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Michael R.

5.0 out of 5 stars
3 repeat clients
Profile image

Michael R.

5.0 out of 5 stars
3 repeat clients

Contact for Drop-In Visits

from $25 per visit

Highlights

Enhanced background check
20 years of experience
Can administer medication
Special needs experience
Senior dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Pet care experience

Responsible, Fun, Active Dog Walker

I've had dogs my entire life. When a kid as young as twelve I would watch numerous people's dogs during the summer months and then for longer stretches as I got older. Currently I have a 7 year old dog named Zuko. Previous to having Zuko, I had three dogs growing up. Harry passed when I was 4, Ernie passed when I was 15 and Bailey passed when I was 30. Bailey had diabetes so whenever I watched him I needed to inject him with insulin after meals. So I am comfortable and able to care for older dogs as well as puppies. Zuko and and I walk 4+ miles a day and we enjoy going on hikes and going to the park. My favorite activity to do in my free time is to play disc golf with Zuko. I love working, walking, and playing with dogs.

Qualifications

3 repeat pet parents
96% response rate
Usually responds in under an hour
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards
20 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration

Pets

Safety, trust & environment

I have a seven year old dog named Zuko. Each day we walk a minimum of four miles or go to the dog park that day. I like to keep Zuko as active as possible. Walking, hikes, the park, etc. are all things we try to do as much as possible. If you live in Somerville you have most likely seen me! When caring for other people's dogs I like to have them be active as well because happy dogs are active dogs! Whether that involves walking or going park, your dog will enjoy the same things!

Ratings and reviews

5.0
stars
23 ratings
Lyra B.
5.0 out of 5 stars
House Sitting • Jul 29, 2025

I am a very nervous pet parent. Mike was so chill and kind. Goose absolutely adored him! He was so responsive when we needed to check in and he adhered to everything we asked. It was such a relief having such a kind person take care of Goose while we were away! We will definitely be rebooking!!

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Emily G.
5.0 out of 5 stars
House Sitting • Jul 08, 2025

Mike was an incredible sitter for our dog! He was available for a last minute request over the holidays and went above and beyond to take care of our dog! Our dog has a bit of leash reactivity and doesn’t always take quickly to new people - when Mike came by for a meet and greet our dog instantly warmed up to him which gave us so much confidence in trusting Mike to take care of him. He was comfortable and experienced with leash reactivity and navigated walks flawlessly! Would highly recommend Mike! Thanks again.

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Dog Walking • Aug 17, 2024

Michael R. cancelled a booking within a day of the start date.

Amanda
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dog Walking • Aug 11, 2024

It was my first time ever hiring a dog walker so I was a little nervous but Michael made me feel 100% comfortable from the initial conversation exchange to the meet and greet. The walk went great; he kept me up-to-date with how and what they did and with pictures which I appreciated. My dog loves him and I’ll definitely use him again!

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Annamaria G.
5.0 out of 5 stars
House Sitting • Jul 06, 2024

I had the most incredible experience using Rover for the first time and securing Michael as my pet sitter within just 18 hours. From the initial phone call, I felt a great connection with Michael and knew he was the perfect person to care for my two dogs while I celebrated the Fourth of July on the Hudson River. Michael treated my fur babies as if they were his own, and I truly appreciated receiving photos throughout the evening, including a map of the walk he took with them. What impressed me the most was how receptive my dogs were to Michael, which immediately put my mind at ease. It was clear that he has a special way with animals and genuinely cares for their well-being. I cannot speak highly enough of my experience with Rover and Michael. I highly recommend reaching out to him for help with your furry loved ones. I will definitely be contacting him again the next time I am in need of pet care while in NJ. Thank you, Michael, for your exceptional care and attention to detail!

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Kristen V.
5.0 out of 5 stars
House Sitting • Jul 04, 2024

Mike is an absolute gem! I was so nervous leaving my 12 year pup after a recent medical issue. He spent time with her before we left for vacation and she loved him! He sent frequent updates, photos, and videos. He was also so respectful of our home! Mike will always be our number one choice and any family he dog/housesits for is in great hands!

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Calendar and availability

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
SMTWTFS

Schedule

I am a middle school teacher and I do coach numerous sports during the year. I am done by 430 pm if coaching (minus games). If I am not coaching I am done by 3pm.

Cats
0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs
Michael can host up to 3 drop-ins per day
Beforehand I would just like to know if your dog gets along with other dogs. Also, how do they act when walking on a leash. Can they be walked with other dogs or do they need to be walked alone. I enjoy bringing dogs when watching them to local parks to run and play, so if there is anything I would need to know like does your dog jump fences or not get along with new dogs would be good to know. Finally, how does the dog act when alone and how long can they be alone for.
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.