Michael S.
Vasa, BELLEVUE, WA
Services
Michael can host
Michael can care for
Availability
My wife and I both work from home - myself only part-time so we can seamlessly fit your pet's needs into our schedule. It's unlikely your pet would ever be left in our home without an adult at the home.
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About Michael S.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
As a chemical engineer by training—referred to as a “process engineer” in industry—I’m wired to think in terms of systems, safety, and consistency. That mindset carries directly into how we care for dogs on Rover. Safety is our top priority. We always require a meet-and-greet before confirming a booking. This initial step ensures the safety and compatibility of every dog in our care. When your dog stays with us: Feeding is done individually in closed rooms to prevent food-related tension. Only my wife and I handle feeding, and we’re experienced in managing resource guarding behaviors—both food and toy-related. Fresh water is always available. We rotate and sanitize stainless steel bowls three times a day to help prevent bacteria buildup. Supervision is constant. We’re either in the backyard with the dogs or watching from my wife’s office, which overlooks the yard. The yard can be easily divided to create separate spaces when needed. Inside the house, we can also compartmentalize spaces if a guest dog is not a fit with others—ensuring zero interaction if necessary. We know how to recognize stress or behavioral mismatches and address them proactively. We’re also mindful about our home environment and chemical exposure. Our yard is natural grass—patchy, thanks to the pups!—because I’m well-versed in the manufacturing of artificial turf, including the use of recycled tires, phthalates, and other compounds not intended for constant human or animal contact. It's just not something I want my children—or your dog—exposed to. We use only natural herbicides, mainly vinegar, in our outdoor spaces. Finally, we believe trust is built through communication. You can expect frequent, proactive updates, especially during the first 24 hours when your dog (and you!) may be adjusting most. We want you to feel confident and reassured every step of the way.
Home
Information Michael S. would like to know about your pet
Let me know if there are special requirements for your dog and we can go from there. Your dog will be treated as an equal to our own dog.
A typical day
Your dog’s day will be full of movement, play, and companionship. With your approval, we’ll head to our private, fully enclosed beach on Lake Sammamish—a favorite spot for fetch, splashing, or just trotting along the shore. It’s a safe, leash-free zone where your pup can enjoy nature at their pace. Back home, we have a large, securely fenced yard perfect for outdoor play with our Ridgeback, Charlie. She’s incredibly social and loves making new friends—big or small. There’s always space to run, sniff, explore, and play chase. Inside, your dog will enjoy cool comfort thanks to central air conditioning—something our own pup definitely appreciates on warm days. Whether your dog wants to lounge on a couch, curl up on a bed, or hang out in the kitchen while we work, they’ll be part of the rhythm of our home. Expect a balance of fun, freedom, rest, and affection—plus lots of belly rubs, healthy treats (if allowed), and photo updates so you can enjoy your pup’s day along with them.
Location
BELLEVUE, WA
Pets
Fenced Yard | Lake Access
Pet care experience
We’re a dog-loving family based in Bellevue’s Vasa neighborhood, just across the street from Vasa Park and West Lake Sammamish Blvd. Our location gives us something special to offer: a large, fully fenced backyard and access to a private, fully enclosed Lake Sammamish beach—a dog’s paradise. With your permission, we’d love to bring your pup there to run, play, and explore. Experienced, Caring Dog People Since meeting in college (FSU!) in 1996, my wife and I have raised five dogs together—ranging from Italian Greyhounds to wolf hybrids, and now our second Rhodesian Ridgeback, Charlie. We genuinely love all dog breeds and deeply understand canine behavior. We've seen it all—puppy energy, aging dog needs, resource guarding, and everything in between. We both work from home, so your dog will get plenty of attention, potty breaks, and human connection throughout the day. Our Ridgeback, Charlie, is social, intuitive, and great with dogs of all sizes. She was raised going to dog parks and has an amazing ability to read the room—whether your pup wants to play or just relax. Safe, Thoughtful Environment Fenced backyard cleaned daily of pet waste Indoor/outdoor flexibility—your dog is welcome on furniture or beds (as you prefer) Children experienced with dogs, ages 12 and 14, never left alone with your pet, but always ready with love and playtime Private, dog-friendly beach access, fully enclosed and available with your approval Veterinarian located just down the road Meet & greet always required before a first stay to ensure the best fit and a calm introduction Medical & Special Needs Comfort Our daughter has Type 1 diabetes, and we’re highly familiar with managing insulin therapy and monitoring for signs of distress—both in humans and in dogs. If your pup has special medical needs, we’re confident and capable caregivers. Clear Communication & Peace of Mind We know how important your dog is to you—they’re family. You’ll receive regular photo and video updates, especially during the first 24 hours when both you and your pup may be adjusting. We're committed to transparency, responsiveness, and total care. Before any stay, we’ll take the time to walk you through backyard, answer your questions, and talk through your dog’s preferences, personality, and needs. Your dog will be cared for as one of our own. That’s not just a promise—it’s our everyday practice. Live in the sunshine. Swim in the sea. Drink the wild air. 🌞🐾🌊 ******We offer exclusive daycare discounts for Microsoft and Amazon employees! This offer applies to recurring daycare bookings only and does not extend to overnight stays. Feel free to reach out for details—we’re happy to chat!
Reviews
Both my dogs absolutely love staying with Michael and Sam!! They take such good care of them and are always keeping us updated :)
Jack very much enjoyed his stay and I really appreciated all the updates during his trial visit.
Michael and family took great care of our two pups! We received daily updates and photos. Gibbs and Lucky Roo loved their time at Michael’s and will book again.
As always, our dog Gumball is happy and full of wags when he came home after staying with Michael and his family. We are so glad to have a place he can stay and be comfortable and loved while we are away!
About Michael S.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
As a chemical engineer by training—referred to as a “process engineer” in industry—I’m wired to think in terms of systems, safety, and consistency. That mindset carries directly into how we care for dogs on Rover. Safety is our top priority. We always require a meet-and-greet before confirming a booking. This initial step ensures the safety and compatibility of every dog in our care. When your dog stays with us: Feeding is done individually in closed rooms to prevent food-related tension. Only my wife and I handle feeding, and we’re experienced in managing resource guarding behaviors—both food and toy-related. Fresh water is always available. We rotate and sanitize stainless steel bowls three times a day to help prevent bacteria buildup. Supervision is constant. We’re either in the backyard with the dogs or watching from my wife’s office, which overlooks the yard. The yard can be easily divided to create separate spaces when needed. Inside the house, we can also compartmentalize spaces if a guest dog is not a fit with others—ensuring zero interaction if necessary. We know how to recognize stress or behavioral mismatches and address them proactively. We’re also mindful about our home environment and chemical exposure. Our yard is natural grass—patchy, thanks to the pups!—because I’m well-versed in the manufacturing of artificial turf, including the use of recycled tires, phthalates, and other compounds not intended for constant human or animal contact. It's just not something I want my children—or your dog—exposed to. We use only natural herbicides, mainly vinegar, in our outdoor spaces. Finally, we believe trust is built through communication. You can expect frequent, proactive updates, especially during the first 24 hours when your dog (and you!) may be adjusting most. We want you to feel confident and reassured every step of the way.
Home
Information Michael S. would like to know about your pet
Let me know if there are special requirements for your dog and we can go from there. Your dog will be treated as an equal to our own dog.
A typical day
Your dog’s day will be full of movement, play, and companionship. With your approval, we’ll head to our private, fully enclosed beach on Lake Sammamish—a favorite spot for fetch, splashing, or just trotting along the shore. It’s a safe, leash-free zone where your pup can enjoy nature at their pace. Back home, we have a large, securely fenced yard perfect for outdoor play with our Ridgeback, Charlie. She’s incredibly social and loves making new friends—big or small. There’s always space to run, sniff, explore, and play chase. Inside, your dog will enjoy cool comfort thanks to central air conditioning—something our own pup definitely appreciates on warm days. Whether your dog wants to lounge on a couch, curl up on a bed, or hang out in the kitchen while we work, they’ll be part of the rhythm of our home. Expect a balance of fun, freedom, rest, and affection—plus lots of belly rubs, healthy treats (if allowed), and photo updates so you can enjoy your pup’s day along with them.
Michael S.
Vasa, BELLEVUE, WA