Elana Sabolch
Pronouns: She/They
My Neighborhood Team: South East Portland
About Me: I have had a deep love and respect for animals for as long as I can remember. I grew up on the East Coast with dogs, cats, and sometimes farm animals, and would spend hours outside searching for salamanders and catching fireflies.
Some of my earliest hands-on pet care came from helping my aunt, a basset hound breeder, to raise, train, and show her dogs. After college on the West Coast, I joined the Peace Corps in the Dominican Republic. While my main focus there was community health and education, I also worked with local community members to provide care for street dogs. Throughout the years thereafter, I cared for the pets of friends and family, until in 2019, I rescued my own dog. We shared five wonderful years together, until she passed away recently.
These experiences have taught me patience, attentiveness, and the joy of understanding an animal’s unique personality. They have also deepened my belief that caring for animals and caring for people go hand in hand. Pets are not just our companions, but our family members, and I’d love to help your family thrive! I love getting to know new clients, learning about their pets’ quirks and needs, and being part of the community that supports them. My goal is to make every pet feel safe, happy, and understood—and to give their owners peace of mind knowing their loved ones are in good hands.
What services do you offer?: All! Pet sitting, dog walking, boarding care, overnight care, pet taxi services, enclosed animal care, adventure services, medication administration, etc.
Background Pet Care Experience: Dogs, cats, small mammals, birds, reptiles, etc.
General Availability: Full-time (overnight/boarding)
Pet Care Experience:
I feel comfortable handling pets of different sizes and temperaments.
I have experience administering medications to pets (e.g., oral meds, topical treatments, and administering SubQ fluids
I always prioritize creating a calm and safe environment for pets in my care.
I can follow specific instructions from pet owners regarding routines, dietary restrictions, and care preferences.
I feel confident in my ability to assess a pet's behavior and adjust my approach accordingly.
I am confident in my ability to care for pets with various needs (feeding, walking, socializing, etc.).
I have experience with managing pet behaviors (e.g., reinforcing commands, managing issues like separation anxiety or aggression).
What music are you listening to right now? : All kinds of things - Whatever my friends share with me. Anything that makes me want to move my body or engage in creativity. Sounds that help me regulate the nervous system or feel into whatever feelings I'm experiencing at the time.
What's your favorite weather to walk in? : Cool air and dappled sunlight through trees. Finding the perfect crunchy leaf in the Fall! Breezy, wet, warm beach romps.
