About GIRL FRIDAY

Girl Friday ACK offers humane dog training and pet care for busy individuals who want the very best for their companion animals. We are committed to helping you raise happy and healthy pets. What sets us apart from other pet care providers is our focus on you and your individual pet.  All of our services are customized to fit your needs and schedule. We believe in science based force free training methods only and the compassionate care of all pets. Insured, accredited, and operating since 2014 you can relax in the knowledge Girl Friday ACK will take care of all your pet care needs.

Why Girl Friday?

Because we care. We care about you and your pet’s individual needs. We understand the additional demands involved when you bring a companion animal into your life.  Girl Friday wants to eliminate that stress for you. Training should be fun, and you shouldn’t have to worry about your pet whenever you leave them. And if your furry friend has developed unwanted behaviors, you don’t have to resort to harsh training methods to address them.

A tired dog is a happy dog but physical exercise alone isn’t enough – our dogs need mental stimulation too. That’s why our enrichment visits involve games, training and physical conditioning – offering your pet far more than just a chance to eliminate.

Girl Friday is not the “kid next door” and we provide much more than “just walking”.  We offer friendly coaching to help you train your pup in a humane manner, and affectionate pet care for those times when you can’t be there. We are committed to helping pet parents who only want the very best for their companion animals.

Anyone can make a buck. It’s harder to make a difference.

Who is Girl Friday?

Als Allan – Nantucket’s original Girl Friday, first came to the island in the summer of 2012. Prior to that, Als worked as a lawyer in the City of London.

Als graduated with distinction from the prestigious Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training and Behavior, and in March 2018 became the island’s only Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (“CPDT-KA”). Als is also an approved evaluator for the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen program.

“I do what I do because I love animals. As anyone who has ever had a companion cat or dog knows, they are incredible friends.

Animals have always featured heavily in my life. I was involved with the RSPCA in the UK so it was only natural for me to volunteer with the local animal shelter (Nantucket Island Safe Harbor for Animals) when I reached the island. My first summer on Nantucket was spent walking many of the dogs in the shelter and I couldn’t have been happier. Within the year I had adopted “Olive” my first “Little Mountain Rescue” dog. “Buster” joined the family in July 2014.

It breaks my heart when people feel they have to revert to harsh training methods such as shock, prong and choke collars. It doesn’t have to be this way. The best relationships in life are ones based on mutual love and respect.  I want to share with all pet parents positive training methods that get results and promote the most fulfilling relationship you can have with a companion animal. “

28 Miles Out To Sea, But Never Alone.