PETOPIA
Dog Walking & Pet Sitting
Hell's Kitchen, New York City
David Marsh
Your Hell's Kitchen, NYC Walker
Hi! My name is David and I started Petopia in Atlanta, GA in 2013. I began walking dogs and pet sitting to bring in extra money while working part-time at an ad-tech start-up based in NYC. I love spending time with and taking care of animals and it must show because within a couple of years, Petopia became a full-time job. At Petopia, I aim to provide a loving environment for all of the pets I care for by giving them the most comfortable experience possible while their parents are away.
A little about me… I grew up in a tiny town in rural Indiana with my parents, one sister, one brother, and a protective Collie-mix named Sammy, who, according to my mom, would not leave my side when I was a baby. After Sammy passed away, we took in a grouchy black cat aptly named Oscar who had been abandoned as a kitten and was not satisfied until he peed on everything in the house. Truth be told, I was the only person Oscar liked; everyone else was just a human scratching post in his eyes.
After college, opportunities took me to a number of different cities, including Indianapolis, Chicago, and Atlanta, where Petopia was born. I now live in NYC with my husband, Jason, our Great Dane, Max, and our cat, Jos. Pet care has become my life and I could not be happier. I aim to forge a bond with the animals I care for as well as their humans so that a trusting long-term relationship can form between all parties. I look forward to meeting you and your fur babies!
Testimonials
"I have known David for over two years. He is a kind, gentle man that is crazy for animals - especially true since he is a vegetarian, and has two cats of his own. He is extremely conscientious when caring for my cats, and makes sure there is always clean water, fresh food, and a clean litter box. My cats stay indoors, so when he comes to my house, he stays awhile to pet them and play with them so they have some physical and mental stimulation while I’m gone. I can’t speak highly enough about David - as a trustworthy person, pet-sitter and friend. I am renting a condo near Midtown, but am currently working with a realtor to buy a house. I told the realtor that we need to stay around the Midtown area because I can’t lose David as my cat sitter."
-Kathy S.
"When I first met David I could tell from the first handshake that he is a kind and warm person. When Mason (my beagle) first met David, I could tell that it was love at first sight! Mason just loves to spend time with David and I am so thankful that he is part of our lives. He is professional, kind, courteous, and takes care of Mason like he is a member of the family. Thank you David!"
-Nicholas F.
“I was so nervous to leave my sweet kitten for the first time and am so glad she is in the best care!!!"
-Jillian M.
"I have two cats. I met David through Care.com and I thought he was a good match for us. I also wanted someone who lives close by so that scheduling wouldn't be an issue. He just took care of my cats this past weekend and it went really well. What I liked about him was that he is currently a cat owner (he has two). He was very accommodating with their food schedule. He sent me pictures and texts to let me know that things were going ok. I had him come to my condo before so he could meet the cats and they liked him immediately. I have one skittish cat and when David came in the first time he didn't hide away which is always a good sign. He asked smart questions about their habits and vet information. It was very obvious to me that this was not his first time and that he knew how to be a responsible caregiver. He was gentle with the cats and was very responsible. I will definitely have him take care of my cats for all my future travels."
-Cristina B.
"David is fantastic. We were in a bind when I took a job that required extensive travel. Fortunately, we found Dave and he has made our lives so much easier. He is very responsible, very responsive and very flexible. He is always on time when walking our dog and has even taken care of her when we have gone on vacation. He is also very trustworthy; he has access to a key for our place and comes in the middle of the day to walk her. I couldn't recommend him more. I feel completely at ease knowing he is taking care of our little furry one."
-Saul I.
"From the moment Abby (14 year old Springer Spaniel) and David met, they have been best friends. Abby is partially blind and deaf, so David takes extra care to make sure she is safe on her walks. When needed, David also makes sure Abby gets her medication. I wouldn't trust Abby with anyone else!"
-Jason C.