More than just pet sitting
Founder & CEO – Shannon Richards
Furry Friends LLC
Shannon Richards is the founder and CEO of Furry Friends LLC, a thriving local pet care company built on compassion, trust, and second chances. Her journey to entrepreneurship has been anything but easy — but every challenge shaped her purpose.
After losing her father at nine and her mother at fourteen, Shannon had to grow up fast. With no role models to look up to, she learned early on what resilience really means. At seventeen, she became a mother and was determined to give her child the stability and love she never had.
Shannon began working in restaurants at sixteen, eventually moving up to bartending in some of the area’s busiest and most upscale establishments. But the long nights, the chaos, and the emotional toll of the industry began to wear her down. In 2023, she took what she thought would be a temporary job at a pet care company — and that’s when everything changed.
She fell in love with the work, the animals, and the peace it brought her. What started as “just a job” became her calling. In April 2024, she launched Furry Friends LLC, and it has been growing ever since.
“This isn’t just a job to me — it’s a lifestyle,” Shannon says. “The rewards from all the wagging tails and surprise kisses fill a place in my heart that once felt empty. Through animals and faith, I’ve found my purpose and started to break the cycle of generational pain.”
Today, Shannon leads Furry Friends LLC with the same compassion and grit that carried her through life’s hardest seasons — proving that with love, faith, and a few furry friends, healing and hope are always possible
Why choose furry friends virginia?
At Furry Friends Virginia, we believe pets thrive on comfort, consistency, and genuine care. Unlike large kennels or high-volume services, we offer personalized, in-home pet sitting and cozy boarding in a sitter’s home — creating a calm, loving environment that feels like family. Every visit is tailored to your pet’s unique personality and needs, whether that means extra playtime, a gentle walk, or help with medication. Our passionate team treats each animal as their own, prioritizing safety, affection, and fun in every interaction. From daily walks to pet-taxi service and overnight stays, Furry Friends Virginia provides reliable, flexible care designed to make life easier for you and happier for your pet.
Who we serve
Furry Friends Virginia is here for devoted pet parents who see their animals as family — not just pets. You’re the kind of owner who wants your dog or cat to feel loved, safe, and understood even when you can’t be there. You value reliable, compassionate care over quick drop-ins, and you’re looking for a sitter who takes the time to learn your pet’s routines, quirks, and comfort cues. Whether you’re a busy professional, frequent traveler, or someone balancing home life with work, you want peace of mind knowing your companion is being cared for by people who truly love what they do. Our services are designed for pet owners who want more than convenience — they want genuine connection and a second family for their furry friend.
Our story
Furry Friends Virginia began with a simple love for animals and a desire to create a more personal, comforting alternative to traditional kennels. What started as helping neighbors care for their pets soon grew into a trusted community of sitters dedicated to treating every animal like family. From long walks and belly rubs to quiet companionship and special-needs care, our mission has always been the same — to make pets feel safe, happy, and loved when their people can’t be there. At the heart of Furry Friends Virginia is connection, compassion, and the belief that every pet deserves gentle, attentive care in a familiar, loving environment.
"I feel confident, comforted, and cared for knowing my furry friend is in good hands with Furryfriendsvirginia!"
A happy pet owner from Arlington