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Ellen F.

5.0 out of 5 stars
4 repeat clients
Profile image

Ellen F.

5.0 out of 5 stars
4 repeat clients

Contact for Drop-In Visits

from $18 per visit

Highlights

Enhanced background check
40 years of experience
Can administer medication
Special needs experience
Senior dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Pet care experience

Love ALL doggos!

I’ve had dogs my entire life, and love the joy they bring daily. I have taken care of all sizes, and ages. Our babies aren’t pets, they are our best friends. Having lived with and loving dogs for as long as I can remember, I understand the deep bond that forms between pets and their owners. My personal experience with adopting rescued dogs has taught me the importance of patience, compassion, and individualized care. These are qualities that I am eager to bring to you, ensuring that your dog receives the best possible care and attention. I do REQUIRE a meet and greet prior to any bookings. Does your face light up when you see a dog? Mine does and that’s how I know this is my passion. Moreover, my enthusiasm for dogs extends beyond my home life. Whenever I encounter dogs in stores or on the streets with their owners, it brings me immense joy. This genuine love for dogs drives me to create a positive and welcoming environment for both pets and their owners. The best part of my day? The interactions with dogs. Their energy is contagious and keeps things interesting. Seeing their enthusiasm and tail wagging brightens my day in a way that no office job ever could. I get to be a part of their daily lives and make a positive impact while enjoying a great work-life balance. It’s amazing how much joy can come from something so simple! Trusting me with your 4-legged children is a task I take seriously and will provide care like they are my own.

Qualifications

4 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds in a few minutes
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards
40 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Senior dog experience

Pets

Safety, trust & environment

My pups live in the open country, and I’ve trained them to walk off-leash. They have structured meal times, playtimes, and of course, nap time. As a dog walker, my main goal is to keep the dogs happy, healthy, and safe. Every dog is different, with their own energy levels, personalities, and needs. Getting to know each dog's quirks and what makes them tick is super important. By personalizing each walk to fit your dog's needs, I not only help them stay healthy but also build a stronger bond with them. Safety is number one l when I'm out walking dogs. I always use a sturdy leash and make sure their harness or collar fits well to avoid any escapes. I'm constantly on the lookout for potential dangers like traffic, other dogs, or wildlife. I have fresh water on hand, especially in hot weather, to keep the dogs hydrated. Being careful and prepared helps make sure each walk is fun and safe. Walking dogs isn't just about giving them exercise; it's also about letting them explore and stimulate their minds. I let them sniff around and take in their surroundings because it's good for their mental health. I like to mix in some training exercises too, like practicing basic commands or introducing new ones, to keep things interesting. When it's safe, I also let them socialize with other dogs to help them build good social skills and reduce any behavior problems. Building a good relationship with the dogs' owners is important to me too. I keep them updated on how their dog is doing, any progress we've made, and any issues that come up. Being reliable and showing that I genuinely care about their pets helps build trust and makes sure everyone has a great experience. By being attentive, knowledgeable, and caring, I can give the dogs I walk the best care possible and give their owners peace of mind.

Ratings and reviews

5.0
stars
11 ratings
Nicole M.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Drop-In Visits • Apr 16, 2025

Always there when Drew needs her!

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Sara S.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dog Walking • Mar 12, 2025

Ellen is absolutely amazing with my boy Bohdi! She genuinely loves him and goes out of her way to help me take care of him.

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Nicole M.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Drop-In Visits • Jan 22, 2025

Drew just loves his time with Ellen and I can travel without worrying about my boy! She consistently communicates with us about her visits plus sends us some great pictures! Highly recommend Ellen!

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Nicole M.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Drop-In Visits • Dec 15, 2024

Ellen is the best!!! She gives our boy all the snuggles and TLC possible. He’s so relaxed and happy when she cares for him which gives us peace of mind when we can’t be with him.

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Nicole M.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Drop-In Visits • Oct 29, 2024

My pups love Ellen and all the TLC she gives them while I’m away. Knowing she is looking out for them allows me to enjoy my time away.

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Nicole M.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Drop-In Visits • Oct 07, 2024

Ellen is amazing! She took on this job last minute and eased all my worries about leaving my dogs with a new sitter. Very kind, compassionate and treated my dogs with lots of love and attention.

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Calendar and availability

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
SMTWTFS

Schedule

During the school year, I work as a school bus driver, so my availability is between 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., and after 3:30 p.m. until 5 p.m. In summer I have days and afternoons free, and available weekends, and look forward to meeting your fur-baby. I REQUIRE a meet and greet to make sure this is a good fit for everyone.

0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
Dogs over 1 year old
Ellen can host up to 1 drop-in per day
I do require all pets be current on vaccinations. Please let me know special needs or instructions so my visit will be a paws-itive success. When taking care of your pet, it's important to gather essential information ahead of time to ensure the dog's safety, well-being, and happiness. Here are some key things I always make sure to know: Health Information: 1. **Medical History:** Any chronic conditions, allergies, or recent illnesses. 2. **Medications:** Details on any medications the dog is taking, including dosage and administration instructions. 3. **Vaccinations:** Up-to-date vaccination records, particularly for rabies, distemper, and bordetella. 4. **Veterinarian Info:** Contact details for their regular vet and an emergency vet, just in case. Behavior and Temperament: 1. **Temperament:** The dog’s general temperament—are they friendly, shy, aggressive, anxious, etc.? 2. **Behavioral Issues:** Any known behavioral issues such as fear of strangers, aggression towards other dogs, or anxiety triggers. 3. **Socialization:** How the dog interacts with other dogs, people, and animals. This helps in planning safe and pleasant walks or play sessions. 4. **Commands:** Basic commands the dog knows and any specific training cues they respond to. Routine and Preferences: 1. **Daily Routine:** Usual walking times, feeding schedule, and any specific rituals or habits. 2. **Exercise Needs:** The amount of exercise they need and any preferred activities or games. 3. **Diet:** Specific dietary requirements, food preferences, and any treats they are allowed or should avoid. 4. **Comfort Items:** Any favorite toys, blankets, or items that make the dog feel secure and happy. Emergency Protocols: 1. **Emergency Contacts:** Owner’s contact information and any backup contacts in case of emergencies. 2. **Safety Concerns:** Any particular fears or phobias, such as thunderstorms, fireworks, or loud noises. 3. **Escape Risks:** Any tendencies to try to escape or run away, and the best ways to keep them secure. Logistics: 1. **Access to Home:** Instructions for accessing the home securely if you're doing drop-in visits. 2. **Leash and Harness Preferences:** Preferred type of leash and harness, and any special instructions for putting them on or taking them off. 3. **Local Environment:** Familiarity with the local area, preferred walking routes, and any areas to avoid. By gathering this information beforehand, I can provide the best paws-ible care for the dog, ensuring their time with me is safe, enjoyable, and stress-free for both the dog and their owner.
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.