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MaryEllen W.

Star Sitter

Philadelphia, PA

5.0 out of 5 stars
248 reviews
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Services

MaryEllen can care for

Cats
0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs

Availability

I’m a full time pet care provider & I keep my bookings in a small radius in order to be nearby for last minute requests, especially with my regular clients. If you’re looking to book a sitter for multiple days, with or without overnights, let’s chat first to make sure it’s a good fit and you know which options to choose to best suit your pet! Please don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions. **PUPPY PARENTS PLEASE READ** If you are in need of constant care during consecutive daytime hours, my rate is $45/hr for the first 2 hours and $22/hr after that.

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
House Sitting Cancellation Policy:

About MaryEllen W.

Communication

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

Skills

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

Safety, trust & environment

I’m well versed in body language in both dogs and cats and will pay close attention to any signs of distress. I practice preparedness and prevention over risk taking with pets and build trust by paying attention to what works. I will never force an interaction with an animal who wishes to be left alone, but will absolutely give my full attention in whatever way works best for your pet!

Information MaryEllen W. would like to know about your pet

Any special needs, command cues, or habits that can help me communicate better with your dog are very helpful to know ahead of time. Were they trained to walk on your right or left? Always happy to continue whatever training protocols you’re working on to aid in consistency. Please do let me know about any preexisting conditions so I can always be one step ahead of any trouble.

A typical day

Our day is structured around your pet’s needs. Active dogs get lots of activity with their favorite toys, long walks, and trips to the woods or a local park if their disposition allows. For more relaxed or older dogs, we’ll snuggle and relax with slow strolls around the neighborhood. Cat care varies as much as cat personalities - they’re the boss! With air quality, heat waves, storms, etc. I will always try to communicate with pet parents about expectations and safety measures. Heat can be extremely dangerous for pets so I will happily split walk times with indoor playtime as needed.

Location

Philadelphia, PA

MaryEllen W.'s Neighborhood

Pets

MaryEllen W. 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.

Compassionate and flexible care

Pet care experience

I grew up on a small farm and always had a big heart for the animals. As an adult, I’ve always rescued dogs, cats, and even a gerbil. With over 25 years of personal experience with training and handling animals, as well as experience sitting disabled pets, I’m comfortable with all kinds of pet personalities. I can’t commit to being a “cat person,” or a “dog person” because I truly cannot choose. I’m a huge fan of all fur friends! Open to caring for any type of animal and also plant proficient if any of your plant-babies need tending while you’re traveling, just let me know!

Cat care experience

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Compassionate cat care

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

Reviews

Matt R.
Drop-In Visits • Jun 14, 2026
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MaryEllen is extremely professional, caring, and takes the best cat pics ever!! She has been taking care of our cats for the past few years since we moved to the area, and I would undoubtedly recommend her for any pet care needs!

Michelle W.
Dog Walking • May 19, 2026
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MaryEllen is the best! Incredibly responsive, she’s great with our dog, takes excellent photos, and I always know our pup is in good hands.

Kelly S.
Drop-In Visits • May 13, 2026
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Excellent care and service , as usual! Thank you!

Donna R.
Drop-In Visits • May 11, 2026
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Amazing care, communication, and attention to detail - highly recommend.

About MaryEllen W.

Communication

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

Skills

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

Safety, trust & environment

I’m well versed in body language in both dogs and cats and will pay close attention to any signs of distress. I practice preparedness and prevention over risk taking with pets and build trust by paying attention to what works. I will never force an interaction with an animal who wishes to be left alone, but will absolutely give my full attention in whatever way works best for your pet!

Information MaryEllen W. would like to know about your pet

Any special needs, command cues, or habits that can help me communicate better with your dog are very helpful to know ahead of time. Were they trained to walk on your right or left? Always happy to continue whatever training protocols you’re working on to aid in consistency. Please do let me know about any preexisting conditions so I can always be one step ahead of any trouble.

A typical day

Our day is structured around your pet’s needs. Active dogs get lots of activity with their favorite toys, long walks, and trips to the woods or a local park if their disposition allows. For more relaxed or older dogs, we’ll snuggle and relax with slow strolls around the neighborhood. Cat care varies as much as cat personalities - they’re the boss! With air quality, heat waves, storms, etc. I will always try to communicate with pet parents about expectations and safety measures. Heat can be extremely dangerous for pets so I will happily split walk times with indoor playtime as needed.

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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Verified Enhanced Background Check
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Verified Enhanced Background Check

MaryEllen W.

Star Sitter

Philadelphia, PA

5.0 out of 5 stars
248 reviews