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Karen D.

Star Sitter

Downers Grove, IL

5.0 out of 5 stars
69 reviews
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Services

Karen can host

16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs
Dogs over 1 year old
Takes only 1 client at a time

Availability

There is always someone at home full time so we have plenty of time to give your family pets the attention, care and love that they deserve.

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Boarding Cancellation Policy:

About Karen D.

Communication

26 repeat pet parents
92% response rate
Usually responds within a few hours
30% bookings with photo updates

Dog skills

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

Safety, trust & environment

My family offers two types of care for your pets. They would include overnight stays(more than one night(2 minimum), or extended stays… a week or longer. As a family that has been taking care of dogs for many years, our clients should expect that we would care and provide a loving environment for your pet. We pride ourselves with the attention, care and love that is given while your pet stays in our home. Simply put, they become part of our family while you are away. As a loving family we provide daily texts, videos, or pictures to always keep you informed of how your dog is doing.

Home

Lives in a house
Has an unfenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has no pets
Children 6-12 years old
Dogs allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 0-2 hours

Information Karen D. would like to know about your pet

Since I have two daughters, it’s preferred if the dogs we care for have previous experience being around teens. We always require a greet and meet before accepting a new dog into our home. Dogs should show no signs of aggressiveness, anger, growling in anger, baring of teeth, and nipping. We prefer to have dogs that are trustworthy, easy going and friendly! Plus Potty trained :) We'd love to sit for most breeds; especially labs, retrievers, spaniels of any sort, mixed breeds, grey hounds, etc. . However we would decline: Pit Bulls, Rottweiler's, Dobermans, and German Shepards.

A typical day

We have a park across the street with a walking path. Many larger parks/forest preserves in the area with longer trails as well as larger areas for running that are fenced in. Playing fetch inside/outside, enjoying dog toys that are either soft/rubber, using "Kong" like toys to put treats in, or just relaxing with a dog massage/brushing would be just some of the types of activities that we would do.

Location

Downers Grove, IL

Karen D.'s Neighborhood

Karen D. has Star Sitter status

The Star Sitter program highlights responsive sitters who deliver highly rated care and have a history of listing accurate availability and preferences, making it easier for pet parents to find the best care for their pets.

Tummy Rubs and Cuddles=Loving Care

Pet care experience

My daughters and I would love to pamper your dog and care for them as you would in your own home. We truly enjoy dogs, and find it's wonderful getting to know their personalities and different breeds! We live across from a park with a walking trail around it, and enjoy taking the dogs for early morning or evening strolls. Many times(with permission), we'll take dogs to even larger parks with trails for longer walks for some more energetic exercise! Our family will enjoy caring for your "Furry Family Member" and spoiling them while you are away. It could be for overnights, or for an extended vacation. You can be assured that we will send pictures or videos daily and text you to let you know how their day is going! They will be sure to get many tummy rubs, cuddles, and lots of love!

Reviews

Emily L.
Boarding • Jul 05, 2026
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Karen and her family took such great care of Lily! They made her feel right at home and even got her with special Fourth of July treats, which was so thoughtful. It gave us so much peace of mind knowing she was in such great hands. We would absolutely book with Karen again and highly recommend her to anyone looking for a caring, reliable sitter!

Al P.
Boarding • Jun 27, 2026
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Wonderful Dog Sitters! This was my second booking and my dog was very happy to see everyone. He immediately felt at home! A++ Rating. Will use again!

Robin C.
Boarding • Jan 29, 2026
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Winnie had a great time with Karen and her family. This was Winnie’s first time during one of the coldest spells in January but he stayed warm and still got his outside time. He was treated as a part of the family and I could tell that he was able to sleep well since he resumed his normal daytime activities with me without total exhaustion. I’ve found a real home for him so that I can resume traveling without the guilt and worries that accompany leaving him.

Tim B.
Boarding • Nov 19, 2025
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Karen and her family were absolutely wonderful with our dog, Ginger. From the moment we dropped her off, we could tell she was in a loving, comfortable home. They were so attentive to her needs, made sure she got plenty of playtime and walks, and treated her like part of their own family. Communication was excellent the entire time—we received updates and photos that really put us at ease and let us enjoy our time away without worrying. We’re so grateful to Karen and her family for taking such great care of Ginger and would not hesitate to have her stay with them again. Highly recommend!

About Karen D.

Communication

26 repeat pet parents
92% response rate
Usually responds within a few hours
30% bookings with photo updates

Dog skills

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

Safety, trust & environment

My family offers two types of care for your pets. They would include overnight stays(more than one night(2 minimum), or extended stays… a week or longer. As a family that has been taking care of dogs for many years, our clients should expect that we would care and provide a loving environment for your pet. We pride ourselves with the attention, care and love that is given while your pet stays in our home. Simply put, they become part of our family while you are away. As a loving family we provide daily texts, videos, or pictures to always keep you informed of how your dog is doing.

Home

Lives in a house
Has an unfenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has no pets
Children 6-12 years old
Dogs allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 0-2 hours

Information Karen D. would like to know about your pet

Since I have two daughters, it’s preferred if the dogs we care for have previous experience being around teens. We always require a greet and meet before accepting a new dog into our home. Dogs should show no signs of aggressiveness, anger, growling in anger, baring of teeth, and nipping. We prefer to have dogs that are trustworthy, easy going and friendly! Plus Potty trained :) We'd love to sit for most breeds; especially labs, retrievers, spaniels of any sort, mixed breeds, grey hounds, etc. . However we would decline: Pit Bulls, Rottweiler's, Dobermans, and German Shepards.

A typical day

We have a park across the street with a walking path. Many larger parks/forest preserves in the area with longer trails as well as larger areas for running that are fenced in. Playing fetch inside/outside, enjoying dog toys that are either soft/rubber, using "Kong" like toys to put treats in, or just relaxing with a dog massage/brushing would be just some of the types of activities that we would do.

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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Karen D.

Star Sitter

Downers Grove, IL

5.0 out of 5 stars
69 reviews