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Barbara S.

Potomac West, Alexandria, VA

5.0 out of 5 stars
87 reviews
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Services

These prices are for 1 dog.

Prices may vary based on your selections. A booking fee of 11% will apply.

Barbara can host

0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
No females in heat

Barbara can care for

Cats
0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs

Availability

I’m currently working remotely most of the time. I go in twice a month (usually when we aren’t watching a pup!) for a half day. My boyfriend, Tanner, has had to go back to office full time but he is always ready to go on a super long stroll or hike the second he’s home! We both adore animals and love making furry friends. I usually wake up around 6:30/7 for a 45 min walk, take a 1.5 hour walk / play around lunch at around 12:30, and Tanner takes a 2hr walk at around 6:00. Between these, we take big yard breaks and games whenever your pup is feeling bored. We have loads of inside and outside toys. And I promise, I always modify the walk times and schedule based on your pups needs and preferences! If your furry one prefers shorter strolls and sniffs, I will do a short walk with them in the AM, a slightly longer one with them + Hank at lunch, and another shorter one in the evening.

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Drop-In Visits Cancellation Policy:

About Barbara S.

Communication

41 repeat pet parents
68% response rate
Usually responds in under half an hour
80% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Dog skills

7 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Safety, trust & environment

AT HOME. We have a townhouse house with a fenced front yard. It’s not huge but it’s certainly big enough to play fetch and chase! The pups we watch LOVE playing and relaxing out there. We also have an unfenced park at the back of our house that is perfect for catch and playing. We have tons and tons of fun toys for every type of pup, including-14” herding jolly ball, a million tennis balls and chuck it balls with the thrower, stuffed squeaky floofy toys, snuffle toys, treat dispensing toys, benebones and kongs for chewers, etc. I wash these thoroughly and sterilize them with some vinegar + water very often. OUTSIDE HOME. Tanner and I love nothing more than going on hikes, to the creek, and to other outdoor adventures. We make it as safe and fun as possible for our puppy guests! One thing I have been worried about with my own dog is his squirrel and bunny chasing habits, so to the extent your pup does the same, I promise to keep a firm grip and a careful eye to their leash if we do go out on a wooded hike! We always, always bring water when we take a day trip and take plenty of breaks if it’s too hot. We have our own dog, Hank. He is a one year old border Aussie. Despite his age and breed, he is a chill little dude who is great at keeping space if needed but also great with playing with most dogs. Hank is friendly, but he does like to start off slow before he jumps into wrestling and cuddling with his BFFs. He does not love if a pup pins him down at their first meeting to play. Hank is particularly good with smaller dogs and dogs his size (50 lbs). He is more cautious around bigger dogs (100+ lbs). Tanner and I will require a meet and greet with us, Hank, and any new pups to make sure everyone’s comfy together! We dog sat a limited number of pups during hanks first two months with us and he loved it, with the exception of one bigger dog at drop off. He also loves cats. Due to Tanner returning to office, we unfortunately can only accomodate a maximum of two pups at once (not including Hank, he would make three) for safety reasons!

Home

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

Information Barbara S. would like to know about your pet

Let me know your pups favorite activities so we can make them feel the most comfy :). If you forget something, we have a bunch of stuff! We have several dog bed, tons of bowls (stainless steel, collapsable silicone, puzzle feeder) and a doggie bottle, loads of treats, toys, a life jacket, extra food (in case you’re delayed or anything-I will always check with you re amount), shampoo/bath stuff, towels, etc etc.

A typical day

A shorter play or walk in the yard when we wake up, a lunchtime walk, and longer evening stroll/dog park visit! We’d also love to take your pup(s) on longer hikes or trips on the weekends. I usually wake up around 6:30/7 for a 45 min walk, take a 1.5 hour walk / play around lunch at around 12:30, and Tanner takes a 2hr walk at around 6:00. Between these, we take big yard breaks and games whenever your pup is feeling bored. We have loads of inside and outside toys. And I promise, I always modify the walk times and schedule based on your pups needs and preferences! If your furry one prefers shorter strolls and sniffs, I will do a short walk with them in the AM, a slightly longer one with them + Hank at lunch, and another shorter one in the evening.

Location

Alexandria, VA

Barbara S.'s Neighborhood

Pets

Caring Animal Lover with Big Heart!

Pet care experience

I adore animals and have a deep sense of patience when it comes to their care. I helped rescue my family’s cat and my own dog Hank. I’m great at making animals feel safe, loved, and comfortable. Your pet will always be my priority :-).

Reviews

Suzanne M.
Doggy Day Care • Dec 08, 2025
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Hank Barbara and Tanner are the best!

Amanda B.
Drop-In Visits • Nov 30, 2025
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Barbara was THE. BEST! I have never used Rover before and she could not have made it a better experience. I feel so lucky to have gotten her so last minute and for the holidays. I needed an emergency booking for someone with experience giving cats ear drops and Barbara was so great and kind about doing something that I'm sure was not pleasant. She sent me a ton of pictures and updates and it made my trip so much better knowing that my cats were in good hands.

Suzanne M.
Boarding • Nov 12, 2025
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Barbara is fantastic as are her pup and hubs!

Hannah L.
Boarding • Oct 19, 2025
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Barbara, Tanner, and Hank are truly our girls best friends - she’s always so excited to go to Hanks House!

About Barbara S.

Communication

41 repeat pet parents
68% response rate
Usually responds in under half an hour
80% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Dog skills

7 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Safety, trust & environment

AT HOME. We have a townhouse house with a fenced front yard. It’s not huge but it’s certainly big enough to play fetch and chase! The pups we watch LOVE playing and relaxing out there. We also have an unfenced park at the back of our house that is perfect for catch and playing. We have tons and tons of fun toys for every type of pup, including-14” herding jolly ball, a million tennis balls and chuck it balls with the thrower, stuffed squeaky floofy toys, snuffle toys, treat dispensing toys, benebones and kongs for chewers, etc. I wash these thoroughly and sterilize them with some vinegar + water very often. OUTSIDE HOME. Tanner and I love nothing more than going on hikes, to the creek, and to other outdoor adventures. We make it as safe and fun as possible for our puppy guests! One thing I have been worried about with my own dog is his squirrel and bunny chasing habits, so to the extent your pup does the same, I promise to keep a firm grip and a careful eye to their leash if we do go out on a wooded hike! We always, always bring water when we take a day trip and take plenty of breaks if it’s too hot. We have our own dog, Hank. He is a one year old border Aussie. Despite his age and breed, he is a chill little dude who is great at keeping space if needed but also great with playing with most dogs. Hank is friendly, but he does like to start off slow before he jumps into wrestling and cuddling with his BFFs. He does not love if a pup pins him down at their first meeting to play. Hank is particularly good with smaller dogs and dogs his size (50 lbs). He is more cautious around bigger dogs (100+ lbs). Tanner and I will require a meet and greet with us, Hank, and any new pups to make sure everyone’s comfy together! We dog sat a limited number of pups during hanks first two months with us and he loved it, with the exception of one bigger dog at drop off. He also loves cats. Due to Tanner returning to office, we unfortunately can only accomodate a maximum of two pups at once (not including Hank, he would make three) for safety reasons!

Home

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

Information Barbara S. would like to know about your pet

Let me know your pups favorite activities so we can make them feel the most comfy :). If you forget something, we have a bunch of stuff! We have several dog bed, tons of bowls (stainless steel, collapsable silicone, puzzle feeder) and a doggie bottle, loads of treats, toys, a life jacket, extra food (in case you’re delayed or anything-I will always check with you re amount), shampoo/bath stuff, towels, etc etc.

A typical day

A shorter play or walk in the yard when we wake up, a lunchtime walk, and longer evening stroll/dog park visit! We’d also love to take your pup(s) on longer hikes or trips on the weekends. I usually wake up around 6:30/7 for a 45 min walk, take a 1.5 hour walk / play around lunch at around 12:30, and Tanner takes a 2hr walk at around 6:00. Between these, we take big yard breaks and games whenever your pup is feeling bored. We have loads of inside and outside toys. And I promise, I always modify the walk times and schedule based on your pups needs and preferences! If your furry one prefers shorter strolls and sniffs, I will do a short walk with them in the AM, a slightly longer one with them + Hank at lunch, and another shorter one in the evening.

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.
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Barbara S.

Potomac West, Alexandria, VA

5.0 out of 5 stars
87 reviews