5.0 from 130 verified families
Littleton · Denver metro

A zoologist's expertise.
Personalized care at home.

Elevate Animal Care is a luxury, in-home pet care service in the Denver metro. Founded and personally operated by Lexie Whitten, a zoologist with eleven years of hands-on experience, dog training, and first-aid & CPR certification. Bookings are limited by design.

Lexie Whitten, founder of Elevate Animal Care, holding a small dog — in-home pet sitting in Denver
About Lexie

Meet Lexie.

Lexie Whitten is a zoologist who's spent the last eleven years caring for animals from fur to scales — dogs and cats, of course, but also horses, reptiles, birds, fish, amphibians, and more. She studied Zoology at Colorado State University, and her background includes formal dog training and an internship at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo. She has also volunteered at multiple animal shelters, including the Reptile & Amphibian Center of the Rockies and the Nebraska Humane Society.

She's certified in pet first aid & CPR, carries pet first aid supplies for emergencies, and administers medication across five routes. Senior animals and special-needs cases — diabetics, blind and deaf pets, anxiety, reactivity, mobility issues — are everyday work. Elevate Animal Care is the full expression of that practice: a higher tier of care than a typical sitter can offer.

Education Zoology · Colorado State University
Internship Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo · Reptiles
Shelter volunteering Reptile & Amphibian Center of the Rockies · Nebraska Humane Society
Experience 11 years
Specialty Dog training
Certifications Certified in Pet First Aid & CPR
Medication 5 routes
Special-needs experience including Diabetic, blind, deaf, anxious, reactive, mobility, amputees
Based in Littleton, CO
American Red Cross Cat & Dog First Aid & CPR Renewed & valid through June 2028 · ID 02BLNUU
A life with animals
Lexie with a Dalmatian outside a Denver home — dog sitting for large breeds
Big & strong breedsConfident, steady handling
Lexie with two small dogs on a chair — in-home small dog sitting in Denver
Little companionsGentle, patient attention
Lexie walking a Dalmatian on leash — dog training and walking in Denver
Trained handlingLeash work & structure
Lexie with two sulcata tortoises — exotic animal care and zoology background
Exotic speciesA zoologist's expertise
Why Elevate

A higher standard of pet care.

Not a rotating roster of sitters or a kennel full of crates. One trusted caretaker, in your home, with the training to handle whatever your animal needs.

I.

Certified
& insured.

Pet First Aid & CPR certified through the American Red Cross, and fully insured — so your home and your animals are covered.

II.

Medical &
senior care.

Medication by mouth, drops, or injection, kept on schedule. Comfortable with senior pets, anxiety, and complex routines other sitters decline.

III.

A real
emergency plan.

A zoologist notices trouble early. If something's wrong, Lexie contacts you and — with your authorization — transports your pet to your vet or a 24-hour clinic.

Services

Care that elevates.

Personally operated overnight stays in your home, plus thoughtful add-ons for households with multiple pets, complex routines, or extended travel. Custom arrangements available on request.

Included

Every first booking includes a complimentary meet & greet — about 30 minutes in your home to meet your pets and walk through routines before Lexie's first stay.

In-home dog sitting in Denver — Lexie with a white doodle
II.

Additional pets

Bringing more than one pet? Each additional animal is welcomed at the same standard of care. Pricing is shared when you inquire.

Exotic and reptile pet care in Denver — Lexie holding a tortoise
III.

Extended & custom

Longer trips, complex medical schedules, exotic species, or specific household requirements. Priced by consultation.

Specialty care

Pets other sitters can't take.

Lexie's training accommodates a wider range of medical and behavioral needs than the average pet sitter. If your animal needs more than a feeding and a walk, this is who you call.

Beyond cats & dogs

Exotics welcome.

As a zoologist, Lexie is at home with the animals most sitters turn away — reptiles, amphibians, birds, fish, arachnids, small mammals, and large animals like horses. From feeding schedules and habitat checks to handling and enrichment, your animal is in genuinely expert hands.

Lexie with two sulcata tortoises — exotic and reptile pet care in Denver Lexie holding a tortoise, zoology background — exotic pet sitting near Denver
A portfolio across species

Experience with every kind of animal.

From an internship at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo to clients' living rooms across the Denver metro. A working knowledge of dogs, cats, horses, reptiles, tortoises, birds, fish, amphibians, arachnids, and the occasional iguana on her shoulder.

Lexie Whitten with a white doodle — in-home dog sitting in Denver
Lexie walking a Dalmatian on leash — dog walking in Denver
Lexie with two small dogs during an in-home pet sitting visit in Denver
Lexie holding a French bulldog — in-home pet care in Denver
Lexie with two sulcata tortoises — exotic pet care in Denver
Lexie with a Dalmatian outside a Denver home — dog sitting Denver
Lexie kneeling with a Dalmatian — dog sitting Littleton and Denver
Lexie holding a tortoise — reptile and exotic pet care near Denver
Lexie Whitten, founder of Elevate Animal Care, holding a small dog in Denver
Lexie with a standard poodle and English bulldog at the holidays — in-home dog sitting in Denver
Lexie with a black cat at home — in-home cat sitting in Denver
Lexie interning at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo holding a monitor lizard — zoology and exotic animal experience
Lexie holding a Siamese cat in a Colorado home — luxury cat sitting Denver
Lexie with a long-haired tabby cat — in-home cat sitting near Denver
Lexie with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel — small dog sitting in Denver
Lexie with an iguana on her shoulder — exotic reptile pet care in Denver
Lexie hiking with a large shepherd-mix dog in the Colorado mountains — dog sitting Denver
Lexie with a gray pit bull at home — dog sitting for all breeds in Denver
Where we work

The Denver metro & surrounding areas.

Elevate Animal Care is based in Littleton and serves Denver and the surrounding suburbs. Don't see your area? We travel for the right client — just ask.

  • Littleton Home base
  • Denver
  • Highlands Ranch
  • Centennial
  • Englewood
  • Greenwood Village
  • Lakewood
  • Cherry Creek
  • Lone Tree
  • Ken Caryl
Aerial view of the Denver skyline with the Rocky Mountains in the distance
In Lexie's own words

Straight from the source.

The same statements Lexie shares with her clients: about her experience, her standards, and what she'll need from you to take the best possible care of your pet.

Pet care experience

I am a zoologist who loves all animals from fur to scales! Your pets are my passion. With 11 years of experience, I've cared for a diverse range of animals including dogs, cats, horses, reptiles, fish, amphibians, arachnids, birds, crabs, and rodents. My background includes dog training, and I adore working with dogs of all breeds. I'm certified in first aid and CPR for dogs and cats, and my experience extends to senior animals and those with special needs.

Safety, trust & environment

I am committed to ensuring your pet is not just cared for but also happy in your absence. I'm flexible and open to accommodating any specific requirements you may have. My schedule is usually open, and I'm ready to go above and beyond to meet and exceed your expectations.

Getting to know your pet

I am eager to learn about your pet's personality, both their mental and physical requirements, as well as your specific expectations for the requested service. The more detailed information I receive about your pet, the better I can tailor my care.

A typical day

My primary goal is to ensure your pet experiences a secure and affectionate environment. I strive to establish a sense of stability by adhering to their customary routine and diligently following your provided instructions. Engaging in play, regular walks, and providing my undivided attention are essential to my commitment to your pet's overall happiness.

— Lexie Whitten
Founder · Elevate Animal Care, LLC
FAQ

The honest answers.

Practical questions from new clients, grouped by topic. If yours isn't here, ask directly — Lexie reads and replies to every inquiry.

The Elevate difference One caretaker · every stay
How is this different from Rover?+
With Rover you take whichever sitter is available. With Elevate, you always book Lexie. Same person, every stay, so your pet builds a relationship with one caretaker, and so do you.
What does an overnight stay include?+
Everything: an overnight stay in your home, all walks, feeding, medication, daily photo updates, and light home care (mail, packages, plants, trash). Additional pets are welcomed at the same standard of care, and pricing is shared when you inquire. And every first booking includes a complimentary meet & greet.
Booking & scheduling Meet & greet · timing · lead time
Is the meet & greet really free?+
Yes. Every first booking includes a complimentary meet & greet. Before your first stay, Lexie visits your home for about 30 minutes to meet your pets, walk through your routines and home, and answer your questions in person — at no charge.
How far in advance should I book?+
Two to four weeks for standard bookings. Holiday stays (Thanksgiving through New Year's) often book out 2–3 months in advance. Last-minute bookings are accepted when possible — call directly.
Your stay, included What every overnight covers
What's covered in the price?+
An overnight stay in your home, all walks, feeding, medication on schedule, daily photo updates, and light home care — mail, packages, plants, and trash. Vet contact and transport are handled if needed. Additional pets are welcomed at the same standard of care; pricing is shared when you inquire.
Do you care for the home too?+
Yes. While Lexie stays, mail and packages are collected, plants are watered, trash goes out, and lights are set on the right timers. You return to a calm pet and a tidy home.
Animals & safety Who we care for · emergencies
What animals do you care for?+
All breeds of dogs and cats, including senior pets, large or strong dogs, and pets with anxiety or medical needs. Reptiles, birds, fish, and small mammals are welcome. Exotics are accommodated on a case-by-case basis — please share details when you inquire.
What if there's an emergency?+
Lexie's zoology background means she recognizes when something isn't right. She'll contact you immediately, and with your prior authorization, transport your pet to your preferred vet or a 24-hour emergency clinic. Vet contacts are gathered at your meet & greet.

Still have a question? Lexie answers every message personally.

Ask Lexie
Inquire now

Tell us about your family.

A short note is enough to start. Lexie reads every inquiry personally and replies within one business day, usually faster. For urgent or last-minute bookings, call.

Response Within one business day
Meet & greet Complimentary · ~30 min at your home
Selected — pick a start and end date
Reply within one business day