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John P.

4.8 out of 5 stars
29 repeat clients
Profile image

John P.

4.8 out of 5 stars
29 repeat clients
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Penrose, Arlington, VA

Prices may vary based on your selections. A booking fee of 11% will apply.

Highlights

Enhanced background check
25 years of experience
Home full time
Can administer medication
Special needs experience
Senior dog experience

Pet care experience

Individualized Pet Care

What makes my service unique is I only accept one client at a time—since no other animals are ever present and I work from home full time, your pet gets my undivided attention throughout their entire stay. I was a pet parent for many years and I remember the anxiety I felt during the rare times I had to leave my Holly with someone I didn’t know. My anxiety about leaving her got worse once she got older and needed meds that had to be on time and in the correct quantities. So I understand how important it is to find someone you can trust to take excellent care of your pet. The best way to ensure the best possible experience is by giving them my undivided attention.

Cat care experience

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Kitty time!

John also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.

Qualifications

29 repeat pet parents
88% response rate
Usually responds in a few minutes
70% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards
25 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Senior dog experience

Ratings and reviews

4.8
stars
92 ratings
Curtis H.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • Sep 08, 2026

John was great, very flexible when our plans changed, and Remy was clearly taken care of very well.

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Gargie N.
3.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • Aug 27, 2026

I had a mixed experience with John. What I appreciated was that he was willing to be flexible and meet my dog where she was with her separation anxiety. However, his communication was lacking overall and I did not feel confident that he followed all of my instructions. I requested daily updates during my dog’s 7 day stay. For the first few days he did provide detailed descriptions of her day, which I appreciated, however the last few days I found myself reaching out to him for updates. He never sent any photos of her. He was running late for both drop off and pick up and did not let me know until after arrival. When my dog came home she seemed stressed (diarrhea) and skinny. While his updates indicated that she was eating normally, upon return her food bin was almost completely full and the two cans of wet food I provided were unopened, despite my instructions to include wet food in her meals. My partner picked her up and I had asked John to let my partner know if my dog needed to be fed dinner or taken for a walk still (I was in flight and unsure if I’d be able to communicate with them during the exchange), but he did not do this and I ended up having to reach out during my flight. I’ve used rover for years and never had my dog return to me skinny and stressed, even with her particular anxieties and needs. Due to his communication not meeting my standards and the dissonance of how my dog appeared after her stay versus his description of her time with him, I will not be using John’s services again.

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Julia A.
1.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • Jul 24, 2026

Decided to take a nap when we were planned to meet for drop off. Caused me to miss my flight while frantically finding a rover backup. Several hours later texts “so sorry, fell asleep”, after I went to his house and knocked on his door. Absolutely careless.

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Dillon J.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • Jul 05, 2026

Ozzy seemed to have enjoyed his stay with John. Would definitely rebook in the future!

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kathy ..
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • Jun 17, 2026

This was my first time using rover, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. John was reliable, communicative, and cared about Bella well being. I would receive updates and photos which gave me peace knowing she was good while I was gone. Bella was happy, comfortable, and well cared for. John would take her on daily walks which Bella loved. Great service would recommend!!!!

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Sidney B.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • Jun 09, 2026

John took good care of Charlie, was responsive in letting me know how Charlie was doing, and I'm sure was a good companion, as Charlie was for him.

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Calendar and availability

Available
Not available
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Available
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Schedule

I am happy to accept last-minute first-time booking requests as well as accommodate late-night and early-morning appointments and drop-offs. Your pet’s day with me follows the schedule you provide—so meals, walks, and playtime are structured to match what they’re used to. I make sure they have plenty of interaction and downtime in a quiet setting. You can tell a lot about someone by how well they care for their pet, and I think of all my Rover guests like my temporary pets.

Where your pet will stay

Home characteristics

Lives in an apartment
Has an unfenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has no pets
No children present
Dogs allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 0-2 hours

Safety, trust & environment

Almost all dogs (and cats!) like me right away. I don’t know why, but it has been that way all my life. I think probably because they pick up on my naturally more positive personality disposition. Several of my previous clients have mentioned in their reviews how quickly their dogs take to staying with me, so be sure to check them out! They will give you a better idea of the level of care I provide than I can.

A typical day

The first couple of nights staying with a new friend can be a little bewildering for some of the dogs I look after. I find the best way to help them be at ease with me is to get to know each other, and that means being present and making an effort to bond with each of them with plenty of walks, playing fetch, or practicing training commands.

Cats
0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs
Dogs over 1 year old
Spayed and neutered dogs only
No females in heat
Takes only 1 client at a time
John can host up to 3 pets per night
I rely on pet owners to thoroughly know their pets’ typical temperament and to communicate any past behavior that they are aware of that could impact my neighbors' peaceful enjoyment of their homes, and especially anyone’s health or safety. I always appreciate when clients write down or print out care instructions and leave them with their pet at drop off. I always follow your care instructions exactly. For drop-in visits, I make sure pets are fed, have fresh water, and that litter boxes or outdoor potty areas are cleaned and tidy. If you’d like additional tasks handled, just let me know in advance so I can include them in the visit.
These prices are for 1 dog.

Prices may vary based on your selections. A booking fee of 11% will apply.

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.

Prices may vary based on your selections. A booking fee of 11% will apply.