Derek J.
Toronto, ON
Derek J. 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.
Home full-time, undivided attention
Pet care experience
Been sitting on Rover for over 5 years and previously raised two happy & healthy pups growing up for 18 years. I live in a nice area near Yonge & Eglinton, right by a park, in a very pet-friendly building. Every dog I sit for will receive lots of individual love and care, and I have free availability to take them outside or sit in and play with them according to each dog's needs as I work from home. I've sat over a hundred dogs during my time with Rover so I have plenty of experience with all shapes, sizes, attitudes and quirks.
Reviews
Derek was super lovely and communicative. Mia really enjoyed her stay and will be back for sure.
Derek was great with our dog! Great communication, he sent photos and our dog Cosmo loved spending the day with him.
Derek was wonderful with my dog Juno! She is a pretty nervous rescue dog and Derek gave her the time and space to warm up and feel comfortable in his home. He also was super flexible with hours and providing the case she needs!
Derek is such a reliable and caring person! Our dogs absolutely love him. I'd recommend him without a doubt!
About Derek J.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I'm in a small apartment with a large living area where I can easily keep my eye on the dog. My living space is clean and tidy without any food or obstacles that a dog can reasonably get into or harm themselves with. I very strongly recommend having a harness for your dog, and please let me know in advance if you do not. It's much more comfortable for both me & them, leash control is easier, and there's much less risk of slip-off or injury. On walks I tend to stick to my building's large yard & nearby park, which gives them lots of room to explore while avoiding busy roads.
Home
Information Derek J. would like to know about your pet
I live in a pet-friendly building so please let me know how your dog interacts with others on walks. There are many other dogs around the elevator and outside areas, but keeping a distance is no problem if yours is more anxious. I'd also like to know if your pet has anxiety when left alone, barking frequency / causes, tendency to chew or get into things and any other relevant habits they may have. I've had lots of owners warn me their dog is a handful, but I've never found too big an issue as long as everyone is honest & truthful upfront so I can take proper precautions. Lastly, please let me know what commands your dog knows and how to say them if they've been taught in a language other than English. I would recommend including commands and feeding schedule in your pet's profile for quick reference.
A typical day
I work from home and do not leave dogs alone during daysits, and for longer stays outings for dinner or necessities will rarely be more than a couple hours. Typical walking schedule is bathroom breaks in the morning and before bed, with one or two longer walks in the afternoon / evening. Happy to adjust walk time & frequency to the needs & energy level of each dog. Sits are almost all individual, never more than two dogs at a time and both owners would need to approve if there's an overlap, otherwise first booking will be prioritized. This means each dog gets an abundance of 1-on-1 time to play with their toys, snuggle or whatever they enjoy.
Services
Derek can host
Derek can watch in your home
Availability
I have a flexible schedule and can usually accommodate sit requests, even on short notice, unless I have specific plans or I'm already booked for the day.
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 |
14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 |
21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 |
28 | 29 | 30 |
About Derek J.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I'm in a small apartment with a large living area where I can easily keep my eye on the dog. My living space is clean and tidy without any food or obstacles that a dog can reasonably get into or harm themselves with. I very strongly recommend having a harness for your dog, and please let me know in advance if you do not. It's much more comfortable for both me & them, leash control is easier, and there's much less risk of slip-off or injury. On walks I tend to stick to my building's large yard & nearby park, which gives them lots of room to explore while avoiding busy roads.
Home
Information Derek J. would like to know about your pet
I live in a pet-friendly building so please let me know how your dog interacts with others on walks. There are many other dogs around the elevator and outside areas, but keeping a distance is no problem if yours is more anxious. I'd also like to know if your pet has anxiety when left alone, barking frequency / causes, tendency to chew or get into things and any other relevant habits they may have. I've had lots of owners warn me their dog is a handful, but I've never found too big an issue as long as everyone is honest & truthful upfront so I can take proper precautions. Lastly, please let me know what commands your dog knows and how to say them if they've been taught in a language other than English. I would recommend including commands and feeding schedule in your pet's profile for quick reference.
A typical day
I work from home and do not leave dogs alone during daysits, and for longer stays outings for dinner or necessities will rarely be more than a couple hours. Typical walking schedule is bathroom breaks in the morning and before bed, with one or two longer walks in the afternoon / evening. Happy to adjust walk time & frequency to the needs & energy level of each dog. Sits are almost all individual, never more than two dogs at a time and both owners would need to approve if there's an overlap, otherwise first booking will be prioritized. This means each dog gets an abundance of 1-on-1 time to play with their toys, snuggle or whatever they enjoy.
Location
Toronto, ON
Derek J.
Toronto, ON