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Wags West: Dog Walking And Pet Sitting Locally-based and family-owned, we're long-time pet owners inspired by our sincere love of dogs and cats. Since 2006, we've been committed to providing safe, reliable and expert pet care to our local communities of the Upper West Side, Morningside Heights and South Harlem. Wags West clients know that they can expect only the most loving and personal attention for their pets from our team of experienced, well-trained pet care professionals.

Leaving kitty is always hard, but our 30-minute visits will take care of all their needs puting your mind at ease.
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When Marixa and Michael opened Wags West back in 2010, it was all because of Boudreaux. Lifelong animal lovers, we were inspired to open Wags West after adopting our boy Boudreaux, (aka Boo) a spirited, very smart and lovably high-maintenance Australian Cattle Dog mix. Since Boo did not arrive with his own owners' manual, it was up to us to discover--through long walks and positive training techniques (courtesy of great local trainers that soon became resources and friends) --that Boo could learn anything.
From a ramble through our upper west side neighborhood or a happy hike through Central Park or Riverside Park, we guarantee your pup fresh air, exercise and a fun time! Our service includes: after-walk pup reports, Charlie Bear treats, fresh water and any other special requests you might have. Your dog will always be in great hands with an experienced uws dog walker and happy pals that are compatible in temperament and energy. Our group dog walks always have a limit of three furry friends.
Congratulations on your new puppy! One of the most exciting times as a dog owner will be guiding your new dog through puppyhood. While all of your puppy's firsts will fill you with a unique kind of joy, puppyhood also offers a sometimes challenging learning curve for all involved. That's why we're here to help.
All visits include: after visit emails, GPS tracking by our office, fresh water, food, litter maintenance and playtime. Our cat sits aren't just about fresh food, water and clean litter (but of course our visits include all of that). They're also about quality time with your kitty, whether they're outgoing and playful, or shy and just need some gentle encouragement. And of course a daily email to let you know how they are doing.
Reviews (34)
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Sarah Daya
May 29, 2022
The staff at Wags West is amazing. Marixa was always timely with her responses and was able to work with me when I needed last minute changes. I love the daily emails from the walkers I get about my pup. Would definitely recommend!
Margaret Welling
May 19, 2022
The very best! Highly recommend. All dog walkers are amazing & helped settle my very energetic squirrel loving puppy! My dog gets so excited when he sees one of them. Also scheduling & communication is always great.
Tara Pena
Apr 25, 2022
Wagswest provides highest quality care for your pet! They are responsive to our needs and they provide such great care to our dog. We love the service and we love Carly and Marixa. If you live in UWS NYC and in need of a dog walker, they get our recommendation.
Richard Glenn
Apr 22, 2022
Marixa and the team at Wags West have been great with my dog. Very reliable but most importantly the show care. And their policy of not waking more than 3 dogs at a time is important to me. Highly recommend.
Saara Mahjouri
Apr 21, 2022
I have been so happy with my experiences with Wags West. Michael and Marixa took the time to know all the nuances of my dog, and have been so kind to him and made sure every walker he has had has been great with them. They are incredibly communicative and reliable, I always feel good knowing that my dog is in their care. I cannot recommend them highly enough.
Maria Quincy
Mar 22, 2022
Michael, Marixa and their staff have provided excellent care of our two dogs. They're extremely responsible and flexible, adapting to all of our scheduling needs.
Kathryn Blackmer
Mar 12, 2022
This is a great company! They walked our adult vizsla for well over a year and every walker was well trained and extremely patient with our dog, who isn't always the best at letting people in the apartment. Through their patience our dog became extremely welcoming and was even excited to see her walkers! If you're looking for a reliable and trustworthy dog walker on the upper west side I cannot recommend Wags Wear enough.

They were also extremely convenient and flexible when it came to pay and communicating when you needed to cancel a walk, which took away any added stress. I would definitely recommend them!
Timothy Kruger
Feb 25, 2022
Wags West has been great for our dog, Nellie. Nellie loves her walker and gets so excited when she sees her - it's the highlight of her day! The main office is always accommodating for our changes in schedule and replies to us via email quickly. I would definitely recommend if you're on the UWS.
Elizabeth Muller
Oct 31, 2021
These guys are amazing. Very attentive to pets needs and great with dogs AND cats. So lucky to have them in our neighborhood!
Christine Harris
Sep 20, 2021
I cant say enough positive things about Wags West and Michael + Marixa. Upon getting my first dog, I did a LOT of research/interviews for walkers in the UWS and hands down- Wags West is the greatest. From puppy playtime to small group walks, they have cared for Ruby for the last almost 5 years- they're only walker she's known. All of the walkers are so kind, thoughtful and Ruby LOVED her walks (Special shout out to Tiffany, Matt, Maria). Michael + Marixa are equally amazing and scheduling, last min changes, etc were a breeze. Very sad to leave Wags West, if you ever expand to New Jersey let me know!
R. Michele R.
Sep 15, 2021
In response to Marixa G's response: What would I gain by lying? I feel bad for the person who's keys I have. I'm just putting this out there for your own protection. I am responsible for the missing keys so I had to fill out paper work from my building and get new locks put in.
Leslie Sherr
Jun 30, 2021
They care for our dog as if he belonged to them. I trust them completely. Reasonable, reliable and responsible.
Haley K.
Feb 27, 2021
My dog Nickel and I love Wags West! They are so kind and caring and trustworthy. Jimmy is an excellent walker and has been so good with my dog and his needs. They are very responsive to any requests or changes I may have and work with you to make sure your dog is well taken care of. I highly recommend Wags West! Marixa and team are great.
Mary Katherine Woodall
Dec 27, 2020
We love Wags West! They have been walking our dog Walter consistently for 2 years now. They are extremely reliable and always get back to us quickly with any requests or questions we have. I would recommend Wags West to anyone looking for a thoughtful and trustworthy dog walker!
Peter Golden
Dec 19, 2020
Wags West was great. We contacted them on short notice to sit for our cat for five days. Wags took great care of our pet for a reasonable price. We were very pleased and highly recommend them.
John H.
Nov 09, 2020
Don't have a lot to add to our earlier review, except to say that we continue to rely on the excellent care Marixa, Micheal and their crew provide for our two beasts. We recommend them strongly.
David Johnston
Nov 08, 2020
Before the pandemic, Wags West cared for our senior dog Frank for a few months. Their service was excellent! We are always nervous leaving him with someone as he is frail and has some mobility issues. They were reliable, honest and always took great care of our old guy. Highly recommended.
Stacey B.
Oct 21, 2020
I first met Michael about 10 years ago when we were both walking along Columbus Avenue. I noticed him because he was walking a dog and stopped to play with it, bending down, petting the dog, and laughing. I am a huge animal lover, and so was so happy to see someone loving their pet. I walked across the street to thank him for bringing joy that day, saying how much he must love his dog.

He replied, "Oh, this isn't mine; I'm his walker." I was amazed. I then asked him if his company took care of cats. He said, "yes" and handed me his card. I have two brothers (Asian shorthairs) who Michael and the lovely, gracious Marixa have taken care of for the last ten years. I cannot tell you the peace of mind and security they provide when they sit for my cats.

With each visit, they clean the litterbox and feed the guys, play with them, and then provide a detailed email report of how the visit went. Their service is not expensive, but at the same time, priceless.
Michelle G.
Oct 19, 2020
It's been some time, so I wanted to update our review -- we have entrusted the care of our furry family members to Wags West for nearly a decade. Michael, Marixa, and all of the staff have always gone the extra mile to make sure our pets are safe, happy, and well cared for.
Andrea Ratner
Sep 27, 2020
I have nothing but good things to say about Michael and Marixa and the care they take with my current dog, and have taken with my first dog. Everyone they hire has been thoroughly vetted, and they get the nicest, most responsible people as walkers. After each walk I get an email letting me know if she did her business & how the walk went. I have been using them since 2008 & I highly recommend their dog walking service. When my current dog was a puppy & I was unable to walk her, Michael did "puppy care" with her- took her out more frequently, fed her, and played with her. Was invaluable!
Emer Smyth
Aug 25, 2020
Wags West are terrific. We were so happy to have them back when the lockdown lifted and have nothing but good to say - great service and communication. Clear and comprehensive safety protocols. Highly recommend!
Bianca G.
Mar 21, 2020
We have been walking with Wags West team for a little over six months now. They are such an understanding and flexible team, will always accommodate my needs and frequent schedule change. I cannot thank them enough for walking my 3 year old shiba-Ramen! Ramen is so excited whenever his walker comes. After walks, they clean his paws carefully and dry him up if it's raining. The best dog walking service I've had so far! Will 100% recommend.
Jennifer R.
Sep 08, 2018
Marixa and Michael are absolutely wonderful and we are so thrilled that they have been walking our lab mix, Penny, for the last 6+ months. They have helped us troubleshoot when she's been hesitant to leave the house (likely because of our new baby), and have even taken the time to email us about a small scratch on her ear. Their care and concern for our pup rivals our own, which is exactly what we love so much about using Wags West as our dog walkers. They employ wonderful, thoughtful people and we're so thankful to know that Penny gets such great care.
Serena T.
Aug 01, 2018
Wags West has been providing walks for our sweet poodle mix, Toby, for just over a year now, and they are the best! Before setting Toby up with a walker, the owner Michael met us in our home with Toby to get to know him and determine who would be the best walker. Toby is a bit shy and fearful, and the walker that we were matched with (Maria) is perfect for him and so patient.

When Maria can't make it, Michael or his wife Marixa subs in, thus maintaining continuity. Additionally, Toby is usually either walked alone or with maximum 2 other dogs - so no huge herds of dogs here. Finally, we get an email report after every walk so we know if Toby did #1 and/or #2, what time he went out (you choose a 2 hour window), and any concerns. I cannot recommend Wags West strongly enough!
Greg B.
Feb 19, 2018
Michael and Marixa are the best! They have been very understanding and accommodating with scheduling changes for both dogs we have had, and they truly bring a personal connection, having gotten to know our dogs (and us) personally as well. Their walkers are always timely and equally beloved by our canines! We're thrilled to have found Wags West and would recommend them to anybody.
Hilary R.
Jan 04, 2018
Michael, Marixa and the whole team are terrific - it's really nice, family owned and well run (organized!) company. Louie, my 3 year-old lab, has had mixed experience with walkers but was always in good hands with Wags West! They are very responsive to requests and questions; when the regular walker wasn't able to make it, Michael was always there to stand in (and I didn't need to manage it!). Now that we've left NYC, Louie really misses the team and all the doggie friends he made on his walks.
Rebecca C.
Nov 26, 2017
I always have good experiences with Michael, Marixa, and all the other cat sitters. It feels great to know my cat is in good hands when I go away. My Scooby likes lots of attention and I know he'll get lots of love even when I can't be there. I definitely recommend their services.
David B.
Mar 19, 2017
We moved to the Upper West Side five months ago, and found this service online. They have been wonderful. Reasonably priced, totally reliable, with nice walkers whom our dog, a ten-year-old Havanese, really likes. To set up the service, Michael came over to our apartment so we could meet him and he could meet the dog and see our set-up. Since then, they check in weekly about our schedule, and are always amenable to changes when necessary.

The walker emails us with a quick report after each walk. Billing is uncomplicated. They almost always send the same walker, and let us know if there's a change. They have a useful website on which everything can be managed and tracked. All in all, we have been perfectly satisfied. Great service!
Michelle L.
Aug 04, 2016
Michael and Marixa are the best. Their service is professional, yet warm and friendly.and they are so understanding with last minute changes, always trying to make things work with schedules. I've been home before when our walker, Eloy, has come by, and my dog is always so excited when he comes so I know Wags West has some trustworthy folks who truly care about the furry friends they care for/walk.which I'm grateful for after hearing some horror stories from friends who have had bad experiences with other companies!
R. M.
Jul 24, 2016
My husband and I have been extremely pleased with the service provided by Wags West. We have an eight year old French Bulldog with a few minor health issues, and both the owners and her walker Eloy have paid extremely close attention to her needs and making sure that she is safe, happy and healthy. Their walks are 45 minutes which is enough time for a leisurely stroll in Central Park, and Eloy is very careful to keep her in the shade in the hot weather. We receive a thorough email after every walk, which is greatly appreciated. Very good value, excellent service. Highly recommended!
Emma K.
May 06, 2016
Michael and Marixa at Wags West are truly a joy to work with. We've been using them for a year now, since our mini dachshund, Maisy, was just a puppy. They were so patient with her while she was still housetraining, and now that she is house trained she gets walked with one other dog in our building, which is great socialization for her! They always send me prompt email summaries of their walks right after they leave, which is great because it lets me know (a) what time I need to be home by and (b) what business my dog did! They are so flexible and have even helped us out with a 2nd walk last minute a few times when both my husband and I were stuck late at work. We highly recommend using them!
Jon S.
Jan 11, 2015
We found Michael and Marixa last summer when we were looking for someone in the Upper West Side to walk our German Shepherd puppy, and feel like we won the lottery with them! Michael walked Grete himself due to her young age, and quickly became one of Grete's favorite people on earth. They are always reliable, very responsive and helpful with schedule changes or requests, and consistently friendly and professional. We could not have asked for a better experience with a walker for our dog. Thanks!
Nick C.
Mar 16, 2014
Wags West is a top notch dog walking service. Michael really took the time to become familiar with my dog and always makes sure she is comfortable with her walker. Michael and Marixa are always very accommodating and responsive to any changes in my schedule. All billing and scheduling are handled online. This streamlined process is efficient and easy to use. I highly recommend Wags West!
K. M.
Nov 27, 2013
Wags West is a full five star service. Michael & Marixa have created a business that really caters to both pet and owner. They are so professional and well organized - from the online pet profiles to a systemized automatic billing process - just makes everything run so smoothly, without worry that the walker might not show or having to rush out for cash last minute, etc.

The online profile also lets you give information on certain commands you use or training approach so that the walker can mimic that during their time too. Cinta normally walks my dog and if I happen to be home at walk time, it's great to see how happy and excited he gets when she comes in. I've also seen them out walking once or twice and she's so careful and kind with him. I just couldn't be happier and highly recommend. Though don't take our appointment time!