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Derek B.

No star rating available
Profile image

Derek B.

No star rating available
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Columbia, SC

Contact for Boarding

from $26 per night

Highlights

Enhanced background check
Can administer medication
Senior dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Pet care experience

Raised with dogs, trusted by dogs

I’ve been around dogs my entire life and have extensive hands-on experience caring for a variety of breeds and personalities. I currently own two Labrador Retrievers, a Golden Retriever, and a Poodle, which has given me valuable experience with dogs of different sizes, energy levels, and temperaments. In addition, I regularly help my grandmother care for her five Newfoundland dogs, so I’m comfortable handling large breeds and managing multiple dogs at once. I understand the importance of exercise, safety, patience, and positive interactions, and I genuinely enjoy spending time with animals. Whether it’s walks, playtime, feeding, or providing companionship, I’m committed to making sure every dog feels comfortable, happy, and well cared for.

Qualifications

100% response rate
Usually responds in a few minutes
6 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Senior dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Ratings and reviews

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0 ratings
Luke W.
Sep 16, 2026

Derek is a very responsible young man and has such a kind heart. He is a HUGE animal lover and will take good care of any animal that comes into his arms.

Megan L.
Sep 16, 2026

Derek is a wonderful pet owner and pet sitter. He has watched our dog who has severe anxiety on numerous occasions and is so gentle with her! Derek has also watched our cats and was so kind to them. We have seen him care for dogs of all sizes, cats, lizards and even fish. He is extremely responsible, kind and will take the best care of your pet!

James V.
Sep 16, 2026

I highly recommend Derek as a pet sitter. He is responsible, dependable, caring, and genuinely loves animals. Derek is attentive to pets’ individual needs and treats them with patience and kindness. I would have complete confidence leaving my pets in his care and would recommend him to anyone looking for someone trustworthy to look after their animals.

Madison D.
Sep 16, 2026

Derek is an incredibly responsible, caring, and trustworthy person who truly loves animals. He is patient, attentive, and always makes sure pets feel safe, comfortable, and loved. I would absolutely trust Derek to care for my pets and highly recommend him to anyone looking for a dependable and loving pet caregiver!

Christopher B.
Sep 15, 2026

Any animal Derek comes into contact with forms an immediate bond. He is not just a dog and cat person; he is also great with our reptile friends. He has two geckos of his own! If you need a friend for your animal friend, Derek is a great match!

Calendar and availability

Available
Not available
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Schedule

I’m currently a full-time college student, and I also work part-time from home, which gives me a very flexible schedule. Since I’m home for a good portion of the day, I’m able to give your dogs plenty of attention, take them outside regularly, go on walks, and make sure they’re comfortable and well cared for. My schedule allows me to work around each dog’s normal routine, whether that means feeding times, bathroom breaks, walks, playtime, or just keeping them company. I enjoy being around dogs and would treat your pets with the same care and attention I would want for my own.

Where your pet will stay

Home characteristics

Lives in an apartment
Does not have a yard
Non-smoking household
Has no pets
No children present
Dogs allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 0-2 hours

Safety, trust & environment

When caring for pets, I always try to make sure they feel comfortable, safe, and cared for. I understand that every dog has a different personality and routine, so I’ll follow any instructions the owner provides, including feeding schedules, walks, bathroom breaks, medications, and any other special needs. Since I work part-time from home and have a flexible school schedule, I’m able to spend plenty of time with the pets I’m caring for. Whether I’m watching them in my home or staying at a client’s home, I’ll make sure they get plenty of attention, exercise, playtime, and affection. I’ll also keep owners updated so they can feel comfortable knowing their pets are in good hands.

A typical day

I love keeping pets active and entertained while they’re in my care. I can take dogs on multiple walks throughout the day so they can get plenty of exercise, fresh air, and time outside. I’ll also spend time playing with them using their favorite toys, playing fetch, or just giving them plenty of attention. I want every pet I watch to feel comfortable, happy, and cared for while their owner is away.

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
Crate-trained dogs only
Derek can host up to 1 pet per night
Before watching your pet, I’d like to know a little bit about them and their normal routine. Things like their feeding and walking schedule, how they are around other pets and people, and if they have any medications or special needs are important for me to know. I’d also like to know what they enjoy doing, their favorite toys, and anything else that will help me make sure they’re comfortable and happy while I’m taking care of them.
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.