CALL OR TEXT: 240-882-6411 info@runandplaymd.com

About Us

Our Story

Jennifer, the owner, is a master’s level licensed graduate social worker who has had a passion for animals since early childhood and has always lived with dogs. At the age of 46, she left her full time geriatric social job to start this business. Through Run and Play, she has been able to utilize her social work skills to find committed and motivated walkers to best support her clients and is able to communicate efficiently and effectively around her client’s needs. She has created a strong and committed team that is available to support most client needs.

Jennifer has also been certified through Pet Sitter’s International as a Professional Pet Sitter and stays up on required CEUs, education and ongoing training.

 

 

Run and Play Jennifer

Meet Our Team

Jimmy

Jimmy

Besides loving dogs:  Jimmy is a retired mechanic and still loves to tinker with heavy metal.  He defines the meaning of punctuality.  Jimmy often brings his sidekick Holly with him on visits.
Isa

Isa

Isa now hosts most of our small dogs for boarding.  Having historically owned Huskies, this is a breeze for her.  When not babysitting pups, she serves as an immigration case worker, and is a phenomenal mother who spends quality time with her children.

 

Elmer

Elmer

Elmer is a calm and gentle soul that our dogs gravitate to.  When not walking dogs, he enjoys hospital work assisting patients just as kindly as he assists dog.   After walking, he still finds time to work out in the gym.

 

Carla

Carla

Carla is a seasoned pet care provider having run her own business for 6 years before moving to Baltimore. She returned late 2024 and joined our team. She’s an incredibly caring, intuitive and compassionate provider and prides herself on her connection with dogs of all sizes and personalities. When not walking dogs she loves to create art with resin, study astrology and watch movies. She is a mom to a son and two chihuahua mixes.”

 

Joel
When not walking dogs, Joel is an avid road and mountain bike enthusiast and competitor.  He also coordinates bike events around DC and hosts a bike messenger podcast as well as a cycling blog.   Joel is also a gifted photographer having recently self published several photographic books on the DC messenger scene.  Expect some great pics if you’re lucky enough to have him service your pup.

 

Marin

Marin

Marin is in her 2nd year of college and walks for us when home for the summer and holidays.  When out of state, she majors in Equine Science & Management and spends her free time working out, riding, and enjoying films.

 

Ready, Set, Bark!

Text us today and mention the word "barketing" and get 10% off your first 2 weeks of service. Be sure to include your location (either exact address, closest intersection or building), days of the week for walking, cat care, or boarding dates desired as well as the age & breed of your pet. We'll get right back to you.

Washington, DC

Monthly Yappy Hour with Tito's Vodka at metrobar — Sun, Aug 9
Washington, DC. A monthly happy hour with cocktail specials, pet treats, and vendors; proceeds support the Humane Rescue Alliance.

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Yappy Hour at The Stacks — Fri, Aug 14
Dry Dock Park, DC. An evening social with a live DJ, cocktails, cornhole, and giveaways while dogs mingle.

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Maryland

Woof Wednesdays with the Chesapeake Baysox — Wed, Aug 5 & Aug 19
Prince George's Stadium, Bowie, MD. Leashed, vaccinated dogs are welcome at these Bark in the Park baseball games.

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Cat Video Fest 2026 — Thu–Fri, Aug 6–7
Warehouse Cinemas, Frederick, MD. A family-friendly film screening of the best cat videos culled from submissions, sourced animations, and music videos — a portion of ticket proceeds benefits local cats in need. (Worth noting: this one's cat-themed rather than dog-themed, but a fun outing if your pup's okay staying home for a couple hours!) One heads-up on timing: Cat Video Fest runs Thursday and Friday (Aug 6–7) rather than the weekend itself — this coming weekend (Aug 8–9) it won't be showing, so you'd want to catch it before then.

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Dog Days at Linganore — Fri, Aug 7 & Fri, Aug 21, 5–8pm
Linganore Winecellars, Mt Airy, MD. Select Friday evenings from May through September, the winery hosts local animal rescues on the lawn. 20% of purchases made during the event go to the featured rescue.

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Pooch Pool Party — Sat–Sun, Aug 22–23
Upper County Outdoor Pool, Gaithersburg, MD. The pool opens exclusively to dogs to swim and play before winter closure.

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Doggie Paddle Swim — Sat, Aug 22, 9–10:30am
Whetstone Pool, Montgomery Village, MD. A one-day pool swim with access to the wading pool; every pup gets a "Puppachino" after. Registration required.

🔗 Register

2026 Puppy Plunge — Sun, Aug 23, 11am–2pm
YMCA Camp Letts, Edgewater, MD. SPCA of Anne Arundel County's annual beach bash — live music, food, vendors, and beach access for dogs. $15/car, proceeds benefit the SPCA.

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Northern Virginia

Summer Renaissance Festival at Shipgarten — Sat, Aug 15
McLean, VA. A medieval-themed outdoor festival with games, food, a costume contest, an off-leash area, and pup cups.  Fun for the whole family!!!

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