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Jonathan R.

5.0 out of 5 stars
3 repeat clients
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Jonathan R.

5.0 out of 5 stars
3 repeat clients

Contact Jonathan R.

Highlights

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

Pet care experience

Safety-1st Pet Sitter Retired 👨‍🚒

With over half my life dedicated to caring for animals, especially dogs—including seniors who need extra love and attention—I bring a wealth of experience to pet sitting. While my primary experience is with dogs, I have also cared for small animals such as rabbits and gerbils, demonstrating my ability to handle a variety of pets with care and attention. My professional journey as a firefighter, both in the Navy for 4 years and as a municipal firefighter for 19 years, has equipped me with the skills to handle emergencies and provide care in stressful situations, often involving pets in people's homes. Now retired, I am thrilled to channel my passion for animals and my drive to serve into full-time pet sitting. You can trust that your pets will receive 100% of my attention, care, and availability, with the added assurance that I am prepared for any unexpected circumstances. My background ensures that your pets are not just cared for, but protected and loved.

Cat care experience

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Safety-1st Pet Sitter Retired 👨‍🚒

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

Qualifications

3 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds in a few minutes
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards
23 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration

Ratings and reviews

5.0
stars
18 ratings
Roxana G.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Drop-In Visits • Dec 22, 2025

Thanks Jonathan for being so attentive and kind to our three pups. We appreciate your promptness and all the photos. 😊 would highly recommend!

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Amy H.
5.0 out of 5 stars
House Sitting • Dec 10, 2025

We definitely will book with Jonathan again. He watched our two pups in our home while we were on vacation. We received adorable pictures and fun updates. Our home was as we left it upon our return. From start to finish with Jonathan, everything was five stars.

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Amy H.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Drop-In Visits • Nov 02, 2025

Exceeded our expectations! Will be using Johnathon again for sure!

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Matthew M.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Drop-In Visits • Oct 28, 2025

prompt visits with lots of photos. highly recommend!

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Tristan H.
5.0 out of 5 stars
House Sitting • Oct 14, 2025

Jonathan was terrific. We have two dogs, a cat, and fish. He provided photos of our pets while visiting and great communication. He was neat and the house was as we left it. The pets did great with him and he provided great care. Highly recommend Jonathan to anyone seeking a pet sitter to stay with your pets at your own home.

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Heather S.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Drop-In Visits • Oct 12, 2025

Another great experience. Very attentive and friendly. Always provides detailed updates.

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Calendar and availability

Schedule

With my retired status, I enjoy a highly flexible schedule that allows me to dedicate ample time to pet sitting. I am a coparent and have my 12-year-old daughter with me every other week. During those times, I ensure that my pet sitting commitments are fulfilled without compromise. My daughter is also an animal lover and has experience caring for pets, which can be an added benefit for services, though I always prioritize the comfort and preferences of the pet owners. For house sitting and drop-in visits, my availability remains consistent, as I can schedule around her school hours and activities. When she is not with me, I have even greater flexibility to accommodate your pet's needs, whether for short-term or extended care. I am committed to providing reliable and attentive care for your pets, tailored to their individual routines and your scheduling needs.

Where your pet will stay

Safety, trust & environment

When caring for pets in your home, I prioritize their safety and well-being above all else. My background as a firefighter has equipped me with the skills to handle emergencies calmly and effectively, ensuring that both your pets and your home are protected. I will follow any specific instructions you provide regarding your pet's care routine, feeding schedule, and any household rules. I treat your home as if it were my own, respecting your space and belongings. Additionally, my experience with senior dogs means I am particularly attentive to the needs of older pets, providing them with the extra care and comfort they require. You can have peace of mind knowing that your pets are in caring, capable hands while you're away.

A typical day

I would like to first learn what your pet’s daily routine is and what you might be working on with your pet, so that I can add value to both your pet and what you might be working towards with them. As a retired firefighter with over half my life caring for animals, including dogs and small animals like rabbits and gerbils, I prioritize understanding each pet’s unique needs and preferences. A typical day starts with following your pet’s established schedule—whether it’s feeding, administering medication, or maintaining litter boxes for cats. For dogs, I might include a morning walk to explore the neighborhood, ensuring they get exercise and mental stimulation, tailored to their energy level or age, especially for senior pets who may need shorter, gentler strolls. Playtime could involve fetch, tug-of-war, or puzzle toys to keep them engaged, and I’m happy to reinforce any training commands you’re working on, like sit or stay, to maintain consistency. For cats, I’d provide interactive play with toys like feather wands or laser pointers, respecting their independent nature while offering companionship. Throughout the day, I ensure pets feel safe and loved, with plenty of affection and attention. My flexible schedule as a retiree, even with my coparenting responsibilities for my 12-year-old daughter every other week, allows me to adapt to your pet’s needs, whether for drop-in visits, house sitting, or boarding. My emergency response background ensures I’m prepared for any unexpected situations, giving you peace of mind.

0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs
Dogs over 1 year old
To provide the best care for your pet, I believe it’s essential to understand their unique personality, daily routine, and specific needs ahead of time. As a retired firefighter with over half my life caring for animals, including dogs, rabbits, and gerbils, I prioritize gathering detailed information to ensure your pet feels safe and loved. I’d like to know their feeding schedule, any medications or health conditions, and how they respond to exercise or play—whether they love long walks, fetch, or prefer quiet time with toys like feather wands for cats. Understanding their behavior, such as how they interact with people, other pets is crucial for creating a comfortable environment. I’d also ask about any training goals, like reinforcing commands, and any household rules to maintain consistency. My emergency response background ensures I’m prepared for unexpected situations, but knowing your pet’s triggers or anxieties helps me prevent issues. By learning these details upfront, I can tailor my care to keep your pet happy and give you peace of mind.
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.