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Dawn S.

Star Sitter

Darnestown, MD

4.9 out of 5 stars
37 reviews
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Services

Dawn can host

0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs
Spayed and neutered dogs only
No females in heat
Crate-trained dogs only

Availability

I have my own business so I set my own hours; when I do work, it is 100% remotely. Since I have a huge fenced in yard, I can let the dogs out as often as needed. On cooler days, I bring my laptop outside so that they can run around, take naps under the trees, chase the squirrels running along the top of the fence. Since I do not have children and am a home-body, I am available for boarding on weekends, weekdays and most holidays.

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Boarding Cancellation Policy:

About Dawn S.

Communication

19 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds in a few minutes
90% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Dog skills

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

Safety, trust & environment

In my home, I have an 8 foot privacy fence so there's no getting through that. I have a small crate with custom size pillow, and a medium plush crate in case your dog prefers to be crated at night. My yorkie has a very calm temperament and does not bark alot, I have yet to meet a dog that he does not like. When at someone else's home, I request that they write down all instructions, then tightly adhere to them. I ask a lot of questions to make sure both of us are on the same page. Most of all, I am very risk-averse - I am the type of owner who treats a dog as her child; I view myself as an "Au Pair" or "Nanny," and I hold the same standard of care for a dog as a human baby. I also like to keep the Owner updated with photos and videos since they are separated from their loved ones.

Home

Lives in a house
Has a fenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has 1 dog
No children present
Dogs not allowed on bed
Dogs not allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 0-2 hours

Information Dawn S. would like to know about your pet

Let me know if your pet has any special needs. I can give oral liquid or pill medication, ear drops, eye drops. I do not have experience giving shots.

A typical day

Rascal loves to play chuck-it. Larger friends love catching a frisbee, fetch with tennis balls, chasing the squirrels on the fence, running around the yard, or taking a dip in the outdoor pond. One of his friends just loves to gallop like a horse around the property or chase squirrels on the fence. On hot days, if allowed, I like to give them healthy treats, which right now is blended Greek yogurt with blueberries which I then freeze or I have store-bought doggie ice cream.

Location

Darnestown, MD

Dawn S.'s Neighborhood

Pets

Dawn S. has Star Sitter status

The Star Sitter program highlights responsive sitters who deliver highly rated care and have a history of listing accurate availability and preferences, making it easier for pet parents to find the best care for their pets.

"Dog" is "God" spelled backwards!

Pet care experience

I was raised with dogs of all sizes (from pomeranian to Keeshond) and have crate-trained all of them. Because I work from home, the size of my yard and the privacy fence, I am the "go to" person to watch / board dogs for all of my friends. I have house-sat my friend's blind Rottweiler and energetic Pomsky at their home. I have cared for two Vizsla dogs (at the same time) in my home. I have also house-sat my friend's 3 pugs (in her home), two of which were seniors and needed medication and drops, while the third needed a wheelchair (rear 2 leg muscles had atrophied). Recently, I fostered a Vizsla-mix (about 60 lbs) "Bronson" who had been abused and lived in the kennel his whole life, I fell in love with him (foster fail) after only 7 days, during which I was able to teach him to walk in the house, jump in the car, wear a collar, walk on a leash, and basic commands. I have a 7-year-old Yorkie, Rascal, whom I trained to use the doggie door, respond to basic commands, and "ring the bell" to go outside (which he now uses when he is hungry!). Rascal has been socialized since he was a puppy so he is happy to share his single-family home and his 1 acre yard. So far, Rascal has gotten along with every dog (large or small, young or old) he has ever met, including at the dog park, during walks, etc. For when it is too hot or too cold outside, I made a small indoor space with astroturf (see photos) so our fur friends can feel like they are outside. I keep various toys for the pup's entertainment (and either wash or replace when needed). Outside, his friends enjoy dipping their toe beans (or standing in) the koi pond. For the super energetic larger breeds, I exercise them by playing fetch or frisbee in the yard and encourage them to run if possible, or whatever the owner allows me to use to make sure they get their daily exercise. The property has many trees allowing for many shady spots to roll around in the grass or chew their favorite toy. I treat your loved one like my own so they are always 100% supervised when playing, eating or even when lounging. I change their water several times a day and they always get filtered water. I work where they are and they are where I work. Overnight, I prefer that they sleep in my room so I can hear (I am a light sleeper) if they need something. If the owner prefers, I have a small crate (with custom pillow) and a medium crate available, if the pawrent prefers. I aim to maintain your little one's normal routine- morning bathroom relief, breakfast, afternoon potty break(s), physical exercise, and mental stimulation throughout the day, dinner, and late night potty before going to bed. My number one priority is following your instructions "to the tee" because no one knows your pet better than you! Each dog has his or her own personality, likes and sidelines, fears, etc. For those doggies that do not like or get along with men or children, my mother and I are the only humans living in the home. When you drop off your pet, with your permission, I will give your little one, him/her various NEW toys for exercise and/or mental stimulation. For first-time clients, if s/he loves the toy(s), s/he can keep it/them as my gift to your baby to remember me by. On stays of 3 days or longer, with your permission, I will brush the coat (to remove dead skin cells and promote circulation) and follow it with a waterless shampoo rub down to keep your little one clean and fresh, followed by a second brushing. Rascal and I look forward to meeting you and your loved ones.

Reviews

Gary M.
Boarding • Jul 05, 2026
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Bentley had such an amazing time. He had the summer camp experience and Dawn is the number one counselor!

Luz S.
Boarding • Jul 05, 2026
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I was in MD for July 4th celebration and needed to find a dog boarder for one night. I found Dawn through Rover as a last minute choice. Right choice. Dawn was very good with my golden doodle who has separation anxiety. My dog felt right at home and had a very wonderful time.

Shannon G.
Boarding • Jun 30, 2026
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Dawn took such amazing care of my dog even when he was acting like a jerk! He’s a good boy just high energy and she handled him so well. Communication and pictures were top notch. I will use her again and again if I can!

Mildred L.
Boarding • May 10, 2026
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I was a little nervous with leaving Miss Millie with a new sitter. However once meeting Dawn, all my fears vanished. Dawn is very personable and exudes professionalism, confidence, and a great understanding of dogs. Miss Millie took to her and her little yorkie Rascal immediately and had a blast in the large yard. Pictures and updates were sent regularly which was much appreciated. I highly recommend Dawn and Rascal as the perfect hosts.

About Dawn S.

Communication

19 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds in a few minutes
90% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Dog skills

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

Safety, trust & environment

In my home, I have an 8 foot privacy fence so there's no getting through that. I have a small crate with custom size pillow, and a medium plush crate in case your dog prefers to be crated at night. My yorkie has a very calm temperament and does not bark alot, I have yet to meet a dog that he does not like. When at someone else's home, I request that they write down all instructions, then tightly adhere to them. I ask a lot of questions to make sure both of us are on the same page. Most of all, I am very risk-averse - I am the type of owner who treats a dog as her child; I view myself as an "Au Pair" or "Nanny," and I hold the same standard of care for a dog as a human baby. I also like to keep the Owner updated with photos and videos since they are separated from their loved ones.

Home

Lives in a house
Has a fenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has 1 dog
No children present
Dogs not allowed on bed
Dogs not allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 0-2 hours

Information Dawn S. would like to know about your pet

Let me know if your pet has any special needs. I can give oral liquid or pill medication, ear drops, eye drops. I do not have experience giving shots.

A typical day

Rascal loves to play chuck-it. Larger friends love catching a frisbee, fetch with tennis balls, chasing the squirrels on the fence, running around the yard, or taking a dip in the outdoor pond. One of his friends just loves to gallop like a horse around the property or chase squirrels on the fence. On hot days, if allowed, I like to give them healthy treats, which right now is blended Greek yogurt with blueberries which I then freeze or I have store-bought doggie ice cream.

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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Dawn S.

Star Sitter

Darnestown, MD

4.9 out of 5 stars
37 reviews