Grace M.
Durham, NC
Highly rated work-from-home dog mom
Pet care experience
I grew up with all sorts of pets and have always loved animals. A few years ago, I adopted a sweet and spunky pup of my own. With my work-from-home schedule, love of long walks and dog-friendly outings, and inability to say "no" to a request for belly rubs, he's got it pretty good. I welcome the opportunity to show the same love and attention to your four-legged companion! What sets me apart from many walkers/sitters, doggy daycare centers, and boarding facilities? 1. Safety. As a dog owner myself, I recognize and appreciate that you are trusting me with the well-being of your cherished pet(s). I enter and exit carefully to thwart escape artists, and I double-check that the harness/collar and leash are secure before opening the door for a walk. I'm attentive and always at the ready for leash-pullers and squirrel chasers. 2. Dedication. I'm responsible, reliable, and detail-oriented. I never miss a visit. 3. Communication. Don't spend another vacation or workday questioning whether your pet is *really* being well cared for in your absence. I will respond to your messages quickly and keep you in the loop on your pet's care, checking in with photos and updates. (That said, I do not mean for my updates to be an unwelcome distraction! I mention to clients that they should feel no obligation to respond to my updates. Feel free to express your communication preferences.) 4. Your pet is my priority. For boarding and daycare, I accept only one dog at a time. This ensures that your dog receives individualized attention and that I can personally vouch for the dog-friendliness and health of your dog's playmate (my pup, Ruka). 5. Security. In a house sitting or walking/drop-in situation, you're trusting someone with the security of your home. I take this responsibility seriously and follow all access instructions carefully and discreetly. I always (literally) double-check that the door is locked on the way out. 6. Experience. I have a calm and patient style and have experience with a wide variety of dog breeds and behaviors. I will follow any guidance you provide for your dog's needs, and in the absence of specific instructions, I'll draw from my extensive experience. 7. Variety of services. Your dog can come to me, or I can come to them! I am happy to offer boarding and daycare services at my home for dogs who are a good fit with my space and dog. On the other hand, house-sitting is ideal for multi-pet households, and for pets who prefer a consistent environment, aren't necessarily a great fit for boarding (see below), or have complex medical needs. House-sitting also affords the security advantage of having your home occupied while you're away. 8. A built-in furry friend. At my home, my dog Ruka will be happy to provide playtime, licks, snuggles, and amusing vocalizations.
Reviews
So glad my dog and I found Grace and Ruka! Grace was super attentive and communicative and was so great about making sure I had regular updates and photos! Thank you to Ruka for being so welcoming and allowing my overly friendly girl take over his whole couch and home! It was so nice to receive little clips of the two of them having a good time together. My only concern is that I now can't keep up with the entertainment and good times that were provided by Grace and Ruka while I was away!
We’re so happy we found Grace for our trip and our dog Rocco had the best time. She was very professional, taking time to ask thorough questions and explain how she prioritizes safety. We had no worries while we were away. We also got some of the best pictures of Rocco that we’ve ever seen. The quality pet portraits were a surprise bonus! As I’m writing this, Rocco is staring longingly out the window, probably wondering when he can visit again. ?
Grace is absolutely fantastic!!! Our animals are so happy and our home was very sweetly cared for. We definitely hope to work with Grace again!!
Grace was great with my dog Scout! Look forward to working with her again soon!
About Grace M.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
- More details: My home - I typically meet clients in front of my building for an efficient drop-off experience (no need to worry about parking or finding my apartment). If you're coming for a meet-and-greet, we'll let the dogs meet outside and then head up to the apartment. If you're dropping your dog off for a stay, I'll take your pup for a walk at hand-off to distract them from your departure before we head inside. I live in an apartment building with interior hallways. I am very careful about ensuring your dog is leashed before opening my door; however, rest assured that in the unlikely event of an escape, your dog would be running out into an indoor hallway - not into a busy street. I am vigilant about ensuring my home is a safe environment for dogs. I am careful to store food and any potential toxins (e.g., cleaning products, first aid supplies, gardening products) out of reach. At night and whenever I'm not home, your dog will stay in my living room, with comfortable places to relax (dog bed, couch, rug). If your dog is crate-trained, I can crate them if you prefer. Because even friendly dogs can behave differently in an unfamiliar environment, for safety's sake, I never leave dogs together while unsupervised, and I separate dogs for meals. I also have an indoor camera so that I can monitor how your pup is doing in my absence.
Home
Information Grace M. would like to know about your pet
If you request services based in my home (boarding or daycare), I'll ask the following questions to assess the fit and determine how to best provide a safe and comfortable stay for your pup. Feel free to provide this information when you send your booking request! 1. Does your pup have any conditions or behaviors to be aware of, including allergies, food sensitivities, medical conditions, anxiety, destructive chewing, accidents, frequent escape attempts, aggression towards people or dogs, etc.? 2. Would your dog bark if briefly left alone at home (for errands, or during potty breaks for my own dog)? 3. Would your dog be comfortable (i.e., calm and quiet) sleeping in a room that is separate from myself and my dog? 4. How does your pup do with other dogs? I have a 45-lb friendly dog who loves to hang out and play with guest dogs. *To ensure a safe, comfortable stay for all pups, I can only accept dog-friendly dogs with no history of aggression.* - More details: Fit - I have had many wonderful hosting experiences in my home. This is made possible by mutual thoughtfulness and honesty regarding your dog's needs and behaviors and my space. Out of respect for my neighbors, because I value the comfort and safety of your dog and mine, and because Rover does not insure sitters' property, I am unable to host dogs who are: -unfriendly or anxious around other dogs, -prone to barking (i.e., I cannot host dogs who will bark if I leave the house or sleep in a separate room), -destructive chewers, -not fully housetrained, or -dogs with fleas, parasites or any infectious illness. (If you book with me and later learn or suspect that your dog may have such a condition, please let me know as soon as possible so I can help you find alternative arrangements.) House sitting stays require a clean living space, clean linens/towels for the sleeping area and bathroom, and reliable internet access. I'll ask you to provide care instructions and indicate where pet care supplies are kept and will communicate with you to arrange the logistics of access, parking, etc.
A typical day
HOUSE-SITTING Unless otherwise arranged, I stay overnight at your home when house-sitting to provide maximum company and comfort to your pets. I essentially live at your place while you're away, treating your home as my "home base" and caring for your pets as if they were my own. I have a minimum stay length of 2 nights (exceptions can be made for existing clients). *When reaching out with a house-sitting request, please provide your address so I can verify that you are within my (fairly small) service area. I serve Trinity Park, Trinity Heights, and Brightleaf, as well as some addresses in Central Park, the Warehouse District, and near Ninth Street.* BOARDING / DAYCARE I'll treat your pup with patient, loving care. I'll provide plenty of walks and lots of safe, supervised indoor playtime with my friendly dog Ruka. On walks, I'll give your high-energy pup the fast-paced walk he craves or keep things more mellow for your senior dog. I am mindful of heat in the summer and will look for shady routes and provide water on longer walks. Please let me know if you have specific training priorities; I'll be glad to reinforce your hard work! Please note the following policies: 1. All first-time boarders will need to visit my home in advance of the stay to confirm that our dogs are compatible roommates and that your pup will be comfortable in my home. No time to stop by with your pup, have a dog that isn't a good fit for boarding, or have multiple pets? If you're within my service area, consider sending a request for house sitting. An advance visit is not required for house sitting. 2. Be sure to specify start and end times with your request. Note that overnight services (boarding and house sitting) cover approximately 24 hour periods of care. Prorated charges apply for additional time. I'll verify Rover's quote when you send the booking request and will make any necessary updates before we confirm the booking. 3. Keep in mind that I take just one client at a time, and dates are only held once booked. Please reach out early for your pet care needs!
Services
Grace can host
Grace can watch in your home
Availability
- More details: My schedule - My work-from-home arrangement gives me the flexibility to offer your dog the attention, exercise, and playtime they desire. Please let me know when you reach out if your pet requires constant companionship. While I cannot guarantee that I will be with your dog or cat for the entirety of a multi-day booking, daycare typically affords this guarantee.
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About Grace M.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
- More details: My home - I typically meet clients in front of my building for an efficient drop-off experience (no need to worry about parking or finding my apartment). If you're coming for a meet-and-greet, we'll let the dogs meet outside and then head up to the apartment. If you're dropping your dog off for a stay, I'll take your pup for a walk at hand-off to distract them from your departure before we head inside. I live in an apartment building with interior hallways. I am very careful about ensuring your dog is leashed before opening my door; however, rest assured that in the unlikely event of an escape, your dog would be running out into an indoor hallway - not into a busy street. I am vigilant about ensuring my home is a safe environment for dogs. I am careful to store food and any potential toxins (e.g., cleaning products, first aid supplies, gardening products) out of reach. At night and whenever I'm not home, your dog will stay in my living room, with comfortable places to relax (dog bed, couch, rug). If your dog is crate-trained, I can crate them if you prefer. Because even friendly dogs can behave differently in an unfamiliar environment, for safety's sake, I never leave dogs together while unsupervised, and I separate dogs for meals. I also have an indoor camera so that I can monitor how your pup is doing in my absence.
Home
Information Grace M. would like to know about your pet
If you request services based in my home (boarding or daycare), I'll ask the following questions to assess the fit and determine how to best provide a safe and comfortable stay for your pup. Feel free to provide this information when you send your booking request! 1. Does your pup have any conditions or behaviors to be aware of, including allergies, food sensitivities, medical conditions, anxiety, destructive chewing, accidents, frequent escape attempts, aggression towards people or dogs, etc.? 2. Would your dog bark if briefly left alone at home (for errands, or during potty breaks for my own dog)? 3. Would your dog be comfortable (i.e., calm and quiet) sleeping in a room that is separate from myself and my dog? 4. How does your pup do with other dogs? I have a 45-lb friendly dog who loves to hang out and play with guest dogs. *To ensure a safe, comfortable stay for all pups, I can only accept dog-friendly dogs with no history of aggression.* - More details: Fit - I have had many wonderful hosting experiences in my home. This is made possible by mutual thoughtfulness and honesty regarding your dog's needs and behaviors and my space. Out of respect for my neighbors, because I value the comfort and safety of your dog and mine, and because Rover does not insure sitters' property, I am unable to host dogs who are: -unfriendly or anxious around other dogs, -prone to barking (i.e., I cannot host dogs who will bark if I leave the house or sleep in a separate room), -destructive chewers, -not fully housetrained, or -dogs with fleas, parasites or any infectious illness. (If you book with me and later learn or suspect that your dog may have such a condition, please let me know as soon as possible so I can help you find alternative arrangements.) House sitting stays require a clean living space, clean linens/towels for the sleeping area and bathroom, and reliable internet access. I'll ask you to provide care instructions and indicate where pet care supplies are kept and will communicate with you to arrange the logistics of access, parking, etc.
A typical day
HOUSE-SITTING Unless otherwise arranged, I stay overnight at your home when house-sitting to provide maximum company and comfort to your pets. I essentially live at your place while you're away, treating your home as my "home base" and caring for your pets as if they were my own. I have a minimum stay length of 2 nights (exceptions can be made for existing clients). *When reaching out with a house-sitting request, please provide your address so I can verify that you are within my (fairly small) service area. I serve Trinity Park, Trinity Heights, and Brightleaf, as well as some addresses in Central Park, the Warehouse District, and near Ninth Street.* BOARDING / DAYCARE I'll treat your pup with patient, loving care. I'll provide plenty of walks and lots of safe, supervised indoor playtime with my friendly dog Ruka. On walks, I'll give your high-energy pup the fast-paced walk he craves or keep things more mellow for your senior dog. I am mindful of heat in the summer and will look for shady routes and provide water on longer walks. Please let me know if you have specific training priorities; I'll be glad to reinforce your hard work! Please note the following policies: 1. All first-time boarders will need to visit my home in advance of the stay to confirm that our dogs are compatible roommates and that your pup will be comfortable in my home. No time to stop by with your pup, have a dog that isn't a good fit for boarding, or have multiple pets? If you're within my service area, consider sending a request for house sitting. An advance visit is not required for house sitting. 2. Be sure to specify start and end times with your request. Note that overnight services (boarding and house sitting) cover approximately 24 hour periods of care. Prorated charges apply for additional time. I'll verify Rover's quote when you send the booking request and will make any necessary updates before we confirm the booking. 3. Keep in mind that I take just one client at a time, and dates are only held once booked. Please reach out early for your pet care needs!
Location
Durham, NC
Pets
Grace M.
Durham, NC