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John P.

Penrose, Arlington, VA

4.9 out of 5 stars
88 reviews
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Services

These prices are for 1 dog.

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

John can host

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 care for

Cats
0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs

Availability

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.

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Boarding Cancellation Policy:

About John P.

Communication

28 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds in a few minutes
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

25 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

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.

Home

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

Information John P. would like to know about your pet

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.

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.

Location

Arlington, VA

John P.'s Neighborhood

Individualized Pet Care

Pet care experience

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.

Reviews

Sidney B.
Boarding • Jun 09, 2026
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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.

Ian S.
Boarding • Apr 03, 2026
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Left my dog, Jessie, with John for 7 nights. Jessie appears to have been well taken care of. John took her for daily walks, even noting that he was going to take her on extra long walks to help her cope with her initial separation anxiety, which I greatly appreciated. He made sure to provide updates throughout my time away. Would definitely utilize John's services again. I had zero concerns while away.

Janmar A.
Boarding • Mar 23, 2026
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John was great. Understood what I needed in regards to the care of my pup Koda. Very friendly and easy to work with. Koda enjoyed his time and was well taken care of. Would have John watch my dog again. Thanks

Cassidy M.
Drop-In Visits • Jan 04, 2026
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Not super communicative about our key fob. He broke the litter scoop in half. We came home to litter all over the floor, including dirty litter. Our cat’s water fountain almost empty, and the plants were very dry. Also only sent us pictures of the hallway or the litter box, none of the cat or the food he had set out. He did feed our cat and do the litter box, but I was very disappointed in a supposedly Star Rover.

About John P.

Communication

28 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds in a few minutes
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

25 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

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.

Home

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

Information John P. would like to know about your pet

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.

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.

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.
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Verified Enhanced Background Check
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Verified Enhanced Background Check

John P.

Penrose, Arlington, VA

4.9 out of 5 stars
88 reviews