Dog Walking Johnston

“Very communicative and responsive!!! Took great care of my puppy!”

Joleen R.

“Ezequiel R. exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated and compassionate pet sitter. His approach goes beyond the basic responsibilities of feeding and walking pets; he takes the time to understand each animal's unique personality and needs. Ezequiel engages with the pets through play and affection, ensuring they feel loved and secure while I was away. His attention to detail extends to maintaining routines, whether it's administering medications or sticking to specific dietary requirements. Additionally, Ezequiel values open communication with pet owners, providing regular updates and photos to reassure them that their furry friends are thriving. With his responsible and warm-hearted care, Ezequiel R. truly stands out as an exceptional pet sitter.”

Xam O.

“Cory was a fantastic walker and play buddy for Koda! He was willing to come and meet koda ahead of time and get to know him! We will definitely use Cory again!”

Zach E.

About: Hi! I’m Rachel, and animals have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. These days, my family includes my partner, four kids, and what we lovingly call our “mini zoo”: dogs, cats, a bunny, ball pythons, a bearded dragon, mourning geckos, and multiple aquariums full of fish, shrimp, snails, and dwarf crayfish. Caring for such a variety of animals has made me comfortable with everything from energetic puppies to reptiles and aquatic pets. Since joining Rover, I’ve had the opportunity to care for pets with all kinds of unique needs. I’ve worked with raw-fed dogs and cats, chickens, senior pets, anxious pets, and plenty of quirky personalities. Along the way I’ve even found myself handling unexpected adventures like moving fallen tree branches after storms, making small home fixes, collecting fresh raspberries from clients’ gardens, and convincing stubborn geese to cooperate. Every home and every pet has its own story, and I love being someone families can depend on. My experience goes beyond pet sitting. In high school I volunteered regularly at a local animal shelter, gaining hands-on experience with dogs of all sizes, breeds, and temperaments. I later worked as an assistant dog trainer, where I learned to read canine body language, encourage healthy play, and build trust through calm, confident handling. Whether I’m caring for one pet or an entire household, I believe great pet care is about more than feeding and potty breaks. I pay attention to routines, behavior, enrichment, and the little details that help pets feel safe while you’re away. I also keep an eye on your home, bring in packages, water plants if requested, and communicate with plenty of updates so you can truly relax while you’re gone. For families who enjoy it, my animal-loving family is often part of the fun. My oldest daughter, Bella, enjoys helping give extra attention, playtime, and companionship to many of our pet guests (always under my supervision). If your pets love people, they’ll have no shortage of affection and enrichment while they’re with us. My goal is simple: to care for your pets the same way I’d want someone to care for mine, with patience, respect, and lots of love. I work as a school bus driver primarily so it leaves my summer & most major holidays pretty open! When I am at work my wife is usually home with some or all of the kids, so even when I’m busy- we have the ability to care for pets. I am pretty flexible but my main priority is making sure I am respectful of your space as much as I would want someone to be respectful of mine. Taking photos and communicating heavily with pet parents is top priority for me. If you wish to have less communication, just let me know so I don’t send too many cute pictures of your pets! I know what a big deal it is to leave my pets in the care of someone else and as a result, I take the responsibility very seriously myself. We have a very large unfenced yard. We do not use any pesticides on our yard to protect the environment and animals of all kinds. 🌎🐝🦋 In the warm months, you’ll see lots of native plants, wildflowers and butterflies in our yard as a result. Please note: While we welcome pets of all kinds, we do not allow pet parents into our home. We want to make sure we are protecting the privacy and security of our children and their space. Also: we have 4 kids (see: mini-zoo reference above) it can be a mess up in here sometimes! 🤣

“Sara was great with our dog Finn! She was very easy to work with and took care of our dogs needs.”

Will H.

“Ashley was very easy to communicate with and followed directions exactly and was great with my dog! She provides lots of photos as well! Would recommend her 👍”

Aki O.

“Brad is always awesome! He's my go-to when my husband and I are both gone all day. He's been so patient with our challenging dogs, and I appreciate him extensively.”

Heidi S.

“Jessica was great! She took time out of her night to come visit Koda the night before she walked him and see how they did with each other! She was also a great walker and was willing to just hang out with him outside of his kennel and play with his toys! We will definitely be going back to Jessica again!”

Zach E.

“Loved all the pics and updates on how Bruno’s walks went! Took great care of him :)”

Emily M.

About: I have been a vet tech for 4 years and have had animals all my life, dogs, cats, horses, and pocket pets. Love them all. I work full time, but have longer lunch breaks so can usually make mid day, can have busy weekends but make time work as needed. I have a dog and two cats myself. I love to focus on play and cuddle equally. If a pet ever needs to come to me, I have a separate guest room just for them!

About: I currently don't have any pets of my own. In February 2025, my family and I sadly said goodbye to our beloved dog, Buddy, after 17 wonderful years together. I miss him deeply-our walks, cuddles, and the unconditional companionship he brought to my life every day. While Buddy will always hold a special place in my heart, Rover provides a meaningful opportunity for both pet owners and me. I can help families by providing dependable, loving care for their dogs, while also continuing to spend time with the animals I've loved my entire life. Caring for dogs fills a void left by losing Buddy and allows me to do something that brings me genuine joy. I've been caring for dogs since I was six years old. Having had dogs throughout my life and now into my mid-fifties, I understand how important it is to find someone who provides compassionate, loving, and trustworthy care. I know the peace of mind that comes from knowing your dog is safe, happy, and well cared for when you're away. I've been surrounded by dogs my entire life, including dachshunds, beagles, german shepards and mixed breeds like Buddy - who was a basset / black lab. Every dog I've had has been treated as a cherished member of the family, receiving endless love, patience, and care - and I would treat your dog the very same way. You'll notice there aren't many photos of me with Buddy - I was usually the one behind the camera capturing all of his adventures and favorite moments. My goal is to make sure your dog feels safe, loved, comfortable, and happy while in my care, giving you complete peace of mind while you're away. I look forward to meeting you and taking care of your fur baby. Thanks for your consideration and the opportunity. Have a wonderful day. Because I work from home full-time, I can fit pet care into my daily schedule. I enjoy taking breaks for walks, outdoor time, playtime, and cuddles, which allows me to give dogs attention throughout the day. My flexible weekday and weekend availability means your dog won't be left alone for long periods and will receive compassionate, attentive care. I live in a pet-friendly apartment community with easy access to sidewalks in quiet neighborhoods and nearby trails, providing plenty of opportunities for dogs to get exercise, explore, and enjoy time outdoors. Because I work from home full-time, I can provide regular potty breaks, walks, playtime, and companionship throughout the day. Your dog's safety, comfort, and happiness are my top priorities. Dogs in my care will always be supervised, walked on a leash, and given a calm, loving environment where they can feel secure and at home. Having cared for dogs my entire life, I understand the trust involved in leaving your pet with someone else, and I am committed to treating every dog as if they were my own—with patience, compassion, and attentive care.

“Kent is amazing! He goes above and beyond for my dog. He is an excellent communicator and keeps me informed with anything I may need to know about my dog. He cares deeply for animals and is so trustworthy and genuine. I highly recommend Kent and we are so lucky we found him!”

Kristen M.

“Troy was absolutely amazing with my small dog Luca. Provided a ton of photos, a fabulous update that gave me all the details, and was so warm and loving to my fur baby.”

Michelle P.

About: I’ve been an animal lover for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I always loved being around pets, and that passion has stayed with me into adulthood. Over the years, I’ve pet sat for friends and family, caring for their furry family members as if they were my own. I truly enjoy spending time with animals, whether that means going for walks, playing, giving lots of affection, or simply keeping them company. I’ve missed pet sitting and am excited to get back to doing something I genuinely love. My goal is to make sure every pet feels safe, happy, and well cared for while their owner is away. If you're looking for someone dependable, compassionate, and who will treat your pets like family, I'd love the opportunity to help. I am currently working full time in a position that works from home. I have flexible hours and would be available most of the day for drop ins. I have two cats of my own that I love with my WHOLE heart. Currently looking to do drop ins as my babies aren’t super comfortable around other pets.

“Dawn is fantastic! My recently recuse pup is still figuring things out and Dawn has been very supportive and loving with her.”

Laura D.

About: I have a soft spot for the quirky or misunderstood animals. I pride myself on making sure your pet is comfortable and feels free to be themselves. I have experience with mildly aggressive dogs, senior dogs, puppies, and the medically challenged. I am typically available after 4pm monday-friday, and on the weekends I am fairly flexible. Working with animals is a passion of mine and does not feel like a job. :) I have a fenced in yard, and a spacious first floor in my home so I have plenty of room for your pet to run around or play.

About: Interacting with animals has always been the highlight of my day. I have a decade of professional experience with pet care, primarily dogs and cats, but small animals and exotics as well. I have a beloved senior dog and a giant day gecko at home, but I grew up around a large range of animals, including dogs, birds, lizards, frogs, rodents and sugar gliders. I also have a bachelor's degree in biology with a particular interest in animals and plants. As a result, I have the experience, knowledge and passion to provide the high-quality care you're looking for. I currently have a very flexible schedule, which means that I am able to devote plenty of time and attention to your animals. I will keep in touch with you while your precious pets are under my care, so you won't have to worry about their safety and comfort. I am happy to provide detailed updates and photos of the time they spend with me. I would love an opportunity to work with your family! I'm between jobs right now, so I'm able to provide even more time for your pets. When I do find my next job, I will be sure to give advance notice to any clients potentially affected by the change in addition to updating my profile. I will respect any rules and routines of your household so that you and your pets will be as comfortable as possible. I am always careful when opening doors to prevent escapes and take any specific safety concerns for your individual pets into account.

About: I have been the main caretaker of any animal I’ve ever had, some because I was the one who begged for it. And others because I just love animals so much that their care is only half the fun. I have experience with animals in all stages of life, from puppies to seniors. My puppy experience ranges from being the one who nursing a parvo puppy back to excellent health, she is now 3 years old and thriving. I also have a senior dog, who is such a joy but I think he forgets he has arthritis with all of his puppy antics. I also have a lot experience with teaching many tricks so don’t be surprised if your animal learns something new every time they see me! I work from home and have only two courses a day, so I have a lot of time on my hands to do a good pet care routine. My babies (my cats and hermit crabs) are on a routine or rather I am. We do feedings in the morning and have an hour of down time for everyone to “stretch” their legs before I go to class. I’m away for 3 hours before I’m back and during that time I can walk a dog if one is staying. And then I work from home so pretty much I’m at the animals beck and call whenever they need anything. I am in an apartment which lessens the risk of anything happening to your pet on my watch! Also with living in an apartment by campus we can always go for walks and meet some college students wanting some animal love!

“Hallie was great! It was a perfect match. Thank you Hallie!”

Forrest A.

About: As a dog mama myself, I understand that our dogs are more than just our pets. They’re an integral part of our family! I strive to provide them with the necessary care they need, but also the enrichment they need to thrive and live a happy life. I love to play with them, take them out for walks, and provide them with love and pets. It’s important to me that they are not just physically cared for, but they are mentally stimulated through play and emotionally cared for at every visit. I'm always mindful that all pets should be greeted with a slow introduction, that does not come off as intrusive, or threatening. Even the most social pets, can behave differently when an unfamiliar person enters their home while family is not present. I always take that into consideration upon each visit, as I get to know your dog/cat, and build a trusting relationship. Whether your pet goes out on a leash, uses a fenced in yard, or requires potty pads to go to the bathroom, I'll follow your instructions as discussed through the Rover app, or during our initial "meet and greet". Requested information about your pet -Medication schedule -Behavioral issues that may affect walking your pet on public sidewalks, history of biting or aggression while being fed. -Ongoing medical conditions -Vet number and/or emergency contact I currently work on a hybrid schedule - 3 days in West Des Moines and 2 days at home in Ankeny. I have a flexible schedule where I can pop around to your pet when needed. I have a heart for animals along with the patience needed to give quality pet care. Your pet will always come first and I would treat them as if they are my own.