Danica M.
Danica M.
Contact for Boarding
from $65 per night
Highlights
Pet care experience
🐾 Certified trainer, tailored care
☀️ Summer Safety Advisory ☀️ Due to Florida’s extreme heat and humidity, dogs are at serious risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke in as little as 10–15 minutes of exertion during peak sun hours. Because of this, all walks during late spring through early fall may be shortened or adjusted for safety and replaced with enrichment-based activities, shaded sniff time, or indoor play when appropriate. Your dog’s health and comfort always come first. 🐾 Pet Care Experience I provide thoughtful, enrichment-focused care that’s tailored to each pet’s individual needs, energy level, and comfort. My goal is not just to “get through” a visit, but to make sure your pet feels safe, understood, and well cared for while you’re away. I have a background in wildlife sanctuary rehabilitation and have served as an adoptions director, which means I’ve worked hands-on with animals of all temperaments, ages, and medical needs. I’m comfortable administering medications ( just not injections), managing multi-pet households, and supporting shy, anxious, senior, or special-needs pets. My approach to pet care is informed by ongoing education in dog behavior, body language, and force-free, reward-based training. I pay close attention to stress signals, pacing, and environment, and I adjust each visit accordingly. Whether your dog needs structured activity, calm companionship, or space to decompress, I aim to meet them where they are. 🦴 Bonus Enrichment Option I also manage one of Gainesville’s top-rated private Sniffspots, The Zoomie Zone, located in Midtown. This fully private, reservation-only yard is ideal for dogs who benefit from off-leash play without the pressure of public dog parks. Many clients choose to incorporate Sniffspot visits into walks or drop-ins as a way to provide safe zoomies, sniff-based enrichment, or low-distraction decompression time. If you’re interested in adding a Sniffspot visit to your booking, feel free to ask. Returning clients can also receive discount codes for independent bookings. Whether we’re heading out for a structured walk, enjoying shaded sniff time, or keeping things low-key indoors, I focus on providing calm, attentive, and reliable care you can trust.
Cat care experience
Danica also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Qualifications
Ratings and reviews
Danica was wonderful with our two Frenchies. I felt at ease leaving them in her hands during drop-in visits. She was professional and thorough. We will absolutely be using her again
We always feel 100% confident and comfortable leaving our little Olive in Danica’s care. She goes above and beyond to make it easy for us and keeps us updated with fun photos and messages. Much appreciated!!
Danica is so caring with our cat, Robby, and we have found so many fun activities he loves through her ideas. She is responsible and communicative which we greatly appreciate.
Danica is an incredible sitter! She has petsit for us before and we'd be delighted for her to watch our dog anytime. She's so communicative, caring, and detailed.
Danica is the most reliable cat sitter we’ve ever had! She is our go-to when we know we have an upcoming trip!
Danica goes above and beyond! Our dog was so well loved while we were away. Danica was thorough and thoughtful in meeting our dog's needs and coming up with activities for her. Danica leaves wonderful reports which brought us joy while we were away. When we returned, our dog seemed so happy and cared for!
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
🗓️ Schedule and Booking Process To make sure every booking is safe, smooth, and a good fit, I require a free 15 minute meet and greet for all new clients. This takes place at the location where care will happen and helps ensure your pet’s comfort, safety, and compatibility with my services. -Exceptions Cats and puppies under 5 months do not require a meet and greet -Returning clients can fast track bookings Please schedule your meet and greet at least 72 hours before your first requested booking so we have time to coordinate properly. After your initial meet and greet, you are all set for future bookings. If you move to a new home or apartment, you are welcome to schedule another meet and greet so I can learn the new setup. 🚶♀️ Dog Walks and Drop Ins I batch dog walks and cat drop in visits into efficient routes using flexible time windows. This allows me to reduce travel time while still providing thoughtful, attentive care. Dog care windows Standard visits typically occur between 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM Morning visits may begin as early as 8:00 AM Evening visits are available for dogs who need extra flexibility Cat care Preferred visit window is 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM If medications or strict timing are required, I adjust visits to meet those needs Dogs are typically prioritized earlier in the day due to restroom needs, but all pets receive the same level of care and attention. 🐾 Premium Boarding Boarding is a high end, in home service designed for clients who want a fully hands off experience. At this time, boarding is available only to dogs who already have an established walk or drop in routine with me. This helps ensure your dog is comfortable with my home, routine, and resident pets. While boarding with me, your dog will -Live in home as part of the household -Be the only boarding guest, receiving one on one attention -Receive daily enrichment and engagement -Enjoy supervised access to my private Sniffspot for play, sniffing, and decompression -Enrichment may include -Food puzzles such as West Paw Toppl meals -Nature walks or hikes in San Felasco, weather permitting -Field trips to quiet recreational fields when no other animals are present -Most dogs return home happy, fulfilled, and ready to nap. 🚨 Behavior Expectations and Safety The safety of my personal pets is a top priority. Dogs boarding with me must be comfortable around cats and respectful toward my personal dog. If a dog shows aggression toward any resident pets, boarding may be ended immediately. In these cases, care will be converted to drop in visits at your home for feeding, potty breaks, and companionship. 🚗 Premium Pick Up and Drop Off For added convenience, I offer a luxury pet transport add on. I can personally pick up and drop off your dog along my daily walking route No handoffs needed, simply leave your dog at home This service is priced to reflect the time, travel, and personalized care involved ⛔ Important Booking Policies -One free meet and greet is included for new clients -Additional meet ups should be booked as a walk or drop in to cover time and travel -All pets must be listed on your Rover profile prior to booking -You have 48 hours after the meet and greet to confirm your booking before the time slot may be released -House Sitting and Drop In services follow a 7 day cancellation policy If you have questions or special circumstances, I’m always happy to talk things through.
Where your pet will stay
Home characteristics
Safety, trust & environment
In my home, pets and plants are family, and every animal in my care is treated with the same level of respect and attention. I understand that each pet has their own personality and needs. Some thrive on companionship, others prefer play, structure, or quiet encouragement. My goal is to be a steady, calm presence your pet can rely on while you’re away. Whether I’m caring for your pet in your home or hosting them for a field trip at The Zoomie Zone, I focus on creating a safe, enriching, and low stress environment that supports both physical and emotional wellbeing. During each visit, you’ll receive a detailed update through the Rover Card, including notes on meals, potty breaks, mood, and anything noteworthy from our time together. Occasionally, if your pet gives me a particularly great moment, I may also send a favorite edited photo directly. Unless something truly needs your attention, I won’t interrupt your vacation, work trip, or conference. I aim to be both your pet’s advocate and your peace of mind while you’re away. Safety is always my top priority for both your pet and myself. If a pet displays aggression, severe anxiety, or behavior that creates an unsafe situation, I will still ensure their basic needs are met, including food, water, and potty breaks. However, I may shorten a visit to avoid escalating stress. This policy is in place out of care and caution for everyone involved. 🛏️ Crate and Confinement Requirement for Boarding For boarding stays, dogs must be comfortable with crate use or confinement behind a baby gate or similar barrier. This is a non-negotiable requirement. At night and during times when dogs are not being actively supervised, boarding dogs are safely confined. This allows my personal pets appropriate rest and space, and ensures all dogs remain safe when I am asleep or briefly out of the house. Crates or gated areas are used as calm, neutral spaces rather than punishment. If your dog typically uses a crate, pen, or gated area at home, please let me know their routine so I can keep things as familiar and low stress as possible. If a dog is not currently comfortable with any form of safe confinement, boarding may not be the right fit at this time. I’m always happy to discuss alternatives or help determine whether a gradual transition would be appropriate.
Pets
A typical day
Describe a Typical Day A typical day is shaped around each pet’s individual needs, energy level, and routine. Here’s how things usually flow. Morning Care (around 8:00 AM to late morning) Morning visits focus on essentials and starting the day calmly. This may include potty breaks, breakfast, medications, or a relaxed walk. For dogs who benefit from it, walks are slower and sniff-focused, which can be especially helpful for anxious or high-energy dogs. Senior pets may enjoy a short stroll or quiet time outside for fresh air and attention. Midday Visits (approximately 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM) Midday visits are structured to be efficient and low stress while still providing thoughtful care. Cats receive fresh food, litter maintenance, and companionship or play based on their preference. Dog walks may include enrichment-focused routes, long-line exploration, recall practice in appropriate settings, or low-impact play. For puppies, visits may include light structure and brain games. This can look like practicing polite greetings, calm leash walking, gentle mouths, and basic impulse control. These are not formal training sessions, but they help build good habits and mental engagement. Afternoon and Evening (as needed) Some pets benefit from a second visit later in the day. These visits may include another walk, dinner, medications, or quiet companionship. Evening visits tend to be lower energy and focused on helping pets settle comfortably before bedtime. Updates and Communication After each visit or walk, you’ll receive a detailed Rover Card with notes on what we did, how your pet seemed to feel, and any notable moments from our time together. Photos are always included when possible. Many clients tell me these updates are their favorite part of the day while they’re away. Every pet is different, and I do my best to meet them where they are. Whether that means active play, sniffy walks, learning small skills, or simply relaxing in a familiar space, my goal is for your pet to feel comfortable, engaged, and cared for. Boarding Client Updates For boarding clients, I keep updates simple and consistent so you can fully enjoy your time away. Each afternoon or evening, you’ll receive one photo collage showing what your dog was up to that day. This usually includes a mix of enrichment time, outdoor play, walks, sniffing, and relaxation. It’s a quick snapshot of daily life here and lets you see your pup settled and enjoying themselves. I follow a “no news is good news” approach while boarding. If everything is going smoothly, you can expect photo updates without frequent check-ins. If anything ever needs your attention, I’ll reach out right away. This system helps keep communication clear and low stress while still giving you peace of mind and a glimpse into your dog’s routine. You’ll always see your pup in action, happy, engaged, and well cared for.