our team
Meet a few of our team members!
All Time for a Walk employees take great pride in providing our clients' pets with first class care. Listed below is information about just a few of the dedicated professional dog walkers and pet sitters at your service.
Christina Keough, Owner
Christina is one of the DC area's few true natives, having been born and raised in Alexandria, Virginia. A veteran sales and marketing professional with a passion for animals of all kinds, Christina and her husband, Jonathan, founded Time for a Walk in early 2007 after repeated frustration with the absence of quality, affordable pet care in Arlington, Virginia. Christina’s passion for animals is equally matched by her determination to provide pet owners in Arlington and select areas of Alexandria and McLean with excellent services at affordable prices.
Over the course of their respective childhoods, Christina and Jonathan have had the pleasure of welcoming a variety of pets into their homes including: dogs, cats, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, mice, hedgehogs, fish, rabbits, frogs, salamanders, turtles, snakes, parakeets, and even a duck and a monkey!
Christina currently resides in Arlington with her husband, two daughters, two dogs, and three cats.
Kelly S., Office Manager
Having always been an animal lover, I went to school for Animal Science at Virginia Tech, where I adopted my dog Lexie and spent my free time volunteering at the VA/MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine walking dogs housed on campus. After college, Lexie and I spent a summer working on a horse farm before returning to Arlington. During internships with the Farm Animal Welfare Dept for the Humane Scoiety of the US and Membership/Marketing for the Jane Goodall Institute, I became a mid-day walker for Time for a Walk and learned the ins-and-outs of pet-sitting. Lexie and I are now in the Time for a Walk office full-time, scheduling and managing care for your pets!
Bethany M., On-call Office Manager
Growing up, I was known throughout the neighborhood for bringing home strays and rescuing animals – many of whom eventually became beloved members of our family. My passion for pets was not something that I had contemplated as a career option until I stumbled upon an available opportunity with Time for a Walk. I moved to Northern Virginia in July of 2007 upon completion of my undergraduate degree in order to pursue my Masters in Public Policy at George Mason University. While searching for something that would allow me to spend time with my yellow lab, Jack, during the day while taking night classes, I came across a Time for a Walk employment ad and knew that I had discovered a perfect opportunity! Jack and I have worked in the Time for a Walk office ever since, watching the company grow before our eyes and making many new friends along the way. Getting to know all of our clients and their pets has been an incredibly rewarding experience and I hope to continue building relationships as a Time for a Walk team member well into the future!
Tara W., Administrative Assistant
I grew up in southern Indiana on acres of land where our dogs roamed the woods during the day and slept inside with us at night. One of the fondest memories of my childhood was rollerblading on the country roads near our house with my German Shepherd, Charlie, helping to pull me. Since then, I've earned a BFA and an MFA in creative writing, taught English in South Africa and George Mason University, and become an owner of an orange tabby cat named Hansel. I enjoy splitting my time between writing, tutoring, working for Time for a Walk, and admiring Hansel.
Ellen W., Midday Dogwalker
When I got married and moved to Arlington, over 20 years ago, my husband and I bought a unit in a no-pet building. I missed not being around animals, but I also knew with our work schedules it wouldn't be fair to us or a pet. I had to stop working in 2003 due to stress and unknown medical issues. In 2006 I was diagnosed with MS. My biggest problem with MS is fatigue. One of the best things for MS fatigue is regular cardio at a relaxed to moderate pace. I figure we can both help each other, as well as your dogs. Your needs are met with a reliable walker. I can increase my strength and stamina, and through that my health. and, finally, your dogs are walked and played with and given attention and love during those times you can't be with them. Win-Win-Win!
Will P., Pet Sitter
When I was a kid my family had a Portuguese Water Dog and since then we’ve been discussing getting another dog. I’ve recently returned to Northern Virginia after living in Japan for a year and a half and am now hoping to finally add another dog to the family roster! I love hanging out with dogs of all different breeds and sizes, and it’s been a lot of fun getting to know the personalities of many of our clients’ dogs.
Erica P., Pet Sitter
After living in Miami for almost 2 years, I’m back in the area pursuing a Biology degree at George Mason University. While in Florida, I worked in an animal hospital for over a year and it was one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life! I realized that I definitely want to continue working in animal care for years to come. After I finish school, I really hope to travel the world and possibly join the Peace Corps!
Ashley H., Pet Sitter
My fiancé and I recently moved to the DC area to open a chocolate shop, Fleurir Chocolates. Fleurir Chocolates is located at the Ballston Farmer’s Market (Fri), Old Town Alexandria Farmer’s Market (Sat), and the West End Farmer’s Market on Sundays. To support our endeavor I needed a flexible part-time job and found just what I needed at Time for a Walk. It is the perfect opportunity for me… getting paid for being active outside and doing something that I really enjoy, while affording me the flexibility I needed to help with my chocolate business.
Amanda W., Pet Sitter
Hello! I’m Amanda and I walk several awesome dogs in Clarendon! I started this job as a way to help pay my way through graduate school. I recently started my second year at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University. I’m originally from Seattle, Washington, having made the trip here last year in my old car. When I’m not working or studying, I try to get out and explore more of the area. I really love my new life in Virginia and hope to stay here for a while after graduation!
Missy C., Midday Dog Walker & Pet Sitter
As a child, I grew up around many different kinds of animals – everything from dogs to snakes. I enjoy working for Time for a Walk every day because it’s very peaceful, relaxing, and I love being active outdoors. I am also a people person and being a dog walker gives me the opportunity to meet many new friendly faces. I have become very close to the dogs I walk on my regular route and they let me know I am doing a good job by excitedly greeting me every day!
Nancy B., Midday Dog Walker & Pet Sitter
I love animals and have always taught our children, and now grandchildren, how to care for and respect animals. We have two dogs, Barney and Duffy, and since having a heart attack in 2008 I walk them as part of my exercise routine. Being hired by Time for a Walk as a mid-day walker, was truly a win-win opportunity for me! This awesome company allows me to meet great pets and people while exercising every day. It has also encouraged me to look into formal training classes, work with local shelters and become more active in the Westie Rescue Program. With good time management I still have time to support my grandchildren's activities, train Barney & Duffy, do some scrapbooking, gardening and landscaping.
Diana R., Midday Dog Walker & Pet Sitter
As a child, I begged my parents for a dog but had to content myself with poring over dog books and going to dog shows until adulthood. The love of my life, a dachshund-beagle mix named Luke (known to his many friends as Fat Boy), passed away suddenly last November and his absence motivated me to try dog walking as a job instead of a hobby. I love taking my lab, Jake, for long hikes and find Shirlington Dog Park particularly enjoyable. I also have two cats, Milo and Catalina. A graduate of Kenyon College (where I dogwalked for several professors), I am adamant that dogs bring out the best in people with their honesty, effusiveness, and ability to be in the moment. When I am not around dogs I am an all around creative whirlwind, and have applied to art school at The Corcoran College of Art and Design.
Ana C., Midday Dog Walker
I am a teacher and a grad student currently taking time away from the classroom to teach after school classes and tutor in the afternoons and evenings. During the days I work for Time for a Walk, which I enjoy because I am able to be around dogs (which I love despite not being able to have one of my own at the moment), and spend time outside. I also find that pet care is surprisingly similar to teaching, and my experience in that field has crossed over nicely!
Maggie A., Midday Dog Walker & Pet Sitter
Hi, I'm Maggie and I moved to the DC area in late 2008. I graduated from Elon University in 2006, and set my sights on living abroad for awhile. I moved to Australia and then the Netherlands, living the sweet life of a traveler. In late 2007, my mom being a mom insisted that I should perhaps "be more focused." So I came home and fell into an awesome gig as a content manager for a teen social networking site. I get to write, work from home, and travel to Scotland a few times a year.
I started working for Time for a Walk in January of 2009, when I decided that I needed a second job to really augment my travel fund and to support my online shopping habit. Apparently tickets to South America and cute shoes don't grow on trees! Time for a Walk is a perfect fit for me as I not only get to be outside and exercise every day, but I also get my daily dose of animal cuteness. I appreciate the opportunity to take care of so many of our clients’ pets!
Ryan L., Pet Sitter
My name is Ryan and I am an accountant for a real estate company in McLean. I enjoy reading, traveling, and being outdoors. I have been working part-time for Time For A Walk for about a year now and have really enjoyed getting to know our clients' pets and spending time with them.
Marjorie O., Midday Dog Walker & Pet Sitter
A large part of my youth was spent with animals of all kinds; turtles, pigeons, a gerbil, a rabbit, a chicken, a snake, a ferret and of course the family dog. I miss having a four legged critter around and would love to adopt a dog this time, but living in a condo and working irregular hours has kept me from doing so. That's why I was thrilled to learn Time for a Walk needed more help in the winter of 2008 and started working as a sitter. It seems every week I have a new fun story about one of my furry clients and spending time with them always puts a smile on my face!
Chris, Pet Sitter
I have had dogs all my life, and am an avid animal lover. Working for TFAW is a part time gig for me, but I find it very rewarding and enjoy meeting all kinds of dogs and other animals with different personalities. My dog is three years old, and he is a rescue dog from Friends of Homeless Animals. They rescued him an hour before he was scheduled to be put down, and he brings joy to me and my family. Rest assured, my dog is very important to me, and I take care to treat everyone's pet as if they were my own.
Francesca D., Midday Dogwalker
Dotty, Socrates, and Fritz are just a few of the dogs I grew up taking care of around my neighborhood. By the time I was ten years old I watched many of my neighbors’ pets – taking their dogs for walks after school, or pet-sitting their dogs, cats and birds when they went away on vacation. I grew close to the dogs in my care, many of whom I walked almost every day for several years. I’ve also worked at a kennel and veterinary hospital in my home state of Delaware, though more recently worked at an environmental nonprofit in DC. I’m currently a graduate student in Creative Writing at George Mason University. And I’m very excited to have the opportunity to work with animals again.
Natalie P., Midday Dog Walker & Pet Sitter
I have had pets my entire life and cannot imagine going even one day without my furry family members. I love getting to know so many wonderful pets and learning all their personality quirks! When I am not walking dogs, I'm working toward my Master's of Science at GMU. I hope to one day work for the National Park Service!
Sergio C., MIdday Dog Walker & Pet Sitter
Hi, I’m Sergio and I have always had pets my entire life. I currently have 2 dogs both rescued by me while I was overseas - Yoshi and Chica. Chica was abandoned by her previous owners at the veterinarian’s office; she was offered to me free if I would complete her treatment. Yoshi was a stray puppy off the street, one look at her big soft eyes was all it took for me! I brought them both back to the US with me, where I am currently working towards becoming a paramedic. I love my job and taking care of animals, every day I am greeted by wagging tails from happy dogs or a purring cat eager to see me.
Paige D., Midday Dogwalker & Pet Sitter
Hi, I’m Paige and I moved to the DC area in 2007 to attend pre-medical classes at Georgetown. I graduated from Texas A&M and worked for a year as an archaeologist. I love archaeology, but soon decided that I didn’t want it as a career so I decided to apply to medical school. First I needed more science credits so for the past two years I have been taking those classes at Georgetown. I finished in August and started looking for a stress-free, fun job for the next year while I apply to medical school.
Time For a Walk is exactly what I was looking for: something flexible, fun and outdoors. I grew up in Texas in the country and we always had lots of animals around the house. At the moment I have a yellow lab named Holly who lives in Texas with my parents since she’s too big for my tiny city apartment. Recently I decided to expand my canine family and adopted an extremely cute rescue puppy named Sammie (seen in the picture). I love all animals, especially dogs, and am extremely excited that I get to play and walk with them every day now!
Kyle F., Midday Dogwalker
I was born in Fairfax, Virginia and have been in the DC area for pretty much my entire life. After graduating from Robinson High School I attended East Carolina University where I studied business marketing. After college I worked for a marketing firm in Alexandria for about a year. I then started working farmers markets and still do on the weekends. During my free time I enjoy to play the guitar, hit the gym and most importantly hang out with my dog Una. I have been around dogs almost my entire life- from my grandpas lab, to my parents/my chocolate lab, to my current beagle mix, Una.
Lauren H., Pet Sitter
I grew up on a horse farm in New Jersey, always surrounded by horses, dogs & cats. Mainly rehabbing & retraining off the track Thoroughbreds.
I’m from a family of dog lovers, together we have Rottweiler’s, Akita’s, Golden Doodle’s, Maltese’s & an Irish Terrier mix.
I went to George Mason, then worked at The Home Ranch in Clark, Colorado the summer after graduating from college, then for a sports marketing company called Octagon, I traveled all over the county for a year on the NASCAR tour (for work!) Now I am an adoptions counselor at the Animal Welfare League of Arlington as well as working part time for Time For a Walk.
Michael M., Pet Sitter
I have been an animal lover since day one. I grew up with dogs, cat, fish, lizards, hamsters, and came to love each and everyone of my pets. Within the last few years, I returned to George Mason University to complete my degree. Before this I spent over seven years working in the field of veterinary medicine. I spent the majority of this time as a veterinary technician assisting veterinarians by performing exams, treating patients, administering medications, and assisting with surgical procedures. While school is my primary focus at the moment, I enjoy the opportunity to continue caring for pets through my work at Time for a Walk.
Mike S., Midday Dogwalker & Pet Sitter
I am an Arlington native having recently returned to the area to practice real estate sales. Growing up my family had several amazing cats and one fantastic dog. Not long ago we lost Captain Roger Sprocket (cat) and I've been filling this void with all of our clients' wonderful pets!
John C., Midday Dogwalker
In addition to working for a nonprofit which serves teens in crisis, I am also happy to be walking dogs for the busy professionals of Arlington! Having grown up with dogs all my life, I can definitely say that being around pets improves your well-being. Getting to know our clients' pets has been a treat and I enjoy forming a bond with each of their unique personalities! Besides working in the counseling field and being a huge animal lover, I am also a musician that occasionally performs locally in the area.
Sarah R., Midday Dogwalker
My name is Sarah I am from the Northern Virginia area and moved back here after graduating from East Carolina University in 2007. I have a degree in Recreation and Tourism and I am currently working toward a career in fitness. I'm a high-spirited, caring, and committed lifelong animal lover. My current living situation doesn't allow pets of any kind, so I take great joy in spending time and caring for animals each time an opportunity arises. I am especially fond of dogs, as well as the outdoors, so needless to say...being outside in the fresh air with such wonderful animals really brightens my day!
Lisa P., Midday Dogwalker
I love travel, animals, volunteering, photography, painting, running, spending time with friends; the list is extensive. The great thing about being a fill-in at Time for a Walk is that I can spend time with doggies and keep my life-style balanced. As a vegetarian, I am a strong believer in animal rights and feel like I can help improve a pet’s quality of life with midday walks and a little TLC. Also, like many, I live in an apartment complex that does not allow pets, and I travel so frequently that my schedule does not make canine companionship possible. Besides, I enjoy the walks and fresh air at least as much as the dogs!!
Lea D., Pet Sitter
Hi! I recently started grad school at GW University and I am working towards my teaching certification in Secondary Education. While I am going back to school I needed a job with a flexible schedule and walking dogs seemed perfect for me. I have always loved animals although sadly my living situation is keeping me from having one of my own right now. I started walking dogs early in 2010 and I so far I love it! I have enjoyed getting to know all the pets that I take care of and getting outdoors with them for some exercise is definitely an added bonus.
