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Marina S.

South Norfolk, Chesapeake, VA

5.0 out of 5 stars
34 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.

Marina can host

0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
Spayed and neutered dogs only
No females in heat
Takes only 1 client at a time

Availability

My spouse and I have the advantage of working remotely, enabling us to provide unwavering attention and care to our own two dogs, as well as any additional furry guests entrusted to our home.

About Marina S.

Communication

10 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds in a few minutes
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

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

Safety, trust & environment

At our home or your client's home, I prioritize safety, trust, and creating a conducive environment for pet care. In my home, I ensure a secure and pet-friendly setting, free from any hazards that could pose a risk to the well-being of the animals. This includes removing potentially harmful objects, ensuring proper fencing, and providing a comfortable and clean living space. When caring for pets in a client's home, I maintain open communication to understand their specific needs and requirements. I follow instructions diligently, providing a consistent routine and environment that pets are accustomed to, reducing stress and promoting their overall comfort.

Home

Lives in a house
Has a fenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has 2 dogs
Children 6-12 years old
Dogs allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 0-2 hours

Information Marina S. would like to know about your pet

During the meet and greet I do not introduce my dogs right away. It’s important not to overwhelm the dogs during this initial interaction as the dogs meet new people and new dogs in the new environment and that can affect their behavior. My main focus is to understand your pup’s personality and needs, creating the most relaxed environment for them. On the first day of your dog’s stay I give them some time to explore the house on their own, while my dogs are separated. This helps them to get comfortable with the surroundings. Once everyone is settled I start gradual introduction one dog at the time, allowing them to sniff and get acquainted at their own pace. This process can take half a day or whole day. Please let me know about any specific instructions or preferences ahead of time to make sure your pet will be as comfortable as can be!

A typical day

I like to make dog sitting a fun and fulfilling experience for both the dogs and me. Therefore, I spend the day with dogs taking them for walks, playing fetch, engaging in playtime, providing snacks and rest, while incorporating training, enrichment activities and lots of cuddles! During the meet and greet, I prefer not to introduce my dogs immediately. This approach is rooted in the understanding that the initial interaction can be overwhelming for the dogs. Given that they are encountering new people and dogs in an unfamiliar environment, it's crucial to consider how it can affect their behavior. My primary goal is to thoroughly comprehend your pup's unique personality and requirements, with the intention of fostering the most comfortable setting for them. On the first day of your dog's stay, I provide them with the opportunity to explore the house independently, ensuring that my dogs are kept separate. This approach helps them become at ease with their new surroundings. Once everyone has settled in, I initiate gradual introductions, allowing one dog to interact at a time. This gradual process enables them to sniff and become acquainted at their own pace. The duration of this process could span anywhere from half a day to an entire day.

Location

Chesapeake, VA

Marina S.'s Neighborhood

Pets

Home Full Time for Quality Care

Pet care experience

Throughout my pet care and foster care experience, I have consistently demonstrated a genuine passion for animals and a deep commitment to their well-being. From a young age, I have been entrusted with the care of various dogs, catering to the specific needs of each furry friend. Whether it's walking, feeding, or bathing, I have provided reliable and attentive care to pets entrusted to me by neighbors, friends, and family. What sets me apart from other sitters is my extensive experience in training puppies and providing specialized care for senior pets. I have a keen understanding of the unique challenges and requirements that come with these stages of life. I take pride in my ability to establish a positive and nurturing environment for puppies, helping them learn basic commands and socialize effectively. Similarly, I am well-versed in catering to the specific needs of senior pets, such as administering medications, providing gentle exercise, and ensuring their comfort. With a combination of reliability, genuine care, and specialized skills in puppy training and senior pet care, I am confident in my ability to provide exceptional service as a pet sitter. Your furry companion will be in capable hands, receiving the attention and care they deserve while you're away.

Reviews

David T.
Boarding • Jan 17, 2026
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Our dog is always so excited to see Marina when we drop him off. She always takes such good care of him and he comes home happy and healthy. Thanks for all you do!

Alana K.
Boarding • Dec 02, 2025
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Marina was great. She was very friendly and very prompt to answer messages. Our boy loved staying there. We got lots of pictures and videos and updates throughout the days. We will definitely use her again.

David T.
Boarding • Nov 23, 2025
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Marina always takes such great care of our dog - she is our go to, first choice dog sitter. She and her family have quickly assimilated our dog into their family-thank you Marina and family!

David T.
Boarding • Oct 08, 2025
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Marina is so good with our dog and takes excellent care of him, including walks and daily meds. She has been extremely responsive and flexible as when our schedule changed. She is our go to dog sitter - our dog loves being a part of her pack!

About Marina S.

Communication

10 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds in a few minutes
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

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

Safety, trust & environment

At our home or your client's home, I prioritize safety, trust, and creating a conducive environment for pet care. In my home, I ensure a secure and pet-friendly setting, free from any hazards that could pose a risk to the well-being of the animals. This includes removing potentially harmful objects, ensuring proper fencing, and providing a comfortable and clean living space. When caring for pets in a client's home, I maintain open communication to understand their specific needs and requirements. I follow instructions diligently, providing a consistent routine and environment that pets are accustomed to, reducing stress and promoting their overall comfort.

Home

Lives in a house
Has a fenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has 2 dogs
Children 6-12 years old
Dogs allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 0-2 hours

Information Marina S. would like to know about your pet

During the meet and greet I do not introduce my dogs right away. It’s important not to overwhelm the dogs during this initial interaction as the dogs meet new people and new dogs in the new environment and that can affect their behavior. My main focus is to understand your pup’s personality and needs, creating the most relaxed environment for them. On the first day of your dog’s stay I give them some time to explore the house on their own, while my dogs are separated. This helps them to get comfortable with the surroundings. Once everyone is settled I start gradual introduction one dog at the time, allowing them to sniff and get acquainted at their own pace. This process can take half a day or whole day. Please let me know about any specific instructions or preferences ahead of time to make sure your pet will be as comfortable as can be!

A typical day

I like to make dog sitting a fun and fulfilling experience for both the dogs and me. Therefore, I spend the day with dogs taking them for walks, playing fetch, engaging in playtime, providing snacks and rest, while incorporating training, enrichment activities and lots of cuddles! During the meet and greet, I prefer not to introduce my dogs immediately. This approach is rooted in the understanding that the initial interaction can be overwhelming for the dogs. Given that they are encountering new people and dogs in an unfamiliar environment, it's crucial to consider how it can affect their behavior. My primary goal is to thoroughly comprehend your pup's unique personality and requirements, with the intention of fostering the most comfortable setting for them. On the first day of your dog's stay, I provide them with the opportunity to explore the house independently, ensuring that my dogs are kept separate. This approach helps them become at ease with their new surroundings. Once everyone has settled in, I initiate gradual introductions, allowing one dog to interact at a time. This gradual process enables them to sniff and become acquainted at their own pace. The duration of this process could span anywhere from half a day to an entire day.

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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Marina S.

South Norfolk, Chesapeake, VA

5.0 out of 5 stars
34 reviews