About Us

A Joyful Companion - About - Bloomington, IN Pet Sitter

The Best Care for your Best Friend

A lifelong love of all creatures great and small has led me to follow my bliss! Surrounding myself with animals and nature makes my soul happy. After much deliberation, advice from my tribe, and additional training, I have taken the leap of faith to do the work that I love. I hope to be able to share my joy with you and your family! Let’s talk about how I can help your animal companions stay comfortably at home while you are away!

    KELLI SHANNON • OWNER, A JOYFUL COMPANION PET SITTING & DOG WALKING, LLC

    petTech Pups

    Danielle Brown Kilgo

    Kelli was nothing short of amazing. Not only did she take the time to meet me and my somewhat cranky terriers before our trip, she remembered every detail about feedings, and sent me pictures of them while I was away. And NOT ONE ACCIDENT between the two of them. Both my puppies were happy when we returned home, but it was such a relief to know how well taken care of they were during our trip. I seriously couldn’t think of a more patient, caring animal lover. I’m so glad we found her.

    Danielle Brown Kilgo

    David Carr

    Kelli was wonderful. She was very caring with our two cats and always sent us updates every day. I would highly recommend her and we will definitely be using her in the future.

    David Carr

    Anne Sorenson

    Kelli is wonderful! She sent photos of my kitty every day and was a joy to work with. I would definitely use her again and recommend her to everyone!

    Anne Sorenson

    Megan Hutchison

    Kelli is a joy to work with, pun intended! Good communication before, during, after care. She took the time to send me a few pics and texts to let me know my pup was doing well. Good update on everything afterwards too. It’s nice to keep your pet in their own space while away, and I trust Kelli to take good care of my dog while I’m gone.

    Megan Hutchison

    Rene’ Summertime

    Absolutely love Kelli and her wonderful, caring services! 100% recommend her for any pet care, sitting or walking needs!!!

    Rene’ Summertime

    Saundra Moss

    Kelli & A Joyful Companion definitely get 5 stars from me! I needed someone to help care for my two Shelties while I was out of town for business. It was short notice & Kellie came through for me! One of my pups is very shy while the other one is more…energetic & she was able to address both of their needs with her special brand of care & affection. I came home to two happy pups! I’ve known Kellie for many years & can definitely share that she loves animals more than most anyone else I’ve ever known. If you need a pet sitting service, she will give your “fur babies” the same kind of wonderful attention & service she provided for me & my girls.

    Saundra Moss

    Sheryl Woodhouse Keese

    Kelli helped us out at the last minute recently, with visits and walks for our dog multiple times each day and some love and attention for our cat. She texted photos and left detailed notes for us when we got home. She is super responsive and communicated clearly and frequently before we left to make sure she knew our wishes and our pets. I trust Kelli completely, and she is soooooo kind and loving to Renni and Pip!! They’ve been asking to have her back!

    Sheryl Woodhouse Keese

    Nancy Vázquez

    It feels great when you find the right person who can take care of your pets the same way you would. Kelli is kind, compassionate, and really cares for your pets. We have two wonderful elderly dogs on meds and a sweet cat and she’d send daily texts with updates and pics as well. One of our pooches is a true picky eater and Kelli tried many ways to entice him to eat and take his meds. When she came in to bring our house keys the dogs were very affectionate towards her and I must admit I felt a little jealous! But seriously, I truly recommend Kelli to care for your pets! They’ll be in good hands. Thank you Kelli!!

    Nancy Vázquez

    Shannon McCann

    Kelli provided a peace of mind for our favorite fur babies while we traveled out of town. Our two cats and our senior dog was in the greatest of care. I would definitely recommend Kelli and A joyful Companion to all pet owners, when you can’t travel with them Kelli will make sure they are cared for and loved for while your away! Thank you!

    Shannon McCann

    Julie Swando

    Kelli took care of our cat while we were out of town this past weekend, and we couldn’t be more pleased! We came home to a happy and well-cared for kitty and a completely spotless house. She sent text updates with photos at every visit, so I didn’t have to worry that our little buddy wasn’t being taken care of.

    She was also wonderful at our initial set-up consultation – friendly, great with our cat, and asking all of the right questions about how to care for our pet and our home. We will definitely be using her for our future pet-sitting needs!

    Julie Swando

    Kristi McCann

    I want to give a huge shout out to A Joyful Pet Sitting! It is such a relief to know Kelli will take care of our animals while we are away but also knowing there is someone we fully trust to check the mail and another pair of eyes on your home while we are away. I would highly recommend her to anyone! Thank you Kelli.

    Kristi McCann

    Frequently Asked Questions

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    I have shared my home with a variety of animal companions through the years and recognize that each client has his or her own specific requirements. At our initial appointment we discuss those special needs and preferences that are unique to your household always keeping safety in mind. I have completed Pet CPR and First Aid certification through PetTech and am currently enrolled in the Animals & Human Health Certificate program through the Institute for Human-Animal Connection at the University of Denver. A Joyful Companion also carries liability insurance through Pet Sitters Associates for the extra reassurance.

    I work with you and your dog’s particular needs. I will positively reinforce training you are working on and lovingly provide mental stimulation to engage your dog’s mind.

    If you are seeking a pet sitter or dog walker, chances are you are feeling stressed and possibly a little worried about leaving your animal companion at home for long hours while working or on vacation. With A Joyful Companion you can relax knowing that your family member and home are in caring, capable hands. While your pets will miss you, they are less stressed when in their familiar home environment keeping similar routines. You won’t need to worry about drop off and pick up times required from boarding facilities and you will be kept updated with daily photos and updates via text and/or email if you like.

    This is our time to all get acquainted. We will discuss your animal companion’s habits, requirements, and preferences. I learn about routines and gently introduce myself to your best friend(s). I collect emergency contact and veterinarian information, as well as, pick up a key.

    If A Joyful Companion is simply overseeing your home, we will walk through your home with a checklist to determine which areas are of special concern to you. Your contact information, emergency contacts, and any special requests will be discussed.

    My goal is to keep you in the loop regarding the time I spend with your pet. I will never strike or handle your animal companion in a rough or abusive manner. Compassion and positive reinforcement is my preferred method of treatment to all animals. If I encounter obedience issues that may need to be addressed, we will work together on a positive solution.

    Along with lovingly caring for, feeding, and cleaning up after your animal companion, A Joyful Companion will bring in mail, move trash containers for trash pick up days, adjust lighting and window coverings, as well as, water plants.

    If you have any other questions, please contact us

    Kelli's Musings

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    Let’s talk pets! Kelli shares monthly ponderings, insights and information about the gifts animals and nature bring to us.