At Private Paws, I welcome one family’s dog at a time into my home — so your pup gets undivided love, attention, and care. No crowded kennels, no confusion, no stress.
Whether it's overnight boarding, a midday walk, or a drop-in visit, every interaction is personal, calm, and full of genuine affection.
Based in Cherry Hill, NJ, I serve families across South Jersey who want something better for their best friend.
— Karlyn, Founder & Caregiver · Private Paws
Hi, I'm Karlyn!
Welcome to Private Paws! I'm a certified pet sitter (CPS-DW) and Pet CPR certified (RECOVER Initiative), with a professional background in healthcare administration and care management for the elderly. I've spent my career looking after those who need gentle, attentive care — and I bring that same dedication to looking after your dog.
I've called the Cherry Hill area home for 18 years, and I'm a proud mom of three grown children. After years of loving my own dogs, Percy and Juno, I created Private Paws so other families could have a place where their dog is never just another booking, but the guest of honor.
Whether you're heading out on vacation, traveling for work, or simply need a trusted hand during a busy week, I'm here so you can go with complete peace of mind — knowing your dog is safe, loved, and right at home.
When you trust me with your pup, you're not getting a kennel — you're getting a devoted friend who treats your best friend like my own. One family at a time, with genuine love and undivided attention.
I can't wait to meet you and your dog!
Our Story
How Private Paws Began
Percy & Juno — the heart behind Private Paws
Private Paws was born from love — and from loss.
Anyone who has shared their life with a dog knows they aren't "just pets." They're family. They greet us at the door, curl up beside us on hard days, and love us with a loyalty the rest of the world rarely matches. Two dogs taught me that more deeply than I can put into words: Percy and Juno.
They filled our home with muddy paw prints, morning zoomies, and a kind of unconditional love that changes you. When they were gone, the quiet they left behind made one thing clear — every dog deserves to feel that same sense of home, safety, and belonging, even when their family can't be there.
So I created Private Paws: a place where your dog is never one of many in a crowded kennel, but the guest of honor. I welcome just one family’s dog at a time into my home in Cherry Hill, so every pup gets undivided attention, a familiar routine, and genuine affection — the way Percy and Juno always had.
When you trust me with your dog, you're not booking a service. You're giving your best friend a second home — and joining a little family built on the memory of two very good dogs.
With love, Karlyn Founder & Caregiver · Private Paws
Simple, Honest Pricing
Services & Rates
Every stay includes daily photo updates, a personalized report card, and the genuine one-on-one attention your dog deserves.
Additional dog (same family) · +$35/day boarding · +$10 per walk or visit Special care (medication, extra attention, senior & special-needs dogs) · +$5
Holiday & Extended-Hours Rates
Holiday rate: +50% per night on overnight stays (boarding & in-home overnight) over major holidays — Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve & Day, New Year’s Eve & Day, July 4th. Extended / late pick-up: please pick up at your drop-off time — after that it’s +$10/hour, up to 8 hours; past 8 hours a full day’s rate applies.
Every new family starts with a free meet & greet, so we can make sure it’s a great fit for your dog before any booking.
Deposit & balance
A 50% deposit reserves your dates. The remaining balance is due on pick-up day, before pick-up. You can pay by Venmo, Zelle, cash, or credit card — just let us know which you’d prefer when you book (credit card payments include a small 3% processing fee).
Cancellations
Plans change, and that’s okay! We just ask for at least 48 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule so we can plan ahead — a little extra notice is always appreciated, especially around the holidays.
Vaccinations
Dogs must be up to date on rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella. We may ask for proof before the first stay.
Health & behavior
Dogs should be in good health and comfortable around people. For everyone’s safety, we don’t care for dogs with a history of biting or aggression.
Holiday & extended-hours rates
Overnight stays over major holidays are +50% per night. Late pick-ups are $10/hour up to 8 hours, then a full day’s rate. You’ll always be told before your deposit.
One family at a time
Your dog is our only guest during their stay — real attention, focused care, and a pampered experience from start to finish.
Photos & updates
With your okay, we share sweet photos in your Pupdates, on social, and in our website gallery. Just let us know if you’d prefer we keep them private.
Ready to book?
Reach out today for a free meet & greet — let's make sure we're the perfect fit for your family.
