About Us

Creekside Critter Care was established in 2004 as a family-owned business. Our company is dedicated to caring for animals in the Maple Valley- Black Diamond, WA areas. Our premium pet care services include Dog Boarding, Dog Walking, and Pet Sitting.

What Sets Us Apart

We strive to build relationships with our customers and of course their pets. Everyday our company is driven by our love of animals. So we are not your typical pet sitter, dog walker, or boarding service. Creekside Critter Care offers a kennel-free, loving environment for your pet, as well as service that is truly unique to each animal and client.

We guarantee that you will always know who is caring for your pet, offering a truly personal option for pet care. Experience what our customers have grown to love for over 20 years. We look forward to meeting you and your pets!

in-home dog sitting services


Reliable, Dependable & Familiar

Some pet care companies use contractors or have a revolving door of employees. It is tough to know who will be caring for your pet or who to expect. Creekside Critter Care’s team is small so you will always know who your pet caregiver is. If your caregiver ever changes we will make sure you are aware before.

Truly Personalized Care

We strive to offer a personalized level of care for both you and your pet. Your pet will have a dedicated pet caregiver who knows their needs, including special needs, health issues, and more. This leads to exceptional, personalized pet care that you will not see at other providers.

Your Pet is in Good Hands

Never worry about who you are leaving your pet with. The Creekside Critter Care team has extensive knowledge and formal training as well as 30 years of “on-the-job” pet care experience. And most importantly, we love animals, and it shows. Find out why our customers feel good about leaving their pets in our hands!

Our Team

Maryellen Elcock, MPH, PhD, Co-Owner

Maryellen was a Public Health Epidemiologist in 2004 when Vic the Vizsla entered her life. Vic was a hunting “failure” and ended up in rescue. His extreme behavioral issues made constant supervision a necessity after he was re-homed.

At that time, local dog daycare was more difficult to find. So, Maryellen and her Sister started one to meet Vic’s needs!

As it turned out, lots of dogs in the Kent, Renton, Maple Valley WA area were happy to join in on the daycare fun and that is how Creekside Critter Care was born.

Currently, Maryellen offers overnight care to well socialized dogs in the comfort of her home in Black Diamond, WA near Flaming Geyser State Park and the Ten Trails Community.

As a certified Pet First Aid Instructor, Maryellen has trained local pet care professionals and pet care providers in responding to medical emergencies including pet CPR.

Maryellen also trained at the University of Vermont to obtain certification as professional End of Life Doula for Companion Animals. In this capacity Maryellen assists people with their deep journey in to end of life care for pets and companion animals.

In her free time you may see Maryellen and her dogs walking on the Lake Sawyer trails and possibly at the Renton Parkrun!

Maryellen Elcock


Anne Ota – Skidmore College, BA psychology, Co-Owner

Anne has been a professional Petsitter for over 20 years. She is now caring for some families’ second generation of pets.

She provides daily dog walks and petsitting care for dogs, cats, birds, and small house pets in their homes. Anne can be seen walking on the Cedar River Trail or Soos Creek trail or in neighborhoods in Maple Valley, Covington and the Fairwood area of Renton.

Anne is insured and bonded with Petsitters LLC and trained in pet first aid and CPR.

Let Anne know if your dog likes the water, she lives across from a lake and is always happy to have company on the paddle board or swimming.

Ann Ota - Owner, Dog Walking, Pet Sitting, Farm Care, House Sitting, Training, Dog Transport Services


Joe Elcock – Dog Walking, Pet Sitting, Animal Care

Joe was an original staffer of Creekside Critter Care back in 2004, providing dog walking, in-home cat care, farm animal care, and pet sitting services. 

Joe’s coonhound, Bubba served as an honorary consultant, having attended doggie day care as a puppy. 

Joe and Bubba headed off to hike along the Appalachian Trail.  Joe is now back with the Creekside Critter Care pack.  He hikes the trails in Maple Valley, Black Diamond area and in the Cascades.  He provides in-home cat care to his two cats.

Joe and Bubba the Coonhound


Kathleen Hansen – Pet Care & Dog Walking

HI, I am Kathleen! My fun and compassionate personality will ensure your pets and I
will be best buds. Animals tend to like me regardless of their personalities. I am as
happy on a leisurely walk for a mellow dog who wants to sniff and explore as I am to
tire out a dog with boundless energy to feeding our small furry creatures healthy
snacks!

I have expansive knowledge working with many animals Including owning & riding
horses and poles, Instructing equine riders, working at a doggie daycare & boarding
facility with dogs from all ages and walks of life. I belleve In safety first, so I’m practiced
with canine first aid and CPR, well-versed in walking guidelines and equine vital signs.

I grew up raising horses, dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and rodents. Sometimes all at
the same time! I have a black Labrador named Luci at home that provides me with lots of hiking, cuddling, licks and laughs! She is “Pawfect”! My Bachelors degree in Business and working in the corporate world most of my career has given me the opportunity to perfect my customer service skills and make it my number one priority!
We make a great team at Creekside Critter Care! Thank you for letting us care for your furry family members!



How to Get Started

For our sitting and walking services, we will set up a meeting before service is required and go over care instructions and record important information about you and your pet(s). If you are interested in our dog boarding or dog daycare services, we will set up a time for you and your dog to have a meet and greet at our facility to be sure it is a good fit for all. There is no fee for initial consultations.

Contact Us

The first step is to contact us and set up an initial consultation. For most direct service call or text the appropriate number for the service you want. We have two locations.

For pet sitting & dog walking call or text 206-972-2779
For dog boarding & daycare call or text 206-249-1697

Free Consultation

A free consultation helps you and us make sure our services are right for all. During the initial meeting we will get all the necessary information and answer all your questions. If you would like to move forward we can get you set-up.

For pet sitting & dog walking call or text 206-972-2779
For dog boarding & daycare call or text 206-249-1697

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