft leashes. Activities adapt to your dog's preferencesswimming, wading, or trail explorationwith post-hike cleanups. Detailed route maps and photos document each excursion, ensuring mental enrichment and physical exercise while maintaining safety protocols during outdoor activities.
Special Events
Comprehensive pet management for weddings, parties, and graduations within a 20-mile radius. Services include transportation, costume assistance, and photo documentation to capture memorable moments. Flexible 3-5 hour packages ensure pets receive attention during events, with customized care plans for specific needs like pre-ceremony calming techniques or photo coordination.
Farm Visits
Tailored care for horses, goats, chickens, and other farm animals with flexible 60-90 minute visits. Services include feeding, habitat cleaning, and health monitoring, adaptable to specific requirements like egg collection or water trough maintenance. Combines expertise in exotic pet care with personalized attention to ensure livestock well-being during owner absences.
People
Andrea Smith
Owner
Founder of Take The Lead Pet Services with 5+ years in veterinary care, Andrea combines hospitality management expertise from James Madison University with hands-on animal experience. She directs operations and ensures personalized care for all pets.
Joann Welsh
Pet Caretaker
62-year-old caretaker with decades of pet ownership experience, including rescue dog Deacon. Joann brings compassion and reliability to every client interaction while managing her Westminster, MD household.
Shelby Smith
Pet Caretaker
29-year-old aspiring veterinary technician with experience in animal rescue and care. Shelby's background includes nursing abandoned kittens and managing her own pets while providing dedicated client service.
Maddie Sluder
Pet Caretaker
20-year-old animal enthusiast with three years of professional kennel experience. Maddie manages multiple pets at home while delivering personalized care to clients in Union Bridge, MD.
Kyah Martin
Pet Caretaker
20-year-old Westminster resident with veterinary reception experience and a passion for animal welfare. Kyah combines hands-on care with a love for travel and music while managing her own rescued pets.
Questions
How do I become a new client?
Contact us via our website's contact tab with service details, pet information, and preferred dates. Schedule a free meet & greet to finalize arrangements and complete intake forms.
What services include real-time updates?
All visits provide post-service updates via GroupMe with photos, route maps, and care notes. Clients receive email invites to join private groups for communication flexibility.
How does overnight pet sitting work?
A caretaker stays 12 hours (7 PM-7 AM) with multiple bathroom breaks, medication administration, and companionship. Book early as this service is limited to current clients only.
Are special needs pets accommodated?
Yes, we care for reactive dogs, elderly animals, and pets with medical requirements. Our team adapts services to individual needs while maintaining safety protocols.
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept cash, check, credit card, PayPal, Venmo, and bank transfers. Payment terms include weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly invoices with 30-day payment windows.
How are emergencies handled?
We contact owners immediately during emergencies. If unreachable, we use professional judgment to ensure pet safety, including veterinary transport when necessary.
