Christmas with a bark - Justin Marr is dog-sitting for the holidays

This Christmas, Justin Marr will not be spending the holidays with family alone. The Stony Hill, St Andrew, resident will be hanging out with his furry friends as well.

As the owner and operator of the Chick Lab, a dog training and boarding business, Marr is gearing up for his busiest time of year: dog-sitting more than a dozen pets while their owners head out of town or enjoy the festive season away.

"I mainly focus on working dogs, especially those used for security purposes, but for Christmas, we're expecting a mix of pets, including local Jamaican terriers," Marr shared with a smile.

"With so many people travelling or hosting big family events, they trust me to keep their dogs safe and happy. It's a big responsibility, but I'm up for the challenge!"

Running a successful dog-sitting business wasn't always the plan for Marr, but his lifelong love for dogs made it a natural path. "I've always had a passion for working with dogs," he says. "After helping friends and family with their pets, it just grew into a full-blown business. The holidays, in particular, are a busy time for me, with people needing extra help as they travel or prepare for big gatherings."

Before leaving their pets in Marr's care, dog owners go through a meticulous vetting process. "They'll come to the property, meet me, and observe how I interact with their dogs to make sure they're comfortable," Marr explained. "Some of these owners treat their dogs like family--like children, even. They want to be certain the space is safe and that I have the knowledge to care for them properly."

Operating for the past three years, Chick Lab has rapidly grown from a dream to a bustling business. "When I started, I knew this was what I wanted to do. I learned from others who trained and boarded dogs, and I knew I could do it too," Marr said proudly. "The business has been doing really well. I have space for up to 15 animals, and the dogs must be vaccinated before I accept them."

Boarding starts at $1,800 per day.

The job of dog-sitting during Christmas is a blend of routine and flexibility.

"I try to stick to each dog's regular schedule as much as possible--feeding, walks, playtime. I keep each dog in their own designated space to give them a sense of security," Marr shared. "It's about maintaining normalcy during a time when everything else is chaos. I also recommend owners bring along their dog's favourite toys or treats--it makes a huge difference."

But with the holiday season comes its own set of challenges. Marr is quick to offer tips to keep pets safe and content during Christmas festivities.

"I always advise keeping Christmas decorations out of reach--especially those shiny ornaments that dogs just love to go at. And if you're introducing a tree, do it gradually so the dog can get used to it. Most importantly, keep the dogs active--after a good walk or some playtime, they're much less likely to get into mischief."

Marr's fondest memory of dog-sitting during Christmas comes from a particularly cheeky pup.

"One year, one of the dogs managed to break into the house and steal a jar of peanut butter. By the time we found her, she was sitting there, sharing it with the other dogs. It was too funny to be mad--she was so proud of herself!"

But it's not all fun and games--Marr takes the responsibility of dog-sitting seriously, especially during the busy holiday season. "Dogs can get stressed with all the noise and unfamiliar faces around Christmas," he explained.

"When that happens, I make sure they have a quiet, calm space to relax in the kennel. Gentle petting and reassurance help too. The goal is to keep them feeling safe and secure."

Dog-sitting requires more than just a love for animals--it takes patience, adaptability, and a deep understanding of each dog's personality.

"Some dogs are shy and need more comfort, while others are full of energy and need constant play. It's important to be reliable, especially since owners are trusting me with their pets. And I always treat each pet like they're a member of my own family."

As Marr gears up for a holiday season filled with wagging tails and barking friends, he's reminded of why he loves this work.

"There's nothing like the joy of seeing a dog settle in and feel comfortable. It's a special bond between animals and their caregivers--and one I'm lucky enough to experience every day."

So, while most of us will be celebrating Christmas with family and friends, Marr will be busy making sure every dog has a safe and fun holiday. It's not just dog-sitting--it's spreading holiday cheer, one paw at a time.