Derek D.
Houston, TX
Services
Derek can host
Derek can care for
Availability
Pet care is my full-time profession. I structure my daily schedule around client visits, ensuring punctuality, consistency, and dependable coverage throughout the week. With over eight years of professional experience, I understand the importance of reliability and clear communication. Whether you need recurring care or last-minute support, I maintain availability designed to serve active households.
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About Derek D.
Communication
Dog skills
Cat skills
Safety, trust & environment
Safety is non-negotiable! When caring for pets in a client’s home, I follow all provided instructions precisely and maintain a calm, structured environment. I pay close attention to doors, gates, leashes, feeding routines, and any specific household guidelines. For boarding services, I maintain a secure, fenced yard and supervise all outdoor time. Pets are never left unattended in unsafe situations. Clear communication, attention to detail, and respect for your home are foundational to how I operate.
Home
Information Derek D. would like to know about your pet
Transparency ensures safety. Please share: • Any history of aggression (human, dog, or resource guarding) • Medical conditions or breathing concerns • Allergies or injuries • Medication details (dosage, timing, method) • Behavioral sensitivities • Household dynamics (children, other pets, visitors) The more I understand about your pet, the better I can provide calm, structured, and proactive care. I do not have breed restrictions and am comfortable working with a wide range of temperaments.
A typical day
Consistency is key to reducing stress while you’re away. I prioritize maintaining your pet’s established routine like feeding times, walks, enrichment, medication, rest periods, and sleep schedules. Structure creates comfort. For dogs, activities may include structured walks, enrichment exercises, play sessions, or calm companionship depending on energy level and temperament. For cats, visits focus on routine maintenance, enrichment, and respectful interaction tailored to their personality. Affection is always provided at your pet’s comfort level. If they’re used to couch time or lap time, I’m happy to maintain that familiarity. Detailed care notes are always appreciated. Clear instructions allow me to deliver precise, consistent care.
Location
Houston, TX
Houston Professional Dog Care
Pet care experience
I specialize in structured, dependable dog walking and in-home care that supports behavior, routine, and overall well-being. Also providing boarding, house sitting, and special-needs care. Whether your dog needs high-energy exercise or a steady enrichment walk, each visit is intentional and tailored to their temperament and fitness level. Consistent activity isn’t just about burning energy, it supports better sleep, improved focus, healthier appetites, and calmer behavior at home. My approach is balanced, patient, and grounded in understanding canine communication and body language. I’ve worked with a wide range of personalities from high-drive working breeds to anxious or strong-willed dogs. Clear communication, calm leadership, and consistency are key. Dogs respond to structure, and I provide it. Reliability matters. You can expect punctuality, detailed updates, and responsible care every time. I treat every home with respect and every dog as if they were my own. I operate within the broader Houston pet care community and am committed to professional standards, safety, and long-term client relationships. If you’re looking for dependable, structured care. I’m your guy, message DEREKTHEDOGWALKER today!
Cat care experience
Derek also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Reviews
Second time using Derek after a long time. He remembered us and remembered Kaia. We are very happy to see Kaia received excellent care while we were on vacation for a week. Derek’s excellent with working type breeds and knows how to work with their tendencies to give them good outlets for their energy. I’m glad I found Derek after so long as I am very picky with sitters for my Kaia. Thanks again Derek!
This is the first time that we have worked with Derek and he was polite and punctual. He made the effort to come and meet my 3 dogs before the week he was due to stay, and my crazy crew did not phase him. One of my dogs in particular is nervous around some men, but he liked Derek immediately. During our week away, Derek kept us informed, sent pictures and helped us out with some small things that needed quick attention in our home. When we came back home the dogs were all very relaxed and in their usual routine, so all went well. I would recommend Derek to others and we will certainly seek his availability again when required.
Derek is great with both of my dogs and they both warmed up to him very quickly!
Derek is so experienced. He was able to help with my dog Gordo. Who is a bit food aggressive but he knew exactly what to do. He was so gently with him and was able to keep him company even when he got depressed bc we were gone. Derek was so helpful and communicative. Daily pictures were so cute.
About Derek D.
Communication
Dog skills
Cat skills
Safety, trust & environment
Safety is non-negotiable! When caring for pets in a client’s home, I follow all provided instructions precisely and maintain a calm, structured environment. I pay close attention to doors, gates, leashes, feeding routines, and any specific household guidelines. For boarding services, I maintain a secure, fenced yard and supervise all outdoor time. Pets are never left unattended in unsafe situations. Clear communication, attention to detail, and respect for your home are foundational to how I operate.
Home
Information Derek D. would like to know about your pet
Transparency ensures safety. Please share: • Any history of aggression (human, dog, or resource guarding) • Medical conditions or breathing concerns • Allergies or injuries • Medication details (dosage, timing, method) • Behavioral sensitivities • Household dynamics (children, other pets, visitors) The more I understand about your pet, the better I can provide calm, structured, and proactive care. I do not have breed restrictions and am comfortable working with a wide range of temperaments.
A typical day
Consistency is key to reducing stress while you’re away. I prioritize maintaining your pet’s established routine like feeding times, walks, enrichment, medication, rest periods, and sleep schedules. Structure creates comfort. For dogs, activities may include structured walks, enrichment exercises, play sessions, or calm companionship depending on energy level and temperament. For cats, visits focus on routine maintenance, enrichment, and respectful interaction tailored to their personality. Affection is always provided at your pet’s comfort level. If they’re used to couch time or lap time, I’m happy to maintain that familiarity. Detailed care notes are always appreciated. Clear instructions allow me to deliver precise, consistent care.
Derek D.
Houston, TX