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James M.

5.0 out of 5 stars
13 repeat clients
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James M.

5.0 out of 5 stars
13 repeat clients

Contact for Drop-In Visits

from $25 per visit

Highlights

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

Pet care experience

Senior, Anxious, Special Needs Pets

Calm, Experienced Care for Senior, Anxious, & Special Needs Pets 🐾 Hi, and welcome! I'm James "Paul," a 5-star-rated sitter with a background in mental health social work (MSW) and years of experience caring for pets who need more than just the basics. From skittish rescues to aging pups, I provide calm, reliable care — with clear communication and consistent updates every step of the way. I work best with thoughtful pet parents who value consistency, communication, and individualized care. 📍Local, Personalized, and Consistent To ensure timely, high-quality care, I serve clients within 10 miles of Downingtown/Guthriesville and prioritize long-term, repeat bookings over one-time or last-minute requests that don't allow for thoughtful care. ✅ Skilled in Mobility, Medical, & Special-Needs Care ✔️ Senior pets & mobility support ✔️ Anxious or fearful rescues ✔️ Complex medication & dietary needs ✔️ Gentle, low-stress approach ✔️ Prioritizes repeat clients “He took special care for and loved on each despite their quirks and special needs… We could tell they were all happy and content upon our return.” — Repeat client, Downingtown Read More 👇 🐾 Individualized Care for Pets Who Need a Little Extra Many of my clients return regularly because their pets require more than the basics. I provide support for: Senior Dogs & Mobility Support – Gentle handling, medication support, and help with stairs or special routines. Anxious or Fearful Pets – Slow, low-stress introductions with patience, reassurance, and routine. Medical & Special Needs Care – Experienced with complex schedules, injections, oral meds, and special diets. My rates reflect the time, skill, and individualized attention I offer — especially for pets with complex needs. ✅ Why Clients Trust Me ✔️ Background in Social Work – Skilled in reading behavior, setting boundaries, and offering emotional safety ✔️ Trained in Medical & Mobility Care – Confident with injections, oral meds, special diets, and more ✔️ Low-Stress, Gentle Approach – I honor each pet’s pace and comfort zone ✔️ Repeat-Client Focused – I limit my calendar to ensure consistent, high-quality care ✔️ Comfortable with quiet walking routes and pet-safe places nearby. “What a great experience! He was responsive and attentive… Loved the pictures and updates, and we could tell they were happy and content upon our return.” — Repeat client, Downingtown ⚠️ Please Read Before Reaching Out I’m best matched with clients who: ✔️ Have filled out their Rover profile with pet care needs, vet info, and routines ✔️ Are open to one consistent sitter, not multiple interviews at once ✔️ Communicate clearly and appreciate thoughtful, engaged care If your request is urgent, missing key info, or mostly price-focused, I may not be the right fit — and that’s okay. I want you to find care that truly matches your needs. 💬 Let’s Connect If you're looking for someone reliable, experienced, and genuinely committed to your pet’s well-being — not just a quick sitter — let’s see if we’re a match. Send me a message with your care needs, and I’ll get back to you promptly.

Qualifications

13 repeat pet parents
88% response rate
Usually responds in about a day
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards
5 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration

Safety, trust & environment

My background as an MSW gives me a unique perspective on animal behavior and communication. Just as in my social work practice, I prioritize empathy, careful observation, and understanding individual needs when caring for pets. Whether I’m providing house sitting, drop-in visits, or dog walks, my focus is always on creating a safe, positive, and stress-free experience for your pet. I follow your instructions closely and adapt my approach to suit each pet’s personality, routine, and specific needs. I have extensive experience working with anxious, reactive, and special-needs pets, and I’m committed to providing compassionate, attentive care that fosters trust and comfort. Your pet’s well-being is my top priority.

Ratings and reviews

5.0
stars
47 ratings
Susan L.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dog Walking • May 16, 2026

Always the best!

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Susan L.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dog Walking • Apr 11, 2026

Always a great visit.

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Susan L.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dog Walking • Apr 03, 2026

As always James gets the seal of approval from my doggies!

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Dog Walking • Mar 20, 2026

James M. cancelled a booking 1 day before it was scheduled to begin.

Sue G.
5.0 out of 5 stars
House Sitting • Dec 15, 2025

We are so happy we found Paul! He is so good with our Hazel. Sends lots of pictures and so responsive. We had delayed flights and we so appreciated his flexibility and even agreeable to staying extra with Hazel if we couldn’t get home.

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Meg W.
5.0 out of 5 stars
House Sitting • Nov 24, 2025

Paul was wonderful! Our boys were meticulously taken care of and were definitely happy to have him here! Highly recommend!

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Calendar and availability

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
SMTWTFS

Schedule

I structure my weeks around the pets I care for — especially my repeat clients. Because I keep my service area local and my calendar manageable, I can show up consistently and build lasting trust with both pets and their people. I only take on bookings I can give my full attention to.

Cats
0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs
James can host up to 3 drop-ins per day
To provide the best care for your pet, it’s important for me to learn as much as possible about them beforehand. Here’s what I’d love to know: Basic Info: Age, breed, weight, and any relevant medical history (e.g., allergies, medications, past injuries). Personality: Are they shy, outgoing, playful, anxious, or reactive? Do they get along with other animals or children? Daily Routine: Feeding schedule, preferred walk times, sleeping habits, and any specific routines they follow. Exercise Needs: What type of exercise do they enjoy? How much do they require to stay happy and healthy? Behavioral Quirks: Are there specific noises, situations, or objects that make them anxious or uncomfortable? Training: What commands do they know? Do they have specific leash manners or training needs? Emergency Info: Name and contact information for your veterinarian in case of an emergency. My background as an MSW has taught me the value of understanding individual needs and adapting my approach accordingly. Whether your pet is a social butterfly or a shy wallflower, I’m committed to creating a safe, comfortable, and stress-free experience. Open communication is key, so feel free to share any details—big or small—that can help me provide the best care possible.
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.