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Deborah W.

5.0 out of 5 stars
4 repeat clients
Profile image

Deborah W.

5.0 out of 5 stars
4 repeat clients

Contact for House Sitting

from $40 per night

Highlights

Enhanced background check
45 years of experience
Can administer medication
Special needs experience
Senior dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Pet care experience

Reliable, animal lover & retired!

Hello! Please take a moment to read my Bio/experience so you can know a little about myself and the person I am and my fur babies. First and foremost I am only a pet sitter not a boarder or doing “drop-in’s” which means I stay every night at a clients home, although I can leave for appointments or groceries or even dine out with my husband! Also my husband may drop in to visit me especially if I am booked for a week or greater! I do not bring my pets to any pet sitting I do! Staying overnight as a pet sitter, I mimic my clients routine with their fur babies so your pets are less likely to have separation anxiety! Home is where your pets feel comfortable. I always send pictures of your pets so you know they are in good hands! If you have specific times per day for pictures and updates please request this, otherwise I usually send pictures & updates once a day or every two days as a standard. I have owned and taken care of a variety of animals over the years, from dogs (small and large), cats, horses (riding and showing), sugar gliders, to bearded dragons. I've owned a conure parrot from birth to adulthood, a hedgehog, ferrets, and saltwater fish, just to mention a few. Currently I have a Havanese, Zoe, who I used to show, and we adopted/rescued, although I believe he rescued us! Midas, a beautiful red nose pitty at 3 months of age and I chose to become a lifetime member of Sit Means Sit with, a top-rated dog training service meant for this type of breed and training like police dogs. However, after about 6 months I realized they were not using positive reinforcement, so we never went back. Unfortunately on 2/13/24 we lost our fur-baby Midas to a rare aggressive cancer called hemangiosarcoma. Midas was my best friend and my first rescue dog and will forever be in my heart. ❤️ We knew we would need to find a new fur baby, not only for us but especially Zoe. Dogs sense death but they do not know how to process it, even I couldn’t! So, we decided to find a breed that has no alpha in them, love, love people, their pets, and pretty much every animal! A very gentle breed we could raise from a puppy! Loki Lasso (his name) will only reach 40-45 lbs so a good dog breed for Zoe a smaller breed to help her with the loss of Midas and us! Loki Lasso, named after Marvel movies and Lasso from Ted Lasso! (If you’ve ever watched Ted Lasso you’d know why!) Loki Lasso was born in January 2024. Loki is a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, and life is much better now. As it has been said, “dogs do not live as long as humans, because it allows you to give a home to another dog.” PET SITTING RATES & INFORMATION, PLEASE READ! I would like my potential dog sitting clients to know that you are charged: $40 for the first dog, $30 for the second dog and $30 for each additional dog so the rate remains the same for each additional dog. I would like my potential cat sitting clients to know that you are charged: $20 for the first cat per day, and $15 per each additional cat per day. If you book a sitting for a dog and you have a cat I charge: $10 per day for the cat. If you have more than one cat then it becomes a “cost per cat.” ***If there are any “special conditions,” with your pets this can be discussed at our meet & greet as for rate(s). If you book a pet sitting during a holiday, I charge $65 for the day before, the day of and the day after for first dog only or cat and each additional dog or cat remains at their standard rates. ***If there is more than one holiday in a sitting then you are charged the $65 standard rate for both holidays, same amount of days. If you book around the Christmas holidays then I charge the first dog or cat: $65 for every day I’m sitting and any dog(s) or cat(s) after the first one only, is charged my standard rates. Christmas is the biggest holiday and the only holiday I go all out for and family comes in from out of state, so please understand my reasoning. ***Rover does not know the sitters specific details when it comes to costs, as Rover lets the pet sitters modify pricing as needed. ***I only modify if there are special circumstances, or when it comes to health conditions or special needs. ***If there are “conditions” that require special care or schedules, the price could change. Please understand: Rover only makes their “best guess” for sitters and does not break down specifics, therefore your “rate” Rover gives you could likely be modified, (more or less) by the sitter. This can be further discussed at our meet & greet before you book! Understand that any “special” care for your pet or pets could increase rates. PLEASE READ: ***It is imperative and required by Rover that you always have a profile for all dogs, cats or “other” pets (outside of other species) if I am specifically sitting for these types of pets like turtles or rodents etc., in order for them to be covered under the Rover guarantee. ***Rover charges a client a 11% fee for advertising, pet insurance, sitter training if no experience and with experience, site maintenance and customer support. IMPORTANT: ***Rover also charges a $65 “one time only fee” when you require me to arrive at very early hours or stay till very late, or both. Usually as early as 5:30am or as late as 9:30 pm (just depends on my travel time). This is a charge I agree with. “REBOOK” IMPORTANT FOR REPEAT CLIENT SITTING’S: ***Rover also makes booking me relatively easy after the first few sittings. If I have become your regular sitter or permanent sitter, or after I’ve been sitting for you’re furbabies a couple times, you will need to use “REBOOK” which is on the Rover app, on the bottom page of the app. When you hit “rebook” my name will show up! It’s important to understand this because usually after the first few, or first sit, when you search for me, my name will no longer appear! “Rebook” makes it so much easier and I’d be happy to do the rebook for you with all the dates and times! *** The number Rover assigns you that you’re actually using when you request me or after I’m sitting for you is your permanent phone number to me although you are using your phone! I’m happy to explain this further if necessary. Take advantage of reading up on many of Rover’s subjects as it’s quite simple and helpful! Other pet sitters will have different rules, like charging holiday rates for everyday they are sitting at $65 for each pet or more? Rates are generated by the sitter, not Rover. This means I need my potential clients to understand my rates so I can “modify” these variable charges with Rover before we book the sit. I look forward to taking care of all your fur/no fur babies and for my clients to trust me with their pets, as I would my own! It’s my goal to have repeat clients, but also one-time only clients! POTENTIAL CLIENTS MORE THAN A 40 MINUTE DRIVE: If you live further than a 45 minute drive, since I cover a large radius of Indiana, from South Bend, Fort Wayne, Carmel, Noblesville, Fishers to Indy, and many other cities, it is required by me that you book me for a minimum of 5 days because of the distance I need to travel and being further from my family plus the rates may change due to gas and travel time. Even If it’s only a one-time booking it needs to be at least 5 days, although it could be less and we can discuss that. I also do 24 hour care at a modified rate using the minimum wage in Indiana at $7.25 per hour X 24 x amount of days. This is because I never leave the clients home or their pet(s) + the number of pets affects the cost to be determined. Please know that it is important to do a meet & greet as soon as possible! This allows us to go over all necessary information and for me to meet the pets I will be sitting. If I am sitting for your dog(s) for example, understand I do my own training with my dogs. I say this because I trust and believe in positive reinforcement from experience and training! AS A PET SITTER ONLY: When pet sitting for a dog especially, it’s important to gather essential information! I understand the unique needs of different breeds and species. As a pet sitter only, your pets will receive around-the-clock care, companionship, and the comfort of staying in their familiar environment, whether it’s a brisk walk around the neighborhood or a leisurely stroll in the park, I tailor and suit you dog’s energy level and exercise requirements. As a pet sitter, I prioritize the wellbeing, happiness, and safety of your pets above all else! I strive to create a nurturing and stress free environment, maintaining routines and ample affection. Every pet is unique, and I adapt my care to cater to their individual personalities, preferences, and needs. REQUESTED INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR PET: When pet sitting for a dog especially, it’s important to gather essential information beforehand to ensure their safety, comfort, and wellbeing. Whether it’s a trip to the vet, grooming appointments or any necessary outings, I offer safe and reliable pet transportation services (this can add additional costs). Ensuring your pets reach their destinations safely and comfortably. DAILY ROUTINE: Regular schedule for feeding, bathroom breaks, exercise, and sleep. Maintaining their routine helps them feel more at ease during my care. FEEDING INSTRUCTIONS: Does your dog require a certain diet or type of eating, do they graze or only eat a certain times? I need to know his/her specific meal times, portions, sizes, and any dietary restrictions or allergies. Does your dog require “special feeding needs?” MEDICATIONS AND HEALTH ISSUES: Does your dog or cat require any medications or has any pre-existing health conditions? I want to be prepared to handle any potential health concerns. EXERCISE NEEDS: What are your dog’s exercise requirements? Such as the duration and intensity of walks or playtime? Do they have any favorite toys or activities they enjoy? BEHAVIORAL AND TRAINING: Does your pet have any triggers, fears, or anxieties? I’d like to know of any commands or training methods used to help with ongoing training efforts. SOCIALIZATION AND INTERACTIONS: How does your dog interact with other animals and people? Are they comfortable with strangers? Any special considerations regarding their interactions with animals and people? EMERGENCY PROCEDURES: Any special protocols you want me to follow in case of unexpected events, such as natural disasters or medical emergencies? COMFORT ITEMS: Does your dog or cat have any favorite toys, blankets, or comfort items that provide them with familiarity and security? Having these items available can help alleviate anxiety. HOUSE RULES AND BOUNDARIES: Are there any specific rules or limitations regarding furniture access, areas of the house the dogs or cats should be kept away from? IN GENERAL: When I arrive I do not greet your fur babies at this point. When you try to greet a dog that has never met you, their behavior(s) can vary from extreme excitement, negative emotions and anxiety and fear. This is not a healthy way to meet your babies! I will sit with potential clients and allow your dogs to be at a level of calm and relaxation before I meet with them. This has no bearing on my love of animals, especially dogs of which I’ve owned my entire life! I want your pets to have a positive and lasting experience meeting me. 🐾 ❤️ I also like to do as you do (mimicking) how you care for your pets! More so, your dogs but cats as well, in general. This allows your dog(s) and cat(s) to feel like I am an extension of you and not changing how you are with your fur babies. A great example would be if they sleep with you they sleep with me! It’s so important for me, you and your fur babies to be as comfortable as possible, thus why mimicking is important for their best interests and keeping their normal routine is vital for them to feel more comfortable. I look forward to you trusting me to care of your pets! Reach out, I’m here for you and all your pets! I strive to keep your pets best interests in mind!

Cat care experience

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Available & retired!

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

Qualifications

4 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds in a few minutes
90% bookings with photo updates
45 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration
First aid/CPR

Pets

Safety, trust & environment

Since I will be in your home my goal will be to follow the routine that you prefer your dog or other pets to follow and is their normal routine. Including what time they get up in the morning, potty breaks, feedings, walking, and play time. This is something we will go over during a meet and greet at your home so that we can go over it together, and while your pets are available! Please note that while I offer house sitting services, I may need to leave during the day and your animals may be home for a few hours while I am gone. If I’m sitting further than a 45 minute drive, and I’m booked for long stays or back to back, I would appreciate your understanding that my husband may visit only, so we can at least spend time together while I am caring for your pets! Also understand if I am sitting closer to home I too have furbabies and when my smell disappears, that’s when they feel abandonment. If you are looking for full-time, uninterrupted care then we can discuss what that would cost although I have given you how I charge for 24 hour care, in case you have any questions or more than one dog, then that will change the cost. I usually bring my own food, but might use things like your butter, S & P, dressings etc.

Ratings and reviews

5.0
stars
19 ratings
Karin H.
5.0 out of 5 stars
House Sitting • Jun 06, 2026

Deborah is awesome. She does well with house and home. Just steps right in. You will be very happy with her. My cats are happy too

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Staci M.
5.0 out of 5 stars
House Sitting • May 17, 2026

Deborah was great with my pups. She knew how to handle them with great care and ease. Definitely will use her again

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Tammy C.
5.0 out of 5 stars
House Sitting • Apr 30, 2026

Deborah treats our dogs like they are her own. She lets us know if there are any concerns. She goes above and beyond by getting our mail, watering my seedlings, taking out trash, and vacuuming! She is great!!!

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Dawn S.
5.0 out of 5 stars
House Sitting • Apr 15, 2026

We loved having Deborah stay with our pups and kitties. She was with them the entire stay, and we didn't have to worry that they were not being taken care of or that they were being neglected. The dogs took very little time getting comfortable with her being in our home, and the inside kitty warmed up shortly too. We came home to a clean living area and were very pleased with everything she did for us.

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Tammy C.
5.0 out of 5 stars
House Sitting • Jan 03, 2026

Deborah truly cares about our dogs. She petted our oldest till he fell asleep because he was crying. She is in tune with their needs. We had a fabulous surprise when we came home to a clean house as well!!! Thank you so much!!

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J
5.0 out of 5 stars
House Sitting • Dec 13, 2025

Deborah was absolutely amazing, My house was an absolute nightmare due to a culmination of issues, but she hung in there with me and loved my dog and cat all along the way! She facetimed me and sent me pictures throughout the stay. Son grateful for her!

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Calendar and availability

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
SMTWTFS

Schedule

I'm available for house sitting in your home during the week and on weekends. I am retired and have no work commitments that would conflict with my availability other than; phone business, vacations, family gatherings and such!

Cats
0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs
Deborah can host up to 1 pet per night
It’s important to me to manage any special needs, whether it’s medication, injections or special mobility needs. I always appreciate a calendar for when I arrive for medications with time, amounts or any specific need, so I keep them on schedule. Any other specific information as necessary like veterinary numbers for an unforeseen situation, how many times a day you feed them, if you allow them to graze, potty breaks on leash or fenced yard, any treats and when, as well walks! I like my potential clients to know if I am walking their dog(s) I do one at a time unless they are small breeds. I also like to give any FYI’S for dog walking such as; walking your dog(s) after eating can cause health concerns! It’s always best to walk a dog before eating. Sometimes if you walk your dog after eating, Vets advise to wait a minimum of an hour but two hours is better to lessen the chance of causing a serious life threatening condition called; GDV. This is where the dog will bloat, have tummy aches, vomiting or worse, restricting blood to their organs from their stomach twisting. Also, if your dog is a fast eater, it can cause serious issues, even a heart attack. However, this is only advice and not my place to change how you care for, walk, or feed your dog(s).
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.