Dog Walking Barnaby Woods

About: I’ve been dog walking/sitting for about 2-3 years now informally back in New York, just moved to the Bethesda area so I signed up for this app to be able to continue doing so. I have no formal training, but growing up on a farm I have a deep appreciation for animals! I’m currently unemployed, so I can take care of dogs during the day or in the evening. I feed my Millie at 5:30 am sharp, so I am available anytime after that. My Millie is quite picky, so I am very used to any unusual rules you may have for you animals. I am very protective and cautious with animals!

“Daria was very communicative and took excellent care of my dog and cat. It was reassuring to know my pets were in the care of a responsible animal lover.”

Alan & Erin H.

About: I bring a lifetime of diverse animal experience to every pet I care for. I grew up with a rescue dog—and even a pet duck—which taught me early how to adapt to different personalities and needs. Today I share my home with Halo, my black rescue cat, and Grover, my rescue Yorkie, both of whom remind me daily how important patience and trust are. I also cared for Daisy, my special‑needs yellow lab, and understand the gentle routines senior pets require. And with Teddie, my Coton de Tulear from a prestigious lineage, I’m familiar with breed‑specific care and structured environments. Whether your pet is a rescue, a senior, a purebred, or a quirky little character, I meet them exactly where they are and make sure they feel safe, understood, and loved. As a writer who works from home, I have a naturally flexible schedule that allows me to give pets consistent attention throughout the day. My routine is calm, predictable, and easy to adjust around your pet’s needs—whether that means midday walks, morning check‑ins, or evening visits. Because I’m home most of the time, I’m able to provide steady, reliable care and keep your pet’s day running smoothly and stress‑free. I provide pet care exclusively through walks and drop‑in visits, which means your pet stays in the comfort and familiarity of their own home. During each visit, I follow your routines closely—feeding, fresh water, medication, enrichment, and any specific instructions you share. I keep a calm, reassuring presence, make sure doors are locked, and always double‑check your pet’s safety before leaving. My goal is to maintain your pet’s normal rhythm while giving them attentive, reliable care and keeping your home secure.

“Sam was available last minute for a week of daily walks for our labradoodle. Would highly recommend!”

Kathy J.

“Morgan was great with my puppy. On time, considerate, friendly, responsible…..”

Philip H.

“Michael did a great job taking care of our dog! She immediately took to him and was nice and tired after good long walks. Very communicative and easy to work with!”

Kate B.

About: I am excited to help take care of your fur baby! I am available for dog walks and drop-in visits. I have been a dog lover all my life. I know many of the dogs in the neighborhood and often find dogs running to me in excitement wanting to meet me. Caring for dogs has always brought be a lot of joy! I grew up with a yellow Labrador retriever as a kid. As an adult, once I was able to afford a dog, my then boyfriend (now husband) and I adopted our dog Hazel, a sweet 50 pound foxhound, from a local rescue organization. I have worked hard to train her well. She has had several medical issues over the years, so I have learned how to effectively handle medications, vet visits, post-op care, and recovery. While I am new to Rover, I have helped care for dogs for years for other family members and friends. I have helped care for many different kinds of dogs from a tiny Maltepoo to a large 70 pound mixed breed dog. I have dog sat regularly for my parents’ beagle, a friend’s boxer mix, and my mother in-law’s miniature German spitz that looks a bit like a Pomeranian. I have also walked many other kinds of dogs including a miniature dachshund and a large mixed breed dog that was mostly lab, pit bull, and husky. Most of the dogs I have cared for are under 50 pounds, and given my size, I am most comfortable with small and medium size dogs unless they are already very good on a leash and not reactive outside. I am very comfortable helping with dog walks, meal time, medications if needed so long as instructions are clear, and play time. Until mid-August, I have lots of availability for dog walks and drop-in care during the week and on weekends except for a couple weekends when I will be traveling. After August 16, I will have more limited availability but generally be available for dog walks or drop-ins on Saturday afternoons and/or Sundays. I always make a point of coming prepared and learning about the dog ahead of time to make sure I know what he or she needs and likes. I talk to the owner to get a sense of what the dog can and cannot eat, what if any medication they take and the dosage, how they interact with other dogs, how they interact with other animals, how they interact with people, and what they do and don’t like. Dogs have personalities like we do, so it’s important to know this ahead of time as best as possible to avoid putting dogs in uncomfortable or potentially dangerous situations. For example, some dogs are very social with other dogs, love daycare or dog parks, and just love to play. Others, like my dog, absolutely hate dog parks and are often skittish around other dogs they don’t know, but love meeting people. Still others may be a bit reactive to certain triggers like certain sounds or smells or other animals that don’t know. The more I learn in advance, the better. It is very important to take the time to build trust with pets and to make them feel safe and loved. I always let a new dog approach me first and pay close attention to their body language. I try to meet them on their level as well. Once I gain their trust, which usually comes fairly quickly, then I can safely play with them and walk them. When out on a walk, I never walk dogs off leash unless in a fully fenced yard or park. The only exception to this is a dog I own and know is trained very well and has exceptional recall even in highly distracting environments. Since our area is fairly urban with lots of distractions, cars, bikes, and other animals, I generally do not think it is safe for a dog to be off leash outside. I also prefer to bring treats on walks and have a mix of training treats and high value treats to help condition the dog to good behavior and keep them focused if there is a risky distraction they need to avoid such as a reactive dog or a stray cat. I clicker trained my dog and find this to be pretty effective. However, I follow the lead of the owner with their training methods and the terms they use for certain commands to make sure the dog feels confident and safe. It is worth noting though that I do not and will not use coercive or negative reinforcement methods such as prong or shock collars, hitting, or yelling at a dog. These methods are ineffective, cruel to the dog, and in many cases they actually worsen stress, aggression, and reactivity in dogs. When on a walk I am very cognizant of hazards to avoid like chicken bones, pesticides on lawns, glass, traffic, animals the dog may chase, etc. I generally do not read or text on my phone while walking so I can focus on the dog and making sure both of us are safe. This is especially the case for larger dogs, since I am only 5 feet tall. Ultimately, when I am caring for a dog as a dog walker or dropping in for a visit, that is the dog’s time. I get a sense of what they like and follow their lead so they enjoy their time. Hounds often like nothing better than to sniff everything outside. Dachshunds usually love to run and make noise. Retrievers often can play fetch for hours. Shepherds and herding breads like border collies sometimes like nothing more than to show off how smart and athletic they are or to herd a group.

“Camden is reliable and really took care of my boy, benny. They had a nice walk around the neighborhood, even though outside was pretty hot, they enjoyed their time together, I will book him again!”

Federica R.

“Carmen was great. She was able to accommodate a last minute booking and pivot when needed. We agreed on walks so to ensure her current guest dog’s needs were also met. I really appreciate her promptness and how well she took care of Oreo! Will use her again and recommend to others. Thanks Carmen!”

mekela W.

About: Currently my brother and I are working from home and don't mind having your dog here to accompany us. We love furry guests! I've had/watched dogs all my life ranging from teacups to great Danes, we love them all! Working from home 5 days a week (introverts for sure) we are available most week days and weekends. Our morning and afternoon walks for its nothing to add your fur baby! We have pups and dislike crates so I let them roam the house. If the house is too foreign I will limit them to the room im occupying with occasional backyard fun and 20/30 min walks. I also send pics daily/hourly depending on owners comfort level.

“Saint loves her!!”

Isabella P.

“Larissa has been great so far with our puppy Moose. She has also been able to adapt very well to our changing schedule without ever having an issue. We appreciate how much she cares for Moose and look forward to continuing utilizing her services!”

Connor B.

“We have had several dog walkers on Rover and Lena is simply the best! Totally reliable, very communicative and flexible, always right on time, and walks were longer than required. Hazel was delighted/ecstatic to see her when she came inside to get her one day. We are looking forward to her return next summer!”

Christopher S.

About: I’ve been around dogs my whole life and grew up with family pets, so caring for them has always come naturally. Over the years, I’ve also pet sat for friends, providing dependable care, walks, playtime, and plenty of love while they’re away. I understand that every pet has their own personality and routine, and I always strive to make them feel safe, comfortable, and happy. Whether it’s an energetic pup or a laid-back senior, I’ll treat your pet like they’re part of my own family. I’m currently waiting to start a new role, so I have a flexible schedule and am available for drop-in visits, walks, and pet sitting throughout the week. I enjoy staying active and love spending time with animals, so pet care fits easily into my daily routine. I’m currently available for visits only, not hosting pets in my home. I can provide drop-in visits, walks, feeding, playtime, litter box or potty breaks, and other routine care in your home.

“Thoughtful, responsive and timely - our dog is in very good hands with Ellie.”

will s.

About: Hi there, fellow pet parents! I’m Jess, a remote worker and lifelong animal lover with extensive hands-on experience in dog walking, pet sitting, and doggy day care. I’ve cared for pets of all sizes, breeds, ages, and personalities, and I truly enjoy getting to know what makes each animal unique. Because I work from home, I’m able to provide consistent attention, companionship, and a calm, loving environment throughout the day. I’m very active and love spending time outdoors, whether that’s long walks, relaxed neighborhood strolls, or higher-energy outings, always tailored to your pet’s needs. You’ll also receive regular photo and video updates, so you can have peace of mind while you’re away. My mission is to provide the perfect balance of exercise, mental stimulation, affection, and structure, helping your pet feel happy, comfortable, and safe. For social pups, I also have friendly dogs who enjoy making new friends in a supervised and positive setting. In addition to dogs, I have experience caring for cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, bunnies, rats, fish, parakeets, cockatiels, and reptiles such as lizards. I also have experience with select exotic pets, where care is permitted and appropriate, and I’m always happy to discuss specific needs in advance. I have a friendly pup named Hazel. For housesitting stays, Hazel stays with her gmom, allowing me to focus completely on your pets, their routines, and their care. Above all, your pet’s safety, comfort, and well-being are my top priorities. I carefully follow all instructions and treat every animal as if they were my own. I would love to meet you and your furry (or feathered!) family members. Let’s schedule a meet-and-greet, I look forward to providing loving, reliable, and attentive care. My number one priority is the safety of the animals in my care. I would love to meet you and your furry friend(s). Let's arrange a meet-and-greet! I work remotely with a flexible schedule, which allows me to dedicate plenty of time and attention to pet care throughout the day. I’m available for walks, drop-ins, daycare, and boarding, and I structure my routine around each pet’s needs to ensure consistency, exercise, and companionship. Your pet’s safety and comfort are always my top priorities. I provide a calm, clean, and pet-friendly environment and carefully follow all care instructions. I closely supervise interactions, maintain secure spaces, respect each pet’s routine, and communicate clearly with pet parents to ensure trust and peace of mind. I also have a secure, gated backyard for safe outdoor play.

About: Hi all! My name is Maren Dunn. I am a college graduate currently home for summer, and I wanted to advertise my services as a pet sitter. I have over 5 years of experience caring for dogs and cats, and would be happy to provide references from previous clients. I also am double vaxxed and boosted. Growing up I had an adorable dog named Leo and experience caring for cats as well. I am responsible, fun, outgoing, and I love all animals! Part of why I love caring for pets is the routine that it gives me. I loved waking up and greeting my dog. It always made my morning so much better. I would love to do the same with your pets! I am home with my parents this summer. We live in a house on a quiet street with a huge fenced in yard that my dog Leo absolutely loved. We are within short walking distance to two different dog parks that I am very familiar with. Your pup would spend lots of time outside playing with other dogs!

About: I'm a small dog (shitzu) mama for over 9 years as well as dog-sitting small dogs for friends for over 20 years. If you want someone to pamper your pooch, I'm your person! I work from home so can be pretty flexible with dog walks, check-ins and more. I love nothing more than having dogs in the house while I work! I have a fenced back yard and a very friendly small dog (shitzu) who gets on with all hoomans and dogs! I can crate your dog and keep them on separate floors at night if you prefer too.

“Leidy is great! Super kind and reliable.”

Caroline Z.

“We had our first walk with Jenny, and everything was great! She took the time to get all of the important info at the meet and greet and quickly bonded with our dog.”

Jesse & Meagan F.