Mark V.
Mark V.
Contact Mark V.
Highlights
Pet care experience
Devoted care, senior dogs welcome!
Dogs have always found their way to me. I've been around them most of my life, and there's something about calm, consistent energy that they seem to respond to. A friend would tell you I'm the person dogs gravitate toward at a party, and I'd say that's probably the most honest qualification I can offer. My most meaningful experience came with my own rescue, a shepherd mix I adopted at 7 months, trained from scratch, and cared for through 15 years of life, including her final year as a senior dog with mobility needs. I became practiced at daily medication administration, wound care, and the kind of patient, attentive routine that older dogs need. Senior dogs are a specialty I genuinely enjoy and take seriously. I work from home full-time, which means your dog won't spend the day alone. I'm here, present, and engaged — great for dogs with separation anxiety or those who simply do better with a steady human nearby. I take one dog (or one bonded pair) at a time, so your pet gets real individual attention.
Qualifications
Ratings and reviews
Mark looked after our dog, Penny, twice a week for daycare over several weeks and also cared for her overnight. As a new rescue, Penny can be quite anxious, particularly when getting used to new people and environments, but Mark has such a calm, gentle manner that she quickly felt comfortable with him. Before long, Penny absolutely loved going to his house. She would wag her tail and run straight to his door. We genuinely feel that Mark played a significant role in helping her gain confidence and continue progressing and feeling secure. Mark was always reliable, caring, and professional, and we knew Penny was in safe hands with him. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to anyone looking for a trustworthy and compassionate dog sitter.
I have known Mark for many years and he is great with dogs, and extremely responsive and reliable! I would definitely recommend him to anyone!
I’ve known Mark for nearly 20 years, including over a decade in a close relationship where we co-parented a rescue dog together—a German Shepherd/Australian Shepherd mix who was incredibly high-energy, strong-willed, and not always easy to train. Mark was instrumental in helping her become an exceptionally well-balanced and well-behaved dog. He has a natural intuition with animals, and he takes the time to really understand their behavior and needs. What truly sets Mark apart, though, is the combination of his care for animals and his communication with people. He has a professional background in writing and communications, and it shows. He is thoughtful, proactive, and incredibly thorough in how he keeps pet owners informed. Whether it’s daily updates, observations about behavior, or suggestions to improve a dog’s routine, Mark communicates in a way that builds confidence and trust. He doesn’t just care for pets—he partners with owners. Our dog lived to be 16½ years old, and even after we were no longer together, Mark remained deeply committed to her care. When she became ill later in life, he was there every step of the way, making thoughtful, compassionate decisions and ensuring she was comfortable and supported through the end. That level of loyalty and responsibility speaks volumes about who he is. Mark is also someone I would trust without hesitation with my home, my belongings, and any animal in my care. He is reliable to a fault—if he says he will do something, it will be done exactly as promised, if not better. He is respectful, consistent, and brings a calm, steady presence that animals respond to and people appreciate. If you’re looking for someone who will treat your pet with genuine care and keep you informed every step of the way, you will be in excellent hands with Mark.
Calendar and availability
Schedule
My home in Palm Springs is clean, quiet, and comfortable with direct access to a large greenway for on-leash walks right from my back patio. I know the desert schedule well, so in warmer months walks happen early morning or evening when it's safe and comfortable. I have a car and am happy to help with pickup or dropoff when needed.
Where your pet will stay
Home characteristics
Safety, trust & environment
I'm comfortable with oral medications, mobility assistance, and dogs with special routines. My home is single-level — no stairs. I prefer dogs to sleep on their own bed or the floor (I'll have a comfortable spot ready), and I take one guest at a time to keep things calm and personal. Meet-and-greets are always welcome before a booking.