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Derik T.

5.0 out of 5 stars
Profile image

Derik T.

5.0 out of 5 stars

Contact for Boarding

from $49 per night

Highlights

Enhanced background check
Has a fenced yard
Home full time
Can administer medication
Senior dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Pet care experience

Active Dog Lover: Walks & Real Care

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.

Qualifications

100% response rate
Usually responds in under half an hour
70% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards
5 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration
Senior dog experience

Ratings and reviews

5.0
stars
5 ratings
Aurora A.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • Jun 15, 2026

Derik went above and beyond looking after Polly! She went on a ton of walks, made a lot of friends, and overall had a great time. I would definitely use him again/recommend him to a friend.

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Särä Megan G.
5.0 out of 5 stars
House Sitting • May 18, 2026

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

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Van A.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • May 11, 2026

Great communication! My pups seemed to have a great time. Thank you!

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Jack & Teri M.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Drop-In Visits • May 06, 2026

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.

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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!

Fernando G.
Apr 22, 2026

Derik is great with my Paloma (American Eskimo) and Pepe (Border Collie). I often have to travel and I definitely trust Derik to walk , feed, spend time and play with my fur babies. You can tell that he really loves dogs.

Calendar and availability

Available
Not available
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Schedule

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.

Where your pet will stay

Home characteristics

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

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.

Pets

0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs
No females in heat
Derik can host up to 2 pets per night
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.