Profile image
Profile image

Mario I.

Star Sitter

Des Plaines, IL

5.0 out of 5 stars
21 reviews
Image 1 of 25
Image 1 of 25
Image 2 of 25
Image 3 of 25
Image 4 of 25
Image 5 of 25
166PhotosView All

Services

Mario can host

0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
Dogs over 1 year old
No females in heat
Crate-trained dogs only
Takes only 1 client at a time

Mario can care for

0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs

Availability

Mario: I work full time on a hybrid schedule. I work from home 2-3 days a week; when I do go to the office I am gone from 7am-4:45pm. My dogs eat in the morning then go for a walk to take care of business before I leave for work. When I work from home, I have more flexibility to take the dogs out for more walks or to the dog park (weather permitting). After I come home from work the dogs are fed and taken for another walk; my two dogs keep each other busy, either playing tug-a-war or keep away of their favorite toy. I will also play these games and fetch if they want me to but they tire each other out way better than I ever could. I have a small fenced in patio with grass area for them to do their business, I let the dogs out whenever they want to.

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Boarding Cancellation Policy:

About Mario I.

Communication

7 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds in a few minutes
90% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

30 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Senior dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Safety, trust & environment

I have a small fenced in patio (4ft high fence) with an astro-turf area for the dogs to go potty. I provide a loving and safe environment at my home for my two pups and would do the same for yours. I provide plenty of toys and treats for good behavior, using positive reinforcement. I do crate our dogs when I leave, your dog doesn't necessarily need to be crated if they are well behaved. My pups also sleep in our bed, I would accommodate you to the best of my abilities on the structures and rules your pup has already in place.

Home

Lives in a house
Has a fenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has 2 dogs
No children present
Dogs allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 4-8 hours

Information Mario I. would like to know about your pet

Please let me know of any special needs such as medications along with their daily routines, habits, personalities, etc. The more I know about your dog, the better I can accommodate them while they are away from you and their home.

A typical day

Outside of having two boston terriers that constantly play with each other and other dogs I have watched in the past, Iprovide stimulating activity with toys and bones. Playing tug of war, fetch, chase around the house, etc; if you're comfortable with me taking your fur baby to the dog park I would be happy to do that as well. I try to go at least 2-3x a week with my pups where they play with other dogs or a big ball I bring for them.

Location

Des Plaines, IL

Mario I.'s Neighborhood

Pets

Mario I. 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.

Dog lover forever

Pet care experience

Mario: I have owned a dog for a majority of my life, from small to big sized dogs. I have owned pure bred and rescues throughout my life, every dog deserves a good home. My favorite dog is the Boston Terrier and I have owned 3 in recent years. I have experience with caring for older dogs and raising pups. My last Boston became sick with a neurological problem which provided me experience with giving daily medicines and changing her diaper multiple times a day. Since her passing, I have adopted two more Boston Terriers. Yoshi is a 2.5year old boy with a quirky personality who loves to give kisses and cuddle at night. Most recent addition to my home is an 8 month old girl named Mochi. Both of my pups are dog friendly, they love going to the dog park to run around and play. I have watched over my brother's 80 pound husky/cattle mix, my parents mixed rescue from a puppy mill, and friend's fur babies in the past. I provided plenty of stimulation with toys, bones, walks, dog parks and general play time of tug of war, fetch, etc. I look forward to meeting you and your fur baby and promise to love them like my own!!!

Reviews

Dl L.
Boarding • Jun 24, 2026
Profile image

Mario took great care of our Rhea when we went on vacation. He consistently updated us everyday with pictures of our dog. He responds to us right away and made us feel that Rhea is well taken cared of. Thank you, Mario!

Gregory R.
Boarding • Apr 08, 2026
Profile image

Mario did a great job caring for Benji while I was out of town. He sent wonderful photos and videos of Benji playing with his dogs. I will definitely be using him again to take care of my dog and would recommend him to everyone.

Jacob K.
Boarding • Mar 29, 2026
Profile image

Mario was great with our dog and provided lots of updates! Will book again in the future!

Ty W.
Drop-In Visits • Mar 10, 2026
Profile image

Great working with him, patient, and communicated well with me when gaining access was a bit difficult. Took great care of my pup!

About Mario I.

Communication

7 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds in a few minutes
90% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

30 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Senior dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Safety, trust & environment

I have a small fenced in patio (4ft high fence) with an astro-turf area for the dogs to go potty. I provide a loving and safe environment at my home for my two pups and would do the same for yours. I provide plenty of toys and treats for good behavior, using positive reinforcement. I do crate our dogs when I leave, your dog doesn't necessarily need to be crated if they are well behaved. My pups also sleep in our bed, I would accommodate you to the best of my abilities on the structures and rules your pup has already in place.

Home

Lives in a house
Has a fenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has 2 dogs
No children present
Dogs allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 4-8 hours

Information Mario I. would like to know about your pet

Please let me know of any special needs such as medications along with their daily routines, habits, personalities, etc. The more I know about your dog, the better I can accommodate them while they are away from you and their home.

A typical day

Outside of having two boston terriers that constantly play with each other and other dogs I have watched in the past, Iprovide stimulating activity with toys and bones. Playing tug of war, fetch, chase around the house, etc; if you're comfortable with me taking your fur baby to the dog park I would be happy to do that as well. I try to go at least 2-3x a week with my pups where they play with other dogs or a big ball I bring for them.

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.
Profile image
Verified Enhanced Background Check
Profile image
Verified Enhanced Background Check

Mario I.

Star Sitter

Des Plaines, IL

5.0 out of 5 stars
21 reviews