Peninsula Pups Social Club

A Community Outreach Program of Critter Sitters and More, LLC

The goal of the Peninsula Pups Social Club is to bring dog lovers together in a community atmosphere for exercise, fresh air and to meet new friends. We believe that dogs are family and the human/dog bond is strengthened through quality time spent with a community of people who have similar interests and beliefs about pet care

Every month, we host walks, hikes and other outings for dog lovers. In our Facebook Group, we discuss important topics with our expert partners that help dog owners make decisions about the care and welfare of their dogs. Club members are offered a supportive and encouraging environment where they can find resources, ask questions and participate in important discussions about pet care. Through events and the support of our community, we are dedicated to raising awareness and essential funds for pet charities

We are committed to providing an inclusive environment for all, regardless of gender, age, gender identity, race, health status, national origin, relationship status, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and religion

We believe dogs learn best using positive, fun, and enriching training methods. We are dedicated to providing force-free and fear-free walks, events and training opportunities for dogs. This approach is rooted in positive reinforcement, which means we reward desirable behaviors rather than punishing undesirable ones. Correction tools, such as prong collars, choke chains, and shock collars, can cause physical pain and emotional distress. These tools can lead to fear, anxiety, and aggression in dogs, which is counterproductive to our philosophy

In Person Event Participation Rules

To ensure an enjoyable time for all, here are a few rules to keep everyone safe and happy:

• All well behaved dogs are welcome on a non-retractable leash at all times.
• We are focused on force-free, positive dog training methods and do not allow aversive tools to be used at any of our events. This includes bark control, shock/e-collars, and spray collars.
• Dogs must be current of all vaccinations (Rabies, Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus [DHPP]) and free of ticks and fleas.
• Event organizers reserve the right to eject any aggressive, or obviously ill animal.
• Pet Owners assume full responsibility for their pets. Critter Sitters and More, LLC cannot be held liable for any incidents or injury to the pets or people in attendance.
• Pet Owners agree to pick up after their pet. Poop bags are available from your adventure leaders and/or at the Critter Sitters and More, LLC table.

Photography Statement: “I understand that there may be photos and/or videos taken while participating in Peninsula Pups Dog Walking Club events and I give my permission to use these photos on social media sites, and in other marketing materials.”

Exciting News for All Dog Lovers! 

From exclusive access to our member-only adventures as well as discounts on other events, 1st access to tickets, and free online education, our VID’s enjoy a plethora of perks.

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our Very Important Dog (VID) Program! Officially kicking off in January 2025, but why wait? Join now and enjoy exclusive VID benefits starting immediately, giving you an extra 2 months of perks! 

Join the VID Club today for just $79! This price includes 1 dog, 2 Adult Humans, and children under 18. Additional family dogs have a 1-time fee of $35 each (not included in the renewal pricing)

VID Club Benefits:

• VID Pricing at Events: Our VID Members will receive discounted pricing to ticketed events. 
• Affiliate Discounts: Save 10-20% when shopping with our Club Affiliates 
• First Access to Tickets: Be the first to book tickets for unique experiences. 
• Exclusive Events: Two special events each year just for VID members. 
• Education: Complimentary access to expert presentations in the pet field. 
• Welcome Packet: Personalized membership card and more. 

Is your Very Important Dog Ready to join and start receiving its VID rewards? Show your Membership Card to our Below Club Affiliates to receive your SPECIAL VID Discounts all year long!!

READY TO JOIN?  Click the Sign Up Button Below!

Don’t miss out on this pawsome opportunity! 🐶 

Pet Loss Support Group – 2nd Monday of the Month 7-8pm  

Critter Sitters and More, LLC, in collaboration with Perfect Paws Pet Training, is pleased to announce the launch of our Monthly Pet Loss Support Group starting January 2025.

These sessions are designed to provide a supportive environment where pet owners can share their stories, find comfort, and connect with others who understand their grief.  

📅 When: Second Monday of each month 

🕖 Time: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM 

Where: HarborPointe Community Church. Address: 351 E Mercury Blvd, Hampton, VA 23663  

Whether you’re mourning a recent loss or still feeling the impact of an earlier one, our community is here for you. Let’s come together to honor the memories of our beloved pets and help each other heal.  

This event is FREE to attend. Please bring a donation to assist with refreshments.  

2025 Meeting Schedule

Pet Care 101
Saturday, April 26th | 10:00am to 11:00am
Location: Peninsula SPCA | 523 J. Clyde Morris Boulevard, Newport News, VA 23601

Are you adding a new pet to the family?

This class offers valuable insights for new and prospective pet adopters, covering topics such as:

• The seven essential things every cat and dog owner needs to know
• The importance of decompression time for cats and dogs when they first arrive home
• How to introduce new pets into homes with existing pets
• The importance of training and how to hire a trainer
• Finding the right veterinarian for your pet family
• The top five questions you should ask before hiring a pet sitter

Spring Social & Pup Easter Egg Hunt
Sunday, April 27th | 1:00pm to 4:00pm (Rain Date: May 4th)
Location: PETquoson | 479 Wythe Creek Rd, Poquoson, VA 23662

This Event is FREE* to attend: ***Easter Egg Hunt, Photo Shoot and SwiftPaws Lure Course are optional paid activities.

RSVP: Every one who RSVP’s by 5pm April 25th will be entered into a drawing for a PAWesome Prize Donated by the Peninsula Pet Pantry as their way of saying THANK YOU for supporting them. 

Easter Egg Hunt Cost: $8 Per Pup – Proceeds Support The Peninsula Pet Pantry Sponsored by PETquoson and Critter Sitters and More
VID CLUB MEMBERS- Get a $2 discount – email info@crittersittersandmore.com for your discount code!

Spring Photo Shoot: $15 Per Session – Proceeds Support The Peninsula Pet Pantry Sponsored by Roxi’s Flair
VID CLUB MEMBERS- Get a $2 discount – email info@crittersittersandmore.com for your discount code!

Please note that the Egg Hunt and Photo Shoot are non-refundable, as they serve as a fundraiser supporting the Peninsula Pet Pantry. We appreciate your understanding and generosity in contributing to this meaningful cause.

Swift Paws: Each run is $5 for 1-3 minute run session  Max of 2 runs per dog- Get ready for a tail-wagging adventure! Let your dog chase a fast-moving lure—like a toy or ribbon—on a motorized pulley system reaching speeds up to 35 mph. The course, set up in a square or diamond shape within a temporary fenced area, provides a thrilling 1-3 minute off-leash run tailored to your dog’s athletic ability and enthusiasm. Owners must stay nearby and ensure their pup is safely leashed when entering or exiting. It’s a great way for your dog to stay active and have fun! **Swift Paws is a Separate Registration. Learn More: https://smaartistrycreations.square.site/s/appointments

Please RSVP so that we can better prepare for your participation. We will be doing our RSVP Drawing on Saturday April 25th and will announce the winner in the Facebook Event Page:  The winner can pick up their prize at the event.

While this is a dog-focused gathering, you are not required to bring a dog to participate. We welcome all attendees, with or without their canine companion. Some event activities have a cost associated with them. 

Thank you to the following business who are supporting this fundraising event for the Peninsula Pet Pantry:

Critter Sitters and More, LLC – Host and Egg Hunt Sponsor
Cookies For Sweetie- Human and Dog Treats
JE Creative Designs – Unique Gifts for the Pet Lover
PETquoson, Host and Egg Hunt Sponsor
Roxi’s Flair – Pup Spring Photo Shoot Sponsor
Max’s Market, SwiftPaws Lure Coursing
Sammies and Sweets – Food Truck
Two Trees Designs – Hand Made Items For your Pups!

 Vendor Spots Available – email info@crittersittersandmore.com

Education – Better Never Bitten

Tuesday, May 13th
7pm – 8pm

Join Sydney at the upcoming Peninsula Pups Social Club event in May for Dog Bite Prevention Week, where she’ll be discussing:

*Why Dog Bites Happen

*How to Prevent Bites

Please RSVP to receive your zoom link.

Pup Days of Summer – Fest 2025

Join us for a tail-wagging good time at the Pup Days of Summer – Fest! Bring your PUPS!

Sunday, June 8th*
12pm – 5pm
Oozlefinch Beers & Blending
81 Patch Rd, Fort Monroe, VA 23651
*Rain Date: Sunday, June 22nd

Proceeds Support the:
Dooney Sullivan Angel Fund
The Dooney Sullivan Angel Fund is available to assist pet owners that have fallen on hard times and lack the funds required to support their pet in a medical crisis. The owner will be nominated by the doctor based on financial need, and the perceived outcome of the case. (Meaning that medical intervention will make a desirable outcome to the life of the patient)

This Event is FREE* to attend. Please register so that we can better prepare for your participation. While this is a dog-focused gathering, you are not required to bring a dog to participate. We welcome all attendees, with or without their canine companion. Some event activities have a cost associated with them.

Vendor Spots Available. Email info@crittersittersandmore.com for more information.

Save the Date – Ice Cream Social and End of Summer Splash Party

Sunday, August 31st
1pm – 4pm
PETquoson | 479 Wythe Creek Rd, Poquoson, VA 23662

Stay tuned for more information!

SAVE THESE DATES: 2025 Event Schedules

• Pet first aid/CPR
• Health and wellness
• Essential oils for pets
• Herbal apothecary
• Parasitic protection
• Pet acupuncture
• Rehabilitation
• Reiki
• Pet Adoption
• Proper dog to dog meetings at events.

We support Hampton Roads VA Pet nonprofits by helping to raise funds and create awareness of their causes. As a Charitable Partner, your organization gains access to our comprehensive marketing and PR program and participates in our fundraising sharing initiative. Charitable Partners support our fund-raising events by assisting in event promotion and providing volunteers.