About the Owner

JILL MERJESKI

Founder and CEO

Jill Merjeski launched Jill’s Next Door Dog Walking & Pet Services, LLC in 2017 after moving from Philadelphia to South Florida. After a long career in college advising, she decided to follow her passion and work with animals. She continues to grow her successful pet care company and community outreach efforts, while partnering with local and national businesses and animal rescues. Jill leads with heart and dedication, striving to bring her company to the next level. Jill has pursued many degrees, certifications, specializations, and trainings to create a foundation of pet care knowledge and expertise. She is heavily involved in the community, associations, and the animal rescue sector, contributing to many local and nationwide causes.
 

Education

Saint Joseph’s University | Bachelor of Science, Psychology
 

West Chester University | Master of Educational Psychology 

dog*biz Dog Walking Academy, Colorado | Pet Sitter Certification

PetTech and Red Cross | Pet First Aid and CPR 2018, 2019, 2023

K9 Lifeline’s 3D Workshop, Utah | Aggressive Dog Handling | Dealing with Difficult Dogs

National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) | NAPPS University | Canine Body Language | Canine Behavior | NAPPS Webinar Series Read More

Pet Sitters International | Certified Pet Professional Status® (CPPS) | Dog Care Specialist | Cat Care Specialist | Rabbit and Pocket Pet Care and First Aid | Bird Care and First Aid | Disaster Preparedness | Fear Free Certified | PETSIT PRO Webinar Series | CEU Webinar Series | FOCUS Summit | Conferences Read more

FetchFind | Dog Breeds 101 | Bite Prevention | Safe Handling | Fire Safety Basics | First Aid Basics

International Boarding and Pet Service Association | Diversifying Your Business 1 & 2 | Pet Hydration | Signs of Heat Stroke | Dog Flu | Pet Obesity | Pet Care Services Management Standards

Duke University | Dog Emotion and Cognition 

Nicole Agius, Pet Nutritionist, Author | Pet Nutrition Diploma

ASPCA Pro Training | How to Interact with Dogs to Minimize Stress | How to Communicate Shelter Animal Behavior Clearly | How to Encourage Good Behavior in Shelter Dogs

International Association of Professions Career College (IAPCC) | Dog Daycare Owner Certification

Animal Rescue Professionals Association | Trap, Neuter, Release Certification | Animal Foster Home Certification

Kristin Morrison, Pet Care Business Coach | Six-Figure Pet Sitting Academy

Colleen Sedgwick, Pet Nanny Business Coach | Launch and Grow Program | Multiply Mastermind Program | Scholars Program for Pet Business Owners

Associations

National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) | Pet Sitters International (PSI) | International Boarding and Pet Services Association (IBPSA) | Boca Raton Chamber | Delray Chamber | Delray Beach Executives (DBE) | National Leadership Institute | Focus On Women Committee | Leadership Delray Program | LEADS The Delray Business Partners  Read more

Community

Boys & Girls Club | PSI’S Hungry Bowl® | Arts Garage | Pets Broward | Wayside House | Tri-County Animal Rescue | CROS Ministries | Hurricane Ian Relief | Achievement Centers for Families and Children | The International Coastal Cleanup | Cason United Methodist Church | Eat Better, Live Better | Focus On Women | Milagro Center | Jewish Community Center | Family Promise | Dezzy’s Second Chance Animal Rescue |  EJS Project | Leukemia & Lymphoma Society |  HERD Foundation | Trashy Mermaids, Beach Cleanup | Heroes in Recovery | Feed the Hungry | Emerging Minds Academy | Truly All Cats | All About the Cats | Countless other Rescues | Girl Scouts of SE Florida | Boca Regional Hospital | Coral Sunset Elementary School | Orchard View Elementary School | Read More

Pet Advocacy

Jill founded Jill’s Next Door Feline Alliance Program, an organization partnered with local animal rescues to fundraise, sponsor events, foster kitties, and more. Through this Alliance, Jill created a Volunteer Program for Students to provide opportunities for community service while fulfilling their required school community service hours. Students are taught the importance of animal rescue, while socializing a group of kittens preparing them for adoption. They also make pet toys in bulk, hold a pet food drive, and raise butterflies in a growth kit to learn about nurturing and caring for another.

Jill raised funds, designed and built a cat sanctuary to house unsocialized and senior kitties with a team of volunteers. Jill also works with Florida’s Forgotten Felines by creating and designing their website, organizing their business model, and implementing a hiring system for cat feeders.

Jill has partnered with Candles for a Cause, Scentsy, Saint Rocco’s Treats, AdoptAgust, and Ropes for Rescues by creating a shop for customers to by items that support national animal rescues.

Jill has helped thousands of pets in need. Jill hosted NAPPS’ Presents 4 Pets Program and PSI’S Hungry Bowl Pet Food Drive® benefitting Tri-County Animal Rescue.

Jill also implemented PSI’S Early Education Program® to 111 students of Emerging Minds Academy and the Girl Scouts of SE Florida’s Entrepreneurship Program to discuss Pet Rescue, Safety, and Pet Care as a Career.

She also held a fundraiser for Truly All Cats Rescue and Trapping through Take Your Pet to Work Week® and has launch many fundraisers over the years for animal rescue. Jill also has fostered, reunited, and placed over 300 felines since 2018. Read more

news & Press

Boca Raton Tribune | Newswire | Sun Sentinel | News Break | The Palm Beach Post | Boca Raton Guide | Pet Sitter’s World Magazine | Pet Care Pro Quarterly | Patch | iHeart Radio | Podcast Addict | Apple Podcasts | Pet Sitters Confessional | Delray Morning Live | Gateway Gazette | Coastal Star | Pets+ Magazine Read more 

Awards

Jill is the proud recipient of 15 awards, 3 internationally and 12 locally, for pet care excellence and animal rescue service. Read More

My Promise

“My promise to our loyal clients, community and animal population is to uphold service excellence and represent the pet care industry through quality business practices, codes of conduct, and professional ethics.” Read More

WINNER, 2024

Palm Beach Post

BEST PET SITTERS, 2024

Florida Guide

TOP TEN, 2024

Alignable

PETATARIAN OF THE YEAR

IBPSA

FINALIST, 2021, 2022, 2023

@bestofpalmbeach

NEIGHBORHOOD FAVORITE

Nextdoor

PET ADOPTION ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR

Pet Sitters International

WINNER 2019

@bestofpalmbeach

WINNER, 2022

FINALIST, 2023

Palm Beach Post

WINNER, 2022

Boca Raton Awards

WINNER, 2020

@bestofpalmbeach

PET CARE PROVIDER OF THE YEAR

IBPSA

“I can't say enough good things about Jill. She genuinely enjoys hanging out with the dogs. She's very conscientious and thoughtful. She took great care of the dogs and my house while l was away. I think the hardest part about looking after my dogs is their somewhat neurotic owner (me). :-) Jill handled it all wonderfully. I will hire Jill again the next time I go away.”

Jay G. , via Rover.com

“Jill is AMAZING! I booked her to walk my dog while I was on vacation. She went far above and beyond what I had asked or paid for. She took the time to make sure he was comfortable, and even stayed with him while he got used to her. When I came home you could tell he was a little disappointed that it WASNT Jill. :) I highly recommend her for your dog sitting/walking needs!  ”

Katelynd N. , via Rover.com

“Jill is great! She responds quickly, is flexible when needed and best of all my dog LOVES her!”

Amber O. , via Rover.com

“Jill had been the best pet sitter and companion for my dog. She always showed up and treated my dog exactly as I woukd. Jill is extremely flexible with her schedule and has bailed me out of several last minute emergencies. I consider myself very lucky to have found Jill. Look no further for all your pet sitting needs.”

Scott D. , via Rover.com

“Highly recommend! Jill took the time to come over prior to starting that week to get to know myself and Rey. She asked a bunch of great questions to really get to know Rey's behaviors etc. Rey took to her immediately and loved her so much! Jill would always send us the cutest pictures and videos of Rey when she would be over which made me feel at ease as a new dog mom. Will be rebooking again! Highly recommend Jill...Rey LOVES her so much it's ridiculous. Jill goes above and beyond sending pictures, text updates, even will tidy Rey's toys after a play session. My puppy has a lot of excess energy to burn while we are at work and Jill always knows how to tire her out and give her the exercise she needs. I've never felt so comfortable with someone taking care of my pup and hope Jill never ever moves!”

Stephanie M. , via Rover.com

“Jill did a great job keeping an active dog just as active and taking care of the house. I will definitely use her again in the future and highly recommend her.”

Jesse S. , via Rover.com

“Jill did such an amazing job watching our fur babies while we were out of town for two nights! We were sent adorable pictures, as well as, text updates on how they were doing. From the moment we met her, we knew she was a perfect match for our dogs. She is warm, welcoming, and a total dog person. I highly recommend booking her for any of your doggy needs! We will definitely be using her again in the near future.”

Minda C. , via Rover.com

“Jill is absolutely the best and most caring my babies have ever had! they love her and so do we!!!”

Diana K. , via Rover.com

“Jill was great and left me feeling like our puppies were in good hands. She came over and met us all before leaving town and asked a lot of great questions to really get to know our dogs. My little one gets stressed out and does not like other people, but she let him have his space and made him feel much more comfortable with each time she came over. Jill also sent us some really great pictures throughout her visits. We were happy to have Jill watch our dogs while away and would definitely use her again!”

Christina B. , via Rover.com

“Jill was great! As others that find the perfect fit have said..... I hate to say how good she was, for fear that she will be unavailable the next time we need a sitter. P and L really seemed to like Jill and seemed perfectly happy upon our return. Jill was punctual, professional and accommodating to my anxieties of leaving my "kids" while we were out of town. Thank you, Jill for taking great care of us!”

Jules G. , via Rover.com

““Jill Merjeski is a reliable, honest and kind pet care provider and business owner. She is committed to bringing the highest level of professionalism and love to the animals in her care. I was her business coach and I witnessed her commitment to providing impeccable service to her clients as well as her integrity and devotion to her business and to the animals.””

Kristin M.

“Jill has been caring for my 16yr old mini dachshund for the last 9 months. She's wonderful! Very caring and completely trustworthy. I'm so glad I found Jill's Next Door.”

Annie K. , Boca Raton

“Jill was great. Bear took to her immediately and Jill was warm and receptive with him. She played with him, fed him, and loved him just as we would have. I will definitely use her services again.”

Amanda C. , via Rover.com

“Jill was an amazing dog-sitter! We loved using her and will happily do so again!!! From our initial meeting through our return home, Jill provided flawless communication and exceptional service. She was the kind of houseguest that anyone would hope to have, was wonderful with our dog, and was eager to adjust her schedule to meet our dog's needs. She truly went above and beyond! I know that there are a lot of choices when it comes to pet sitting, but I count myself as truly fortunate to have found Jill's wonderful service. I will certainly be a repeat customer!”

Rebecca O. , via Rover.com

“I couldn't believe it--Jill regularly watches my tortoise Nicko and knows that he needs outdoor and sunshine when he's not in his cage. I told her about the empty garden plot in my backyard, and she turned it into a beautiful terrarium oasis for him! She is gifted, creative and so thoughtful!”

Mandy P. , via Facebook.com

“Jill is AMAZING! Jill cares for my best buddy, Lloyd- a Great Dane. She truly loves him like he is her best buddy, too... and sends me regular updates on how he is doing and what the two of them are up to! I really can't express the peace of mind that comes along with knowing Jill is looking after Lloyd when I am away. I fully trust, respect and APPRECIATE all Jill does to help Lloyd and I with her petsitting & PET LOVING service!! Thank you Jill!!”

Lauren G. , via Facebook.com

“My dog, Olive, is what some may call 'anxious' or maybe 'neurotic,' and she is sure skiddish. However, within the first two minutes of meeting her pet-sitter, Jill, Olive was sold. In my years of having various dog-sitters, there has not been one who has more love and dedication for animals than Jill. Every time she pet-sits for Olive, she goes above and beyond the normal pet-sitting duties. When I come back home, Olive is worn out, and I know that means Jill gave her undivided attention. I HIGHLY recommend Jill!”

Kathryn I. , via Facebook.com

“Very good job! Took care of all her needs while I was gone! Was very professional and understanding throughout!”

Dovi T. , via Rover.com

“Jill sent picture updates and made sure my pup had fresh water and food. Thanks for taking great care of Sampson!”

Laura B. , via Rover.com