Enumclaw’s Claire Holder saw a need, suddenly had time on her hands and launched a new business venture aimed at the area’s pet owners and their four-legged friends.

Laid off from her more-traditional job, Holder filled her hours walking dogs for her mother, other family members and a circle of friends. It occurred to her that many pet owners are in the same boat – needing their dogs walked but unable to handle the task themselves.

With that in mind, Holder kicked off Dog-Gone-Lazy, a service for the busy pet owner.

Dog-Gone-Lazy will provide a variety of services for dogs, cats and other animals big and small, Holder said. She and a part-time helper offer dog walking and animal sitting, cat visits, day care and pet taxi services.

The demand for professional pet sitting and dog walking services is at an all-time high, she said. Pet ownership is rising, pet owners are working longer hours and traveling more for business and personal reasons than ever before, and pet owners are moving away from keeping their pets at a kennel because of health concerns, making alternatives like the pet sitters at Dog-Gone-Lazy more attractive.

“We know how it is to rush home or be worried when we go away, and we want to make things easier on people and more fun for pets,” Holder said.

Dog walkers can play an important role in a pet’s health, she added, because boredom and loneliness are cited as top reasons for unhappy, anxious and destructive or aggressive pets.

Dog-Gone-Lazy services include love and attention, fresh food and water, brushing, combing, exercising and playing with a dog or puppy, giving medications and vitamins or other special care, arranging for medical treatment in case of illness, indoor cleanup of pet messes and daily dog walks.

“People are busy making their summer vacation plans, and now’s the time they should also make their pets’ vacation plans, too,” Holder added. “Our goal is that no one is stuck at home this summer.”

Holder has centered her efforts in Enumclaw, but is expanding to Buckley and Black Diamond.

She takes jobs seven days a week and can provide services at all hours.

As part of Holder’s grand opening celebration, Dog-Gone-Lazy will donate $1 of every visit they make to a local animal shelter through Aug. 22.

A complete list of service areas and pricing is available at www.dgldogwalking.com. Holder can be reached at 253-350-0832.