Root
and
Roam
Nature-based canine pack walks &
attuned care for cats and dogs
including
recovery and veterinary care support
Fully insured care
serving Oakland, Emeryville & Berkeley
Hi, my name is Sutton
I own and operate Root and Roam which is crafted with a lot of love and intention
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I was born and raised in the Bay Area, and after many years living in Sacramento, I felt the call to return beginning of 2025 — not only to the Bay, but to a way of working that feels more aligned with who I am and how I want to serve.
For a decade, I worked in veterinary medicine holding roles that shaped both my skill set and my deep understanding of the complex inner workings of animals. I held positions as an office manager for an equine hospital, supported patients in neurology at UC Davis, and cared for critically ill animals in the ICU at VCA. My education in biology and science, along with completing a veterinary technician educational program in 2019, gave me a strong clinical foundation rooted in precision, responsibility, and presence.
Yet alongside this experience, I began to understand my true nature and a desire of how I want to impact animals lives through deep sensitivity, an understanding of animals as conscious beings, and a growing awareness that the pace and structure of clinical environments often left little room for relationship, slowness, and attunement.
Over time, I felt called to step into a different kind of impact, one where I could walk alongside animals through the rhythms of their lives, not just their moments of crisis. I wanted to offer care that honored their nervous systems, their autonomy, their emotions, their aging, their fear, their recovery, and their joy.
Root and Roam was crafted from that longing. -
My work today is guided as much by intuition and listening as it is by training and experience. I am a Reiki practitioner and hold a holistic worldview that sees animals not as property, but as sovereign beings with their own souls, wisdom, and ways of communicating. When I care for an animal, I pay attention not only to behavior and health, but also to energy, subtle cues, and the unspoken language they share when given safety and time.
I am especially drawn to timid, fearful, sensitive, aging, and recovering animals. Again and again, guardians tell me their animals are open to bonding and connection with me in ways they haven’t witnessed before; not because I push for connection, but because I allow it to unfold naturally. I let the animal set the pace, I listen and wait.
At the heart of Root and Roam is relationship with animals, with the humans who love them, and with the living world that holds us. I value depth, presence, and care that feels grounded rather than rushed. Whether we’re moving through forested trails, supporting post-operative healing, or simply sharing quiet companionship, my intention is always the same: to offer care that is steady, respectful, and deeply attuned.
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Since beginning of 2025, I have been running my own pet sitting practice, and through this lived experience, I’ve been able to refine the ways I want to show up not only for animals, but for the humans who love them. Being entrusted with an animal’s daily rhythms, their vulnerabilities, their routines, and their trust has clarified what care means to me in practice, not just in theory.
Roaming the natural world is a deep love of mine, one that becomes even more enriching when shared with my canine companions walking beside me. These moments provide regulation, curiosity, and connection, allowing animals to engage with the world in a way that feels instinctual and alive.
Alongside this, I hold a deep and intuitive connection with cats. I am especially attuned to their subtle body language, energetic shifts, and quiet forms of communication — the small signals that are so easily missed, yet speak volumes when truly seen. Because cats often express discomfort, fear, or illness with stoic masking, I approach their care with patience, observation, and respect for their autonomy. This sensitivity becomes especially important when they are navigating illness or recovery, when gentle presence and accurate reading of their needs can make all the difference.
I also carry a strong devotion to caring for animals in periods of recovery — whether they are healing from illness, navigating post-operative care, or adjusting to new physical or emotional limitations.
Root and Roam is grounded in the approach I take to care itself. Root reflects my commitment to active listening through body language, energetic expression, and the subtle cues animals share when they feel safe. It is rooted in my own nervous system regulation, in slowing down, and in the trust I cultivate with myself and the animal beside me. Roam honors the innate call toward exploration that lives within all beings; the remembering that we are of this earth, shaped by it, and invited into relationship with it.
Services
All services begin with a complimentary
in-person 30 minute consultation
to ensure alignment
and mutual trust
All services are fully insured, including care provided in the home, transportation, and time spent in public or natural settings
Nature-Based Pack Walks
Thoughtfully curated pack walks for dogs in forested areas of the Oakland and Berkeley Hills. These walks emphasize enrichment, social attunement, and nervous system regulation, allowing dogs to engage their natural instincts in a safe, supported environment. Groups are intentionally limited, and all dogs are thoughtfully matched
Transportation to and from your home is included
Participants in pack walks must be up to date on core vaccinations
Dogs must align with required behavioral parameters to be applicable for participation
$40 per dog
Attuned Daytime Care & Drop-In Visits
Thoughtful daytime care designed for cats and dogs who benefit from a calm, present, and intuitive approach. This offering is well suited for sensitive, fearful, aging, or special-needs animals, as well as those who simply thrive with steady companionship
Care may include medication support, routine maintenance, and quiet presence in the home, always guided by the individual animal’s needs and communication
Detailed update sent to guardian at end of visit
Veterinary Transportation & Care Support
Reliable transportation to and from veterinary appointments, including morning drop-offs and end-of-day pick-ups
This service is ideal for guardians with limited availability, as well as animals who benefit from a familiar, regulated presence before and after appointments
Support is provided in coordination with your veterinarian and does not include medical treatment
Post-Operative & Palliative Support
Attentive daytime care for animals recovering from surgery, managing chronic conditions, or navigating end-of-life transitions. Support is tailored to each animal’s physical and emotional needs and may include monitoring, medication administration, updates to guardians, comfort care, and gentle companionship
Overnight care is offered selectively and as a case-by-case basis for animals requiring continuous support
Pricing for all services outside of pack walks is custom-quoted and varies based on time, mileage, and level of care required. I prioritize individualized support and encourage reaching out to discuss your animal’s specific needs
Testimonials
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Our four-year-old Boston Terrier, Toby, is a rescue who came to us with significant fear-based trauma. Because he was rescued from the streets, his history was a mystery. He was intensely attached to his beds and a blanket he used for comfort, and he struggled to settle without them. He was resistant to leaving the house for walks and showed a strong aversion to new routes or unfamiliar places. He was also inordinately afraid of common household sounds—avoiding the kitchen entirely—and would react with extreme fear toward inanimate objects like buckets or garbage cans on the sidewalk. To make matters more difficult, he was attacked by a neighbor’s large dog as a puppy, which led to fear-based aggression toward other dogs.
The saddest part was seeing Toby try to initiate play without mastering social cues. Without a tail to help signal his intent, other dogs often struggled to tell if he was being friendly or aggressive. Recently, he even began showing aggression toward our roommate and friends. We knew we needed professional help.
Our Goals
We wanted Toby to be able to confidently meet and play with other dogs while improving his social skills and lowering his anxiety without medical intervention. After seeing her post on Nextdoor, I had a great feeling about Sutton's approach. I appreciated her assessment that Toby wasn't ready for group hikes yet, and I was grateful when she offered to work with him one-on-one.
Incredible Achievements
We saw changes in Toby’s behavior almost immediately. He began entering the kitchen on his own and showed significantly less fear when exploring new walking routes. During a recent hike, he remained completely calm when five dogs approached to sniff him simultaneously. Additionally, our roommate reported this week that he has stopped barking and growling at her.
What Sutton does is so much more than a simple walk. She has an intuitive sense of how a dog’s mind works and how they feel. By using positive reinforcement with new commands and treats, you have provided a level of expertise that has paid off in dividends for our family. Toby’s trust in people, other dogs, and the world has increased immensely. It is clear how much she cares for both Toby and for our cat, Isabella. Working with Sutton was the best decision we could have made.
Meet the pack
Pepper
Izzy
Pluto
Oscar
Fern
Pepper
Let’s Chat
If what you see here resonates with you and the care you’re seeking for your beloved animal, I’d love to connect with you. This is a space to introduce myself more fully and to answer any questions or concerns you may have