Michael L.
Bedford-Stuyvesant, NY
Pet lover, flexible schedule!
Pet care experience
Hi! I’m a law student living in Brooklyn, and have been in New York for about 6 years off and on. I recently returned to Rover after a couple years away. I grew up with dogs and have worked with other dogs for about 5 years, with a focus on shelter and rescue pups. I started as a volunteer at an animal rescue in my hometown, where I worked with other volunteers to socialize abused and abandoned dogs and prepare them for adoption. After moving to New York I got into casual dog sitting and walking for friends, then started working for Rover! I continued sitting & walking dogs while living in the UK. I've worked with Frenchies and mastiffs and almost everything in between. As a student I have a lot of free time during the work week and on weekends to care for your pet! I'm an active person and am happy to take your dog for a run, a long walk, or to the dog park. I can also adapt to the physically limited and/or low-energy dogs who'd rather spend some time together hanging around the house or at a dog-friendly cafe. It's most important to me that your pet is safe & happy.
Reviews
Micheal was great with our 9-year old Chesapeake Bay Retriever. He was very communicative and our dog loved him.
Michael was a great dogsitter for my dog Bug! He was extremely communicative and sent me great pictures and even was patient when she refused to go on a walk (oh well). I'd definitely book with Michael again!
He stayed @ our home while my partner and I went away for 4.5 days. Michael dealt with pick ups from/drop offs to daycare during the workweek as we agreed upon, and over the weekend he gave our sweet girl the TIME OF HER LIFE. She is sociable (with humans), VERY energetic (young), sometimes naughty pup who is occasionally scared of other dogs in the street and has a habit of munching trash off the ground. Michael deftly managed all of these traits, always made sure she had enough water, was careful with her on walks and tired her out (which is almost impossible). With our permission he took her to parks, on long walks, to the farmer's market, to waterfront spots, etc. Gave her cuddles, sent us tons of photos, gave us frequent updates on her status/their activities. When we returned home, the house was actually cleaner than we had left it and the dog was safe, happy and healthy. It was the first time we had ever left the dog for any length of time and Michael has set the bar pretty high at this point, he's definitely at the top of our city dog-sitting list.
Michael is a compassionate and responsible pet caregiver who genuinely loves animals and will undoubtedly treat your pet as if it was his own. Not only has he volunteered with shelter animals in the U.S., he also dedicated his time and energy to helping stray puppies in Greece while he was there volunteering at a refugee camp. He’s intelligent, caring, and trustworthy. I highly recommend Michael to anyone looking for a fantastic dog walker/sitter!
About Michael L.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I am not able to host pets in my home, unfortunately. When caring for pets in your home, I first make sure to respect your pet's boundaries with a new person in the home; for example, in the past I've found for some dogs it's best if you are present the first time I enter your home to meet your pet. I also make sure to check about their allergies, medical needs, triggers (e.g. skateboards, loud noises, small humans etc.), and only use toys & treats that they're familiar with. On walks, I keep two points of contact on the leash to make sure they can't pull it out of my hands, and I keep my undivided attention on your pet!
Information Michael L. would like to know about your pet
I do not have any breed preferences or preconceptions. I would like to know where your dog sits on the energy spectrum, what kind of activities they like to do, and of course any special needs, physical limitations, or behavioral triggers (e.g. loud noises).
A typical day
I typically bring dogs around the parks and green streets of Bed Stuy (or of your neighborhood, if you live elsewhere)! I also like to take dogs anywhere where they’re allowed (if they’re comfortable in social situations) to ease any of their anxiety about being separated from their owner - for example cafes, bookstores, and more (not bars).
Services
Michael can watch in your home
Availability
My schedule is very flexible, since I am a full-time student. I can adapt my daily routine to fit you & your pet's needs, including working with your pet on weekdays. Generally, I'm free: Monday mornings and evenings Tuesday afternoons and evenings Wednesday mornings, afternoons and evenings Friday all day Saturday all day
About Michael L.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I am not able to host pets in my home, unfortunately. When caring for pets in your home, I first make sure to respect your pet's boundaries with a new person in the home; for example, in the past I've found for some dogs it's best if you are present the first time I enter your home to meet your pet. I also make sure to check about their allergies, medical needs, triggers (e.g. skateboards, loud noises, small humans etc.), and only use toys & treats that they're familiar with. On walks, I keep two points of contact on the leash to make sure they can't pull it out of my hands, and I keep my undivided attention on your pet!
Information Michael L. would like to know about your pet
I do not have any breed preferences or preconceptions. I would like to know where your dog sits on the energy spectrum, what kind of activities they like to do, and of course any special needs, physical limitations, or behavioral triggers (e.g. loud noises).
A typical day
I typically bring dogs around the parks and green streets of Bed Stuy (or of your neighborhood, if you live elsewhere)! I also like to take dogs anywhere where they’re allowed (if they’re comfortable in social situations) to ease any of their anxiety about being separated from their owner - for example cafes, bookstores, and more (not bars).
Location
Brooklyn, NY
Michael L.
Bedford-Stuyvesant, NY