The Emerald Neckleash is an insured provider of dog walking and pet sitting services in the neighborhoods
surrounding the Emerald Necklace, currently serving Roslindale, Jamaica Plain, and parts of West Roxbury
and Brookline. The Emerald Neckleash is a member of the
National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS).
For additional general information about the Emerald Neckleash and its governing philosophy, please visit our
About page.
After a complimentary consultation, services are customized to the needs of you and the animals in your
life. Finding the right pet care provider demands two-way screening. Clients must feel 110% confident
in the skills and wisdom their pet care providers will bring. For some suggestions on how to screen your pet
care provider, check out the
MSPCA's helpful hints. But the Emerald Neckleash also carefully interviews all potential clients to
make sure we can provide the services you need. We won't take on a client if we think someone else can
better meet your needs. We, too, want what's best for you and your pet.
After consulting with Alexis Hill, owner of the Emerald Neckleash, clients needing ongoing services on a
daily basis will meet one or two additional pet care providers working for the Emerald Neckleash to ensure
that even in the case of weather or personal emergency, someone you and your pet knows and trusts will be at
the ready to provide the care you need. Our pet care providers come from varied backgrounds, have been
carefully screened for professionalism, and share a passion for our mission. All walkers provide and use the
USA-made, non-plastic,
biodegradable bags described on our Community page to clean up dog waste and
scoop litter boxes. "Re-paw-ts" are left by our walkers after walks and visits.
Don't see the specific pet service offered that you need? Customized plans can be created!
Just call 617-894-3028 or email petcare@emeraldneckleash.com.
Please also review the general policies pdf for important information
about billing, holidays and cancellations. These policies apply to all services listed below and on this
website.
Going out of town? Different arrangements work for different animals. For cats, the Emerald Neckleash offers
in-home care visits.
Unfortunately, the Emerald Neckleash is not able to board cats, small animals or birds; however, for more
information on services provided for small animals in your home, click
here.
For dogs, the Emerald Neckleash is able to provide a few different options. They include:
Boarding and daycare in our home. For more information, click
here.
Periodic visits to your home during the day (for current clients only).
Pet Sitting (for current clients only). Someone from the Emerald Neckleash sleeps in your home. For
more information, click here.
"Ten years ago, Alexis and I played on the same rugby team. When I went to Nationals one weekend,
I felt confident sending my golden retriever, Sawyer, to stay with Alexis for the weekend. She took
him on long walks on the Minute Man Trail, and when he returned home, he even had a new toy. Alexis
truly cares about animals, and she quickly became one of Sawyer's biggest fans. Over the next few
years following that weekend sleepover, Sawyer was always excited to see her. He even kept the
toy she gave him, and it became one of his favorites! I would highly recommend Alexis as a
walker and a sitter."
--Linda, Roslindale resident
"Alexis was a frequent dogsitter for my dog. Whenever he saw her, he got this incredible toothy
smile on his face that literally looked like a cartoon drawing of a Cheshire cat! That smile
was reserved only for a few favorite people. Alexis handled all of the regular feeding,
exercising, and "keeping him safe" tasks wonderfully. What stood out though, was the special loving
care she gave him. I never felt like I was leaving him when I went
away. Rather, it felt like I was giving him a vacation at a wonderful doggy retreat! She was
also innovative when handling any of his stubborn streaks. One day when he wouldn't come inside
her house, she didn't yell at him to come in. Instead, she called him over to her car, let him
get in, drove across the street, let him out. He was quite happy with that and followed
her inside the house! She has a special bond with dogs, and I'm happy to
recommend her to anyone who wants their dog to get the best treatment possible."
--Karen, Roslindale resident
"I have a 4 year old terrier mix named Chloe who I adopted about 5 months ago. I'll be the first to
admit that I act like an overprotective mom with my little dog. Alexis is great, and every time I have
seen her with Chloe, it is clear that my dog loves her! I would highly recommend Alexis to anyone with
a dog. I first contacted her because her rates were very reasonable (especially compared to many that
I saw), and I have been so happy having her take care of Chloe when I'm not able to be there. She also
boards dogs in her home, and I feel completely comfortable leaving Chloe with her, knowing that she will
be well cared for."
--Kathryn, Brookline resident
WALKS
Neighborhood One-on-One Walks
$17 (25 minutes)
Walks are in the Arboretum, around Jamaica Pond, along the Muddy River and Leverett Pond, or in Olmstead
and Franklin Parks whenever possible. Rates include checking water and treats (if allowed). An $8 fee
is added for a second dog in the family. A $5 fee is added for a third dog in the family.
Arboretum Hikes
$20 without transportation/$25 with transportation (30 minutes)
For dogs with a lot of energy who may need more stimulation, there are strenuous strolls up Peter's Hill
or Hemlock Hill. Dogs who live farther than a five minute walk from the Arboretum can be driven to and from
Olmstead's masterpiece for their hikes for an additional $5. Rates include checking water and treats
(if allowed). An $8 fee is added for a second dog in the family. A $5 fee is added for a third dog in the family.
Pooch Pooling
$14/dog (2 or 3 dogs (maximum) for 30 minutes)
Have a friend that also needs a walker? When booked together, walks with two or three dogs can
save you money while still providing special attention to your furry friend. Pooch pooling is
limited to dogs who live on the same block or in close proximity to one another. Ideal for
apartment dogs.
Just Gotta Pee Walk
$12 (15 minutes)
For dogs who just need to freshen up or powder their noses, a walk around the block will often
suffice. Rates include checking water and treats (if allowed). An $8 fee is added for a second dog
in the family. A $5 fee is added for a third dog in the family.
Puppy Love
$30 (3 Just Gotta Pee Walks - same day)
For younger dogs or newly adopted dogs who are learning to be crated or just getting used to holding
it in for longer periods, three visits with walks around the block, water checks and treats (if allowed).
FUN
Play Dates
$20 (30 minutes)
For the social butterflies who love to frolic, Bequia, the scamp rescued from the Caribbean who
never gets bored with playing, will provide a play date in the Arboretum or another green space.
Fun in the Sun
$20 (30 minutes)
For dogs who get the most joy and exercise out of life chasing balls or catching Frisbees in their
own backyards or other fenced in area. Your tennis ball or mine.
EXTENDED OR OVERNIGHT CARE
Boarding
Starting at $75/day
For the dog who likes to explore new horizons, make new friends, & enjoy new experiences.
Boarding is in a private home on a street bordering the Arnold Arboretum.
Click here for more details.
Sitting
$60/Calendar Day (Two dogs $80/Calendar Day)
For dogs (current clients only) who need to sleep in their own homes with human company, sleepovers are sometimes
the perfect solution. In those instances, someone from the Emerald Neckleash will sleep over at your home.
Sleepovers generally include two feedings and three walks per day. Other services are available at an
additional cost. Sleepovers also include bringing in the mail and newspaper, as well as turning on and off
appropriate lights throughout the stay.
NECESSARY ACCESSORIES
Non-plastic Biodegradable Bags for Dog Poop (& Cat Litter too!)
$7/box or three boxes for $20
The bags we use normally retail for $20 for two boxes, but we offer them to our clients for $7/box or three boxes
for $20. After rather extensive product testing, these are hands down the best for the environment and easiest
to use. For more information about these bags, click
here.
"Whenever we know we are heading out of town, we make it a point to get
in touch with Alexis to have her sit our cats. The peace of mind is great
knowing that we don't have to worry about the job she will do. She is
extremely responsible & the benefit for the cats is that Alexis seems to
truly love animals, & they seem to know it & love her back."
--Jen, JP resident
"We have been using Alexis for about 3 years as our house has grown to
include 5 cats. She is trustworthy, professional and always goes above and
beyond the normal 'in + out'.
We were out of town recently when 18+ inches of snow fell on Boston. While
watching the weather from afar we were concerned for the animals as well as
anything that might go wrong at the house. We spoke to Alexis and she
assured us if she couldn't make the drive to our house she would have one of
her associates who lived closer walk over and make sure all was well.
She even alerted our neighbors that we were out of town and to please make
sure the heating vent that exhausts from the house was kept clear of snow.
We were able to enjoy the remainder of our time away knowing she was on the
case!!"
--Noreen, Brookline resident
CARE
Kitty Care
$18/visit (1 or 2 cats)
Visits include feeding, fresh water, litter cleaning and, of course, attention. Also included is mail
and newspaper collection; lights turned on or off.
EXTENDED OR OVERNIGHT CARE
Cat Nap
$60/Calendar Day
For cats who need a lot of human company, sleepovers are sometimes
appropriate. In those instances, someone from the Emerald Neckleash will sleep over.
Sleepovers generally include two feedings and daily litter scooping. Sleepovers include
bringing in the mail and newspaper, as well as turning and other appropriate lights on and off throughout
the stay.
Boarding
The Emerald Neckleash is unable to offer cat boarding; however, we can offer visits to your home
as described above.
NECESSARY ACCESSORIES
Non-plastic Biodegradable Bags for Cat Litter (& Dog Poop!)
$7/box or three boxes for $20
The bags we use normally retail for $20 for two boxes, but we offer them to our clients for $7/box or three boxes
for $20. After rather extensive product testing, these are hands down the best for the environment and easiest
to use. For more information about these bags, click
here.
"In 2005, with less than a week's notice, I was called out of the country for a few weeks. Alexis
was a lifesaver and took care of my animals, which included a macaw, an armadillo, a hedgehog,
turtles, a bunny, two cats and other birds. Every summer I travel to Europe for a few weeks for
work and to see family, and I'm completely confident leaving my home and my animals in Alexis' care!
When Alexis saw that my parrot was distressed at my absence, Alexis figured out that the TV seemed
to calm the bird--apparently the bird likes sports, who knew? During my first trip abroad, my bird
even learned new words from Alexis! Alexis is incredibly thoughtful and responsible, and I consider
myself very lucky to be able to count on Alexis to take care of my animals when I'm out of town
for years to come."
--Libor, Roslindale resident
"I would definitely recommend the Emerald Neckleash to anyone looking for a pet sitter. Having never
used a sitting service before, I was a bit hesitant to leave my rabbit in the care of someone I didn't
know. After meeting with Alexis, I felt confident that Laika would be in good hands. Alexis even did a
great job in coping with an unforeseen problem with my apartment's heat by taking extra steps to make
sure my rabbit was safe and comfortable and by giving me regular updates, which helped to allay any
fears I had. I would not hesitate to leave Laika in such capable hands in the future."
--Steph, Jamaica Plain resident
CARE
Fins, Fur, Feathers, & Scales
Starting at $15/Day
Rates for birds, small mammals, fish and reptiles vary, but include feeding, fresh water, fresh
newspaper if applicable, other basic care functions such as turning on music or removing eggs for birds.
Mail and newspaper collection, and turning the lights on or off are included.
Flower Power
Starting at $10/day or negotiable as an add-on to pet services.
Tomatoes that need watering in the middle of the summer or house plants that need a watchful
(but not overly watchful) eye are in good hands with the Emerald Neckleash. In addition to being a
devoted weekend warrior at the Roslindale Community Garden, after graduating from Rittner's School of
Floral Design three years ago, Alexis was a designer at Kabloom and worked in the nursery at Winston
Flowers & Garden.
EXTENDED OR OVERNIGHT CARE
Boarding
The Emerald Neckleash is unable to offer small animal boarding; however, we can offer visits to
your home as described above.
NECESSARY ACCESSORIES
Non-plastic Biodegradable Bags for Small Animals Cleanup
$7/box or three boxes for $20
The bags we use normally retail for $20 for two boxes, but we offer them to our clients for $7/box or three boxes
for $20. After rather extensive product testing, these are hands down the best for the environment and easiest
to use. For more information about these bags, click
here.
Please ask about our elephant care. Rate is calculated on a per pound basis. Sugar cane
and bananas are extra.
After more than three decades administering medications, nurturing dogs through physical rehab,
and patiently enforcing quiet times following major surgeries, the Emerald Neckleash provides
the expert attention and personalized care that aging and sick animals need to live happy and
healthy lives. Alexis Hill became well-versed in caring for geriatric animals as her yellow Lab, Nanji,
lived to the ripe old age of 14. Alexis is currently the proud human of a former Caribbean stray
named Bequia (named after the Caribbean island from which she was rescued) who she successfully treated
for both heartworm & ehrlichia. Bequia, as an Emerald Neckleash 'employee', now plays an important
role in helping to socialize puppies and adult dogs. All Emerald Neckleash services are tailored to
the special needs of the animals in your life. To design a care program, email
petcare@emeraldneckleash.com
or call 617-894-3028.
--Coco, 11-year old Doberman-Ridgeback Mix
Did you know that it is estimated that dog owners do not collect over 4 million tons of dog
waste annually and that 20-30% of all pollutants in waterways are attributed to dog waste?