About Paws on the Hill

Everyone that works with Paws on the Hill loves and cares for every animal as if they were their own.
It’s not a policy, it’s a lifestyle of compassion.


Meet our co-founders

Paws on the Hill is a pet-care company founded by sister and brother Darlene Hajduk and Donald Tropp over 10 years ago. Based in Washington, D.C., Paws on the Hill provides a wide range of pet-care services, including cat sitting and dog walking, to pet owners in the area. They have a team of pet sitters who provide concierge-level care, ensuring that each pet’s individual needs are met.

Both Darlene and Donald are lifelong animal lovers and have a passion for providing high-quality care for pets. They started Paws on the Hill because they saw a need for reliable and trustworthy pet-care services in the Washington, D.C. area. They understand that pets are members of the family, and they want to ensure that they are well taken care of when their owners are away. Paws on the Hill is fully insured and bonded, ensuring that our clients have peace of mind when they entrust us with the care of their beloved pets. 

At Paws on the Hill, the team is dedicated to providing the best possible care for their clients’ pets. They take the responsibility of caring for pets very seriously and pride themselves on their reliability and professionalism. With Paws on the Hill, pet owners can be confident that their furry family members are in good hands.

Darlene Hajduk

CO-FOUNDER

Darlene obtained her B.S. in Biology from Gallaudet University before furthering her education at Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) and becoming a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT). During her college years, she worked as a professional pet sitter and veterinary assistant. She is owned by four rescue animals: a Shepherd mix (Nacho) and three cats (Juno, Chase, and Hobbes). Darlene enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, fostering kittens, working on house projects, and going to wineries.

Donald Tropp

CO-FOUNDER

Donald holds a B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Spanish from Gallaudet University and a M.S. in Management from The Catholic University of America. Aside from co-founding Paws on the Hill, Donald has also worked in business development and human resources for a few private companies. He is owned by a mini-Australian labradoodle named Archie. When he’s not working, Donald enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons, reading, traveling, and playing and watching sports.