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Donna S.

Carmichael, CA

4.8 out of 5 stars
91 reviews
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Services

These prices are for 1 dog.

Prices include all fees.

Donna can host

0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
Dogs over 1 year old
Spayed and neutered dogs only
No females in heat
Crate-trained dogs only

Donna can care for

Cats
0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
Dogs over 1 year old

Availability

Pet care is what I do now and I do it well. I am also a freelance writer and love having dogs around to do things with. I treat them like family, and like I've known them my whole life.

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Boarding Cancellation Policy:

About Donna S.

Communication

66 repeat pet parents
96% response rate
Usually responds in under an hour
90% bookings with photo updates

Skills

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

Safety, trust & environment

I care for pets in my home and outside my home as if they are my family. Sometimes they have emotional issues so I counsel them. They seem to understand. I teach them new things and have a tunnel they can run through in my backyard.

Home

Lives in a house
Has a fenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has 2 dogs
No children present
Dogs allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 0-2 hours

Information Donna S. would like to know about your pet

Let me know if your dog has special needs, medications, likes, dislikes, allergies, illnesses, including anxiety, phobias, firework dislikes, and I can account for this. Let's talk.

A typical day

You name it; I've probably done it! All the activities mentioned above can be included - and more. Just tell me what you have in mind.

Location

Carmichael, CA

Donna S.'s Neighborhood

Pets

Count on Them Having a Great Time

Pet care experience

August Special: 20% off regular fees! Take a vacation!! Now's the time! My house – Where your dog gets the VIP treatment and motivational speeches they didn’t know they needed. Let’s be honest—dogs are the best kind of people, and I’m just here running their all-inclusive resort. Whether your pup is a professional couch potato or a backyard explorer plotting their next squirrel summit, I love meeting dogs with big personalities and even bigger snack expectations. Around here, no two days—or dogs—are ever the same. And yes, that’s exactly as chaotic as it sounds! My own personal house manager, Kodi—a 25-pound Pomeranian/Husky combo (yes, you read that right, a Pomsky with the fluff of a cloud and the soul of a philosopher)—would love to have a playmate. He’s mostly here to inspect guest luggage for contraband treats and approve new friendships. I have a soft spot for senior pups—because let’s face it, they’ve seen some things and have no time for nonsense. My Pomeranians Tilly and Goldie, and Gracie, a cattle dog, and Jenny lived long, fabulous lives (more than 15 years!) and were full-time celebrity mascots at the magazine I worked at. Basically, they were the Oprah and Barbara Walters of the dog world—total pros at working a room and scoring snacks. As a retired chiropractor with fancy degrees in nutrition and herbal medicine, I’m basically the dog version of a wellness spa director. Think massages, joint support with diatomaceous earth and fish oil, and the occasional pep talk about why it’s okay to bark at the mailman just a little less. My backyard boasts a majestic 100-year-old tree, perfect for shade lounging and dramatic squirrel-watching. But full disclosure—after a rain, the backyard goes from “lush forest floor” to “mud wrestling championship.” Don’t worry, post-adventure towel-dry snuggles are included at no extra charge! Need a chauffeur? I’m happy to take your pup for car rides, neighborhood strolls, and even field trips to the mountains or American River Park for that “I just found my inner wolf” moment. Evenings include my signature VIP tuck-in service with a soft “goodnight,” a cozy blanket, and if required, me whispering motivational affirmations like “You ARE a good boy, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.” Got a bedtime routine? Hit me with it—I’m fully trained in ritualistic stuffed animal placement and optimal blanket fluffing. While my resort has an open-door vibe, I do draw the line at dogs with severe separation anxiety or known aggression issues. But hey, if you’re working through those, I’m happy to consult—every great comeback story starts somewhere! Now Booking: Home-Cooked Doggy Gourmet! Look, some dogs have better diets than I do—and honestly, I respect that. I’m currently working toward my Pet Nutritionist certificate, and I offer home-cooked meals (available for an additional charge) for dogs who prefer their cuisine like their lifestyle: elevated and extra. These meals are especially great for older dogs and those with arthritis—prepared with love, top-notch ingredients, and absolutely no judgment if they demand dinner plated like a five-star entrée. One senior guest came in barely able to walk and left on day five ready for a dance-off. Coincidence? Or was it my gourmet cooking and endless positive reinforcement? You decide. What My VIP Guests Are Saying… 🐾 “I arrived wobbly, but after five days of gourmet meals and pep talks, I’m basically training for the Olympics now.” – Buster, Age 12, Retired Couch Commander (Buster was having difficulty walking and keeping himself stable but regained his youthful suave.) 🐾 “She tucked me in, called me a good boy, and told me I mattered. I'd rate my experience a 12/10 and would recommend. Left feeling emotionally validated and one pound fluffier.” – Sir Fluffy, Age 7, Aspiring Influencer

Reviews

Lynne M.
Boarding • Nov 30, 2024
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Donna was wonderful. My dog responded well to her special dinners, attention, and love. I will use her again.

Suzanne B.
Boarding • Sep 23, 2024
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Donna is the best! She always takes amazing care of our dog Gus and he loves being with her.

Jeanne A.
Boarding • Jul 27, 2024
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Lucy was happy and healthy when I picked her up. Seemed like a great connection between Donna and my pup! Donna was very accepting when I needed another night with her. Great dog loving home!

Jackie S.
Boarding • Jul 21, 2024
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Donna cared well for Rosie. She was attentive and experienced. Rosie enjoyed her stay!

About Donna S.

Communication

66 repeat pet parents
96% response rate
Usually responds in under an hour
90% bookings with photo updates

Skills

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

Safety, trust & environment

I care for pets in my home and outside my home as if they are my family. Sometimes they have emotional issues so I counsel them. They seem to understand. I teach them new things and have a tunnel they can run through in my backyard.

Home

Lives in a house
Has a fenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has 2 dogs
No children present
Dogs allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 0-2 hours

Information Donna S. would like to know about your pet

Let me know if your dog has special needs, medications, likes, dislikes, allergies, illnesses, including anxiety, phobias, firework dislikes, and I can account for this. Let's talk.

A typical day

You name it; I've probably done it! All the activities mentioned above can be included - and more. Just tell me what you have in mind.

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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Donna S.

Carmichael, CA

4.8 out of 5 stars
91 reviews