Local Dog Walking Business Takes Off in Newport

NEWPORT CITY, Vermont — Anna Sacco, a former licensed nursing assistant, has launched a dog walking business after feeling burned out from her long career in healthcare. Having worked in nursing since she was 16, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sacco sought a career change that would allow her to find joy and balance in her work life.

After her dog passed away, she decided to ask her local community for help. She posted on Facebook, offering dog walking services and received an enthusiastic response. Soon after, she expanded her offerings to include pet sitting for various animals.

Sacco’s business, Green Mountain Paws, quickly grew, particularly in Orleans and Caledonia Counties. Recognizing the demand, she hired Victoria White to assist with clients. Some dogs are walked weekly, while others are walked multiple times a week, depending on the owner’s needs. White noted that many of their clients are busy professionals or visitors to the area who need reliable pet care during the day.

According to White, they currently walk around 20 dogs a week, sometimes walking multiple dogs together based on their personalities. They also accommodate clients with a variety of pets, including chickens, goats, horses, and even exotic animals. “We love them; we’ll take on a challenging animal,” White said.

Hiring a dog sitter can help alleviate stress that some dogs experience at kennels, such as anxiety and behavioral changes. Green Mountain Paws also serves clients from outside the state, especially during the ski season at Burke Mountain Ski Area.

Sacco stated on her Facebook page, “At Green Mountain Paws, I provide personalized and professional pet care services in Orleans and Caledonia Counties. Whether it’s dog walking, overnight pet care, drop-in visits, or stall clearings, I offer a range of services to keep your pets happy and healthy.”

To learn more about their services, interested clients can visit her Facebook page or call Sacco directly at 802-777-1536.