Hi, I'm Delaney!

I live in a small home on the west side of Fairbanks with my partner and our two goofy dogs, Shadow & Courage. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, being outdoors, and crafting-- but most of all, I love anything and everything to do with animals.

When I was 10 years old, I begged my parents to let me adopt my very own dog from the animal shelter. Her name was Missy, a two year old border collie mix, and my new best friend. She was shy and sweet as pie; I connected with her the moment I saw her. With love and patience, she became the best dog I’ve ever known and taught me the responsibilities of owning a pet at a young age.

At nearly 15 years old, Missy was diagnosed with cancer and her health began to gradually decline. She was prescribed three different medications that were to be given three times a day. Her once low maintenance behavior became very high maintenance, with frequent accidents, decreased mobility, and intense confusion on some days.

During this time, I was a full-time college student and waitressing at a local restaurant to make ends meet. In-between late nights at work and long days in school, I desperately needed a little help with her care. It was then that I realized there wasn't anyone that I truly trusted to take care of her special needs.

I needed more than someone who pet sits as a side gig or a friend that will "do what they can". I needed a professional option that I could trust to meet my dogs special needs and provide the least amount of anxiety for both of us. Most importantly, I needed a dedicated individual who understands that pet care isn't always glamorous, but chooses to do it anyways because of their love and compassion towards animals. Since then, I have made it my mission to be that person for someone.

After seven years of pet sitting experience, I'm proud and excited to introduce the community of Fairbanks to Wild Iris Pet Sitting.

Thank you for reading and I hope to meet your fur kids soon!

Qualifications

2014 - Present

Pet Sitter

I began regularly pet sitting in 2014 for friends, family and coworkers. Over time, I gradually expanded my services to clients who sent me requests through referrals from their friends.

I have also regularly picked up clients through the pet sitting app, Rover, since 2017.

2014 - 2018

B.S. in Biological Sciences

I graduated in 2018 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

During my college career I completed relevant coursework in biology, animal physiology, animal science, animal behavior, mammalogy, ornithology, ichthyology, and immunology.

2014 - 2016

Veterinary Assistant

I worked for a small veterinary clinic in Oregon for about two years while I was in school. I learned so much about animal health and the warning signs to look for in a sick animal.

Some of my tasks were to take vital signs during surgery, perform lab tests, care for the inpatients, administer IV fluids, and assist the veterinarian with handling the patients.

2014

Kennel Attendent

My first real encounter with professional pet care was at a local pet boarding facility in Fairbanks. I learned a lot about pet safety and how to understand companion animal behavior and body language.

My favorite thing about working at the kennel was getting to know the personalities of hundreds of sweet fur babies!

2013 - 2020

Wildlife Biology Technician/Intern

When I was 18, I began volunteering for the National Park Service on their Small Mammal Monitoring Project in Denali National Park. I loved it so much that I returned the following summer to volunteer again. In my third year, I was given the opportunity to join the team as a Wildlife Biology Intern. I've worked for the National Park Service every year for the last seven years and continue to work with them year-round.