Profile image
Profile image

Marlee Z.

Elkton, MD

5.0 out of 5 stars
439 reviews
Image 0
Image 1
Image 2
Image 3
Image 4
27PhotosView All

Animal behavior enthusiast

Pet care experience

Lovely to meet you, I’m MarleeZ! I’m 35 years old and have had pets my whole life. I have been working full-time with Rover.com since 2017. I PET SIT OTHER ANIMALS TOO! I have experience caring for all types of pets, including cats, farm animals, birds, reptiles, fish, rodents, and ferrets. My special interest is animal behavior, which I have been studying since I was a child. I interned at Wolf Park, IN at age 18, observing and recording wolf pack behavior. I cared for the wolves, coyotes and foxes there, including administering oral medication to them. In 2016 I was a camp counselor at Camp Bow Wow in Newark, DE, where my duties included monitoring up to 50 dogs per yard, cleaning kennels, and providing a safe and loving environment to all the doggie campers. I use my knowledge of a species’ behavior to tailor my care towards each unique pet. I’m familiar with different styles of play and personalities, and am always respectful of an animal’s needs. I’m gentle and quiet around shy pets, and full of energy for when I need to keep up with the rambunctious ones! Over the years I developed a close relationship with all my long-term clients, and am so grateful to be part of their pets’ lives. Some of them I have known since they were babies, and it has been an honor to be a constant part of their lives and help them grow! As for my own pets, I currently have a border collie-lab mix who enjoys long walks at Fair Hill. I help care for a feral cat colony in my neighborhood, and was able to adopt a few of the friendliest ones (they are now very fat, and happy to be indoors!) I am a firm believer in positive reenforcement, and have only ever trained my animals in this method. In their old age, my previous pets all had special needs, including some that needed to be spoon-fed. I am familiar with Deaf and blind animals, and will approach them accordingly, so as not to startle them, and will help them navigate if they look like they need assistance. I am prepared to clean up after pets who have frequent accidents.

Reviews

Mary D.
Drop-In Visits • Apr 04, 2024
Profile image
Profile image
Profile image
Profile image

Thx!

Hannaleigh S.
Drop-In Visits • Mar 30, 2024
Profile image

Thank you !

Stacy W.
Dog Walking • Mar 29, 2024
Profile image

Marlee is absolutely amazing with Willow and we are so grateful to have her taking care of her!

Jennifer R.
Drop-In Visits • Mar 08, 2024
Profile image
Profile image

Marlee continues to be a wonderful cat sitter for my two cats. The shy one she tends to find him just to make sure he has extra treats. The not so shy one loves playing with her and waits for her to visit. He loves her so she is aware of each pet's personalities and adjusts to meet their needs. She always sends lots of pictures and detailed notes helping my husband and I feel comfortable knowing our furbabies are in good hands. Not only does she feed and clean up after our cats but she brings in the daily mail and packages we receive. We will continue to book with her every time we are away because we know she is fabulous.

About Marlee Z.

Communication

117 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds in under half an hour
90% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

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

Safety, trust & environment

HEALTH AND SAFETY: I travel to my clients' house and will follow whatever care instructions we discussed during our meet and greet. I will only give whatever treats and food are provided, in case the animal has any food sensitivities or allergies. I prefer to use whatever cleaning supplies are provided, but usually carry some emergency products in my car. Just in case, PLEASE leave out towels, soaps, sponges and wipes in case there are any accidents. I especially require towels for dogs who I walk on a rainy day and need to be dried off. I don't want them to be cold and wet! I also will do my best to wipe up the floor if we have tracked mud into the house. I always wash your pet's food and water bowls after each use, so please provide dish soap and a sponge. I will notify you in my Rover Card report if your pet shows signs of being unwell, such as diarrhea, vomiting, or low energy. For safety reasons, I will NOT pick up an animal unless they need help getting down from/on to something. I know cats especially do not like to be held, and I am very respectful of that. When walking your dog I will NOT let them interact with other people or animals for safety liabilities. I will NOT give out any personal information to those who try to engage with me (such as pet or parent’s name, location, whether the parents are home, how often I visit etc). I always tell people I am the pet sitter.

Information Marlee Z. would like to know about your pet

For animals on medication, please explain your methods of administering the medicine so I can provide your pet with the best care. It helps if you have a back-up plan for any oral medication that needs to be mixed with food. In case I cannot get the pet to eat their medicine in normal food, please provide a few types of treats that I can stuff the pill into to be sure they get their medicine. Please let me know during the meet and greet if your pet has any special needs that I can assist with. I want them to receive the best care possible!

A typical day

I let the pet set the pace! For active dogs who behave well on leash, we can jog for part of the walk, or run together outside if the client has a safe fenced in yard. I'm skilled at getting cats engaged in playtime! I know they like to see their prey move along edges, under rugs, and hide behind obstacles, so I will tirelessly drag a toy around to look interesting. At the very least, your cat will be entertained watching me. For shy pets prone to hiding, I will sit with them and talk softly to keep them company, while offering them treats and toys. I like to leave treats at the end of each visit. For cats and dogs who are free to roam and not crated I always place the treats around the house or hide them in blankets/toys so they can "hunt" for the food.

Services

Drop-In Visits
visits in your home
$20per visit
Dog Walking
in your neighborhood
$20per walk

Marlee can watch in your home

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

Availability

SCHEDULE: Rover is my full-time job. MY HOURS ARE 8am-8pm. Unavailable Wednesday evening. Currently booked 10am-4pm Monday-Wednesday. I don’t typically work weekends unless it is part of an extended booking. Visiting time will vary based on travel distance between my other clients. I can walk dogs that weigh up to 60 lbs. ATTENTION!! 12:00pm is my most requested time. If you request a midday visit I will arrive some time between 10am-3pm, based on your location to other clients. I cannot guarantee a more specific time as my schedule is unpredictable. Thank you for understanding! I always have a MEET AND GREET (or phone interview for cats), with NEW CLIENTS. Please give me at least 4 days notice. I prefer to know on SUNDAY what my schedule will be for the following week! If you use a physical key to get into your house, please have a copy of your HOUSE KEY ready and be prepared to hide it somewhere, and for me to leave it behind on my last visit. Combination lock boxes are a great option!

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Drop-In Visits Cancellation Policy:

About Marlee Z.

Communication

117 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds in under half an hour
90% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

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

Safety, trust & environment

HEALTH AND SAFETY: I travel to my clients' house and will follow whatever care instructions we discussed during our meet and greet. I will only give whatever treats and food are provided, in case the animal has any food sensitivities or allergies. I prefer to use whatever cleaning supplies are provided, but usually carry some emergency products in my car. Just in case, PLEASE leave out towels, soaps, sponges and wipes in case there are any accidents. I especially require towels for dogs who I walk on a rainy day and need to be dried off. I don't want them to be cold and wet! I also will do my best to wipe up the floor if we have tracked mud into the house. I always wash your pet's food and water bowls after each use, so please provide dish soap and a sponge. I will notify you in my Rover Card report if your pet shows signs of being unwell, such as diarrhea, vomiting, or low energy. For safety reasons, I will NOT pick up an animal unless they need help getting down from/on to something. I know cats especially do not like to be held, and I am very respectful of that. When walking your dog I will NOT let them interact with other people or animals for safety liabilities. I will NOT give out any personal information to those who try to engage with me (such as pet or parent’s name, location, whether the parents are home, how often I visit etc). I always tell people I am the pet sitter.

Information Marlee Z. would like to know about your pet

For animals on medication, please explain your methods of administering the medicine so I can provide your pet with the best care. It helps if you have a back-up plan for any oral medication that needs to be mixed with food. In case I cannot get the pet to eat their medicine in normal food, please provide a few types of treats that I can stuff the pill into to be sure they get their medicine. Please let me know during the meet and greet if your pet has any special needs that I can assist with. I want them to receive the best care possible!

A typical day

I let the pet set the pace! For active dogs who behave well on leash, we can jog for part of the walk, or run together outside if the client has a safe fenced in yard. I'm skilled at getting cats engaged in playtime! I know they like to see their prey move along edges, under rugs, and hide behind obstacles, so I will tirelessly drag a toy around to look interesting. At the very least, your cat will be entertained watching me. For shy pets prone to hiding, I will sit with them and talk softly to keep them company, while offering them treats and toys. I like to leave treats at the end of each visit. For cats and dogs who are free to roam and not crated I always place the treats around the house or hide them in blankets/toys so they can "hunt" for the food.

Location

Elkton, MD

Marlee Z.'s Neighborhood

Pets

Rover Logo
All stays booked on Rover receive our Rover guarantee, 24/7 support, and our reservation protection.
Profile image
Verified Background Check
Profile image
Verified Background Check

Marlee Z.

Elkton, MD

5.0 out of 5 stars
439 reviews