Hello

My name is Rachel Harksen and I am the owner of NoCo Pet Retreat. After more than four years of experience as a part-time pet sitter, I am thrilled to transform my passion for animals into a business! My love for pets is truly beyond words; each pet I care for becomes a cherished member of the family!

I spent the majority of my life in Iowa, where I grew up surrounded by various animals. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design from Iowa State University, I felt drawn to the mountains, which ultimately led me to Colorado.

I've been living in Colorado for about three years now. I've worked part-time as a dog sitter while also holding a full-time position as an interior designer. However, I recognized that my true passion lies with animals. This realization prompted me to transition to full-time dog sitting while pursuing part-time contract work in interior design and teaching.

My property features a spacious, fenced-in (7ft tall privacy fence) backyard where dogs can play freely, all access doggy door to the backyard, along with numerous nearby trails and parks for some fun excursions. I have two dogs who adore the company of other dogs and are friendly with cats. I also have two cats which are not phased by many dogs and are part of the pack! While my dogs are allowed on my bed and couch, I am happy to adapt to your pet’s specific needs and continue their training while you're away.

I am very active and love anything outdoors such as hiking, backpacking, running, gardening, and snowboarding. In my free time I teach hula hoop and perform fire hula hoops, as well as other flow props.

My Story

Our Team.

At NoCo Pet Retreat, we’re intentionally small and that’s what makes us special. Our close-knit team is made up of passionate animal lovers who truly care about every pet that walks through our doors. We don’t believe in revolving staff or one-size-fits-all care. Instead, we focus on building real relationships, so your pet knows us, trusts us, and feels at home.

When your pet stays with us, they’re not just another booking, they become part of our family. And so do you. From personalized routines to lots of love and attention, we treat every pet as if they are our own, giving you peace of mind knowing they’re safe, understood, and genuinely cared for.