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Mary-Ellen S.

5.0 out of 5 stars
5 repeat pet owners
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Mary-Ellen S.

5.0 out of 5 stars
5 repeat pet owners

Contact for Boarding

from US$95 per night

Highlights

Basic background check
30 years of experience
Home full-time
Can administer medication
Special needs experience
Senior dog experience

Pet care experience

Loving Animals = Awakening Souls❤️

Hi, I’m Mary-Ellen. With over 25 years of combined personal and professional experience, I provide thoughtful, individualized care for dogs of all ages, temperaments, and needs. I live in Madison, CT with my teenage daughter (part-time) and my dog Hunter—a sweet, well-socialized red golden retriever who’s used to sharing space with other pups. Dogs in my care become part of our daily rhythm. We take walks through downtown Madison, go for car rides, and run local errands—if that’s something your dog enjoys. I treat every dog as if they were my own, making sure they’re safe, comfortable, and genuinely cared for. I’m especially experienced with: • Senior dogs and their mobility or comfort needs • Dogs with social or separation anxiety • Special diets due to allergies or sensitivities • Administering medications (oral and injections) • Creating routines that mirror your home to ease transitions I work from home, so your dog won’t be left alone. Whether they’re active or more low-key, I adjust to their pace and preferences. Some dogs need extra attention, others just want quiet companionship—and I’m equally happy to provide both. Thanks for considering me as part of your pet’s extended family. I’d love to learn more about your dog and how I can help provide the care and consistency they deserve. —Mary-Ellen

Qualifications

5 repeat pet owners
92% response rate
Usually responds within a few hours
90% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards
30 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration

Ratings and reviews

5.0
stars
41 ratings
Kathryn B.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • Aug 17, 2025

Mary Ellen took wonderful care of our golden! She came home happy, brushed, and tired. Bonus, our pup got lots of playtime with Mary Ellen’s very well behaved dog. We will definitely hire her again!

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noah p.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Doggy Day Care • Jul 12, 2023

I made a last minute booking in a desperate situation after another sitter canceled. Mary-Ellen saved the day. She made me feel comfortable right away and the communication was great. I will book again if in the area.

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Dominique M.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • Jul 09, 2023

I found Mary-Ellen excellent to board with and my dog really seemed to enjoy his time with her. She was very easy to communicate and schedule with. I really appreciated the updates she sent while I was away. I would highly recommend her as a pet sitter.

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Elisabeth B.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • Jul 02, 2023

I am so grateful to Mary-Ellen and her family not just for the care she gave to my special needs dog, Travis, but also for the love and attention he received while he was in her care. Travis clearly loved his stay with Mary-Ellen. Five stars ++!

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Andrea T.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • Jun 28, 2023

MaryEllen was wonderful and Scout had an amazing time!! It was our first time leaving him and she kept me updated and sent me great pictures!! She was very accommodating when I made a mistake booking!!! Thank you!!!

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Jody R.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • Oct 12, 2022

Max loves going to Mary-Ellen’s house! She’s great! Jody R

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Calendar and availability

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Schedule

•Home-Based Care: Nurturing a Secure Environment and Prioritizing Pet Safety!• Working from home provides me with the unique advantage of flexibility, enabling me to devote substantial and uninterrupted time to the care of your cherished pets. This arrangement allows for constant supervision, companionship, and responsiveness to their needs throughout the day. Whether it's a comforting presence, timely walks, or attending to specific requirements, my ability to work from home ensures that your loved ones receive the attention and care they deserve, fostering a secure and nurturing environment.

Where your pet will stay

Home characteristics

Lives in a house
Does not have a garden
Non-smoking household
Has 1 dog
No children present
Dogs allowed on bed
Pets allowed on furniture
Toilet breaks every 0-2 hours

Safety, trust & environment

Ensuring your pet's safety is my utmost priority, and I take proactive measures by asking detailed questions about their behaviors and needs. This personalized approach allows me to tailor my care to the unique characteristics of your furry friend, creating an environment that promotes their well-being and security. A key aspect of this commitment to safety is the policy of not allowing dogs to be off-leash. This decision, rooted in safety considerations, applies consistently to all dogs under my care, irrespective of their familiarity with off-leash activities. This policy is designed to maintain a controlled setting, minimizing potential risks and ensuring a secure and predictable environment during our time together. By adhering to this approach, I aim to provide peace of mind for both you and your pet, fostering a positive and stress-free experience.

Pets

A typical day

- Enjoy leisurely walks around town to provide your dog with a change of scenery and a chance to explore their surroundings. - Venture along the bike paths and the beach for a refreshing and varied outdoor experience, ensuring your dog gets both exercise and mental stimulation. - If your dog enjoys car rides, I'm more than happy to bring them along for a ride, making sure they find joy in the journey. - Your furry friend can expect an abundance of snuggles and affection, creating a warm and comforting environment during our time together.

Cats
0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs
Mary-Ellen can host up to 4 pets per night
When it comes to dispensing medication, please provide detailed instructions to ensure the accurate and safe administration for your pet's well-being. Additionally, make me aware of any anxieties your pet may have, as understanding their emotional needs is crucial to creating a calm and reassuring environment during my care. Inform me about your pet's interactions with other dogs and children, so I can tailor our activities accordingly and ensure a positive experience for everyone involved. Lastly, please let me know if your dog is spayed/neutered, as this information helps me consider their behavior and potential interactions with other pets. Your input is valuable in ensuring a personalized and attentive approach to caring for your furry friend.
Each sitter joining Rover needs to pass an identity verification. And by booking on Rover, you can get photo & message updates, 24/7 support and reimbursement for eligible vet care.