Barb D.
Barb D.
Contact for Boarding
from $60 per night
Highlights
Pet care experience
All dogs are part of my family
As of November 2023, I am selectively opening my home to sitting for new Rover clients. I moved back to my home state of Pennsylvania 6 years ago and am ready to get back to dog sitting. I had an extensive cliential in Colorado for several years before the move. As a retired service dog trainer, I have enjoyed the company of many dogs over my 35+ year career. From bringing potential service dogs home for additional socialization to fostering rescue dogs, there are always some extra paws coming and going in my home. I treat any dog like a member of the family regardless of how long they will be with me! I have tailored my house to accommodate the needs of any dogs, with a large fenced yard. Whether your dog wants his own private time or wants to play with the my own dog, it is easy to meet any dog's needs. I have spent my entire working career in one way or another with dogs! I was a veterinary assistant, kennel manager for a large boarding facility, have trained dogs for people in wheelchairs and for the deaf, guide dogs for the blind and have bred and shown dogs around the country. It is now time for me to be primarily at home, where my pets are my family. Having an extra dog or two is second nature for me and I look forward to welcoming your dog into my home while you are away or even just for the day. Why I love dog sitting My entire life has been tailored around dogs! I was a dog "nanny" for a busy doctor for about 10 years. I lived in her home, full time, and cared for her multi dog household. Add 20 years of training service, hearing or guide dogs, my whole professional life was dogs. I am not as mobile as I once was and cannot provide walks. If your dog requires that level of activity my home would not be the best fit. Meet my pets I currently have 2 dogs of my own. Sunny is a fun loving dog that has grown into a fantastic companion. And Bubbles, Sunny's daughter is with us much of the time. I have organized my home to ensure the comfort and safety of my dogs as well as any visitors we may have. That includes areas where Sunny can be kept separated from visiting dogs if that is best for everyones safety and sanity. About my yard I have a large yard, fenced with a 4 foot privacy fence, specifically built for the dog's safety. It is the dog's yard, therefore there are no "hazards". I never leave dogs in the yard unless I am home and able to supervise and I can monitor the entire yard via camera. Should your dog have a habit of jumping or is a secret Houdini, please let me know when we meet so proper precautions be taken. My experience administering medication In my earliest working days, I was a veterinary assistant at an emergency animal hospital. I am prepared to handle routine medications and have an in depth knowledge of first aide.
Qualifications
Ratings and reviews
Barb was an excellent sitter and I knew my dogs were in good, confident hands leaving them in her care. She sent great pics or videos everyday and I really trusted her to manage a couple high energy dogs.
Barb has been great! Her dogs are very friendly and get along well with mine. Her home is setup very well for taking care of dogs and she clearly has experience.
Barb is simply amazing, and Ray loves to visit!
Our boys had a great time with Barb! Her experienced background helped ease my own apprehension about leaving them with anyone other than family. She understood all their quirks in no time! She sent photos and messages daily that helped us as well! Getting ready to book their next stay!
Barb does an amazing job at slowly introducing a new dog to her home and her animals. She is very flexible on pick up and drop off and keeps us updated throughout the day. She is the best!
Barb took excellent care of our dog Lacey while we were away! She was very good at sending updates and pictures so we could easily see how she was doing. We definitely recommend Barb to others Seeking pet care!
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
I am retired and home most of the time. I generally have a very open schedule and can accommodate any hours and days including early or late pickup or dropoff.
Where your pet will stay
Home characteristics
Safety, trust & environment
My home is set up for dog care! Separate areas with doors or movable gates allow for appropriate supervision while allowing dogs to be part of the family. My fenced yard with cameras allows for monitoring however I supervise outside time closely. It is very important to me that visiting dogs are of a quiet and calm nature. High energy dogs or dogs with severe separation anxiety are not likely a good match for my home and would do best with other accommodations.
Pets
A typical day
Your dog's sleeping arrangement Visiting dogs usually are crated with lots of blankets at night and when I am away. I provide plenty of blankets or you can bring your own from home. Once the dog is more comfortable, it may be allowed to sleep on the bed or have free range. I am open to working with a dog's owner to ensure their dog's needs are met. Time I'll spend with your dog I am at home most of the time. It is very rare for me to be away from home for more than 2 hours at any given time.