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Michael R.

SOMERVILLE, NJ

5.0 out of 5 stars
25 reviews
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Services

Michael can care for

Cats
0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs

Availability

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.

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
House Sitting Cancellation Policy:

About Michael R.

Communication

3 repeat pet parents
96% response rate
Usually responds in under an hour
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

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

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!

Information Michael R. would like to know about your pet

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.

A typical day

Zuko accompanies me when I play disc golf since he is off leash trained. Playing disc golf with Zuko is my favorite activity to do. Zuko loves meeting new dogs and we can frequently be seen in Somerville at the various parks playing and having a great time. Sometimes we enjoy going on hikes or going to the dog park. I would with your pet walk them, take them to the park, etc. With your dog they will enjoy walks, the park, etc.

Location

SOMERVILLE, NJ

Michael R.'s Neighborhood

Pets

Responsible, Fun, Active Dog Walker

Pet care experience

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.

Reviews

Lyra B.
House Sitting • Jul 29, 2025
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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!!

Emily G.
House Sitting • Jul 08, 2025
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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.

Dog Walking • Aug 17, 2024

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

Amanda
Dog Walking • Aug 11, 2024
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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!

About Michael R.

Communication

3 repeat pet parents
96% response rate
Usually responds in under an hour
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

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

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!

Information Michael R. would like to know about your pet

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.

A typical day

Zuko accompanies me when I play disc golf since he is off leash trained. Playing disc golf with Zuko is my favorite activity to do. Zuko loves meeting new dogs and we can frequently be seen in Somerville at the various parks playing and having a great time. Sometimes we enjoy going on hikes or going to the dog park. I would with your pet walk them, take them to the park, etc. With your dog they will enjoy walks, the park, etc.

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.
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Michael R.

SOMERVILLE, NJ

5.0 out of 5 stars
25 reviews