Profile image

Maria N.

No star rating available
Profile image

Maria N.

No star rating available

Contact for Drop-In Visits

from $20 per visit

Highlights

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

Pet care experience

Animal Lover Funding College

Hi! I’m a junior at the University of Pittsburgh and a lifelong animal lover with extensive hands-on experience caring for pets of all sizes, temperaments, and needs. I currently have two dogs: Whiskey, my 6-year-old Yorkie, and Cosmo, my 4-year-old cockapoo. I’ve raised both since they were puppies. I’ve also cared for a golden retriever named Kimba from puppyhood, which gave me valuable experience handling larger, high-energy dogs as well. In addition to dogs, I’ve grown up around a wide variety of animals including goats and chickens, so I’m very comfortable with different environments and levels of care responsibility. Because I’ve personally raised dogs from puppy stage through adulthood, I understand the full range of needs pets can have — from training and leash manners to patience with shy or high-energy personalities. I’m confident handling walks, feeding routines, and multi-pet households. Both of my dogs have needed oral medications before (pills and liquid), so I’m familiar with getting pets to take medicine when needed. I’ve also taken care of goats and helped apply eye and ear medications, so I’m comfortable with administrating treatments. As a college student, I’m responsible with my schedule and only accept bookings I can fully commit to. My priority is making sure every pet feels safe, comfortable, and cared for while you’re away. 🐾 EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS * Raised and trained multiple dogs from puppyhood * Experience with small and large breeds * Comfortable with leash training, pulling, and energetic dogs * Experienced with shy and anxious pets * Familiar with multi-pet households * Farm animal experience (goats + chickens) * Experienced with giving medication I’m happy to care for pets who may need extra patience, structure, or attention during walks or drop-ins. 🐾 CARE STYLE I focus on making pets feel safe, calm, and comfortable. I always adjust my approach based on the animal. Whether that means more structured walks for high-energy dogs or a gentler, more reassuring approach for shy pets. I also make sure owners feel updated and at ease with clear communication and photos when requested. 🐾 MEET & GREET I’m always happy to do a meet and greet before any booking so I can get to know you, your pets, and their routine to make sure everything goes smoothly. Hope to meet your fur-babies very soon!

Qualifications

100% response rate
Usually responds in under an hour
11 years of experience
Oral medication administration
First aid/CPR
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Pets

Safety, trust & environment

When caring for pets, my main priority is making sure they feel safe, comfortable, and relaxed whether I’m in my home or the client’s home. I always follow the pet’s normal routine as closely as possible, including feeding schedules, walk routines, and any specific instructions from the owner. I pay close attention to doors, leashes, and overall safety during walks and visits, and I make sure pets are never in stressful or unfamiliar situations unnecessarily. In a client’s home, I’m respectful of the space, keep things clean, and make sure everything is left how it was found. I also give pets calm attention, playtime, and supervision so they feel secure while their owner is away. If any issues come up, I communicate right away so the owner is always informed.

Ratings and reviews

-
0 ratings
Aaron P.
Jun 04, 2026

She handled both of my pets with no issues and followed their routines perfectly. You can tell she has real experience with different types of animals. Everything was smooth and stress-free.

Cindy J.
Jun 04, 2026

Maria took great care of my dog while I was away. She was reliable, communicated clearly, and sent updates with photos. My dog warmed up to her quickly, and I felt completely at ease knowing she was in good hands. I would definitely book her again!

Calendar and availability

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
SMTWTFS

Schedule

I’m usually free after 3:30pm on weekdays except Tuesdays. I always make time for my own pets and can adjust my schedule around pet care when needed. Most weekends I have open availability and can be flexible with timing depending on what is needed. I’m good at planning ahead, so I only accept bookings I know I can fully commit to and show up on time for.

0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs
Maria can host up to 3 drop-ins per day
Before caring for any pet, I think it’s really important to know their normal routine, feeding schedule, and any specific behaviors or triggers they might have. Things like leash behavior, reactivity to other dogs, anxiety, or separation habits help me make sure they stay safe and comfortable. I also like to know if they need any medications, special instructions, or anything that helps them feel more at ease (favorite toys, walking preferences, things they don’t like, etc.). The more I know ahead of time, the better I can make sure your pet feels at home and cared for while you’re away.
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.