Profile image

Andrew (Rusty) C.

5.0 out of 5 stars
3 repeat clients
Profile image

Andrew (Rusty) C.

5.0 out of 5 stars
3 repeat clients

Contact for Boarding

from $44 per night

Highlights

Andrew (Rusty) has Star Sitter status!
Enhanced background check
40 years of experience
Has a fenced yard
Home full time
Can administer medication

Pet care experience

Home-like country atmosphere

I am a lifelong dog parent, with over 4 decades of experience with many different breeds; ranging from Terriers to Labs, Shepherds, Huskys, Bully Breeds, Hounds, Herding dogs, Sporting and Working breeds, Toy groups, and many mixed breeds. I am home nearly around the clock, and committed full time to giving great care and attention to my highly -valued dog guests. I have spent decades frequenting the lake county dog parks; studying their behaviors and interactions with other dogs and with people, which has been an invaluable learning experience for me. I have a very laid back and easy-going approach and style that I have had great success with in relating to and connecting with dogs and their pet parents. I am very tuned in to their body language, and very adept at reading their emotions. My home is on a 1/2 acre fenced in wooded lot with a cabin like interior and country atmosphere that is both welcoming , safe, and fun for my dog guests, and I make it a top priority to treat your dogs like family. I also have lake access with a private beach if your dog(s) like to swim. I frequent the lake county dog parks and would love to take your dogs along if that is something you are comfortable with.

Qualifications

3 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds in under half an hour
70% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards
40 years of experience
Oral medication administration
First aid/CPR

Ratings and reviews

5.0
stars
16 ratings
Alice M.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • Aug 04, 2026

We couldn't have asked for a better sitter for our very active and rambunctious dog, Bucky! Rusty was very thorough in making sure he understood Bucky's routine before we left. We received daily updates with photos, and it was clear Bucky was treated like one of his own. He even helped administer Bucky's medication and skin treatment, which we really appreciated, and gave us a heads up that his skin was looking better, and when his collar had broken during play. My nerves were settled, as we were away for over a week! We will absolutely book with him again and highly recommend him!

Profile image
Nancy G.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • Aug 02, 2026

Highly recommend Rusty. On our meet & greet, he carefully introduced Kali to Banjo both outside and then inside to ensure no personality clashes. He asked many questions to ensure he knew Kali and her needs. On our drop off date, she immediately greated Rusty as an old friend. He took great care of Kali, sending messages & videos daily. His house and fenced yard are perfect for dogs. Kalid came home clean (even tho it rained a lot), happy, and tired! He responded quicky to our frequent txt updates on drop off & pickup times, due to traffic issues. Will book again and recommend him for your doggy care.

Profile image
Paula O.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • Jul 29, 2026

Rusty was a great match for our Frankie. At the meet and greet he asked many questions to get to know Frankie's personality. We left him for 10 nights and had daily pictures/movies of Frankie. Frankie is a senior and in the hot days of July his comfort was considered. It was nice to leave him in good care.

Profile image
Claire P.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • Jul 10, 2026

Rusty provided frequent updates and our dog Judy had a wonderful stay. She enjoyed time in the yard with Rusty’s dog, Banjo.

Profile image
Jeanne T.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • Jun 28, 2026

We had an excellent experience working with Rusty! He was very professional. We did an j trial meeting with the dogs. He kept in contact with me over the weekend stay. We highly recommend him for watching your dog. Thank you, Rusty!

Profile image
Diana R.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • Jun 16, 2026

I highly recommend Rusty. Benny stayed with him while I was away, and I couldn’t have been happier with the care he provided. He sent me pictures and updates every day, which gave me a lot of peace of mind. I was especially nervous because Benny has a history of resource guarding, but he handled him very well and everything went smoothly. Benny was well cared for, safe, and happy during his stay. I would def trust him to watch Benny again.

Profile image

Calendar and availability

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
SMTWTFS

Schedule

I am very flexible - and typically available 7 days per week. I am available nights, weekends, and holidays. Ideally allow for two days advance notice.

Where your pet will stay

Home characteristics

Lives in a house
Has a fenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has 1 dog
No children present
Dogs allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 0-2 hours

Safety, trust & environment

Safety is my top priority. I have a 1/2 acre fenced in lot, and a very warm and comfortable dog friendly home, that was once a summer cottage close to Round Lake. I am on a quiet dead end road which is very safe for walks, as well as freedom to roam the yard. My goal is to customize my services to meet your dogs needs, whatever they may be. I will treat your pets as I do my own- like family- lots of fun, exercise and plenty of TLC.

Pets

A typical day

My dogs and pet guests get plenty of exercise running and playing, retrieving Frisbees and balls. My dog loves to chase squirrels and even climb trees. I also have access to a private beach- so if your dog(s) like to swim I'd love to take them down to the beach...my home is on a quiet dead end road, great for safe neighborhood walks. I also frequent the many lake county dog parks and I am more than happy to take your dogs along.

0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs
Spayed and neutered dogs only
No females in heat
Andrew (Rusty) can host up to 4 pets per night
Please call to discuss any special need(s) or requirements your dog(s) may have that I need to be aware of. I can accommodate most any dog(s).
Each sitter joining Rover needs to pass a background check. And by booking on Rover, you can get photo & message updates, 24/7 support, and reimbursement for eligible vet care.