Profile image
Profile image

Michael M.

North City, San Diego, CA

5.0 out of 5 stars
94 reviews
Image 1 of 110
Image 1 of 110
Image 2 of 110
Image 3 of 110
Image 4 of 110
Image 5 of 110
111PhotosView All

Services

These prices are for 1 dog.

Prices include all fees.

Michael can host

41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs
Dogs over 1 year old
Spayed and neutered dogs only
No females in heat
Crate-trained dogs only

Michael can care for

Cats
0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs
Dogs over 1 year old

Availability

I work remote, in a technology start-up. I'm home most all of every day, and available to attend to your fur-babies needs while you are out of town.

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Boarding Cancellation Policy:

About Michael M.

Communication

34 repeat pet parents
96% response rate
Usually responds in under half an hour
100% bookings with photo updates

Dog skills

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

Safety, trust & environment

We have a 2400 square foot house. There are dog beds and couches throughout. A side yard for dog sun-tanning and an upstairs balcony with a view to an active street with many dogs passing by (for stimulation). We have a super friendly (neutered) 3 year old Shephard-Hound rescue that will be a companion to your pet. Pacific Highlands Ranch dog park is a few minutes away for exercise. I have a large crate onsite, if your pet is more comfortable sleeping in one. I can separate pups for alone-time, and do believe in giving them an hour or two apart each day. For dogs with separation anxiety, I can stay with them in our guest bed at night, and have them stay at the foot of the bed. If being away from fam is a new challenge, I can help comfort them. I've had a dog(s) from the age of 5. They are a huge part of my sense of family. Always have been. I know what your pup means to you, and grateful for your trust to care for them. Who am I and why do I do this? I have just the one dog. Having guests is great for him. He gets to have a buddy, even if just for a few nights! Me? I work from a bedroom in my house. I stare at computer-monitors all day long, but long for the outdoors. I have to get outside, to feel connected to the world. My office is boring. Same keyboard, mouse, desk, and chair. I have four walls, but the world outside is amazing! And I love taking that adventure, even if it's just smelling some other dogs potty with a companion. No, I'm not smelling the poop, that's for your pup, haha! I'd love that friend walking with me to be your furry family pup.

Home

Lives in a house
Has a fenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has 1 dog
Children 6-12 years old
Dogs not allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 2-4 hours

Information Michael M. would like to know about your pet

My dog has had major surgery (swallowed a piece of plastic), so I've cared for a pup recovering from hospitalization and requiring medication. I can do the same for yours. I recently (May 2023) cared for a 12 year old, 100+pound Saint Bernard who had an injury (white pup in the pics). She was 36 hours from being put down, and on a cocktail of meds. As a fur-caretaker, I'm so thrilled to have been asked to help bring her back. She showed up not able to even get up. Two weeks later, she leaves as a happy, healthy pup (a big one at that), and returning to a family that never thought they'd see her again. Her fur-daddy loves her so much, and I so happy I could be of service to reunite them.

A typical day

For high-energy dogs, I jog daily and love to run with a furry companion. For social types, I'm a 5-minute walk to one of the largest dog-parks in North County.

Location

San Diego, CA

Michael M.'s Neighborhood

Pets

Specialize caring for large breeds

Pet care experience

I've raised and trained numerous dogs from 8-weeks. I used to breed boxers (4 litters), and have cared for them until they found new parents. I don't believe you "own" a pet. They are part of the family! I can help reinforce training such as not-pulling on walks, not jumping on humans, etc... I've trained 40+ 7/8 week pups on the basics (sit, stay, lay down, potty-train) and enjoy watching these beautiful doggies mature during their stay. I walk dogs from the hours of 6:30am to 10:30pm, and will do the same for your pup whether they are special needs or just exuberant! I take our buddies out multiple times a day, including dog beach, pup park, and nature trails. My home is your pup's home. While you on on vacation, so will they be.

Reviews

Sissy X.
Boarding • May 17, 2026
Profile image

Michael is an amazing dog sitter! Before choosing Michael, I spoke with a few other sitters. One asked me to fill out extra documents as soon as I mentioned my dog is a Rottweiler. Another scheduled a meet-and-greet, but when we met, she showed no real interest or care for my dog and only talked about how much she would charge. Then we met Michael. The moment he walked up to us, he started petting and loving on my dog. Right away, I could tell he truly loves dogs, and I immediately knew he was the right person to take care of my baby. I definitely made the right decision. My Rottweiler was very well cared for, and I had complete peace of mind. Thank you so much, Michael — you are the best!

Tracey W.
Boarding • Apr 12, 2026
Profile image

Michael was wonderful with my dog. I will definitely go back. I could tell Misty loved being there 😊

Ryan S.
Boarding • Apr 07, 2026
Profile image

I wasn’t sure if our dog Fiona wanted to go back home with us! This is the sign that Michael and his family really gave Fiona the best care while we were away. She probably had more fun at Michael’s than she usually has at our house. Thank you Michael for taking care of her.

Sammy S.
Boarding • Nov 20, 2025
Profile image

We had to go out of town for a wedding and our dog Woody stayed with Michael for a few nights. Michael was extremely responsive and sent photos of Woody throughout the weekend! We will definitely use him again!

About Michael M.

Communication

34 repeat pet parents
96% response rate
Usually responds in under half an hour
100% bookings with photo updates

Dog skills

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

Safety, trust & environment

We have a 2400 square foot house. There are dog beds and couches throughout. A side yard for dog sun-tanning and an upstairs balcony with a view to an active street with many dogs passing by (for stimulation). We have a super friendly (neutered) 3 year old Shephard-Hound rescue that will be a companion to your pet. Pacific Highlands Ranch dog park is a few minutes away for exercise. I have a large crate onsite, if your pet is more comfortable sleeping in one. I can separate pups for alone-time, and do believe in giving them an hour or two apart each day. For dogs with separation anxiety, I can stay with them in our guest bed at night, and have them stay at the foot of the bed. If being away from fam is a new challenge, I can help comfort them. I've had a dog(s) from the age of 5. They are a huge part of my sense of family. Always have been. I know what your pup means to you, and grateful for your trust to care for them. Who am I and why do I do this? I have just the one dog. Having guests is great for him. He gets to have a buddy, even if just for a few nights! Me? I work from a bedroom in my house. I stare at computer-monitors all day long, but long for the outdoors. I have to get outside, to feel connected to the world. My office is boring. Same keyboard, mouse, desk, and chair. I have four walls, but the world outside is amazing! And I love taking that adventure, even if it's just smelling some other dogs potty with a companion. No, I'm not smelling the poop, that's for your pup, haha! I'd love that friend walking with me to be your furry family pup.

Home

Lives in a house
Has a fenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has 1 dog
Children 6-12 years old
Dogs not allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 2-4 hours

Information Michael M. would like to know about your pet

My dog has had major surgery (swallowed a piece of plastic), so I've cared for a pup recovering from hospitalization and requiring medication. I can do the same for yours. I recently (May 2023) cared for a 12 year old, 100+pound Saint Bernard who had an injury (white pup in the pics). She was 36 hours from being put down, and on a cocktail of meds. As a fur-caretaker, I'm so thrilled to have been asked to help bring her back. She showed up not able to even get up. Two weeks later, she leaves as a happy, healthy pup (a big one at that), and returning to a family that never thought they'd see her again. Her fur-daddy loves her so much, and I so happy I could be of service to reunite them.

A typical day

For high-energy dogs, I jog daily and love to run with a furry companion. For social types, I'm a 5-minute walk to one of the largest dog-parks in North County.

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

Michael M.

North City, San Diego, CA

5.0 out of 5 stars
94 reviews