Profile image
Profile image

Mary Jo H.

Palmer, AK

5.0 out of 5 stars
4 reviews
Image 1 of 6
Image 1 of 6
Image 2 of 6
Image 3 of 6
Image 4 of 6
Image 5 of 6
7PhotosView All

Services

Mary Jo can care for

Cats
0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
Dogs over 1 year old

Availability

I’m currently an online college student and work full time, but I can make accommodations. My online classes give me a flexible schedule, and I’m happy to work with you to find the best time to care for your pet. I’m dedicated to ensuring every pet gets the attention and care they need, no matter the schedule.

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Drop-In Visits Cancellation Policy:

About Mary Jo H.

Communication

3 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds in a few minutes
80% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Dog skills

12 years of experience
First aid/CPR
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Cat skills

Oral medication administration

Safety, trust & environment

Safety is my top priority when caring for pets. On Alaska’s trails, I take extra precautions to ensure pets are secure, safe from wildlife, and prepared for the weather. At home, I create a clean, hazard-free environment and am vigilant about managing allergies or specific sensitivities. I’m trained to handle emergencies, including performing the Heimlich maneuver on both cats and dogs, and I maintain a strong focus on personal safety while caring for animals. My goal is to provide a safe, secure, and enjoyable experience for every pet in my care.

Information Mary Jo H. would like to know about your pet

I would love to get to know your pup! This includes your dog’s name, age, breed, and size, as well as details about their temperament, personality, and any special behaviors (e.g., shyness, energy levels, or reactivity). If possible, I’d like to know about their training, including any commands they know and how they behave on a leash. We’ll also need information about medical conditions, allergies, dietary restrictions, and vaccination status. If your dog has a specific routine, feeding schedule, or favorite activities, please share those with us. Additionally, understanding how your dog interacts with other pets, people, or common triggers like loud noises will help me create a safe and enjoyable experience. Don’t forget to provide emergency contacts, including your preferred veterinarian. Your dog’s safety and happiness are my top priority!

A typical day

For more active pups I am thrilled to take them on long walks around our state’s beautiful hiking trails such as The Butte in Palmer or Mirror Lake. But for more regular walks we would walk around my neighborhood and sniff around the Cottonwood lake access docks. And if your pup wants to stay closer to home I’d be happy to do laps around their neighborhood as well! I can match whatever pace your dog like to walk to from patient walks with lots of time to sniff to a brisk jog. For the dogs who like to take things slower I’d be more than happy to toss a ball around and play tug of war at local parks.

Location

Palmer, AK

Mary Jo H.'s Neighborhood

Pets

Happy pets, happy owners, always!

Pet care experience

I’ve lived with pets my whole life, gaining years of hands-on experience with animals of all kinds. Volunteering at an animal shelter has allowed me to care for pets with a variety of needs, including special medical or behavioral requirements. I’m always ready for long adventures on trails with active pups or a quiet day at home with relaxed furry friends. My goal is to provide love, attention, and customized care to ensure your pet is happy, comfortable, and well cared for while you’re away.

Cat care experience

Profile image
Care, cuddles, and cat treats 🐾

Mary Jo also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.

Reviews

Kathleen H.
Drop-In Visits • Aug 09, 2026
Profile image
Profile image

I really appreciated Mary Jo. My boys obviously looked forward to seeing her each day. She also was very attentive to my request on their quirks and also was observant of things that just seemed out of place, which my boys are very capable of creating, and addressed them. She's a joy and I look forward to using her again.

Becky M.
House Sitting • Aug 03, 2026
Profile image
Profile image

Mary Jo just sat for my kitties for the first time. She was great - left the house well cared for and both the kitties were calm and content. She was flexible enough to change my booking on short notice. My house isn't the easiest - being a dry cabin, but she did great. Thanks! I'd love to book her again if she is interested.

Alexus S.
Drop-In Visits • Aug 01, 2026
Profile image
Profile image

Amazing for dropping in on my cats to make sure they had food and water while I was not home!

Bailey B.
Drop-In Visits • Jul 16, 2026
Profile image
Profile image

Mary Jo was fantastic, and I’ll definitely be booking her again! She followed all of my instructions, took great care of my cats, and kept my home just as I left it. Her updates were detailed, and she sent the cutest photos during each visit, which gave me so much peace of mind while I was away. What really impressed me was her attention to detail. She noticed little things, like when the water fountain needed refilling, that past sitters had overlooked. It’s obvious she genuinely cares about the pets she watches. I highly recommend Mary Jo to anyone looking for a reliable, thoughtful sitter!

About Mary Jo H.

Communication

3 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds in a few minutes
80% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Dog skills

12 years of experience
First aid/CPR
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Cat skills

Oral medication administration

Safety, trust & environment

Safety is my top priority when caring for pets. On Alaska’s trails, I take extra precautions to ensure pets are secure, safe from wildlife, and prepared for the weather. At home, I create a clean, hazard-free environment and am vigilant about managing allergies or specific sensitivities. I’m trained to handle emergencies, including performing the Heimlich maneuver on both cats and dogs, and I maintain a strong focus on personal safety while caring for animals. My goal is to provide a safe, secure, and enjoyable experience for every pet in my care.

Information Mary Jo H. would like to know about your pet

I would love to get to know your pup! This includes your dog’s name, age, breed, and size, as well as details about their temperament, personality, and any special behaviors (e.g., shyness, energy levels, or reactivity). If possible, I’d like to know about their training, including any commands they know and how they behave on a leash. We’ll also need information about medical conditions, allergies, dietary restrictions, and vaccination status. If your dog has a specific routine, feeding schedule, or favorite activities, please share those with us. Additionally, understanding how your dog interacts with other pets, people, or common triggers like loud noises will help me create a safe and enjoyable experience. Don’t forget to provide emergency contacts, including your preferred veterinarian. Your dog’s safety and happiness are my top priority!

A typical day

For more active pups I am thrilled to take them on long walks around our state’s beautiful hiking trails such as The Butte in Palmer or Mirror Lake. But for more regular walks we would walk around my neighborhood and sniff around the Cottonwood lake access docks. And if your pup wants to stay closer to home I’d be happy to do laps around their neighborhood as well! I can match whatever pace your dog like to walk to from patient walks with lots of time to sniff to a brisk jog. For the dogs who like to take things slower I’d be more than happy to toss a ball around and play tug of war at local parks.

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

Mary Jo H.

Palmer, AK

5.0 out of 5 stars
4 reviews