MiKayla Abbas
Experience
After more than eight years of pet sitting, I founded Home Away From Home Pet Service with a heartfelt mission: to provide every pet with the highest quality care while giving pet parents peace of mind, knowing they have trusted, qualified professional pet sitters to rely on. My goal is to create a home-like experience where pets can feel safe, comfortable, and loved—allowing them to enjoy their own little vacation while their parents are away.
Animals have always been more than just pets to me—they are cherished companions. My own dog, Zoey, adores both animals and people, and she thrives in an environment filled with friends. I have experience caring for dogs of all sizes, from Chihuahuas to St. Bernards, and have provided drop-in visits for a variety of pets, including cats, rabbits, fish, and even chickens. I also have extensive experience with special needs animals, understanding their unique physical and emotional requirements.
With Fear Free Training, I have learned to recognize and address signs of fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) using gentle control, a considerate approach, touch gradient techniques, and positive reinforcement. My background in psychology further enhances my ability to understand both pets and their owners, ensuring a compassionate and personalized approach to pet care. Additionally, I am a certified professional pet sitter with Pet Sitters International and have completed coursework in Dog Obedience Training through Animal Behavior College to better understand canine behavior and address common behavioral concerns. My passion for pet care has even been recognized in the Argus Leader and Parade Magazine, highlighting my dedication to providing exceptional service.
Certifications
- Certified Professional Pet Sitter of Pet Sitters International
- Fear Free Certified Professional
- Pet Care Team Training
- Pet First Aid and CPR Certified
Schedule
Pet sitting is not just my full-time job—it’s my passion. Because of this, I am fully dedicated to making your pet’s care my top priority. I offer flexible booking options to accommodate both your schedule and your pet’s individual needs. On any given day, I care for multiple dogs, providing plenty of opportunities for socialization and companionship. Whether it’s going for walks, playing fetch, visiting the park, or even making homemade treats, I strive to create a fun, enriching, and loving environment. And, of course, there’s always plenty of time for cuddles and affection, ensuring every fur baby feels safe, happy, and right at home.
Availability Hours
Dog Boarding & Doggy Daycare
Drop-Off Hours Pick-Up Hours
- Monday-Friday: 6:30 AM - 7 PM Sunday-Thursday: 7 AM - 8 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: 7 AM - 7 PM Friday-Saturday: 7 AM - 9 PM
- Holidays: 7 AM - 7 PM Holidays: 7 AM - 9 PM
Drop-In Visits, Dog Walking, and Pet Taxi
- Monday-Friday: 12 PM - 8 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: 7:30 AM - 8 PM
- Holidays: 7:30 AM - 8 PM
Adventure Walks
- Monday-Friday: 12 PM - 8 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: 8 AM - 8 PM
- Holidays: 8 AM - 8 PM
Services
I offer a range of personalized pet care services, including dog boarding, doggy daycare, drop-in visits, dog walking, adventure walks, and pet taxi services. To ensure a comfortable and enriching experience, I provide boarding and daycare clients with toys, treats, and cozy dog beds for their pups to enjoy. During the summer months, dogs can cool off in my kiddie pool, and for those who love the water, I occasionally take them on fun outings to a nearby beach. Understanding the importance of mental stimulation, I also incorporate enrichment activities with lick mats, Toppls, and snuffle mats to keep dogs engaged and happy.
When providing drop-in visits or walks, I take the time to follow your care instructions closely and build a bond with your pet. I understand that every animal has a unique personality, especially cats, who may take longer to warm up to new people. Having had a cat myself, I know they don’t always want to be smothered with affection—some prefer quiet companionship over direct interaction. I always take a patient and respectful approach, letting your pet set the tone for our time together, whether that means engaging in play, offering gentle affection, or simply sitting nearby as a comforting presence.
Safety and Environment
Your pet’s safety and well-being are my top priorities. My home is designed with their security and comfort in mind, featuring a fully fenced yard, pet gates, surveillance cameras, child locks, and a clean, pet-friendly environment. To ensure the best possible experience, I require a meet n greet before booking new clients, giving me the opportunity to get to know you and your pet while ensuring we’re the perfect fit.
Whether I’m welcoming your pet into my home or stopping by yours for a visit, I treat every animal in my care with the same love and attention I give my own. This means plenty of affection, belly rubs, and more “good girl” or “good boy” praises than they can count! My greatest reward is seeing a pet’s excitement when they recognize me, knowing they feel safe, happy, and loved in my care. Contact me today to find your fur baby’s loving Home Away From Home—I can’t wait to meet you and your four-legged family!
Kaitlyn Nelson
Experience
From a young age, I’ve always felt a special bond with animals — even those who are typically shy or wary around strangers. Growing up surrounded by cats and dogs, I can’t imagine a life without them. So, when I was old enough to start working, I knew right away that I wanted to pursue a career caring for animals.
My journey began at a local boarding facility in my hometown of Okoboji, Iowa. After moving to Sioux Falls, I continued working with pets at Paws Pet Resort for a couple of years. During my time there, I completed several training classes focused on obedience training and understanding canine behavioral cues. Before joining Home Away From Home Pet Service, LLC, I also gained experience through other pet-sitting platforms, further expanding my skills and knowledge. My experience extends beyond just dogs and cats — I've also cared for rabbits, fish, and other small pets.
With 7 years of experience caring for animals, I’ve had the pleasure of working with a wide range of breeds, sizes, and temperaments — from tiny toy breeds to towering Great Danes. I’m experienced in providing care for pets with special needs, including those requiring medications, insulin injections, and support for conditions like seizures, anxiety, and arthritis.
At home, I share my life with my two beloved cats, Herschel and Sloane. My background as a licensed nurse has further enhanced my ability to provide attentive, compassionate care — ensuring your pet’s safety, comfort, and well-being are always my top priorities.
Certifications
- Pet Care Team Training
- Pet First Aid and CPR Certified
Schedule
Pet sitting is my part-time passion alongside my full-time career as an LPN on an orthopedic inpatient unit at Avera. I work three 12-hour shifts each week, which leaves me with plenty of free time to care for your furry family members. Despite my full-time role, spending my extra time with animals is something I genuinely love — nothing makes me happier than seeing pets relaxed, happy, and having fun!
I’m flexible and dedicated to accommodating your schedule and your pet’s unique needs. Whether it's playtime, snuggles, or simply ensuring they feel safe and comfortable, I’m committed to making each visit a positive and enjoyable experience for your pet.
Availability Hours
Drop-In Visits, Dog Walking, Daytime Homestays, and Pet Taxi
- LPN Days Off: 7 AM - 9 PM
- LPN Working NIghts: 2 PM - 9PM
- Holidays: Hours Vary
Adventure Walks
- LPN Days Off: 8 AM - 8 PM
- LPN Working NIghts: 2 PM - 8 PM
- Holidays: Hours Vary
Services
I offer a variety of pet care services to meet your needs, including drop-in visits, dog walking, adventure walks, pet taxi, and occasional daytime homestays. For my dog walking and drop-in visit services, you can choose the duration that best suits your pet’s needs, with options ranging from 15 to 60 minutes per visit.
Your pet’s safety and comfort are always my top priorities. I understand that some animals, especially those with anxiety, feel most secure in their own home. That's why I take great care to follow your specific instructions — whether they relate to feeding, medications, walking routines, or general care preferences.
During each visit, I make sure your pet receives plenty of affection, attention, and playtime. If your pet feels unsure or nervous, I’ll take a calm and patient approach to help them feel safe and comfortable without pushing their boundaries. My goal is to provide thoughtful, compassionate care that keeps your pet happy, relaxed, and well-cared for while you’re away.
Safety and Environment
Safety is incredibly important to me — just as I would want my own cats to be cared for safely, I apply that same level of caution and attention when caring for your pets. While providing pet sitting services in your home, I’m always mindful of your personal space and ensure everything is left clean and tidy. If your pet is a known escape artist, I take extra precautions when opening doors or letting them outside, always double-checking to ensure your home is secure before I leave. If anything unexpected happens during my visit, I’ll notify you right away so you're always informed and aware of your pet’s well-being.
I require a meet-and-greet before booking with new clients because I understand that unfamiliar faces can be unsettling for some pets. This meeting gives us a chance to get acquainted, allowing your pet to feel more at ease when I visit. Creating a warm, happy environment is my goal during every visit, and there’s nothing better than being greeted with excited tail wags or happy purrs the next time I stop by. Contact me today so your furry family member can find their favorite playdate partner with Home Away From Home.
Anna Winham
Experience
I’ve been professionally pet sitting for over a year, but my love for animals has been lifelong. Growing up, I was surrounded by dogs — learning to train, feed, water, walk, groom, and most importantly, love them. To me, pets are far more than just animals — they’re family!
From the moment I was old enough to hold a leash, I jumped at every chance to help care for dogs. Whether it was feeding time, tossing a ball in the yard, or simply watching them play, those moments always brought me joy.
I’m also no stranger to cats! Many of my family members had cats while I was growing up, giving me plenty of experience caring for our feline friends. I started out pet sitting for friends and family, which later led me to pet sitting apps and now proudly joining Home Away From Home Pet Service.
I have experience caring for multiple pets at once, from small to extra-large breeds, as well as puppies, kittens, adult pets, and seniors, including those with special needs or reactive behaviors. While I'm most familiar with dogs and cats, I’ve also cared for fish, hamsters, and I’m always eager to learn more. No matter the pet, I’m committed to providing the best care possible to keep your furry (or finned!) family members happy, comfortable, and safe.
Certifications
- Pet Care Team Training
- Pet First Aid and CPR Certified
Schedule
I am currently preparing to attend college in fall of 2025, so my schedule is wide open for now. This gives me plenty of flexibility throughout the day to care for your pets and ensure they receive the attention they need. Once college begins, I'll still have plenty of availability during holidays, spring break, and summer, so I can still spend time with my favorite furry friends.
Availability Hours
Drop-In Visits, Dog Walking, Daytime Homestays, and Pet Taxi
- Monday-Sunday: 7 AM - 10 PM
- Holidays: 7 AM - 10 PM
Adventure Walks
- Monday-Sunday: 8 AM - 8 PM
- Holidays: 8 AM - 8 PM
Services
I offer a range of services including drop-in visits, dog walking, daytime homestays, adventure walks, and pet taxi. My dog walks and drop-in visits can be customized to fit your needs, with options ranging from 15 to 60 minutes.
Before booking with new clients, I always schedule a meet n greet. This is a great opportunity to build trust with you and your pet, and to go over important care instructions. It helps ensure I provide the best, most personalized care possible for your furry family members.
Safety and Environment
I treat every animal as if they were my own, ensuring they receive the best care possible. When I meet a new client, I make sure to ask all the right questions to make sure the booking is as safe and comfortable as possible for your pet. As a detail-oriented person, I’m great at reading animal body language and have yet to meet a dog or cat that didn’t eventually warm up to me.
I understand how important your pets are to you, which is why I follow all care instructions to the letter and am never afraid to ask questions if I’m unsure about something. I pride myself on maintaining great communication before, during, and after bookings, keeping you informed every step of the way. I truly enjoy meeting new clients and their furry family members, and I can’t wait to meet you and your fur baby!
Hanah Wold
Experience
I've been working professionally with animals for over three years as a pet sitter, and when the opportunity to start doing what I love came along, I jumped at it—no regrets! Growing up, I was always surrounded by animals and even had the chance to live on a farm for a few years. My goal is to continue working with animals, my true passion, for as long as I can.
I've always had a strong bond with my own pets—they’re family to me. Over the years, I've had the pleasure of caring for animals of all sizes and breeds, from Yorkies to Saint Bernards and Mastiffs. While my experience has mostly been with dogs, I assure you that no matter the pet, they will receive the attention and care they deserve. My husband and I have two wonderful dogs, Gus (a Golden Retriever) and Pepper (a Great Newfie—Great Pyrenees/Newfoundland mix). We recently said goodbye to my dream dog, Olive, a Saint Bernard, who passed away at home. This experience has deepened my appreciation for animals, and I treat every pet like my own. I have experience caring for pets with special needs, administering medications, elderly dogs, high-energy pups, and more.
In addition to my pet sitting, I also have a background in the dental field, where I worked as a Dental Assistant for over five years. This experience taught me the importance of compassion, patience, and creating a calming environment for others. These skills have translated perfectly into my pet sitting career, where patience and gentle care are key to making pets feel comfortable and secure.
Certifications
- Pet Care Team Training
- Pet First Aid and CPR Certified
Schedule
I’m incredibly fortunate to be a stay-at-home dog mom, which means my availability is wide open! This allows me to dedicate plenty of time and attention to ensuring your pet is well cared for and in the best hands. With my two dogs at home, I provide a flexible schedule that not only gives your pet social time but also helps them feel more relaxed and comfortable throughout the day. Whether we're going for walks, playing in the backyard, or enjoying some well-deserved snuggle time, I’m committed to keeping your pet safe, happy, and loved.
Availability Hours
Dog Boarding & Doggy Daycare
Drop-Off Hours Pick-Up Hours
- Monday-Friday: 6 AM - 7 PM Monday-Sunday: 7 AM - 9 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: 7 AM - 7 PM Holidays: 7 AM - 9 PM
- Holidays: 7 AM - 7 PM
Drop-In Visits, Dog Walking, Homestays, and Pet Taxi
- Monday-Sunday: 7 AM - 9 PM
- Holidays: 7 AM - 9 PM
Adventure Walks
- Monday-Sunday: 8 AM - 8 PM
- Holidays: 8 AM - 8 PM
Services
I’m proud to offer a variety of pet care services designed to meet your pet's unique needs, including dog boarding, doggy daycare, homestays, drop-in visits, dog walking, adventure walks, and pet taxi services.
When visiting your home for a drop-in or walk, I always have a toy or treat on hand to make the experience positive and fun. For boarding and daycare, I provide plenty of engaging activities to keep your pet happy and active. Summertime is a favorite at our house! We enjoy setting up doggie pools and sprinklers for splashing around in the sun, along with shaded areas where pups can relax and cool off.
To ensure you feel confident and informed, I offer a meet n greet with all new clients before booking. This gives you the chance to ask questions, get to know me, and see how your pet interacts with me and my dogs. This step is important in building trust and helping your pet feel comfortable, setting the stage for a successful and stress-free experience. With clear care instructions and a strong bond established, you can feel at ease knowing your pet is in loving hands.
Safety and Environment
My home is thoughtfully designed with your pet's safety and comfort in mind. It features a fully fenced backyard, pet gates, surveillance cameras, and a clean, cozy environment where your pet can feel secure and relaxed. For pets that require extra care or space away from others, my multi-level home offers the flexibility to provide personalized attention when needed. Your pet’s safety is always my top priority, and I treat every furry guest as if they were my own.
When visiting your home for drop-in visits or homestays, I understand that your pet feels safest in their familiar surroundings, and I always approach each visit with patience and care. I take the time to get to know your pet’s unique personality, preferences, and routines to ensure they feel secure and comfortable. Whether it’s offering gentle greetings, giving them space to warm up, or engaging in their favorite activities, I respect their boundaries and build trust at their pace.
I strive to bring that same sense of comfort to my own home as well. Whether it's a familiar blanket, their favorite toy, or special care instructions you provide, I do everything I can to ensure your pet feels at ease and cared for—whether in your home or mine.
As a fellow pet parent, I know that building trust with animals takes patience, time, and plenty of belly rubs—and of course, treats! It would be my absolute pleasure to meet you and your fur family, and I look forward to creating a special bond that leaves you feeling confident and your pet feeling loved.
