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Derek J.

Star Sitter

Toronto, ON

5.0 out of 5 stars
66 reviews
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These prices are for 1 dog, including a booking fee of 11%.

Services

Derek can host

0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
Spayed and neutered dogs only

Derek can care for

0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs

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.

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Boarding Cancellation Policy:

About Derek J.

Communication

35 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds in under half an hour
70% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

7 years of experience
Oral medication administration
First aid/CPR
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

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

Lives in an apartment
Has an unfenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has no pets
No children present
Dogs allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 0-2 hours

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.'s Neighborhood

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 7 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

Alejandra M.
Doggy Day Care • May 12, 2026
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Derek was amazing! He sent me updates my dog! I think my dog enjoyed a lot! Thanks!!! 😊

Sarbajoy M.
Boarding • Apr 29, 2026
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Derek was knowledgeable with dogs, took care of Ernie really well and was overall super chill. My pup was happy and satisfied from his stay at Derek’s place

Nee M.
Doggy Day Care • Apr 09, 2026
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Derek was great at watching my dog Lily. He kept me updated on how she was doing, sent pics and took her on walks 😊 great job and definitely plan to book with him again.

Christy C.
Boarding • Feb 24, 2026
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Our dog Lola thoroughly enjoyed her stay with Derek. He sent lots of pictures and gave lots of cuddles to our overly affectionate Bernese. We would definitely use Derek again.

About Derek J.

Communication

35 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds in under half an hour
70% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

7 years of experience
Oral medication administration
First aid/CPR
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

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

Lives in an apartment
Has an unfenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has no pets
No children present
Dogs allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 0-2 hours

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.

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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Derek J.

Star Sitter

Toronto, ON

5.0 out of 5 stars
66 reviews