Shaggy Chic Pet Services · Houston, TX · Since 2010
About Kristen Parkhurst & Shaggy Chic Pet Services
Our Story
Founded in 2010, Shaggy Chic Pet Services arose from a rich history serving animals. We bring experience, integrity, and a growth mindset to each family we serve. With safety as our priority, our goals include advocating for the improvement of animal welfare and elevating industry standards for Houston's companions.
Meet the Founder
Kristen Parkhurst
Kristen Parkhurst has been providing Houston dog walking and pet sitting services since 2010. What started as a passion for animals quickly grew into a mission to raise the standard of professional pet care across Houston's inner-loop neighborhoods.
As a Fear Free Certified Professional and a Certified Professional Pet Sitter (CPPS), Kristen built Shaggy Chic around one principle: every Houston dog deserves to feel safe and confident during every walk and every in-home visit. We aim to play to your pet’s strengths, to acknowledge and respect comfort zones, all while encouraging growth and mitigating new obstacles when appropriate. Continuing education is a cornerstone of our team's efforts. Among many other certifications, Kristen notably completed continuing education through Duke University's Dog Emotion & Cognition program and trains every team member personally before they set foot in a client's home.
From daily dog walks in Greater Heights and Garden Oaks to extended pet sitting for traveling clients across Spring Branch and Oak Forest, Kristen and her team of W-2 employees have become the trusted alternative to gig-economy apps throughout Houston's northwest side. Shaggy Chic Pet Services was here long before those websites and we'll be here long after. Kristen still walks dogs herself, because staying close to the work is how the standard stays high.
Our Professional Credentials
Why the Shaggy Chic Model Matters
We aren't a marketplace. We're a team.
W-2 Employees, Not Contractors
Unlike gig apps that use 1099 contractors, every Shaggy Chic sitter is a W-2 employee. They are legally bound to follow our strict training protocols, we cover their worker's comp, and provide ongoing education. This is their profession, not a side hustle.
Fear Free Certified
We understand dog body language and how to reduce anxiety. We use gentle handling and positive reinforcement, so even the most nervous pets look forward to our visits. Force-free, always.
Fully Insured & Bonded
We carry comprehensive liability insurance and bonding. This protects your home, your pet, and our sitters. It's the ultimate peace of mind that a random app user simply can't provide.
GPS Tracking & Transparency
No guessing if we showed up. You receive a detailed report after every visit that includes GPS tracking of the walk, a checklist of tasks completed, a personal note, and high-quality photos.
About · Frequently Asked
A few things people ask before booking.
- How do I choose between dog walking, Almost Overnights, and Staycations?
- Most regulars start with a midday Dog Walking visit a few days a week. For travel, choose Almost Overnights when your pet does well alone overnight but needs real morning + evening company, and Staycationswhen you want a sitter actually sleeping in your home for the duration. We'll walk through it with you at the meet & greet and recommend honestly.
- What kind of training does your team have?
- Kristen is a Fear Free Certified Professional and a Certified Professional Pet Sitter, with continuing education through Duke University's Dog Emotion & Cognition program. Every team member is hired as a W-2 employee, background checked, in-person trained, Pet First Aid + CPR certified, and supervised ongoing. No 1099 gig contractors, ever.
- Are you still booking after the post-pandemic boom?
- Yes, and unlike the gig apps that exploded and contracted, we've kept growing steadily by hiring carefully. We do cap our roster intentionally, so reach out early for travel weeks. The faster you book the meet & greet, the more flexibility we have for your dates.