Michael L.
Outer Richmond, San Francisco, CA
Services
Prices include all fees.
Michael can host
Michael can care for
Availability
I work remotely part-time and have a flexible schedule and enjoy taking time out of the day to take walks outside with a dog. Typically, I take a dog out at least four times a day: a short walk first thing in the morning, long walks around lunchtime and then dinnertime, and then one last walk at night right before bed. I live in the Outer Richmond district of SF (just south of Seacliff), where there are many great places to walk dogs: Seacliff neighborhood, Lincoln Park/Land's End, Baker Beach, GG Park, etc). House-sitting: same deal inside your place too: I can keep the same walking schedule or follow your normal routine if preferred. I'm a chill, low-maintenance person who doesn't mind just hanging out inside with your dog and taking them out for leisurely strolls around their favorite spots in their familiar neighborhood. Note: Additional surcharge for early morning (before 8am) or late night (after 11pm) drop off or pick ups.
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About Michael L.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I live alone with no other pets so at home, I'll mostly be with your dog one-on-one— playing with them, cuddling up with them and just hanging out with them on the couch watching tv. I will only take one client at a time but can also take care of two of your pets at the same time. I've fostered dogs with separation anxiety so I understand what it's like to work around those issues. House-sitting: same, I'm happy to follow your normal pet routine and spend lots of quality time with them. Safety is always at the top of mind with me. I've fostered challenging dogs in the past, so am always alert for any potential dangers (such as eating something off the sidewalk, other animals if they have a strong prey drive or are not dog-friendly, getting triggered by skateboarders, bikers, runners, etc). I never leave a dog unattended in a car in SF or tied up outside a store, even if only for a minute (I often warn other dog owners who do so, about the risks of dog snatching in the city since in California, pets are considered "property" and the penalties for stealing a pet for a "reward" - read: ransom- is woefully pathetic).
Home
Information Michael L. would like to know about your pet
Any relevant info: how well trained and house broken is your dog(s), how well they do with other dogs, any behavioral issues or things to watch for (like leash reactivity), are they big barkers (like neighbors coming and going). We can discuss other details in person later such as any triggers or phobias or things to avoid, whatever quirks a dog has, favorite dog activities/games, favorite foods, health issues, medications, allergies etc.
A typical day
The activities will vary depending on the dog (age/energy level, dog socialization etc). For dogs that enjoy socializing with other dogs, I'd take them to the fenced in dog park in the GG Park, Baker Beach or the nearby Lincoln Park playground area (informal daily meet ups for local dogs). Otherwise, I'd just take them for long walks in various areas that dogs I've cared for enjoy visiting: Seacliff neighborhood (lots of grassy lawns), Land's End/Lincoln Park, the beach, nearby parks, etc. Most dogs just enjoy walking around all the various Seacliff streets/lawns and taking smell tours from all the dogs that pass by the area, as well as re-visiting the same areas a couple of days later to check in on their pee-mail. If I'm house sitting, then I'd take them around their favorite local spots. Inside: again, depending on the dog, I'd play with them however they most enjoy— some like tug of war, fetching the ball in the backyard, or just snuggling up on the couch getting scratchies and staring at each other. I have a repertoire of games that most dogs love (especially food motivated ones), such as tossing treats around the apartment for them to fetch, as well as my Hunger Games (I hide treats around the apartment for them to sniff out). The activities will depend on the dog's level of energy and temperament. Most dogs are just happy to have a human hanging out with them, even if they're just watching TV and chilling on the couch with them, and I'd be with your pet virtually all the time. Even for a week+ stays, I rarely leave a dog alone even to pop out to the grocery store, which is appreciated for dog's with separation anxiety.
Location
San Francisco, CA
Experienced big dog/bully foster
Pet care experience
Howdy! I’ve taken care of dogs and cats for literally decades as a lifelong animal lover. I’ve dog-sat and fostered dogs of all sizes and breeds— from toy dogs to German Shepards and Rottweilers. I’ve cared for puppies and high-energy dogs to senior dogs with special needs. Since I moved to SF in 2000, I’ve been a volunteer dog foster with SF-based Grateful Dogs Rescue. While they mostly help smaller dogs, the rescue is an all-breed rescue and since my first foster— a blue-nose staffie — I became unofficially known as the “pittie whisperer” and they continued to entrust me with subsequent bully breed/pit bull-type breeds. Many of the dogs came from less-than-ideal conditions and had behavioral issues (such as dog aggression and separation anxiety) so I have plenty of first-hand experience in seeing how patience and some TLC can positively transform a dog. I’m not just a dog person; I’m a cat person too! I’ve taken care of a fair share of cats and kittens for family and friends throughout the years. In fact, when traveling, I can’t resist petting local dogs and cats and seem to spend more time with them than actual sightseeing (some travel photos uploaded). As an amateur photographer, I’m also happy to send photos of your pet as regularly as you prefer. I understand that your pet is like family and you can feel at ease knowing that I’ll ensure their safety, happiness, and well-being at all times. I’ll be with your pet practically 24/7; I’m a boring, introverted middle-aged dude who works part-time remotely and is a homebody — happy to be chilling with your pet all day (I actually prefer the company of a dog or cat!). So if you’re looking for someone to love up with your pet all day and spoil them rotten and ensure that they’re well-taken care of and entertained, I’m your man! - Mike
Reviews
Mike is terrific! He sent loads of short vids, brought over toys and treats, and even let Hendrix keep one that he became obsessed with during his stay. Will definitely book again in the future.
Michael was fantastic with our pup, Lia. We received so many videos and photos and it put our minds at ease while we were on our trip. We have a sensitive pup but it was clear she was having a great time and being well cared for. We’d rebook with Michael again in a heartbeat.
Mike spent a lot of quality time with our dog. Her sent many videos, which we appreciated, and communicated throughout her stay. We’d definitely have Mike dog sit for us again!
We have only left Koba with family or one other sitter so when she told me she would be out of town I was worried about finding another sitter but we got lucky with Mike! We liked that he seemed to understand bully breeds and instantly felt at ease after the meet and greet. Mike kept us updated throughout the day with lots of videos and photos of all their little adventures around scenic SF areas. Koba definitely looked like he was having a blast. He was a little anxious/restless the first night but Mike was super understanding. He was so spoiled with love and attention and I’m so grateful we were able to enjoy our vacation without worrying about our pup. Thank you so much Mike for taking such good care of Koba! Until next time!
About Michael L.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I live alone with no other pets so at home, I'll mostly be with your dog one-on-one— playing with them, cuddling up with them and just hanging out with them on the couch watching tv. I will only take one client at a time but can also take care of two of your pets at the same time. I've fostered dogs with separation anxiety so I understand what it's like to work around those issues. House-sitting: same, I'm happy to follow your normal pet routine and spend lots of quality time with them. Safety is always at the top of mind with me. I've fostered challenging dogs in the past, so am always alert for any potential dangers (such as eating something off the sidewalk, other animals if they have a strong prey drive or are not dog-friendly, getting triggered by skateboarders, bikers, runners, etc). I never leave a dog unattended in a car in SF or tied up outside a store, even if only for a minute (I often warn other dog owners who do so, about the risks of dog snatching in the city since in California, pets are considered "property" and the penalties for stealing a pet for a "reward" - read: ransom- is woefully pathetic).
Home
Information Michael L. would like to know about your pet
Any relevant info: how well trained and house broken is your dog(s), how well they do with other dogs, any behavioral issues or things to watch for (like leash reactivity), are they big barkers (like neighbors coming and going). We can discuss other details in person later such as any triggers or phobias or things to avoid, whatever quirks a dog has, favorite dog activities/games, favorite foods, health issues, medications, allergies etc.
A typical day
The activities will vary depending on the dog (age/energy level, dog socialization etc). For dogs that enjoy socializing with other dogs, I'd take them to the fenced in dog park in the GG Park, Baker Beach or the nearby Lincoln Park playground area (informal daily meet ups for local dogs). Otherwise, I'd just take them for long walks in various areas that dogs I've cared for enjoy visiting: Seacliff neighborhood (lots of grassy lawns), Land's End/Lincoln Park, the beach, nearby parks, etc. Most dogs just enjoy walking around all the various Seacliff streets/lawns and taking smell tours from all the dogs that pass by the area, as well as re-visiting the same areas a couple of days later to check in on their pee-mail. If I'm house sitting, then I'd take them around their favorite local spots. Inside: again, depending on the dog, I'd play with them however they most enjoy— some like tug of war, fetching the ball in the backyard, or just snuggling up on the couch getting scratchies and staring at each other. I have a repertoire of games that most dogs love (especially food motivated ones), such as tossing treats around the apartment for them to fetch, as well as my Hunger Games (I hide treats around the apartment for them to sniff out). The activities will depend on the dog's level of energy and temperament. Most dogs are just happy to have a human hanging out with them, even if they're just watching TV and chilling on the couch with them, and I'd be with your pet virtually all the time. Even for a week+ stays, I rarely leave a dog alone even to pop out to the grocery store, which is appreciated for dog's with separation anxiety.
Michael L.
Outer Richmond, San Francisco, CA