Waconia, MN & Surrounding Areas
Tail-Wagging Care
They Deserve
Professional dog walking and pet care in Waconia and nearby communities. Every pet is treated like family — with patience, love, and plenty of adventures.
What We Offer
Services Built Around Your Dog
Every service is personalized to your pet's unique personality, breed, and needs.
Dog Walking
Solo or small group walks tailored to your dog's energy level and needs. Regular exercise, fresh air, and socialization through beautiful neighborhoods and trails in Waconia and surrounding areas.
- 30, 45, or 60 minute walks
- Familiar neighborhood routes
- Post-walk report & photos
Drop-In Visits
Quick check-ins at your home for feeding, potty breaks, playtime, and love. Perfect for busy days or when your pup just needs a midday visit from a familiar face.
- Feeding & fresh water
- Potty break & play
- Photo update sent to you
Overnight Boarding
Your dog stays in our home and becomes part of the family. One client at a time means your pup always has Nicole's full attention.
- One client at a time
- Medication administration
- Daily photo updates
In-Home Overnight Care
We visit your home 3 times a day while you're away, keeping your pet comfortable in their own space with their normal routine intact.
- 3 visits per day
- Medication administration
- Daily photo updates
Senior Dog Care
Specialized gentle care for older dogs. With personal experience caring for dogs into their teens, Nicole understands the extra patience and attention seniors need.
- Gentle pace & handling
- Medication support
- Attentive monitoring
Not sure which service is right for your pup? Let's chat!
Get in TouchFor Busy Professionals
Your Dog Shouldn't Wait All Day
Long hours are part of your career. But your dog deserves a midday break — a real walk, with a real professional who shows up reliably, every day.
Midday Walks
A midday walk breaks your dog's long day alone — reducing anxiety, accidents, and destructive behavior. Your dog stays calm; you stay focused.
Weekly Schedules Get Priority
Regular clients lock in their preferred time slots. Consistent routines keep pets happier and healthier — and you always know your dog is covered.
You Get a Report Card
After every visit, Nicole sends a photo update so you can see your dog's happy face from wherever you are. No wondering, no worrying.
Ad-hoc visits are welcome when available, but recurring clients lock in their time slot and their pet's routine. Consistency matters — for dogs and for your peace of mind.
Services & Pricing
Transparent, Simple Pricing
No hidden fees. Every visit includes photos, love, and the peace of mind that your pet is in experienced hands.
Drop-In Visits
On-site check-ins bring care straight to your pets in the comfort of their own home. It's like a mini staycation for them.
- Feeding, water refill & medication
- Backyard potty breaks
- Playtime & mental stimulation
- Poop pickup or litter box cleaning
- Photos & videos sent to you
Dog Walking
Tailored walks that engage your pup's body and mind. On extreme weather days (above 90° or below 20°), Nicole switches to indoor playtime and mental stimulation.
- Walk paced to your dog's size & ability
- Feeding, water refill & medication
- Potty breaks & playtime
- Poop pickup
- Photos & videos sent to you
Overnight Boarding
Your dog is welcomed into Nicole's home as a beloved family member — cozy, comfortable, and never alone. Only one client accepted at a time.
- Daily walks & exercise
- Oral medication administration
- Senior & special needs experience
- Daily photos & updates
- $50 non-refundable deposit applied to final total
In-Home Overnight Care
Nothing beats sleeping in your own bed — the same is true for your dog. Nicole visits 3 times daily to keep their routine exactly as you'd want.
- Morning visit 7–9am (30 min)
- Midday walk 12:30–2pm (20 min)
- Evening visit 4–7pm (30 min)
- Feeding, water & medication
- Photos & videos sent to you
All services include a free meet-and-greet so your dog and Nicole can get acquainted first.
Meet Your Walker
Hi, I'm Nicole
Waconia is a community full of people who love their dogs — and there are plenty of kind, well-meaning people willing to walk them. What I offer is something different: a dedicated professional who treats your pet as her own, shows up every single time, and communicates with you like a trusted friend would.
I grew up on a hobby farm surrounded by animals, which gave me a deep, hands-on understanding of animal behavior, breeds, and care from an early age. That foundation shaped how I approach every single visit — with patience, curiosity, and genuine love for the animal in front of me.
I've also had the privilege of caring for my own senior dogs through their final years — one lived to 14, another nearly 17. That experience taught me that aging dogs need more than a walk. They need someone who notices the small things, adjusts their pace without being asked, and gives them the dignity they deserve.
I'm not a big company. I take on clients deliberately, so I can show up fully for every family. After every visit, you get photos and an update — because you should never have to wonder how your dog is doing.
What Pet Parents Say
Dogs Don't Lie
Real reviews from real Waconia families — and their very happy dogs.
Swipe to see more reviews
My dog had the best care while I was on vacation! Nicole and family went above and beyond to make sure my German Shorthaired Pointer/Wirehaired Pointer was happy, stimulated, and well cared for. She walked her five times a day, provided tons of playtime, enrichment, and cuddles, and treated her like family. My dog absolutely loved her time with Nicole. It gave me so much peace of mind knowing my high-energy dog was getting the attention and exercise she needs. I'm so lucky to know Nicole and share my love of animals with her. I recommended her to anyone who is cautious about leaving their dog, she is truly the best loving dog sitter.
If you ever need anyone to take care of your fur baby while you are away, you need Pura Vida Paws MN! Knowing our sweet Millie girl was getting all the love and attention while we were gone made Spring Break so much more enjoyable and relaxing! And we loved all the pictures, videos and updates!
Thank you for taking care of Gus and Ziggy. If I could give you 10 Stars I would be super happy.
Nicole watched my senior dog, Zack, and I couldn't be happier. She kept me updated on how he was doing and sent many pictures while I was gone. He has never spent much time away from me over the last 10 years and I was so happy that this worked out for both of us! I would recommend her 100% and hope to use her again in the future!
Nicole and her family were so wonderful with our Lola. She sent us photos and kept us updated on how our dog was doing. We felt reassured knowing that she was in good hands. Thank you!
Pura Vida Paws MN has been such a life saver since we got Oakley. Nicole comes over shows him some love and gives him a nice little walk to break up his day. Then we always get some amazing pictures and videos to show off his adventure of the day.
Nicole is absolutely incredible! I have a dog that can be very reactive at the door, but Nicole was not afraid and handled her like a pro! And now Piper LOVES when Nicole comes to play! Nicole had made my life so much easier and my pup so much happier!
Nicole does such an amazing job taking care of our fur baby. She's attentive and great at communication. You can tell that she loves animals and we highly recommend her!
I highly recommend using Nicole for all of your pet needs while you are away. She exceeded my expectations. Communication was top notch. Her prices are very reasonable and she is very trustworthy. I will definitely be using her again! A+!
Nicole is amazing! She helped us out on short notice with our needy, high maintenance (but adorable) crew and they loved her. I've never seen my Aussie warm up to someone as fast as he warmed up to Nicole, and we all know dogs are the best judges of character! We 100% recommend her and will use her again any time we go out of town. We received many pictures and updates from each visit, and the dogs all were happy and smiling. She's the best in Waconia for sure.
Nicole is so good with dogs! She is calm and caring which the dogs naturally follow. I trust her with Sassy anytime!
Nicole took care of our little dog for a week. She did a fantastic job. We got daily updates and photos about how Luna was adapting and what she was up to, including regular walks. She got along great with the family dog. I highly recommend Nicole!
Nicole is fantastic with animals. She truly loves them and takes great care of them. She is reliable, friendly and caring. She will ensure your pet is well taken care of while you are away!
All reviews are 100% authentic from Facebook and Rover
Word Around the Waconia Community
“I have to give a shout out to Pura Vida Paws MN. Nicole is so good with my persnickety pups. Especially Dex who likes very few people. If you need someone, I couldn't recommend anyone more highly!!”
“Nicole is the best!”
“I totally agree! Nicole is great with my 2 big dogs.”
“Agreed! Nicole is amazing!”
“Couldn't agree more, Nicole is amazing!”
“Nicole is wonderful with our animals! She always goes above and beyond when taking care of them. Definitely recommend!”
“Nicole has watched our dogs and is great with them!”
“Nicole is amazing! Highly recommend! Her love for animals is absolutely genuine!”
“Nico did a great job caring for our two dogs! She treated them with lots of love!! Highly recommend her!!”
“I have to give a shout out to Pura Vida Paws MN. Nicole is so good with my persnickety pups. Especially Dex who likes very few people. If you need someone, I couldn't recommend anyone more highly!!”
“Nicole is the best!”
“I totally agree! Nicole is great with my 2 big dogs.”
“Agreed! Nicole is amazing!”
“Couldn't agree more, Nicole is amazing!”
“Nicole is wonderful with our animals! She always goes above and beyond when taking care of them. Definitely recommend!”
“Nicole has watched our dogs and is great with them!”
“Nicole is amazing! Highly recommend! Her love for animals is absolutely genuine!”
“Nico did a great job caring for our two dogs! She treated them with lots of love!! Highly recommend her!!”
Follow Along
Life at Pura Vida Paws
Daily adventures, happy faces, and wagging tails — follow us on Instagram for your daily dose of joy.
Duke knows how to enjoy a beautiful day—soaking up the sunshine, rolling in the
Playtime and treat time with Charles and Lily!🐕🐕❤️🐾
Happy birthday, Lucy!!! 🎉🎂💖We love you!!! See you soon!
Fun, beautiful day with these sweet girls Hazel & Tennessee! Sunshine, walks, an
Happy weekend with my furry friends 🐾🐕🐈❤️☀️
Sunshine walks and playtime with Nikko and Suki ☀️🐶 Perfect day!❤️🐶🐶🐾
Let's Connect
Ready to Book?
Nicole personally handles every inquiry. Reach out the way that's easiest for you — most families hear back within a few hours.
📍Serving Waconia, MN and surrounding neighborhoods