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Derek M.

Star Sitter

Herndon, VA

5.0 out of 5 stars
101 reviews
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Services

These prices are for 1 dog.

Prices may vary based on your selections. A booking fee of 11% will apply.

Derek can host

0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
Dogs over 1 year old
Spayed and neutered dogs only
No females in heat
Crate-trained dogs only

Derek can care for

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

Availability

I have a full time job with fairly strange hours, so I will prioritize boarding clients, as well as walking and drop-visits within close proximity to Herndon, Sterling, and Chantilly. My wife and I work opposite hours, so fortunately for our clients, there is very little time where they will be unsupervised.

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Boarding Cancellation Policy:

About Derek M.

Communication

58 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds in under an hour
90% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

19 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Safety, trust & environment

My wife and I share a spacious two bedroom apartment which has plenty of space, as well as secured doors. Our apartment complex is incredibly pet friendly, and many other residents have pets as well. Our clients will always be on leash when we step outside, but they are free to roam inside the home.

Home

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 2-4 hours

Information Derek M. would like to know about your pet

When meeting a dog, I always want to get a good idea of the type of demeanor he/she has. Some of the things I'll ask are whether the dog gets along with other animals, whether it gets along with other humans or children, if it has any medical issues I need to be aware of, and any other questions related to the dog that might be important information. I am welcome to all breeds and do not discriminate against any dog. All dogs are bundles of happiness in my book!

A typical day

Any dog that I stay with will never even know that I'm a completely different person. I will play with them, give them lots of pets and cuddles, and take them on walks throughout the neighborhood just like they would get if they were with their mom or dad. One activity I sincerely enjoy playing with dogs is using a Chuck-It to throw tennis balls as far as I can. I also love to play tug of war with dogs that have lots of energy that they need to let out if permitted.

Location

Herndon, VA

Derek M.'s Neighborhood

Derek M. 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.

I love your pets like I love mine!

Pet care experience

I'm an avid dog-lover and have been my whole life. I go out of my way to pet every dog that I can when I am walking down the street. I love all breeds and see all the great things each dog has to offer. I love giving dogs lots of pets and cuddles, and I will play with them until they are all played out. My golden retriever, Ellie, has had a life-long medical issue requiring a special treatment for her food each morning, so I have experience with dogs that need extra care if it is required. I am available for in-house sitting, overnight stays, and morning visits. I look forward to meeting you and your dogs and having lots of play time with them!

Reviews

Thomas L.
Boarding • Jun 20, 2026
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Derek was great. Pups were happy.

Dog Walking • Apr 20, 2026

Derek M. cancelled a booking within a day of the start date.

Diana S.
Boarding • Jun 09, 2025
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Derek and Cheryl were lovely sitters for Mia. She seemed happy and comfortable under their care.

Thomas L.
Boarding • Mar 28, 2025
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Perfect experience with Derek. Great communication and took great care of my dogs. Both of my dogs seemed verry comfortable in his home when I picked them up.

About Derek M.

Communication

58 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds in under an hour
90% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

19 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Safety, trust & environment

My wife and I share a spacious two bedroom apartment which has plenty of space, as well as secured doors. Our apartment complex is incredibly pet friendly, and many other residents have pets as well. Our clients will always be on leash when we step outside, but they are free to roam inside the home.

Home

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 2-4 hours

Information Derek M. would like to know about your pet

When meeting a dog, I always want to get a good idea of the type of demeanor he/she has. Some of the things I'll ask are whether the dog gets along with other animals, whether it gets along with other humans or children, if it has any medical issues I need to be aware of, and any other questions related to the dog that might be important information. I am welcome to all breeds and do not discriminate against any dog. All dogs are bundles of happiness in my book!

A typical day

Any dog that I stay with will never even know that I'm a completely different person. I will play with them, give them lots of pets and cuddles, and take them on walks throughout the neighborhood just like they would get if they were with their mom or dad. One activity I sincerely enjoy playing with dogs is using a Chuck-It to throw tennis balls as far as I can. I also love to play tug of war with dogs that have lots of energy that they need to let out if permitted.

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 M.

Star Sitter

Herndon, VA

5.0 out of 5 stars
101 reviews