Meet The Barksley Pack
Abby, Owner
Abby founded Barksley in January 2017 after years of dreaming and planning to build a business centered around exceptional pet care. Her mother, a veterinarian with over 40 years of experience, played a meaningful role in shaping her understanding of what it takes to run a successful, service-focused company. Abby graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in Business Management.
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Before launching Barksley, Abby transitioned from working at a law firm to a hands-on role at her mother’s veterinary hospital, where she gained valuable experience in animal health and care. During that time, she developed a strong understanding of common medical conditions, medications, preventative care, and overall pet wellness.
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Today, Abby leads Barksley with a focus on providing reliable, personalized, and compassionate care. She is deeply committed to her clients and their pets, building lasting relationships and creating a sense of trust and consistency. Abby has a natural ability to connect with animals, including those who may be shy or fearful, and takes pride in helping them feel safe and comfortable.
Victoria, Operations Manager
Victoria joined the Barksley Pack in November 2023 and brings over a decade of experience in the pet care industry. She has supervised playgroups in dog daycare settings and managed boarding facilities before transitioning to in-home pet care. Prior to joining Barksley, Victoria worked independently as a dog walker and pet sitter, where she built strong relationships with both pets and their families.
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Victoria has a deep understanding of dog and cat body language and is highly attuned to each pet’s individual needs. She finds it especially rewarding to work with reactive or fearful pets, taking the time to build trust through patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement techniques.
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Caring for animals has always been a passion for Victoria. She understands how important pets are to their families and strives to provide the same level of care and attention she gives to her own dogs, Hildy and Lucy. Victoria adopted her girls when their previous owners could no longer care for them, and they now enjoy car rides, hikes, and relaxing together at the end of the day.
Lindsey, Operations Manager
Lindsey joined the Barksley Pack in May 2018 bringing years of experience in the pet care industry. She began her career working in a dog daycare and boarding facility, where she gained hands-on experience in pet nutrition, the importance of structured play and routine, and caring for pets with a variety of health and behavioral needs. Lindsey was drawn to in-home pet care because she enjoys seeing each pet’s unique personality and quirks in the comfort of their own home.
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A Richmond native, Lindsey developed a deep love for animals at an early age and believes that all creatures deserve compassion and respect. She has carried this mindset throughout her life and made it a guiding principle in her work with animals.
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Lindsey is also a strong advocate for adoption and has a wonderful family of rescue pets. Her crew includes Waylon, a cuddly hound mix, and Cooper, a clever herding dog who is always finding ways to outsmart his mom.
Blaise, Dog Walker and Pet Sitter
Blaise joined the Barksley Pack in April 2019 and has been working professionally with pets since 2011. He truly enjoys spending time with each pet in his care and takes the time to understand their individual personality and needs. Blaise has a naturally calm presence, which helps shy or timid pets feel comfortable and build trust quickly. Whether it’s an energetic walk with a high-energy dog or quiet time with a more laid-back cat, he is always happy to provide attentive, personalized care.
Blaise grew up surrounded by a wide variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and reptiles. His mother, a professional dog trainer, encouraged a hands-on approach from an early age, giving him a strong foundation in understanding animal behavior and communication. He developed a deep understanding of body language and uses positive reinforcement techniques to create a safe and positive experience for every pet.​
At home, Blaise has a cat named Mr. Kitty, who found his way into Blaise’s life. He looks forward to becoming your pet’s new best friend.
Jessica, Dog Walker and Pet Sitter
Jessica joined the Barksley Pack in April 2022, bringing more than four years of experience in dog walking and pet sitting. She provides each pet in her care with genuine compassion and attention, and is comfortable working with dogs of all sizes, cats of all temperaments, as well as small pets and reptiles.
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Jessica grew up surrounded by animals, which helped shape her lifelong passion for pet care. She currently has a full house of rescue animals, including three Staffordshire Bull Terriers and a variety of snakes and reptiles.
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One of Jessica’s favorite parts of her work is building trust with nervous or shy pets and watching them grow more comfortable over time. She focuses on providing consistent, attentive care that helps each pet feel safe, secure, and well cared for. She looks forward to meeting your pets.
Ciara, Dog Walker and Pet Sitter
Ciara joined the Barksley Pack in July 2022 and has been providing pet sitting services since 2015 for family, friends, and coworkers. She quickly discovered a love for working with a wide variety of dogs and cats and enjoys getting to know each pet’s unique personality, especially in multi-pet households where every pet is a little different.
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Ciara takes a thoughtful, patient approach when meeting new pets, always allowing them the space and time to feel comfortable at their own pace. Creating a calm and safe environment is her top priority, helping pets build trust and feel secure in their own home.
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Growing up in a family that loved animals, Ciara learned early on the importance of respecting a pet’s boundaries and understanding their individual needs. That mindset carries through in her work every day. She is experienced with both dogs and cats of all sizes and personalities and is dedicated to providing compassionate, attentive care to every pet she meets.
Alex, Dog Walker and Pet Sitter
Alex joined the Barksley Pack in July 2024. His early experience with pet care began by caring for pets belonging to family and friends, as well as interacting with animals regularly while working as a delivery driver. Through these experiences, he developed an understanding of the importance of moving at a pet’s pace and reading body language to ensure a safe and positive interaction for everyone involved.
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Recognizing his passion for working with animals, Alex made the transition into professional pet care and quickly found it to be a rewarding fit. He takes pride in providing attentive, high-quality care and enjoys getting to know each pet’s unique personality and preferences. Building strong bonds with the pets he visits is one of his favorite parts of the job, and he looks forward to seeing them each day.
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In his free time, Alex enjoys playing and watching soccer, spending time with family and friends, and exploring all that Richmond has to offer.
Emma, Dog Walker and Pet Sitter
Emma joined the Barksley Pack in September 2024. Her passion for animals began at a young age while pet sitting for family friends and continued to grow through her volunteer work with the SPCA. She later gained hands-on experience working at a dog boarding facility, where she developed strong skills in dog handling, reading body language, and basic training.
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Emma enjoys spending time with both dogs and cats and loves getting to know each pet’s unique personality. She is attentive, patient, and focused on providing a safe and positive experience for every pet in her care.
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At home, Emma has a sweet orange cat named Clementine, who loves to follow her around and keep her company. She looks forward to meeting your pet.
Tori, Dog Walker and Pet Sitter
Tori joined the Barksley Pack in October 2024. She began dog walking and pet sitting at a young age, caring for pets belonging to family and friends throughout her childhood and high school years. During that time, she gained experience working with dogs of all sizes and temperaments and developed a strong understanding of both dog and cat body language. She has cared for many fearful and reactive dogs, which taught her the importance of patience, consistency, and building trust over time.
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Tori’s rescue dog, Angel, came to her with reactivity and fear-based aggression. Through patience, consistency, and an empathetic approach, Tori was able to help Angel build confidence and live a more comfortable, happy life. This experience deepened her understanding that every dog has unique needs, and she is committed to providing compassionate, individualized care to each pet she works with.
Kaleigh, Dog Walker and Pet Sitter
Kaleigh joined the Barksley Pack in August 2025 and brings years of hands-on experience and genuine compassion to every visit. With five years of professional dog walking and pet sitting experience, she is confident caring for pets of all personalities and needs. Her calm, attentive approach helps dogs feel comfortable and secure, whether they’re heading out for a walk or relaxing at home.
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Kaleigh truly loves caring for both dogs and cats and enjoys getting to know each pet’s unique personality. She takes the time to build trust and create a positive, comfortable experience, and is always happy to provide plenty of affection and cuddles along the way.
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Kaleigh grew up with a Labrador and currently has a six-year-old black Lab of her own, giving her a strong understanding of the importance of reliable, loving care. She treats every pet as if they were her own, providing patience, attention, and thoughtful care to ensure they feel safe and well cared for.
Bridget, Dog Walker and Pet Sitter
Bridget first joined the Barksley Pack in August 2020 and was a valued member for three years before moving to Texas. She returned to Richmond and rejoined Barksley in October 2025. ​
Bridget brings a high level of care, experience, and attention to detail to every visit. She is comfortable working with pets of all temperaments, from shy and nervous to outgoing and affectionate, and has experience caring for a wide variety of dogs and cats. Her calm and thoughtful approach helps pets feel safe, comfortable, and well cared for.
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Bridget is a proud pet parent to two rescue dogs and two rescue cats. Outside of work, Bridget enjoys taking long walks with her dogs, relaxing at home with her cats, going for a run, and getting lost in a good book.
Kate, Dog Walker and Pet Sitter
Kate joined the Barksley Pack in November 2025 after spending several years working in the pet care industry. She has a deep love for animals and is passionate about creating fun, safe, and comfortable environments for pets when their families aren’t home. Kate takes pride in forming meaningful connections with each pet by learning their unique needs and providing thoughtful, individualized care.
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Her experience includes working at a local dog park bar, where she closely monitored group play and ensured dogs interacted safely and appropriately. This hands-on role strengthened her understanding of canine body language, social dynamics, and positive play.
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At home, Kate has two dogs and two cats of her own, giving her a strong appreciation for the trust involved in pet care. She brings patience, attentiveness, and genuine compassion to every visit, helping pets feel safe, comfortable, and well cared for.
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Sam, Dog Walker and Pet Sitter
Samantha (Sam) joined the Barksley Pack in December 2025 and brings a strong background in canine training. During college, her primary focus was canine training, where she gained hands-on experience working with a wide variety of breeds, temperaments, and personalities. Her education and experience have given her a deep understanding of dog behavior, communication, and positive reinforcement techniques.
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Sam has trained a dog to become a certified therapy dog and has worked with many others to build strong foundations through basic obedience training. Her calm, knowledgeable approach allows her to work confidently with dogs of all personalities while helping them feel comfortable, safe, and understood.
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While Sam does not currently have a pet of her own, she truly enjoys spending time with the pets in her care. She loves getting to know each pet’s personality and is always happy to provide plenty of affection and attention during her visits.
Olivia, Dog Walker and Pet Sitter
Olivia joined the Barksley Pack in December 2025 and brings valuable hands-on experience from working in a dog daycare and boarding facility for two years. During that time, she quickly became a trusted team member known for her reliability and strong sense of responsibility. She regularly managed large groups of dogs, ensuring they played safely while maintaining a calm and structured environment.
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Olivia has a natural ability to connect with animals and is highly attuned to their behavior and needs. She is passionate about creating safe, positive experiences for pets, especially when their families are away. She takes pride in getting to know each pet’s unique personality and building meaningful, trusting relationships over time.
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Working with animals is something Olivia truly values, and she finds great fulfillment in forming those unspoken connections that come from consistent, thoughtful care. She is dedicated to providing a fun, comfortable, and secure experience for every pet she visits.
Savannah, Dog Walker and Pet Sitter
Savannah joined the Barksley Pack in January 2026 and brings over three years of hands-on experience working in dog daycare and kennel environments. She developed strong skills in safe handling, group supervision, feeding, enrichment, and maintaining a calm, structured environment for dogs of all sizes and temperaments. She is attentive, reliable, and focused on ensuring every pet in her care feels safe and well cared for.
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In addition to her professional experience, Savannah volunteers with the Richmond SPCA, where she assists with dog walking, enrichment, and daily care. This work has strengthened her understanding of animal behavior, stress signals, and the importance of patience and consistency.
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Savannah has a genuine love for animals and takes pride in providing thoughtful, individualized care. She enjoys building trust with the dogs she cares for and creating a positive experience while their families are away. At home, she has an American Coonhound who keeps her active and fuels her passion for working with dogs.
Allison, Dog Walker and Pet Sitter
Allison joined the Barksley Pack in February 2026 and brings over five years of professional experience working with dogs in daycare and boarding environments. In addition, she has more than ten years of experience providing dog and cat pet sitting on her own. Her background has given her strong skills in handling, routine care, and ensuring pets feel safe, comfortable, and well cared for in a variety of settings.
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Allison is deeply passionate about working with animals and takes pride in going above and beyond for every pet in her care. She values building strong bonds with both pets and their owners and is committed to creating a safe, positive, and dependable experience. Her calm, attentive approach helps pets feel secure while giving clients confidence that their pets are in good hands.
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At home, Allison has a cat and a puppy of her own, which further strengthens her understanding of the care, attention, and love pets need each day.
Khloe, Dog Walker and Pet Sitter
Khloe joined the Barksley Pack in February 2026 and brings over 10 years of experience in the pet care industry. Her background includes working as a veterinary assistant, as well as providing dog walking, pet sitting, and dog training services. This well-rounded experience has given her a strong understanding of both pet health and behavior.
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Khloe has extensive experience in dog training, with a focus on behavior modification, basic obedience, and off-leash work. She is highly knowledgeable in reading canine body language and uses positive, structured techniques to help dogs feel confident, balanced, and well-behaved.
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At home, Khloe has a German Shepherd–Malinois mix, with whom she regularly works on off-leash skills and advanced obedience training, as well as three reptiles. Her hands-on experience and dedication to ongoing training allow her to provide thoughtful, attentive care tailored to each pet’s individual needs.
Janet, Dog Walker and Pet Sitter
Janet joined the Barksley Pack in February 2026 and brings over 10 years of hands-on experience caring for both dogs and cats. She began pet sitting for family and friends and naturally became the trusted pet sitter for coworkers and clients in her community. Over time, she built a reputation for being dependable, attentive, and genuinely caring.
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Janet is comfortable working with pets of all ages, temperaments, and medical needs. She approaches every visit with patience and kindness, always taking the time to ensure each pet feels safe, comfortable, and well cared for. She treats every pet as if they were her own and takes pride in providing thoughtful, consistent care.
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Her gentle and compassionate nature allows her to quickly build trust with the pets she cares for, creating a calm and positive experience while their families are away.
Aurora, Dog Walker and Pet Sitter
Aurora joined the Barksley Pack in March 2026 and brings over three years of professional experience working with animals. They have worked as a kennel technician and yard attendant, as well as providing dog walking and pet sitting services, developing strong skills in animal handling and maintaining a safe, structured environment for pets.
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Aurora has a lifelong passion for animals and experience caring for a wide variety of species, including dogs, cats, rabbits, and reptiles. They are comfortable working with pets of all personalities and are currently continuing their education in dog training to further expand their knowledge of behavior and communication.
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At home, Aurora cares for three dogs, four cats, and two rabbits. Their hands-on experience, strong work ethic, and genuine passion for animal care allow them to provide attentive, thoughtful service while going above and beyond for the pets and families they support.