The Rover alternative Greater Heights dog parents actually trust.
If you've used Rover or Wag in Greater Heights, you already know the problem: a different stranger every visit, no real accountability, and a 1099 contractor who may or may not show up. Shaggy Chic is the opposite: a small, owner-run, employee-based dog walking and pet sitting team built for tree-lined Victorian streets, bungalow porches, and the Heights Hike-and-Bike Trail. A consistent team that knows your dog. Real reports. Insured and bonded. Run by Kristen Parkhurst, Fear Free Certified, since 2010.
What you get in Greater Heights
- W-2 employees, not 1099 gig contractors
- Familiar faces: trained employees your dog learns to trust
- $2M business liability insurance + bonded. Rover hosts are not
- Full background checks, in-person training, ongoing supervision
- Real photo + GPS report after every walk
- You can call Kristen directly. There is no app support tier.
- We've been the local Rover alternative in the Heights since before Rover had a Houston market — the same walkers, real photo reports, no wondering who shows up
- Heights clients who've switched consistently report the same thing: same familiar face, GPS-tracked routes, and a report that tells you what actually happened
In Greater Heights
The Heights was one of the first Houston neighborhoods where app-based dog walking took hold — and one of the first where we started hearing from clients who'd had enough of it. We've been the local alternative here since before Rover had a Houston market. Heights dog owners who've switched to us consistently say the same thing: same walker, real reports, and no wondering who's going to show up.
Why Greater Heights pet owners pick us
Sixteen years walking Houston dogs. Owned and operated by Kristen Parkhurst, Fear Free Certified Professional, Certified Professional Pet Sitter. Insured, bonded, and built around an employee-based team that actually shows up.
Call Kristen Directly
832-868-8430
Shaggy Chic Pet Services is amazing. Very professional and very lovable with my dogs!
Greater Heights · Frequently asked
What Greater Heights dog parents ask when switching from Rover.
Do you actually serve Greater Heights, or just list it on a map?
We actually serve Greater Heights. Our walkers and sitters work this neighborhood on foot, not from a contractor pool across the city. We've had clients here since 2010 — we know the streets, and we're genuinely local. Booking starts with a free meet & greet in your home.
What's the real difference between Shaggy Chic and Rover?
Rover is a marketplace — every walker is an independent 1099 contractor who sets their own rules, holds their own (or no) insurance, and gets matched to you by an algorithm. Shaggy Chic is an employee-based team. Everyone on our team is a trained, background-checked W-2 employee covered under our $2M business liability policy. You get the same familiar faces, not whoever happens to be available.
If something goes wrong, who do I call?
You call Kristen directly at 832-868-8430. There is no app support queue. Kristen Parkhurst owns and operates Shaggy Chic — she is not an account manager or a bot. If there's a situation with your pet, you have a real person who knows your dog and can respond.
How do I switch from Rover to Shaggy Chic?
Easy. Send us a note or call, and we'll schedule a free meet & greet in your home. After that visit, you're set up for ongoing care. Most clients find the transition seamless — we handle everything through the meet & greet and take it from there.
How long have you actually been operating in the Heights?
Since 2010 — which means we were in the Heights before Rover had a significant Houston presence. We have clients who have been with us for over a decade, on the same streets, with the same core team. That's not something a marketplace algorithm can replicate. Ask around — there's a good chance we're already walking a dog on your block.
More in Greater Heights
All Shaggy Chic services in Greater Heights
- Dog Walking
- Pet Sitting
- Cat Sitting
- Rover Alternative
- Almost Overnights
- Staycations