SNIFFARIS!

dog care & cat care & overnight pet sitting

(sniff + safari = sniffari!)

  • A dog walking on a paved path in a park, with trees on either side, under a partly cloudy sky with the sun shining through the branches.

  • A happy black and white curly-haired dog sitting on grass with an orange and blue ball nearby.

  • A happy Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy with long ears and a white and brown coat, lying on a patterned rug with a blue plush toy in front of it, indoors.

  • Close-up of a dog's face with its mouth open, showing teeth and tongue, on a gray surface.

  • Silhouette of a cat sitting on a tree branch inside near a window with autumn trees with red, orange, and yellow leaves outside.

  • An Australian Shepherd dog jumping in the air, catching a green ball during outdoor play.

  • Close-up of a Siberian Husky with blue eyes, black and white fur, and a colorful braided leash, standing outdoors on a gravel surface with a road and some greenery in the background.

  • Three Australian Shepherd dogs sitting on a wooden platform outdoors with green grass and a fence in the background.

Sniff-ari (n):

A sniffari (“sniff” + “safari” = sniffari!) is a dog-led walk that focuses on allowing dogs to explore and sniff their environment at their own pace, rather than just covering an arbitrary distance. This type of outing provides mental stimulation and enrichment for dogs, making it a beneficial activity for their well-being… and ours!

Two poodles sitting on a patterned rug, with a light blue couch nearby.

Most Requested Services:

  • Don’t tell the dog people… that I am secretly a cat person! Always have been and always will be!

  • The Sniffari! - 30 min of mental enrichment, excersise, play, love and nose boops!

    $30/puppy

    $20/additional dogs in the same house

  • Let’s make it an on-going thing!

  • Puppy sleep overs are the best! We’ll have so much fun playing, snuggling and having treats in a blanket fort!

This Way for More De-tail!
A person smiling and hugging a black and white dog on a grey couch inside a home.
A smiling person with sunglasses and a gray hoodie taking a selfie outdoors with a husky dog against a clear blue sky.
A per smiling and taking a selfie with a large golden retriever dog wearing a blue polka dot bow tie. The dog has its tongue out and close to the camera.
A smiling woman with short, gray hair wearing a black sleeveless shirt, taking a selfie with a light-colored dog with a red collar. The dog is touching the woman's face with its nose and tongue. They are outdoors near a brick house and wooden porch.

Hi! I'm Jen! 🏳️‍🌈

Professional Pet Lover!

EST. 2023

Who we let in our homes and in to our pets’ lives is an important and sometimes nerve wracking choice. Especially these days. My name is Jen Mayotte, and I am here to become a trusted friend to your whole family - animals and humans.

I grew up with cats. For 17 years, I had a beloved cat named Merle who you will see on the Rainbow Bridge page of this website. But I have now been pet sitting professionally for three years! In that time, I have lovingly built a growing community of pups and kitties around Howard County, Maryland. And I am looking forward to meeting your furry friends too!

Building relationships and trust with dogs is the best part of this work. And it's something I have found I am naturally well suited for. I have developed a mindful style of care that keeps me focused and present with furry friends I spend time with - increasing enjoyment, trust and ease all around. But don’t just take my word for it! Check out some reviews below!

I bring a spirit of fun, play, presence and patience to my work. It’s all about setting the pups up to succeed no matter what we’re doing!!! I believe in, and practice, only positive reinforcement techniques. And I come fully prepared for the work with leashes, toys, treats (allergies will be noted) and all the neccessary “dog person” gear. 

As a pet professional, I am fully insured through Pet Care Business Insurance. And I have nearly completed my first Dog Training Professional Certification through Good Pup. Stay tuned for additional services coming soon!

Prior to finding my way to the best “job” I’ve ever had as a Pet Professional, I did different kinds of work… 13 years of non-profit administration for Outward Bound… 13 years of teaching as a 500hr Ayurvedic Yoga Teacher…10 years of management with Clyde’s Restaurant Group. And, I attended UMBC in the late 1900s and have a degree in Literature. Go Retrievers!

In the last few years, though, I’ve pivoted towards dogs. Mary Oliver’s words below beautifully sum up my “why”.

Because of the dogs joyfulness, our own is increased. It is no small gift.

This way to 5-Star Reviews!
A smiling woman with glasses holding a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel outside with leafless trees and a blue sky in the background.
A woman and a large tan dog are lying on a couch. The woman is smiling, and the dog is relaxed with one eye partially closed. The background shows a colorful abstract painting and a small bouquet of pink flowers in a teal vase.
A woman with glasses smiling as a black dog licks her cheek outside a house with a red door and brick wall.
A smiling woman taking a close-up selfie with a large, fluffy dog outdoors under cloudy skies.