Max S.
Max S.
Contact for Boarding
from $55 per night
Highlights
Pet care experience
Treetop retreat for your fur babies
The year before starting on Rover, I had the distinct pleasure of fostering or sitting for 6 foster or neighbor doggies (mostly big pitties). Prior to living alone, I lived with a total of 6 cats and 1 dog since moving to DC, happily being their default sitter when housemates were away. I also grew up with a corgi. I live by myself (no other pets or hoomans) in a 1-bedroom Columbia Heights apartment, located 2 blocks from a park (Bruce Monroe, where I've often taken the fosters for fetch or sniffies) and 4 blocks from a dog park (11th & Bark) in case your dog loves those (or in case we should avoid it!). I'm happy to let your pets sleep in my bed with me, or if you prefer crating, I also have a large crate (28"x42") and fancy myself something of a crating guru. I'm also set up with beds, dishes and food puzzles, toys (dog and cat), treats (dog and cat), chew bones, litter boxes, pee pads, extra leashes/harnesses, etc. I'm not afraid of a challenge, and have experience caring for dogs that have been reactive, mouthy, jumpy, counter surfers, master scavengers, that have separation anxiety, and that have had potty accidents inside. I have (admittedly somewhat minimal) experience medicating cats and dogs, but am happy to do more with your guidance. I love watching episodes of Victoria Stilwell's It's Me Or The Dog and Jackson Galaxy's My Cat From Hell to learn more how to help set up pets for success with positive reinforcement, and am happy to work on training aspects with them. (It's such a joy watching them learn new things!) Note that my apartment is a 4th floor walk-up, so if your dog has mobility issues (or can't be carried), that might be a blocker. There are also some other dogs in my building, some of whom would love to meet your dogs if they're up for that, others of whom are indifferent, and others of whom I know to only greet from afar, haha (I have good rapport with all their owners). Also note that I also don't own a car, but am happy to take Uber Pets if needed for emergencies.
Qualifications
Ratings and reviews
Max was the perfect friend for Dottie while I was away! We did a very thorough meet & greet when he asked very thoughtful questions. While away, he sent tons of updates, pictures, and videos of their adventures in DC. I know Dottie can't wait to stay with him again!
Patient and understanding of my dog’s needs and behaviors. Went above & beyond to make my dog comfortable. Very communicative and responsive.
Amazing as always zero notes! Thanks Max :))
Max is super reliable and responsive and has a chill vibe that my dog loves. Thank you for taking such great care of Blake!
Max has been wonderful since our meet and greet. Having 2 very different dogs with anxiety with one and the other loves everyone. They get very excited when meeting new people and Max was very understanding. He ask questions would never have thought. I will be using him whenever I need a dogsitter. I highly recommend Max.
Max was fantastic! He took great care of my puppy. Max was extremely communicative and thoughtful— I got several detailed updates, pictures, and videos of my puppy’s adventures during daycare. He was so well prepared to make my pup feel at home for the day. Would recommend!
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
I am now part of the Great Tech Layoffs, so currently have a very flexible schedule, allowing me to provide your pets with extra attention, or extra walks for dogs, if needed. (I will still have moments of needing to apply for jobs, attend interviews, clean and cook, etc., though most doggies have simply napped through the "Max is at the boring computer again" times.)
Where your pet will stay
Home characteristics
Safety, trust & environment
I've installed childproof knobs on my stove, and all cabinet furniture, bookshelves, and the television are bolted to the walls with safety straps. I keep an eye on any interest your pet may show in my houseplants (high-up philodendron and pothos plants though with potentially accessible vines, and a snake plant on a stand), and will relocate any pots or raise vines if they show interest. I'm very strict about when/which windows are open (e.g. never opening the one that's most accessible to them), and would leave them entirely closed for cats. I also have a muzzle on hand if necessary (e.g. useful when I was applying an ear medication to a dog that was reactive about her personal space). For some dogs, I've kept a separate garbage bag for food-related trash up on the counter to avoid interest in scavenging through the bin.
A typical day
If your pet needs lots of exercise, I'm happy to spend time playing games with them. For dogs specifically, I have a 50ft leash for fetch in the park (if one of the gated areas isn't available), and if dog parks are allowed/desirable, there's one 4 blocks away. For chewers, I have several bones to keep them busy. On dog walks, I tend to take a sniffari approach, letting their noses guide most of the way (while watching out for scavenging attempts). I love trying to work on training exercises with pets (though am not a professional). And I'm always down for a cuddle session (my favorite pet-related activity).