Maria D.
Maria D.
Contact for Drop-In Visits
$34 total per visit
Highlights
Pet care experience
Trusted & Caring Dog Sitter
I have a lifelong love for animals and hands-on experience caring for both dogs and cats at every stage of life. I’ve owned two dogs, both rescues that I fostered and then adopted. One was a German Shepherd mix who lived a full, happy life to the age of 12, and the other is a mixed-breed terrier who is still thriving with me at nearly 9 years old. My experience includes caring for puppies and kittens, as well as senior pets who need extra patience and attention. I’m also comfortable supporting animals with medical needs, including managing conditions like diabetes. I understand how important it is to provide not just basic care, but also love, consistency, and a calm, attentive presence.
Cat care experience
Maria also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Qualifications
Pets
Safety, trust & environment
Your pet’s safety is always my top priority. While I do have an unfenced yard, I will always be present and closely supervise any outdoor time. Off-leash potty breaks will only be done with your permission and for pets who are comfortable and reliable in that setting. For added safety, all walks beyond the yard, whether around the neighborhood or on nearby hiking trails will always be done on leash unless permissions provided for off-leash exercise by owner. I stay attentive, aware of surroundings, and committed to keeping your pet secure, comfortable, and well cared for at all times.
Ratings and reviews
Maria was very communicative and kept me updated on River while I was away! She took him on great walks and hikes with her dog Teddy. She dealt with a small medical issue with ease. Would rebook!
Our dog Moki stayed with Maria for a week while we were out of town. Maria was so attentive, communicative, and went over and above to take the best care of Moki. She sent us lots of pictures and we could tell he had a great time staying with her and felt very comfortable and at home. We are so grateful we found Maria and will definitely have Moki stay with her in the future when we are out of town again!
Maria was wonderful! I was so happy to see videos and photos of Gilbert and her dog Teddy throughout Gilbert’s 4 night stay. Thank you Maria for taking great care of Gilbert!
I can’t say enough great things about Maria DeSimone. She cared for my 9-year-old Golden Retriever for a full week, including overnights, and gave me complete peace of mind the entire time. From the start, Maria was thoughtful, communicative, and clearly experienced. My dog can be a bit set in his routine at his age, but she made sure he stayed comfortable, well-exercised, and happy. I loved getting updates and knowing he was getting plenty of attention, walks, and care. When I came home, he was relaxed, content, and clearly had been very well looked after. It’s obvious Maria truly loves animals and treats them like her own. I wouldn’t hesitate to book her again and highly recommend her to anyone looking for a trustworthy, attentive dog sitter. — Matt
Maria has been caring for my dog Ziggy and my cat Jasper for the past 3.5 years, and she has been absolutely wonderful every time. Knowing she’s in my home with them gives me complete peace of mind. Ziggy adores her, and he especially loves the walks they take with her dog, Teddy, and the time they spend lounging and relaxing. It’s clear he feels comfortable and happy in her care. Maria also gives Jasper, my cat, the gentle attention and calm presence he needs, which I truly appreciate. Maria is reliable, respectful of my home, and consistently communicative. After so many visits over the years, she really understands both of their personalities and routines, and it shows in how content they are when I return. I feel incredibly lucky to have found Maria and trust her completely with both my pets and my home.
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
I work from home, which allows me to provide consistent attention and care throughout the day. I’m able to maintain flexible scheduling, regular check-ins, and plenty of companionship for pets who prefer not to be alone for long periods. I live just a couple of hundred yards from a hiking trail, so daily walks and outdoor time are a natural part of my routine. With my own small terrier, I’m already out walking and hiking regularly, and I love including other dogs in those adventures when appropriate.