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Lara M.

Star Sitter

North Center, Chicago, IL

5.0 out of 5 stars
14 reviews
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Services

Lara can host

0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
Dogs over 1 year old
Spayed and neutered dogs only
No females in heat
Crate-trained dogs only
Takes only 1 client at a time

Lara can care for

0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs

Availability

I am very flexible after 11:00 am. I accept same day bookings. I just have appointments here and there or other ad hoc volunteer projects. I don't have a full time job anymore. I do travel with my husband and sometimes my dog, but know those dates well in advance. My husband works mostly at home as well.

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Boarding Cancellation Policy:

About Lara M.

Communication

3 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds within a few hours
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

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

Safety, trust & environment

I am in my late 40s owned homes myself. I have a background in Technology Sales. I am responsible and professional and will respect your home and pet. I can crate your dog if needed. I can give oral medications. I will wipe your dog off if it is wet outside and not track dirt into your home. I can feed your dog or cat. I am in good shape and will be able to control any dog that I agree to walk after meeting. Since I work in a shelter environment, I am confident with animals. In our home we can host female rugs over 18 months . We can only host males over 3 due to our resident dog Murray having been scared by a younger male dog that got aggressive with him after a successful meet and greet.

Home

Lives in an apartment
Does not have a yard
Non-smoking household
Has 1 dog
No children present
Dogs allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 4-8 hours

Information Lara M. would like to know about your pet

Please let me know any special preferences or quirks of your pet. I am experienced working with small to large dogs and shy and fearful dogs.

A typical day

We will walk outside and / or play on our roof deck. Maybe go out to brunch. We will cuddle on the couch and bed. Your pet will be our pet while in our care.

Location

Chicago, IL

Lara M.'s Neighborhood

Pets

Lara M. 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.

Pet lover and shelter volunteer!

Pet care experience

Hello! In addition to my own dogs that I have had for 20+ years (Murray `13 and Bailey - deceased), I have fostered 5 dogs from PAWS Chicago, a no kill shelter. I am also a Level 2 volunteer there. First, I love animals - both dogs and cats!! Secondly and importantly when working with animals that aren't our own babies, I have been trained by PAWS to be able to confidently and successfully interact with and walk a variety of dogs on city streets as well as in a stressful shelter environment. I am very skilled with shy and fearful dogs and have some experience with dogs that show reactivity, food / toy possession, etc. I know the right questions to ask at a meet and greet and way to approach animals who aren't familiar with me to ensure that everyone remains safe and happy. I can also give oral medication to dogs, though I wouldn't do so with cats as I don't have that experience. I love ALL dogs and cats. That being said, very large dogs aren't a fit for me unless they are very calm. Neither are highly aggressive dogs or cats. I can visit and walk all aged dogs. We can only host dogs over 1.5 (female) and over 3 (male) in our home due to compatibility with our dog Murray.

Reviews

Michelle R.
Boarding • May 06, 2026
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Love Lara! Trust her so much with my baby

Ben B.
Boarding • Apr 21, 2026
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Lara was great for our dog. She sent routine updates and made him feel at home. She’s available and spent quality time with our guy while we were gone. Would recommend and book again

David L.
Boarding • Mar 28, 2026
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Mabel had a wonderful time and was well cared for!

Michelle R.
Boarding • Mar 12, 2026
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Lara was so sweet! She treated my dog like her own and provided me with so many great updates. Will definitely be booking with her again.

About Lara M.

Communication

3 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds within a few hours
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

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

Safety, trust & environment

I am in my late 40s owned homes myself. I have a background in Technology Sales. I am responsible and professional and will respect your home and pet. I can crate your dog if needed. I can give oral medications. I will wipe your dog off if it is wet outside and not track dirt into your home. I can feed your dog or cat. I am in good shape and will be able to control any dog that I agree to walk after meeting. Since I work in a shelter environment, I am confident with animals. In our home we can host female rugs over 18 months . We can only host males over 3 due to our resident dog Murray having been scared by a younger male dog that got aggressive with him after a successful meet and greet.

Home

Lives in an apartment
Does not have a yard
Non-smoking household
Has 1 dog
No children present
Dogs allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 4-8 hours

Information Lara M. would like to know about your pet

Please let me know any special preferences or quirks of your pet. I am experienced working with small to large dogs and shy and fearful dogs.

A typical day

We will walk outside and / or play on our roof deck. Maybe go out to brunch. We will cuddle on the couch and bed. Your pet will be our pet while in our care.

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

Lara M.

Star Sitter

North Center, Chicago, IL

5.0 out of 5 stars
14 reviews