Helen S.
Helen S.
Contact for Drop-In Visits
from $20 per visit
Highlights
Pet care experience
Loving, Trusted Pet Care
I've spent the last five years volunteering in Baltimore animal shelters as a dog walker, cat handler, and foster parent. Through this work, I've been trained by shelter staff to safely and confidently handle behavioral dogs, and I've also completed the Fear Free Shelters certification. I am also a certified dog trainer, with experience using reward-based, positive reinforcement training techniques to help dogs learn and build confidence. Outside the shelter, I'm routinely trusted by friends and family for drop-in visits, walks, boarding, and doggy daycare. I'm experienced with administering oral medications, giving injections, and bathing pups of all sizes. I've been a dog parent for over a decade and currently share my home with two friendly, well-mannered senior dogs-one small and one large-who get along wonderfully with both canine and feline visitors. I’ve also grown up living with cats since the day I was born, so I’m comfortable and experienced with kitty companions as well. My experience, calm approach, and genuine love for animals help me give every pup and cat the safe, positive, and individualized care they deserve.
Cat care experience
Helen also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Qualifications
Pets
Safety, trust & environment
My home is set up with your pet's comfort and safety in mind. I have a fully fenced yard for secure outdoor time, along with two calm, friendly senior dogs who provide gentle company. I'm also able to separate pets during meals, rest times, or whenever needed to ensure everyone feels comfortable and stress-free. We live in a quiet, low-traffic neighborhood-great for peaceful walks, whether your pup is a seasoned leash walker or still learning. I also keep extra supplies on hand, including bowls, beds, and a small/medium crate, so your pet can settle in easily without requiring you to pack much. My goal is to create a safe, relaxed environment where they can feel right at home.
Ratings and reviews
I was overjoyed to find Helen because my reactive dog has done really well her. Helen has a calm demeanor that my dogs enjoy. She understands how to behave around dogs so that they behave. Helen is also very responsive to messages. Her messages are clear and well constructed.
10/10 my favorite pet sitter!! She takes great pics and has stellar communication, making me feel safe and secure about my cats while I'm away. I highly recommend!
I would 100% book again in the future! My dog immediately took to Helen and was sad to see her go after the meet and greet. She sent pics and provided a detailed update after the walk. 10/10
Helen was amazing! I'm so glad I found her on Rover. She responded to my initial query quickly and with a friendly and professional demeanor. She offered to come by and meet my cats and receive care instructions and was very easy to schedule with. Throughout the process, before during and after my trip out of town, she responded quickly to all my texts and was very kind about my nervousness about leaving my cats at home alone together for an extended period for the first time, providing plenty of reassurance and listening to all instructions with care. She sent great text and photo updates with each visit and followed all the care instructions to the letter and exactly on time for each visit, and she treated my home with care while she was here. I could not have asked to find a better sitter! I will definitely reach back out to her for all my future pet-sitting needs.
Helen is a delight! She came over to meet Gus the day before her engagement. Gus loved her and brought her one of his toys when she arrived. We will be asking her to take care of Avis again in the future.
Today, and as always, Helen was the best. Always takes great care of Coda, and even if new things come up or something needs a quick change, she's always happy to help. We love Helen.
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
I work from home, so your pet will have company and attention all day long. My schedule is flexible, and I'm happy to follow the routine your fur baby is used to so their day feels familiar and stress-free.
- Cats0 to 15 lbs16 to 40 lbs41 to 100 lbsHelen can host up to 1 drop-in per day
- Please let me know if your dog or cat has any behaviors that may be incompatible with sharing space with other dogs. Since my resident pups are seniors, I generally prefer hosting low- to medium-energy guests, but I’m always happy to schedule a meet-and-greet with pets of any age, size, or breed to make sure everyone is a good fit and feels comfortable. During a meet-and-greet, I’ll typically ask about your pet’s daily routine, whether they’re comfortable sharing space, toys, or food, where they usually sleep or stay when humans are out of the house, any allergies or medical needs, and any behaviors I should be aware of. I’ll also confirm vet and emergency contact information so I’m fully prepared to provide safe, attentive care.