Realtor focuses on “Finding Homes for People and Animals”

For more than 30 years, Jill Barsky has helped people find homes. For the past 20+ years, she’s also helped countless pets find their way back to theirs.

Barsky, a real estate agent with Long & Foster’s North Potomac/Rockville office, recently received national recognition for her volunteer work helping recover lost pets. She was named one of several winners of the 2026 Lost Pet Search and Recovery Awards, presented by Lost Pet Detection and Pet Search and Rescue, for her leadership and dedication to reuniting lost animals with their families.

Beyond her real estate career, Barsky serves as founder and president of Tailed Treasures of Maryland, a nonprofit animal support and rescue organization. Through the organization, she and a team of volunteers help find, track and safely recover lost pets throughout the D.C. region. Using specialized equipment and proven recovery techniques, the group has reunited hundreds of pets with their owners over the years, including animals that had been missing for months.

“Jill’s commitment to helping others extends far beyond real estate,” said Patrick Bain, president and CEO of The Long & Foster Companies. “Whether she’s helping a family navigate one of life’s biggest decisions or dedicating her time to reuniting pets and their owners, she exemplifies the spirit of service and compassion that defines our company, and we’re proud to see her recognized for the difference she’s making.”

Barsky’s passion for animal rescue began in childhood and evolved through decades of volunteer work. After participating in animal rescue and disaster response efforts across the country, she shifted her focus closer to home, specializing in lost pet tracking and recovery. Today, her team works with pet owners, veterinarians, animal shelters, law enforcement agencies and community volunteers to coordinate searches and educate the public on preventing pets from becoming lost in the first place. One of the group’s busiest times each year is around Independence Day, when fireworks often trigger pet escapes.

“Helping people and animals find their way home has become my life’s work,” Barsky said. “Every case is different, and every reunion is special. It’s incredibly rewarding to work alongside such a dedicated team of volunteers and to see the relief families feel when they’re reunited with a beloved pet.”

Barsky continues to balance her real estate career with her rescue efforts, often responding to lost pet cases while serving clients throughout the Washington metropolitan region. Through Tailed Treasures of Maryland, she also provides educational resources and guidance to pet owners aimed at preventing escapes and improving recovery outcomes when pets do go missing.

To learn more about Long & Foster, visit LongandFoster.com. You can also learn more about Barsky and Tailed Treasures here.