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Colleen D.

ANKENY, IA

5.0 out of 5 stars
27 reviews
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Services

Colleen can host

Cats
0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs
Dogs over 1 year old
Spayed and neutered dogs only
No females in heat
Takes only 1 client at a time

Colleen can care for

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

Availability

Update: During the school year, I’m most available on weekends but can of course provide care in the afternoon and evening on a school/week day… just not as much as I can on a weekend or holiday :)

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Boarding Cancellation Policy:

About Colleen D.

Communication

6 repeat pet parents
92% response rate
Usually responds within a few hours
80% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

18 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Senior dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Safety, trust & environment

I have a wire fenced yard (not a privacy fence). It’s not the biggest but I’ve also had a smaller yard! There are neighboring dogs, as well, so keep that in mind. As mentioned, no dog at the moment. I’m very careful with dogs in terms of behavior. I was raised to understand that the person is responsible for the dog’s behavior. This means paying attention, shortening the lead when needed, helping the dog feel secure, crossing the street, etc.

Home

Lives in a house
Has a fenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has no pets
No children present
Dogs allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 4-8 hours

Information Colleen D. would like to know about your pet

The more information you can provide, the better! This includes everything from medicine and food preferences to quirks and owner preferences. I understand that our pets are sometimes like kids and so you don’t have to worry about over sharing.

A typical day

What I love about dogs is that even little, basic things can be fun, exciting, or enjoyable for dogs. I try not to rush dogs while on walks… sometimes they just want to sniff!!! I’m happy to toss balls, play rug of war, and especially happy to lounge around together and cuddle.

Location

ANKENY, IA

Colleen D.'s Neighborhood

Need some dog love in my life :)

Pet care experience

Hello! I’m a full-time high school teacher who loves animals… but my own dog passed away last year and for some reason I’m just not ready to get a new one. But I love dogs!! So, in the meantime, I am getting my pet love by dog-sitting. I mostly set this up to do over the summer when I was off work and super flexible, but I’ve decided to keep doing it some—with an emphasis on weekends and public holidays when I’m not at work :) I can do some weekdays, but we’d need to chat about it first. I have gotten a lot of satisfaction and enjoyment out of this so far (which is truly why I’m doing this) and plan to continue this until that stops (or until I decide to adopt a new furry friend who might need most of my attention). I grew up with dogs and have had a variety of breeds, shapes, sizes over the decades. I dog-sat during college and during grad school for friends, professors, and a few strangers I connected with on an older website (I feel like it was called care-dot-com for anyone who’s old enough to remember that). As someone who is a “bit” older, I’m reliable and have very little social life!! Perfect for you and your pet! I’m also super motivated to make your dog as happy as I can! I miss that aspect of having a pet—you take care of them and they keep you sane in this crazy world.

Cat care experience

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Cats are majestic.

Colleen also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.

Reviews

Sarah J.
Boarding • juin 09, 2026
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Colleen was absolutely wonderful! Not only did she take our pup last minute, but was very accommodating of all the changes in our travel plans. She sent photos, both printed and digital and helped our Penny Have a wonderful time.

Haley B.
House Sitting • mai 29, 2026
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Longest trip away from our fur babies that we’ve done, Colleen took perfect care of them! She did everything we asked and the dogs were very happy doggies. You can tell Colleen is a pro, if she has availability she’s definitely who I’d book with. Thanks for taking great care of our fur babies!

Kathryn M.
House Sitting • mai 08, 2026
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Pookie and Belvedere are always excited to spend time with Colleen. Lots of photos and videos!

EJ L.
House Sitting • mars 24, 2026
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My dogs love when Colleen comes over! Colleen is responsible, communicative, is adored by my sometimes moody doodle and our older dog too! The reliable care and attention Colleen provides is unmatched!

About Colleen D.

Communication

6 repeat pet parents
92% response rate
Usually responds within a few hours
80% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

18 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Senior dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Safety, trust & environment

I have a wire fenced yard (not a privacy fence). It’s not the biggest but I’ve also had a smaller yard! There are neighboring dogs, as well, so keep that in mind. As mentioned, no dog at the moment. I’m very careful with dogs in terms of behavior. I was raised to understand that the person is responsible for the dog’s behavior. This means paying attention, shortening the lead when needed, helping the dog feel secure, crossing the street, etc.

Home

Lives in a house
Has a fenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has no pets
No children present
Dogs allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 4-8 hours

Information Colleen D. would like to know about your pet

The more information you can provide, the better! This includes everything from medicine and food preferences to quirks and owner preferences. I understand that our pets are sometimes like kids and so you don’t have to worry about over sharing.

A typical day

What I love about dogs is that even little, basic things can be fun, exciting, or enjoyable for dogs. I try not to rush dogs while on walks… sometimes they just want to sniff!!! I’m happy to toss balls, play rug of war, and especially happy to lounge around together and cuddle.

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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Verified Enhanced Background Check

Colleen D.

ANKENY, IA

5.0 out of 5 stars
27 reviews