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Derik T.

Pleasant Valley, Austin, TX

5.0 out of 5 stars
6 reviews
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Services

Derik can host

0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs
No females in heat

Derik can care for

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

Availability

Pet care fits naturally into my daily routine, and I’m home the majority of the day, allowing for consistent supervision and attention. I structure my day around morning, mid-day, and evening walks, along with regular outdoor time and balanced downtime. Because I’m home often, dogs in my care are rarely left alone and receive consistent interaction throughout the day. For high-energy dogs, I can also incorporate light runs or extended walks when appropriate. For boarding, I accept no more than 2 guest dogs at a time (including my own) to maintain a calm, controlled environment and ensure each dog gets proper attention and space. I’m also happy to schedule a meet & greet beforehand to make sure it’s a great fit.

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Boarding Cancellation Policy:

About Derik T.

Communication

100% response rate
Usually responds in under half an hour
50% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Dog skills

5 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration
Senior dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Safety, trust & environment

Safety and structure are my top priorities in both my home and my client’s home. With my background as a former professional dog walker, I’m very aware of how quickly situations can change—so I stay proactive, not reactive. In my home: • Dogs are always supervised and introduced slowly and intentionally • I maintain a calm, structured environment—no overcrowding or chaotic play • I only accept a limited number of dogs to ensure safety and individual attention • Separate spaces are available if a dog needs time to decompress During walks and drop-ins: • Dogs are always kept on secure leashes (unless in a safely enclosed area) • I stay aware of surroundings, other dogs, and potential triggers • I adjust pace, distance, and activity based on each dog’s needs and temperament I take the time to understand each dog’s routine, personality, and any specific instructions provided by the owner. Clear communication and consistency are key to keeping dogs comfortable and stress-free.

Home

Lives in a house
Has a fenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has 1 dog
No children present
Dogs allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 2-4 hours

Location

Austin, TX

Derik T.'s Neighborhood

Pets

Active Dog Lover: Walks & Real Care

Pet care experience

Hi, I’m Derik. I’m a former professional, full-time dog walker (2011–2016) with extensive experience caring for dogs of all sizes, ages, and temperaments. I’ve handled multi-dog packs (up to 6 at a time), so I’m very comfortable managing energy, behavior, and group dynamics safely. Today, I offer a more personalized, structured experience—whether that’s walks, drop-ins, or small-group boarding. Your dog won’t just be “watched”—they’ll be engaged, exercised, and cared for with intention. I live an active lifestyle and prioritize: • Daily walks and outdoor time • Structured routines and calm environments • Safe, attentive supervision at all times For boarding, I keep things limited (2 dogs max plus my dog) and controlled to ensure every dog gets proper attention and an stress-free experience. This isn’t a free-for-all environment—it’s thoughtful, balanced care. I’m confident with: • High-energy dogs • Larger breeds • Dogs that need structure and guidance ⸻ 🐶 What You Can Expect: • Consistent communication and updates • A clean, safe, and calm environment • Dogs treated like part of the pack (with structure, not chaos) ⸻ ⚖️ Good Fit: I do best with dogs that are: • Social or neutral with other dogs • Comfortable in a home environment • Used to walks and basic structure ⸻ 🚫 Not the Best Fit: • Dogs with severe aggression • Dogs with extreme separation anxiety requiring constant 24/7 attention ⸻ If you’re looking for reliable, experienced, and structured care, I’d love to connect.

Reviews

Särä Megan G.
House Sitting • May 18, 2026
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Our little Tasmanian devil had an absolute blast with Derek! Having him home sit was the best decision, house was clean, dog was happy, great communication while we were gone, need I go on? 10/10 already recommending to friends

Van A.
Boarding • May 11, 2026
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Great communication! My pups seemed to have a great time. Thank you!

Jack & Teri M.
Drop-In Visits • May 06, 2026
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Derik arrived exactly on time, which I verified via my Ring cameras. He spent quality time with my dog, walking him and playing indoors. I came home to a calm, content dog with no pent-up energy. Highly recommend and will definitely book again.

Teri M.
Apr 24, 2026

Cannot recommend Derik enough! He cared for our 60lb golden doodle for a full week, and from day one, our dog (who is very friendly) warmed up to him immediately. Derik is attentive, when our flight was canceled, he proactively went out to purchase more food when we realized we were short. We track our dog’s activity via his Fi collar, and we were thrilled to see that Derik ensured he got the perfect balance of exercise and rest. We have used Derik multiple times for home check-ins and dog walks, and we trust him with our house code and home security. He is one of our go-to sitters!

About Derik T.

Communication

100% response rate
Usually responds in under half an hour
50% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Dog skills

5 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration
Senior dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Safety, trust & environment

Safety and structure are my top priorities in both my home and my client’s home. With my background as a former professional dog walker, I’m very aware of how quickly situations can change—so I stay proactive, not reactive. In my home: • Dogs are always supervised and introduced slowly and intentionally • I maintain a calm, structured environment—no overcrowding or chaotic play • I only accept a limited number of dogs to ensure safety and individual attention • Separate spaces are available if a dog needs time to decompress During walks and drop-ins: • Dogs are always kept on secure leashes (unless in a safely enclosed area) • I stay aware of surroundings, other dogs, and potential triggers • I adjust pace, distance, and activity based on each dog’s needs and temperament I take the time to understand each dog’s routine, personality, and any specific instructions provided by the owner. Clear communication and consistency are key to keeping dogs comfortable and stress-free.

Home

Lives in a house
Has a fenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has 1 dog
No children present
Dogs allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 2-4 hours
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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Verified Enhanced Background Check
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Verified Enhanced Background Check

Derik T.

Pleasant Valley, Austin, TX

5.0 out of 5 stars
6 reviews