Almost Home is my full-time profession, and I independently care for your pets. So, you know that the person you meet and hire is the person inside your home with your beloved pets. However, in the event of any rare personal time-off needed, you can have confidence that I take my commitments to my clients seriously and have put a Back-Up Pet Sitter plan in place. 

Bob Nick is a trusted, personal friend who has filled in for me for the past 8 years. Prior to filling in for me, I will personally introduce him to your pets. Bob is a life-long dog owner. He has received "4 Paws Up" reviews from all of my clients for the extraordinary job he has done caring for their pets!

Donna with Coco and Sandie

My Professional Attributes include:


• Member of Pet Sitters International
(the oldest and most respected organization for pet sitters)

• Certified Dog Trainer / Graduate of Animal Behavior College

• Trained in American Red Cross Pet First Aid & CPR

• Member of Association of Professional Dog Trainers

• Proud Member of the Golden Retriever Club of Illinois

• Reward Based Positive Reinforcement Training

 methods only are followed

• Solid experience with different animal temperaments

and behavioral issues

About Almost Home

Meet My Back-Up Pet Sitter

(Click on the logo to connect)

Bob Nick with his Husky, Boris

Caring, trustworthy, affordable
Dog Walking & Pet Sitting!

Donna's cat, Lamb
Donna with Kellie and Rachel

When you choose Almost Home Personal Pet Care, Inc.
for your pet care needs, you have the knowledge that your home and pets
are in the care of a trusted professional!

"Hi!" . . . my name is Donna Smuskiewicz. I am the owner and operator of Almost Home Personal Pet Care, Inc., an established, professional pet care small business serving clients in the Chicago Southwest and Western Suburban areas.

After having careers in the commercial airline and corporate advertising industries, I opted to follow my true pet-loving passion and founded Almost Home Personal Pet Care, Inc. in 2001. I had always anguished over leaving my Golden Retrievers while I was away at work all day and knew that other pet parents felt the same way. My goal was to offer a professionally run, trustworthy and caring pet service, while keeping the cost affordable for my clients.

Since opening in 2001, I have happily cared for dogs of all breeds and sizes, cats, birds, monkeys, and exotic pets. This full-time business was successfully built on my reputation and referrals from trusted clients, veterinarians, and other pet care professionals. I appreciate the fact that today's pets are valued and beloved members of your family, and treat each as I would want my own beloved pet companions treated.

Pet sitting is not simply babysitting cats and dogs. I have often been the first to identify potential medical concerns, and have become a trusted adviser to pet owners. I also maintain a close network of pet care professionals that I can call on for consultation with my clients.