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Maria N.

Star Sitter

Fairfax, VA

5.0 out of 5 stars
117 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.

Maria can care for

Cats
0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs
Dogs over 1 year old

Availability

I am a full-time student studying respiratory therapy so my schedule varies on a semester basis. That being said, I would love to fit in taking care of your loved ones! I’m available weekends and MWF for walks/drop-ins and T/TR for drop-ins before 8am and after 3pm!

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Drop-In Visits Cancellation Policy:

About Maria N.

Communication

39 repeat pet parents
92% response rate
Usually responds in under an hour
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

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

Safety, trust & environment

Animal care is tailored to each specific pet with the basis of kindness and respect. I think the best approach is to allow animals to take the lead to understand what they want ultimately out of the relationship. Not every animal wants to be your best friend and that’s completely okay but those that do will be showered with the affection they are searching for.

Information Maria N. would like to know about your pet

Please just let me know any behavioral quirks especially reactivity or any trauma responses! It’s much easier to give proper care and accommodate when all the information is communicated! Thanks!

A typical day

I think giving options is the best way to provide proper care. Not every animal wants or needs the same amount of stimulation. Walks, playtime, downtime… it all is tailored to individual needs.

Location

Fairfax, VA

Maria N.'s Neighborhood

Pets

Maria N. 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.

VT Animal Science Grad

Pet care experience

Like most people, I’ve been an animal lover my whole life which led me to studying animal science at Virginia Tech on the pre-vet path. I have a large knowledge base to turn to from my studies but also an extensive history working with dogs/cats of all temperaments and personalities— I used to foster dogs, have worked as a kennel tech, and have had dogs my entire life. I have taken care of animals with all sorts of difficulties including dementia, severe separation anxiety, blindness, and incontinence.

Reviews

Linda L.
Drop-In Visits • Aug 03, 2026
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Wonderful! Helped me reinforce training and was so loving with my boy. High praise!

Patrick T.
Drop-In Visits • Jul 20, 2026
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Maria is fantastic as always. The cats love it when she takes care of them.

John D.
Drop-In Visits • Jul 15, 2026
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We enlisted Maria to visit and provide care for our "super-senior" 16 year old cat (Tabitha), as our usual neighbor was not available. This was for an extended trip of 11 days, and we were very concerned about finding a proper caregiver. Maria did a terrific job! She followed our instructions precisely, and she had no difficulty in giving Tabitha her meds 2x/day (not an easy task). She provided pictures and an update summary from every visit. We came home from our trip to find Tabitha content and quite well. We will definitely enlist Maria for our next trip.

Mackenzie C.
Drop-In Visits • Jun 23, 2026
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Maria was amazing! She did a meet and greet before our 1st visit which was helpful for our new puppy to know who she was! She sat and played with him which Jasper loved! Would definitely use her again!

About Maria N.

Communication

39 repeat pet parents
92% response rate
Usually responds in under an hour
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

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

Safety, trust & environment

Animal care is tailored to each specific pet with the basis of kindness and respect. I think the best approach is to allow animals to take the lead to understand what they want ultimately out of the relationship. Not every animal wants to be your best friend and that’s completely okay but those that do will be showered with the affection they are searching for.

Information Maria N. would like to know about your pet

Please just let me know any behavioral quirks especially reactivity or any trauma responses! It’s much easier to give proper care and accommodate when all the information is communicated! Thanks!

A typical day

I think giving options is the best way to provide proper care. Not every animal wants or needs the same amount of stimulation. Walks, playtime, downtime… it all is tailored to individual needs.

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

Maria N.

Star Sitter

Fairfax, VA

5.0 out of 5 stars
117 reviews