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Mary F.

Star Sitter

Belvidere, IL

5.0 out of 5 stars
27 reviews
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Services

Mary can host

0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs
Crate-trained dogs only
Takes only 1 client at a time

Availability

I am retired so I am home full-time seven days a week which would allow me lots of time to spend with your dog indoors and outdoors.

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Boarding Cancellation Policy:

About Mary F.

Communication

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

Skills

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

Safety, trust & environment

I have a very large fence yard, and I would never leave your dog alone in the yard as I would be out there actively involved in their playtime. I currently do not have any dogs in my home as I recently lost my boxer to cancer. I would need your dog to be child friendly as I do have my grandson who is 12 here occasionally. I also would accept another dog that is in the same household for the additional fee at the same time but I would not accept another dog on Rover at the same time I’m caring for your dog that has been trusted to me. I feel this ensures the safety of all the fur babies. This way, you can be confident that my attention is given to your pet and your pet alone.

Home

Lives in a house
Has a fenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has no pets
No children present
Dogs allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 0-2 hours

Information Mary F. would like to know about your pet

I would require a meet and greet prior to any dog sitting. I feel it’s important that the dog with their owner comes to meet me in my home so that the first time your dog is here in my home they are not just dropped off or felt abandoned and feeling scared. They are going to miss you while you’re gone, so it’s important that they know you have been here and you approve of me which will make them feel more comfortable with me while you are away. I have hardwood floors, so I do require them to be housebroken. I would also need to know if there’s any medication that needs to be administered and if they have any other health conditions just so that I can be up-to-date on how to best care for your dog. DROP-OFF & PICK-UP POLICY To provide the best care for all pets in my home, I ask that clients adhere to their scheduled drop-off and pick-up times. • Drop-offs and pick-ups should occur within the times agreed upon in the booking. • If you need to arrive earlier or later than scheduled, please contact me as soon as possible to confirm availability. • Early drop-offs and late pick-ups may require an adjustment to the booking and/or an additional care fee. • Unannounced schedule changes can affect other pets and commitments, so advance communication is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Clear communication helps ensure a smooth experience for everyone and the best care for your pet.

A typical day

Actively engaging them in outdoor play and walks. Playing fetch, ball, frisbee. Playtime indoors as well. I do allow ball playing and fetch in the house.

Location

Belvidere, IL

Mary F.'s Neighborhood

Mary F. 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.

Must love dogs!

Pet care experience

I grew up with a house full of pets dogs and cats. Personally, I am a dog lover, and I have developed an allergy to cats. In my adult life, I’ve had a golden retriever, three boxers, and a chocolate lab. I have adopted three rescue dogs. Years ago with my golden retriever, there were no services like Rover so she was boarded in a kennel, and after that it made me realize how much the importance of having my fur baby in a home with someone who will love on her and care for her while I’m away. I would love to be that person for your precious fur babies. I have a very large yard. It’s fenced in in the back, but even though it’s fenced in, I would still not leave your dogs alone in the yard. I would be out there active with them playing catch, playing frisbee or just playing with their favorite throw toy. I have cared for my own dogs from puppies thru their senior years and two dogs through cancer. I do have an extra large dog crate that’s 42x28x 30 so if your dog requires a crate, it’s not necessary for you to bring it. Just bring their favorite bedding. I would also like to add I allow myself a day or two between bookings because all the coverings that protect my furniture all blankets and my home gets thoroughly clean between pets. Even down to the wonderful dog kisses on the windows and doors.

Reviews

David P.
Boarding • Jun 16, 2026
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What a great experience! Mary took such good care of our fur babies! I know the puppies enjoyed their vacation as much as we did! It's such a relief to not have to worry if our babies are being taken care of. We will definitely book with Mary again!! Many thanks!

Chris H.
Boarding • May 16, 2026
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This was my first Rover experience, first time leaving my dog, Riloh, and of course first time meeting Mary. I could not possibly have chosen a better person for this first experience. Mary is kind and caring, her love of dogs is very apparent. She’s got a lovely home with a huge fenced in spotless yard, plenty of room to run, it’s a perfect place for chasing squirrels to one’s heart’s content. She knew I had anxiety about leaving him but made it so easy, she sent pics and videos all week and I didn’t have a single worry, I knew he was in the best vacation! I’m already looking ahead to next time after she assured me she would happily watch him anytime. Thanks again, Mary, for loving up my good boy in my absence!

Dorothy C.
Boarding • May 06, 2026
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Another great booking with Mary! Our little guy is always excited to see her and loves all the pampering!!

Ross W.
Boarding • Apr 22, 2026
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Mary was great as always. Millie loves going there and we appreciated all the updates and pictures.

About Mary F.

Communication

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

Skills

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

Safety, trust & environment

I have a very large fence yard, and I would never leave your dog alone in the yard as I would be out there actively involved in their playtime. I currently do not have any dogs in my home as I recently lost my boxer to cancer. I would need your dog to be child friendly as I do have my grandson who is 12 here occasionally. I also would accept another dog that is in the same household for the additional fee at the same time but I would not accept another dog on Rover at the same time I’m caring for your dog that has been trusted to me. I feel this ensures the safety of all the fur babies. This way, you can be confident that my attention is given to your pet and your pet alone.

Home

Lives in a house
Has a fenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has no pets
No children present
Dogs allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 0-2 hours

Information Mary F. would like to know about your pet

I would require a meet and greet prior to any dog sitting. I feel it’s important that the dog with their owner comes to meet me in my home so that the first time your dog is here in my home they are not just dropped off or felt abandoned and feeling scared. They are going to miss you while you’re gone, so it’s important that they know you have been here and you approve of me which will make them feel more comfortable with me while you are away. I have hardwood floors, so I do require them to be housebroken. I would also need to know if there’s any medication that needs to be administered and if they have any other health conditions just so that I can be up-to-date on how to best care for your dog. DROP-OFF & PICK-UP POLICY To provide the best care for all pets in my home, I ask that clients adhere to their scheduled drop-off and pick-up times. • Drop-offs and pick-ups should occur within the times agreed upon in the booking. • If you need to arrive earlier or later than scheduled, please contact me as soon as possible to confirm availability. • Early drop-offs and late pick-ups may require an adjustment to the booking and/or an additional care fee. • Unannounced schedule changes can affect other pets and commitments, so advance communication is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Clear communication helps ensure a smooth experience for everyone and the best care for your pet.

A typical day

Actively engaging them in outdoor play and walks. Playing fetch, ball, frisbee. Playtime indoors as well. I do allow ball playing and fetch in the house.

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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Mary F.

Star Sitter

Belvidere, IL

5.0 out of 5 stars
27 reviews