Pets Are Our Favorite People – Your Trusted Pet Sitter and Dog Walker

Meet Genise – The Heart Behind Bark & Purr Pet Sitting in Hickory, Maiden, and Newton
Hi there! I’m Genise—pet lover, former retail warrior, and the human behind Bark & Purr Pet Sitting. Proudly serving Hickory, Maiden, and Newton, along with other nearby areas, I’m your trusted pet sitter and dog walker.

You might be wondering what inspired me to start a pet sitting business. The short answer? Pets are my favorite people. I’m the kind of person who spends vacations checking the pet cam, just to see what my fur babies are up to—and make sure they’re okay, of course!

Before starting this journey, I spent years working 50–80-hour weeks in the retail world. The long hours away from my family—and my animals—really took a toll. I used to joke with my coworkers that all I really wanted was a life full of cats and crafts. (Although, let’s be honest—our cats think my craft supplies are just their personal playground.)

Animals have always been a huge part of my life. I grew up helping my mom with her dog grooming business, and while I never learned the grooming side, I definitely inherited her love for all creatures great and small. I’m the kind of person who swerves to avoid squirrels and jokes about how many fingers I actually need before trying to pet a wild animal. (Don't worry—I keep my distance. Usually.)

Starting Bark & Purr was a leap of love. My goal is simple: to give pet parents in Hickory, Maiden, Newton, and the surrounding areas peace of mind by caring for your pets as if they were my own. Whether it’s pet sitting or dog walking, I bring genuine affection, responsibility, and attention to every visit.

We’ve all trusted a friend or neighbor to help out while we’re away—and sometimes, that works out. But for us, it didn’t. A few years ago, we asked a neighbor to watch our pets during a trip. Things started off fine, but by the end of the week… let’s just say the enthusiasm had faded. We came home to a ruined mattress, an untouched litter box, and hungry, thirsty pets. It was heartbreaking—and we felt like we’d let them down.

That experience is what lit the fire for me. I never want another pet parent to feel that kind of guilt or worry.

So let me help. Whether you're heading out of town or just need someone to brighten your pet’s day while you're at work, I’m here to make sure your furry family gets the love, care, and attention they deserve.

Because when you can't be there—I can.

 And it’s not just me! Every member of the Bark & Purr team shares the same passion and dedication for animals. We’re a group of pet lovers who treat your pets like family—because to us, they are. You can trust that no matter who’s visiting your home, your pets will be in kind, capable, and caring hands.