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Michael W.

5.0 out of 5 stars
7 repeat clients
Profile image

Michael W.

5.0 out of 5 stars
7 repeat clients

Contact for Boarding

from $65 per night

Highlights

Basic background check
36 years of experience
Has a fenced yard
Home full time
Can administer medication
Senior dog experience

Pet care experience

Life is ruff, I wag you through it.

I’ve loved dogs since I was 9 years old, when I brought home my very first pup—a Golden Retriever who taught me the joy and responsibility of caring for animals. For the past 10 years, I’ve walked and cared for dogs all around Philadelphia before moving to New Orleans with my niece during her residency. Now, we’re settled in Connecticut where she’s a physician at Yale, and we couldn’t be happier sharing our lives with dogs. We live in a cozy home with a huge backyard just a block from the beach—a dream playground for pups! Both of us absolutely love dogs, and we’ll treat yours like part of our family. When you leave your dog with us, you’re not just finding a sitter—you’re giving them a second home filled with love, care, and plenty of tail wags.

Qualifications

7 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds in a few minutes
80% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards
36 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Senior dog experience

Ratings and reviews

5.0
stars
38 ratings
Madhoo R.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • juil. 19, 2026

Mochi said she had a great time!

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Nicole D.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Doggy Day Care • juin 20, 2026

My dog Fox loved his time with Michael! Michael is communicative, attentive, and so accommodating. As nerve wracking as it is to leave your pet with someone new, Michael’s dedication and attention to his own dogs eased any nerves I had. My dog got to live his best life from morning to sundown, whether it be running with Michael’s dogs endlessly in the yard or going to the beach. He essentially had the best day at ‘summer camp’. If you need someone to care for your pet, don’t think twice and book with Mark!! So glad to have found our go to friends for Fox.

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Ellen D.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • juin 09, 2026

Michael took great care of Penny. She had plenty of walks and was able to play freely in the fenced back yard. Michael sent us pictures and updates frequently. Will definitely book with Michael again.

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Wanzhen J.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Doggy Day Care • oct. 05, 2025

Michael was super nice! He takes good care of my pug Donut. Highly recommended!

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Emily H.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • juin 28, 2023

Mike is the best. Rodney loves him - he gets so excited whenever we see Mike around the neighborhood. I highly recommend him as a dog sitter/ walker!

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Michael J.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • juil. 15, 2022

Mike is the best! Bishop loves him and enjoys playing with the baby bully that Mike fosters. Mike is communicative and friendly. We highly recommend his services.

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Calendar and availability

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
SMTWTFS

Schedule

As a retired horticulturist, I now dedicate my days to caring for dogs. I love spending time with animals and make them a central part of my daily routine—whether walking, playing, or simply giving them a safe and loving home while their families are away

Where your pet will stay

Home characteristics

Lives in a house
Has a fenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has 2 dogs
No children present
Dogs allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 0-2 hours

Safety, trust & environment

In my home, dogs are cared for just like my own. They’re welcome on the furniture, can hang out with me throughout the day, and I give them plenty of space to feel comfortable and at home. I have a fully fenced yard (see photos) where they can go in and out freely, and I also use 50-ft leashes to take dogs to the nearby beach, where there are no people or other animals, so they can safely explore and roam. For water-loving dogs, I provide life vests and often get right in the water with them to make sure they’re safe while having fun. While I’m flexible with crating if that’s part of their routine, I prefer dogs to have free roam during the day and sleep in bed at night, so they feel secure and loved.

Pets

A typical day

I love keeping dogs active and happy! At home, we play in my fully fenced yard, relax together, and enjoy plenty of cuddle time. I also take dogs on long walks and to the nearby beach using 50-ft leashes so they can safely explore, run, and even splash in the water with life vests if they enjoy swimming. Whether it’s playtime, adventure, or simply hanging out, I make sure every dog feels loved, engaged, and part of the family

0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs
Spayed and neutered dogs only
No females in heat
Michael can host up to 2 pets per night
It’s important for me to know your dog’s daily routine, feeding schedule, and any medications they may need. I also like to know their comfort level with other dogs, people, and new environments, as well as any quirks, fears, or behaviors to watch for. Finally, please share whether they are crate-trained, have separation anxiety, or have special needs—anything that helps me make their stay as safe, comfortable, and stress-free as possible
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.