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Leah D.

Blacksburg, VA

5.0 out of 5 stars
8 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.

Leah can care for

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

Availability

As a full-time student at Virginia Tech, I have a structured class schedule but also plenty of breaks throughout the day. Those gaps give me the flexibility to care for pets and check in on them regularly—typically every 2–6 hours depending on the day. I make sure to stay available and responsive, and I’m open to adjusting my routine as needed to best fit each animal’s needs. Pet care is something I genuinely enjoy and make time for every day, so if you need someone who’s dependable and easy to reach, I’ll likely be available when you need me. Whether it’s daily drop-ins, long walks, or extended stays, I’m happy to work around your schedule and your pet’s needs.

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Drop-In Visits Cancellation Policy:

About Leah D.

Communication

2 repeat pet parents
88% response rate
Usually responds in under an hour
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Dog skills

10 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration
First aid/CPR
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Safety, trust & environment

I currently only offer overnight pet care in my apartment. When pets stay with me, I make sure they have a safe, comfortable environment and maintain their normal routines as closely as possible. This includes regular feeding, walks or playtime, and plenty of attention throughout the day and evening. Since I’m home overnight, pets are never left alone for long stretches, and I keep communication open with owners to provide updates and adjust care if needed. I treat every pet like my own, giving them plenty of attention, playtime, and affection. Whether your dog needs regular walks or your cat prefers quiet companionship, I’ll make sure they feel safe, loved, and well cared for in their new environment.

Information Leah D. would like to know about your pet

Please let me know if your dog has any special needs, medications, triggers, or behaviors that I should be aware of. I want to make sure your dog feels safe and supported during our time together. I have personal experience working with dogs who struggle with fear-based aggression. One of my own Mini Australian Shepherds is fear-reactive, so I understand how important it is to approach these situations with patience, calm energy, and consistency. I’m very comfortable following your guidance and routines to help your dog feel as relaxed as possible. I don’t have any breed preferences, I’m happy to care for dogs of all shapes, sizes, and personalities, as long as we’re a good fit!

A typical day

A typical day really depends on your pet and what they enjoy most. I always start by making sure they’re fed, have fresh water, and feel safe and comfortable. If they need medication, I make sure it’s given on time and with care. From there, the day is all about keeping them happy. For dogs, that could mean going on walks, playing fetch, hanging outside, or just relaxing inside together. For cats, I like to keep things calm and cozy. I’ll play with their favorite toys, give them attention when they want it, or just sit nearby while they nap. I try to keep their routine as close to normal as possible and make sure they feel loved while you’re away. I’m also happy to send updates and photos so you can see how they’re doing. I want your pets to feel at home and cared for every step of the way.

Location

Blacksburg, VA

Leah D.'s Neighborhood

Pets

Loving, Experienced Dog Care🐾♥️

Pet care experience

I’ve been caring for dogs since I was 9 years old, starting with my neighbor’s two senior pups who needed daily medication. Since then, I’ve looked after dogs of all ages, from high-energy puppies to sweet seniors, and I’ve always loved getting to know their unique personalities. I’ve had three dogs of my own. My first was a gentle Bernese Mountain Dog named Hope, and when i’m home from college, I live with my two Mini Australian Shepherds, Maggie and Tobi. They’re almost 9 years old and full of energy and affection. I also regularly care for my sister’s 2-year-old Berner named Keatts, and I help my boyfriend’s family with their four dogs—a Pomeranian and three Dachshunds ranging in age from 1 to 12—whenever they go out of town. I’m comfortable with dogs of all sizes and temperaments. One of my Aussies has fear-based aggression, so I’ve learned how to stay calm, patient, and supportive when working with anxious or reactive dogs. Whether it’s giving medication, keeping a routine, helping a nervous dog feel safe, or just getting their zoomies out with playtime, I always care for every dog like they’re my own. I’m reliable, attentive, and truly love what I do.

Cat care experience

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Loving, Reliable Cat Sitter 🐈‍⬛♥️

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

Reviews

Stella S.
Boarding • Nov. 14, 2025
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Coco had the best stay with Leah! She kept me updated on Coco‘s doings through the whole stay, was extremely responsive and flexible and treated Coco so well. Extra stars for making herself available on short notice and being so gracious with my husband and me when our pickup ran later than expected.

Judy P.
Drop-In Visits • Nov. 04, 2025
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Leah offered exceptional care for my kitty throughout my stressful trip that was scheduled last-minute. I had quite particular requests like daily supplements and health monitoring, which Leah handled and frequently communicated with me in detail. This never was an expectation, but she even spent more than the 30-minute visit duration to make sure that my kitty’s needs were met. When I came back home, my kitty was less stressed than she usually gets after my trips. As I am very new to pet sitting services, I saw six reviews on her sitter profile and assumed she was a relatively new sitter. Later during the meet and greet, I found out that she actually was a very experienced sitter who has her own established network of local clients in and outside of Rover. I felt very heard and comfortable throughout the meet and greet, and could tell how much she genuinely cares for animals and prioritizes our pets’ well-being no matter how difficult or time-consuming some tasks could be. If you choose to book with her, you will feel the same assurance and relief that I felt when first I met up with her.

Kaitlyn R.
Boarding • Okt. 24, 2025
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Did a great job watching my Figgy on short notice! Very reliable and sent lots of pictures to keep me updated. Highly recommend and will be using again!

Jenn J.
Drop-In Visits • Okt. 11, 2025
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Leah is amazing! So glad we found her. Consistent and reliable, as well as a good communicator. Our dog loves her like one of us.

About Leah D.

Communication

2 repeat pet parents
88% response rate
Usually responds in under an hour
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Dog skills

10 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration
First aid/CPR
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Safety, trust & environment

I currently only offer overnight pet care in my apartment. When pets stay with me, I make sure they have a safe, comfortable environment and maintain their normal routines as closely as possible. This includes regular feeding, walks or playtime, and plenty of attention throughout the day and evening. Since I’m home overnight, pets are never left alone for long stretches, and I keep communication open with owners to provide updates and adjust care if needed. I treat every pet like my own, giving them plenty of attention, playtime, and affection. Whether your dog needs regular walks or your cat prefers quiet companionship, I’ll make sure they feel safe, loved, and well cared for in their new environment.

Information Leah D. would like to know about your pet

Please let me know if your dog has any special needs, medications, triggers, or behaviors that I should be aware of. I want to make sure your dog feels safe and supported during our time together. I have personal experience working with dogs who struggle with fear-based aggression. One of my own Mini Australian Shepherds is fear-reactive, so I understand how important it is to approach these situations with patience, calm energy, and consistency. I’m very comfortable following your guidance and routines to help your dog feel as relaxed as possible. I don’t have any breed preferences, I’m happy to care for dogs of all shapes, sizes, and personalities, as long as we’re a good fit!

A typical day

A typical day really depends on your pet and what they enjoy most. I always start by making sure they’re fed, have fresh water, and feel safe and comfortable. If they need medication, I make sure it’s given on time and with care. From there, the day is all about keeping them happy. For dogs, that could mean going on walks, playing fetch, hanging outside, or just relaxing inside together. For cats, I like to keep things calm and cozy. I’ll play with their favorite toys, give them attention when they want it, or just sit nearby while they nap. I try to keep their routine as close to normal as possible and make sure they feel loved while you’re away. I’m also happy to send updates and photos so you can see how they’re doing. I want your pets to feel at home and cared for every step of the way.

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

Leah D.

Blacksburg, VA

5.0 out of 5 stars
8 reviews