House Sitting Downers Grove

“Rajda is one of the BEST Rovers we have used! She took amazing care of our senior dog and wonderful care of our house. There was a huge storm when we were gone and she went above and beyond to take care of things while we were away. HIGHLY recommend!!”

Stephanie M.

About: Are you looking for the BEST pup 🐶 sitter look no further! Want someone who knows dogs inside and out! I’m your girl! I will love your pups like they are my own. Don’t DELAY bookings go fast! Filling up already for holidays no more summer bookings available!If you want to secure a booking with me don’t wait! My repeats alone are huge. See what sets me above all others❤️ What’s sets me apart from other sitters LOVE 💕. When your fur baby is in my care they are truly loved when they are staying here in my home. This is their home when you are away! My repeat customers alone are numerous because of this exact love we give them. I have rescued dogs and cats for over 12 years!! Our household is an animal heaven. Our family truly bonds with your fur baby. I love caring for our four legged family members. I am trust worthy and patient. I have a large yard fenced in yard with lots of room for play. (There also lots of animals who are in the area fyi. Some dogs have been known to grab what’s leftover from hawks or coyotes). I am great with puppies and puppy training lots of positive reinforcement. I do not take care of senior pups with mobility issues or are blind. Will play with them and give lots of attention to. I have boarded dogs, cats, bunnies and hamsters. I understand when attention is needed. I however do not allow anyone in my home during meet n greet or at time of drop off. Meet n greets are held outside in my front yard. I also do not pick up or do drops off unless you are local. Please know I only crate if the owner crates. Pups are free to roam home and are never confined or restrained in any way shape or form. I am vetted and background checked unfortunately owners are not so please understand. Also at time of drop offs and picks they will all be done outside. DROP Off and P/U times are somewhat flexible as I have teenagers to drop off at school and athletics. If your flight leaves in the am drop offs are the night before as to not stress the entire family with trying to get out the door. If your flight is afternoon again drop offs are between 5am-7am. IF your flight is early morning I require drop off the night before. Often it’s too stressful on the family and pup for rush drop offs. Accurate TIMES that are entered is critical. If you enter for instance 5am-7am and that is fine but if your flight is leaving at 7:45am please please correspond with me the day before in an accurate time as I know airlines love to change times on their customers. 😂. I base my day and my families day around what you enter. Also sometimes I may have to ask for an accommodation from you on my end if one of my teens has an appt. I am a widow trying to raise my three teens on my own. So please understand. I try my best to accommodate if you get a late start because you are getting ready and fall behind but please also understand I have my families commitments also and it might end in me not being able to take the reservation last minute. Communication is much needed on both of our ends. Emergencies happen. Illness, hospitalization and flights totally get it and I’ve often waived extra days for pup owners. I’ve actually had people who dog sit also who decide when they will drop off or arrive at their convenience even though we had agreed on a time in the messages. I ask for mutual understanding and respect of both of our timelines. If you enter a time frame of 1-8 pm it needs to be revised to a more accurate time. I have specific times in the am and pm for drop off. Again I do not do pick ups or drop offs. Pups need to be brought to me. Many pup owners are anxious and are first time Rover. Drop offs would be like a child always best to let me bring pup in alone. Long good byes simply aren’t good for your pup as you linger. Please no peanut butter cbd as my teenagers have peanut allergies. I can provide pictures of house. I am pretty flexible and can attend to your pets needs. I am able to take in pet families with more than one. I have the space to place pups on separate floors. There are times when drop offs and picks ups overlap with other pups. It is inevitable that this will happen. I am constantly busy. Circumstances do come up and some pet owners need emergency help so at times more then one pup might be in home. Flights get canceled etc. and I wouldn’t toss any pup out. Rest assured I won’t ever expose your pup when cross over times happen. So please understand as your flight might get canceled or traffic is horrible. Some things are out of ones control. I am a widowed mom and some things pop up and some flexibility is needed on my end from time to time. Please be sure to leave or update times of drop off and pickup as your travel approaches. I plan according to your times on any other commitments. If your dog requires brushing I will charge for grooming. I do not groom unless it’s been booked. Also please review my 7 day cancellation. It is also crucial that your spouse/partner has access to the pet reservation should your phone break/get lost. Provide emergency contacts and vet. Please consider me for your pets needs. Thank you for your consideration. Have a great day. Also please no peanut products my teenagers are allergic. I also don’t do pick ups or drops offs unless u are local DG. Also as for senior pups, this is crucial as many senior pups who are experiencing anxiety will often have loose stool and experience anxiety on a a different level since some are experiencing doggie dementia and do not understand being with another family. A senior pups stay no matter how much we love them and care for them can experience a difficult stay. If your senior pups have difficulty walking and have doggie dementia a long stay sometimes can be hard on them. Doggie anxiety meds are needed. My routine begins at 5am. Outside time begins along with feedings. Lots of yard time during the day. Simple routine with lots time for fur babies. I’ve been taking care of fur babies for over 12 years and have no problem fitting a fur baby into a routine. I do prefer early am drop offs. Between the hours of 6am-8:30(at the latest or after 4:30/5pm. I do keep to a time schedule and I often have other commitments planned around when you give a time for drop off or pick up so it’s important to keep this in mind. I also have three teenage mini adults. So there are times or things that can come up such as dr appts I may need to bring them to. In general pics and updates are in the am and late afternoon/pm. I do not allow anyone in my home for meet n greets or drop offs/pick ups. As I am vetted pup owners are not and I unfortunately have had some unfortunate experiences. So please understand I am a widow raising three kids on my own and safety is my utmost priority. I do run kids to and from school along with other appts. So I do ask for time forgiveness at times as I would do the same for unexpected situations on your end as well with flight cancellations and traffic delays. Pups are never ever crated unless specified from the owner. Pups are free to roam home. I typically do not drive to pick up or drop off unless u live within a 5 minute radius of my home. Also no peanut treats or peanut butter my teenagers are allergic. I take the utmost care for your fur baby! Huge fenced in yard for pups to roam, run and Play! We have lots of frisbees, tennis balls and toys! They are taken outside several times a day for lots of outside time depending on weather. They are never left alone in the fenced in yard (please be advised I live where there are a lot of animals in the area coyotes and hawks have been known to leave leftovers in the yard). I am out there with them but cannot guarantee that by the time I get to the back of the yard it’s not consumed. I cannot guarantee a tick might not attach as this is just life and it happens. Please make sure to have your pets up to date on shots and flea and tick prevention. Especially since the bigger dogs are free to roam the fenced in yard. You can feel confident that the safety and environment while here in my home will be taken. Remember to always include a paper bio as well as all important information for your pet. As I always do my best to adhere to your times of being fed sometimes feedings times are adjusted to our daily routine. Senior pups can experience depression, if they suffer from mobility and are on meds sometimes the vet is the best place for them. Please understand many pups who suffer from doggie dementia, mobility issues have a very hard time away from you and will not eat, take meds or drink water. They are best with a vet. Please always consult your vet for proper care anti anxiety meds etc if you decide to board your n someone’s home. I have seen some pups who suffer from mobility issues prior to their visit, doggie dementia have a slight decline to to confusion etc. please board your senior dog with any of these issue at your vet for the best care when doggie dementia, mobility issues and anxiety is present. senior dogs: • Stress and anxiety: Senior dogs, especially those with cognitive decline, can be more susceptible to stress and anxiety when they're suddenly removed from their familiar surroundings and placed in a new environment. This stress can manifest in various ways, like pacing, barking, refusal to eat, and even worsening of cognitive symptoms. • Disruption of routine: Dogs, especially older ones, thrive on routine. Boarding facilities, while aiming to provide consistent care, may still have different schedules for feeding, exercise, and interaction compared to what the dog is used to at home. This disruption can be unsettling and increase anxiety. • Difficulty navigating a new environment: Senior dogs with mobility issues or vision/hearing loss may find a new environment disorienting and challenging to navigate. This can lead to fear of approach and handling, irritability, and decreased activity levels. • Increased risk of illness: Stress senior dogs: • Stress and anxiety: Senior dogs, especially those with cognitive decline, can be more susceptible to stress and anxiety when they're suddenly removed from their familiar surroundings and placed in a new environment. This stress can manifest in various ways, like pacing, barking, refusal to eat, and even worsening of cognitive symptoms. • Disruption of routine: Dogs, especially older ones, thrive on routine. Boarding facilities, while aiming to provide consistent care, may still have different schedules for feeding, exercise, and interaction compared to what the dog is used to at home. This disruption can be unsettling and increase anxiety. • Difficulty navigating a new environment: Senior dogs with mobility issues or vision/hearing loss may find a new environment disorienting and challenging to navigate. This can lead to fear of approach and handling, irritability, and decreased activity levels. • Increased risk of illness: Stress Yes, it's possible that senior dogs with mobility issues and cognitive decline (sometimes referred to as "doggy dementia") might show a decline when boarding. & Here's why and how to help: Challenges of Boarding for Senior Dogs: • Stress: Changes in environment, routine, and separation from owners can cause significant stress, especially for older dogs who may be more sensitive. Stress can lead to hormonal imbalances, weakened immune systems, and digestive issues. • Cognitive Decline: Cognitive dysfunction can make it harder for senior dogs to adapt to new situations and can worsen symptoms like disorientation and anxiety. • Mobility Issues: Arthritis and other mobility problems can make it difficult for senior dogs to navigate unfamiliar spaces, use stairs, or even get up and down comfortably. • Weakened Immune System: Older

About: As a lifelong animal lover and experienced pet caregiver, I treat every pet as if they were my own. I understand that every dog has a unique personality, so I tailor walks, playtime, and care to meet their individual needs. Whether your pet loves adventures, belly rubs, or a quiet companion, I provide dependable, attentive care that helps them feel safe and happy while you're away. My goal is to give you peace of mind and your pet a fun, loving experience filled with plenty of attention and affection. As a high school teacher, I have a reliable schedule and enjoy spending my free time caring for animals. During the school year, I am available after school, evenings, weekends, holidays, and school breaks. In the summer, I have a very flexible schedule with plenty of availability for walks, drop-in visits, daycare, and overnight care. This flexibility allows me to provide pets with the attention, exercise, and companionship they deserve. Your pet's safety, comfort, and well-being are always my top priorities. I provide a calm, loving, and secure environment where pets can feel relaxed and at home while you're away. With years of experience caring for animals, you can trust that your furry family member will receive attentive care, plenty of affection, and close supervision.

“Alexandria watched our puppy and we had zero complaints. She offered and initial visit to make sure we were a match, and to get to know us and our dog before booking. She was very professional about all her questions and listened thoroughly to our pups routine and schedule. She kept us updated with pictures and was very flexible with us. I appreciated her very much and will rebook when needed.”

Keyla M.

“Ashley did a great job watching our puppy in our home for a few hours. He was just neutered and she made sure to follow special care instructions. She sent multiple updates and pictures throughout the day!”

Madison M.

“Sarah took great care of our dog while we were away for a few nights! She provided pictures, updates, was super easy to work with. Our dog was well cared for when we returned thanks to Sarah! We will definitely work with her again.”

Colleen C.

“Stephanie is simply amazing. Our pups love her and she is so easy to work with, she’s great. Once we start planning a trip one of our first moves is to make sure Stephanie can house sit and pup sit our two pooches and once we know she’s able to, our trip planning always gets so much easier. Stephanie is a really hard worker and is often busy working, but when she’s staying with our pups she ALWAYS make sure she has quality time for our doggos and when we are out of town and she’s with our pups she gives us regular updates on how they’re doing, which are always very appreciated.”

Ryan P.

“Grace was AMAZING with Maple! Lots of picture updates while we were away and great communication. You can trust Grace to provide fantastic care for your pet!”

Brendan H.

“Amanda is amazing! She keeps me updated with notes and pictures morning and night. Being away from home I really appreciate that. She’s very responsive as well. Highly recommend her staying with your pup.”

Jennifer R.

About: I feel strongly about the human animal-bond and I believe your pets deserve the best care possible! My experience goes back to childhood since I've had cats and dogs my whole life. I've watched neighbors' and friends' pets while they were out of town and even watched a friend's horses while she was on vacation. I walked dogs at Anderson Animal Shelter (now Anderson Humane) as a kid. I worked for a pet sitting company for a little over a year in 2020. That year I also began school to become a certified veterinary technician. After two years taking classes full time and completing two externships I became a CVT. My schooling did include kennels- aka walking, cleaning up after and caring for the rescued dogs and cats we learned on (they were adopted out at the end of each semester). I also have helped with pets who were boarding at veterinary offices. I can do medical treatments on your fur baby if necessary. I am open to watching exotic pets. I have a huge admiration for spicy cats. I am your person for house sitting and drop in visits. I will be using Rover for part time work but I do have flexible availability! I have stepped away from full time work all together for the foreseeable future. I am a morning person and I would love to spend some time outside with your pup whatever the weather may be. I enjoy walking outside even in zero degree weather! I am happy to accommodate any routine you need for your fur babies. Greeting your pet is important, especially if I am new to them. I will give them food and water and clean dishes as advised by you. I will take them for a walk or outside to play and go potty depending on what they are up for. If you need pills or treatments or any kind to be administered I can absolutely do that. I will treat your pet, your home and belongings with the utmost respect and responsibility.

“Dawn was such a wonderful dog sitter! Our elderly dog ran into some health challenges before our trip and Dawn took such great care of him. She went above and beyond and we are so grateful!”

Lindsay M.

“Very happy with Kennedy. Good communication, dog and cat seemed happy, kept the house clean. Will look to book again!”

Kyle Z.

“Melissa took care of our three babies. Our dog Pita is a bit high maintenance due to her allergies. Melissa was patient and provided excellent care. Dewey, our youngest cat is very shy. It usually takes a while for him to warm up to new people. He had no problem getting to know Melissa within minutes. She gave our other cat Boogie lots of love and attention as well. We definitely will ask Melissa to stay with Pita, Boogie and Dewey the next time we go away. We cannot thank her enough!”

stephanie w.

About: My parents have a farm with three big dogs and many small ones, I’ve taken care of them many times over the years. I have neighbors and friends reaching out to care for their furry friends while they are out of town. I promise to give your loved furry one the love they would expect on a day to day basis I work from home so if I need to spend the day with your pet I can be there for them as I work! Outside of work hours I can give long walks and tons of play time. If you pet needs extra attention I can provide lots of head pets or give them space if they like to spend their time alone.

“I can't recommend Jed highly enough! He truly saved the day by accepting my booking at the very last minute. He was incredibly accommodating, friendly, and professional. Most importantly, Mazi adored him. I will definitely be booking with him again!”

Esther C.

“Thank you so much for caring for my fish, pups, and plants. I hope you were comfortable. I would definitely book again. I would even like to see your band play again. I really enjoyed the last time. I follow you on Facebook so maybe I’ll see one that’s close. Be well, Angelique”

Angelique L.

“Olivia was great with my energetic dogs! She made sure to exercise and spend time with dogs as well as take the time to understand their needs. She was also a great at providing updates and pictures through her stay.”

Ben B.

“Sarah was amazing. She was prompt with communication, arrived on time, and was flexible when my trip was extended longer than thought. My dogs were well cared for during her time with them.”

Jason H.

“Maggie was wonderful! I think our doggo was in love and forgot about all about us! Highly recommed”

Dana S.

“Sarah took wonderful care of our 14 year old Lab, Wally, while we were away for a week. Leaving an older dog can be stressful, but Sarah gave us complete peace of mind from the start She was attentive, caring, and clearly treated Wally like one of her own. She kept us updated with messages and photos, and it was obvious he was comfortable, well cared for, and getting lots of love and attention\. We came home to a happy, relaxed dog, which says everything\. We are so grateful for the excellent care Sarah provided and would not hesitate to book with her again\. We highly recommend Sarah to anyone looking for a reliable, compassionate pet sitter.”

Lisa G.