With travel commencing and COVID guidelines changing frequently, it's important to note that generally, I book out 60 to 90 days in advance. Repeat customers know that you can reach out to me by message to discuss long-range calendars and I will work with you to hold dates so please do feel free to message me as you consider travel this fall. My calendar here on Rover is not indicative of all my availability given the day-to-day updates to local and travel guidelines. Please message me about any dates you are inquiring about rather than relying on the calendar here. Life-long dog owner, rescuer, walker, and caregiver. I have a particular soft spot for "special students" who may need extra loving, accommodation for anxiety, epilepsy, medication or help with their senior needs. I have completed the Red Cross certification in Cat and Dog First Aid and CPR. Our large fenced yard and dog-friendly home are in a highly convenient location immediately inside the beltway affording you easy drop-off and pick up during your commute, on your way to or from any of our area airports, metro, Amtrak, or in and out of the city. *~*~*~*~*~*~*Feel free to request a booking for dates marked as "unavailable" simply because people's plans sometimes change. I'm happy to discuss*~*~*~*~*~*~* I typically board only one dog at a time (unless prior arrangements are made and agreed upon by all parties involved) to ensure my full attention is on your baby. (multiple dogs from the same household are of course always welcome.) I pride myself on listening to all the details provided by an owner to make the dog's stay as comfortable and vacation-like as possible! I am home a majority of the week and my part-time job is a mile away from the house allowing for check-ins when high maintenance hounds are in residence. This is a home away from home rather than a kennel. We have a large fenced-in yard with trees and nooks and crannies to explore. We have a booming population of squirrels to chase. Leashed walks are provided in our beautiful tree-lined neighborhood and in nearby Sligo Creek Park. Dogs are allowed on our living room furniture (there is a spot that is a favorite among our smaller canine visitors because they can see out the window from there!) and the daughter's bed or guest bed are dog friendly at night (not our bed). You will see in photos a window bench that is a popular perch with a great view from which to guard my home from all manner of rogue squirrels, deliveries and passing cars. Although, I will confess my lap seems to be a popular place and I'll make room for even the big pups if they want to try to curl up! It seems everyone wants to be in my lap when I'm knitting :) All the main living areas of the house are dog-accessible so your dog can have company at all times. The photos of my home are accurately represented. I keep a clean and orderly and therefore safe home. I am fastidious about cleaning in order that your pup not be confused by smells or marks from previous guests. I have a soft fluffy comforter that lives on the couch and is washed between every guest. I vacuum every day. Food and water bowls are washed at least once a day. Stays with me are by design immediately comforting and fun for your pup. This is our home and we make it your dog's home during a stay, with all the perks! A typical dog day here at our house: -Morning walk, this walk is typically 1 to 3 miles but can be curtailed as your dog's needs require. Some pups prefer to wander the backyard instead and that's just fine. -Feeding and medication is done on the owner-specified schedule-I work my schedule around your dog. -I work from home the majority of the week. -Your dog can roam freely in our fenced yard, or cuddle indoors all day as inclined, but we would default to two 30 minute walks per day if not otherwise specified. In particularly hot or freezing weather walks might be less frequent or shorter for the dog's safety and comfort. -No dog is left unsupervised in the yard. I accompany your dog to ensure safety and comfort. The fence is 6 feet tall but the gate is only 4 feet tall so if you have a Houdini dog (fence jumper or climber) please let me know so we can take the appropriate precautions. -Fresh clean water is always available in the kitchen and outdoors. -We will provide late-night yard time potty break before lights out for the night. *I will take more than one dog overnight in the cases where they are "siblings" (i.e. live together with you)--ask for a custom quote. **If you have trained your dog to NOT get on the furniture, I will honor that and as much of your training as possible to mirror your rules at home so things are consistent for your dog. ***Please take the time to fill out your Rover profile before inquiring so I can get to know you and your dog(s)! ****If you have a breed excluded from my profile please message me. I do take all breeds on a case-by-case basis. I require meet and greets for all new clients before confirming bookings. AN IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT LARGE HIGH ENERGY DOGS: I'm a disabled veteran. I can handle your large dogs very well. I can handle your high-energy dogs very well. However, if your dog is large AND high energy I must, unfortunately, decline to serve as your sitter, given the physical requirements. *****In general visiting dogs must be fully house trained and continent and crate trained but exceptions can be made depending on specifics and training. Your dog must be okay to be left alone in the house for up to two hours for daycare or up to six hours for boarding, without accidents or damage, ideally, crate trained. *******To ensure your dog will be happy and safe I require single trial overnights before new boarding bookings of more than one overnight. This is a MUST if your dog is not crate trained and/or is accustomed to sleeping in your bed with you.