Austin S.
Reston, VA
Welcome to the (honorary) family
Pet care experience
I care for dogs like they are apart of my family. I have been caring for many of the same dogs for the past 5 years and only stopped and started because their families move. I don't just care for the dogs, I really include them as apart of my honorary family. Dogs are individuals and have their own needs, personalities, and quirks just like my own dog. I'm happy when my dogs are happy and that's what I am interested in. When dogs stay with me my goal is to have them enjoy their stay as much as I enjoy theirs. I tend to have a routine for major meals and walks but I find each dog is dramatically different in what they need and want. I look forward to getting to know my dogs on a personal level and understanding them to the same extent their owners do. I am also sympathetic of the dogs' owners. As an owner myself I am very familiar with the stress and anxiety that can come with having your dog cared for. I put a lot of effort into easing the stress of owners the way I would want. I send updates and pictures often and I am very communicatory of any behavioral changes that might indicate health concerns. I usually ask the owners what want to recieve but most are more than happy with the feedback I provide.
Reviews
Austin was great with our pup Sadie! He was easy to communicate with and made us feel comfortable leaving Sadie with him for the night.
Austin's great! Dependable, responds to messages very fast, and was able to help me out a couple of times when I needed help navigating the Rover app and changing a booking. And my dog Buster always has a great time with him.
Austin was great with our two pups. His dog, Dallas, was a perfect companion. Austin made us feel so comfortable leaving our dogs and we could tell he cared about our pups (even the quirky one), which put us at ease. We got pictures and updates throughout their stay and they came home happy and well cared for. Already planning on having them stay there again! Highly recommend m.
Austin took great care of our dog while we were on vacation! Getting regular updates/pictures was super nice and he was always responsive. Highly recommend!
About Austin S.
Communication
Skills
Home
Information Austin S. would like to know about your pet
The most important thing for overnight stays is knowing what things make them uncomfortable. I am happy to accommodate all sorts of stresses but I need to know how so that I can best care for them. Besides keeping dogs calm and happy, I need to know any pertinent medical information. Ex: arthritis, food allergies, deafness, etc.... my sister is a vet and I have cared for many dogs with sickness and sensitivities but it's best if I know beforehand.
A typical day
I take a different approach for each dog. Some dogs prefer me to let them sleep in while others like to come on my morning jog. The average dog care day is a potty break in the yard followed shortly by breakfast. A little less than an hour later I will take more energetic dogs on a walk.. I like to use engaging toys during the day and if the wearher permits I go to the park and spend most of the afternoon outside with the dogs. Ogherwise I choose potty breaks during the day based upon everyone's needs and desires. Evening is dinner followed by a walk. If the weather is nice I do like to take energetic dogs on long walks. A potty break before bed is neccessary for everyone. I prefer owners give me the 411 on what their dog likes and what makes them comfortable.
Services
Austin can host
Austin can watch in your home
About Austin S.
Communication
Skills
Home
Information Austin S. would like to know about your pet
The most important thing for overnight stays is knowing what things make them uncomfortable. I am happy to accommodate all sorts of stresses but I need to know how so that I can best care for them. Besides keeping dogs calm and happy, I need to know any pertinent medical information. Ex: arthritis, food allergies, deafness, etc.... my sister is a vet and I have cared for many dogs with sickness and sensitivities but it's best if I know beforehand.
A typical day
I take a different approach for each dog. Some dogs prefer me to let them sleep in while others like to come on my morning jog. The average dog care day is a potty break in the yard followed shortly by breakfast. A little less than an hour later I will take more energetic dogs on a walk.. I like to use engaging toys during the day and if the wearher permits I go to the park and spend most of the afternoon outside with the dogs. Ogherwise I choose potty breaks during the day based upon everyone's needs and desires. Evening is dinner followed by a walk. If the weather is nice I do like to take energetic dogs on long walks. A potty break before bed is neccessary for everyone. I prefer owners give me the 411 on what their dog likes and what makes them comfortable.
Location
Reston, VA
Pets
Austin S.
Reston, VA