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Michael W.

5.0 out of 5 stars
Profile image

Michael W.

5.0 out of 5 stars
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Hiawatha, Minneapolis, MN

Prices may vary based on your selections. A booking fee of 11% will apply.

Highlights

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

Pet care experience

WFH, fenced yard, easy going home

I grew up with golden retrievers (and their puppies!) in rural Wisconsin, lived with city dogs as a young adult, and have looked after dogs for friends and family at my home in south Minneapolis for years. I used to work in recreation at Minneapolis parks so am very safety conscious and intimately familiar with rules and norms about dogs in our shared public spaces. My best dog friends have been shepherds, goldens, and labs, (and mixes of that general size) but I am open to all breeds and situations.

Qualifications

100% response rate
Usually responds within a few hours
20 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Senior dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Ratings and reviews

5.0
stars
1 rating
Gabriel S.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • Sep 23, 2026

Michael was awesome. The dogs loved him and his house and fenced yard was a great environment. He was responsive and sent frequent updates. We will definitely be booking with him again.

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Luke G.
Sep 13, 2026

Michael is an incredibly trustworthy, loving, and thoughtful dog sitter who truly has the biggest heart for animals! He’s watched my 17-year-old dog, Rio, who is very nervous and shy around new people. Michael was so patient with him and made sure he always felt safe and comfortable. He gave Rio the walks he wanted, spoiled him with bones to chew on, and treated him with so much care. Michael has also watched our much more rambunctious 5-year-old Border Collie, who is absolutely obsessed with his ball. Michael happily played tug-of-war, threw the ball until his heart was content, took him on walks, and even allowed him to dive-bomb him in bed every morning for his much-needed morning attention!  I trust Michael completely with both my higher-needs senior dog and my absolutely crazy young one—which says a lot! He gives each dog exactly what they need and makes them feel like they’re on their own little vacation. If you’re looking for someone who will love your furry family member like their own, Michael is your guy! 🐾

Molly B.
Sep 08, 2026

Michael is a caring and trustworthy dog sitter. I’ve used his services and always feel completely comfortable knowing my dog is in his care. My Boxer is high-energy and can be intimidating, but Mike is patient, confident, and genuinely wonderful with her. She loves him! I highly recommend him!

Steven C.
Sep 03, 2026

Michael has been working with my two dogs for nearly a decade, taking them for walks/exercise and taking care of them for extended multi-day stays. He is my #1 go-to option whenever I need someone to take care of my dogs. My dogs are highly energetic blue heeler mixes, and Michael has no problem managing their behaviors and quirks. Michael is attentive and disciplined with my dogs. He knows what toys/treats they like and is able to use those incentives to maintain desirable behaviors and make them happy/comfortable. They are often better listeners when they return from Michael's care. He's a great communicator and I'm never left wondering how the pups are doing when they're with him. I can't recommend Michael highly enough.

Lexy M.
Sep 01, 2026

I highly recommend Michael as a pet caregiver! He is incredibly responsible, loving, attentive, and trustworthy. He genuinely cares about animals, especially the ones in his care and goes above and beyond to make sure they feel safe, happy, and loved. Michael will play with and nurture your animal as if it’s his own. He is very trustworthy and I cannot recommend him enough! 10/10!

Calendar and availability

Available
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Schedule

I have a hybrid 8-4:30 work schedule (wfh T,W,F) at University of MN. I am available for weekday hangs, weekend sleepovers, or longer stays as needed. I’m a homebody who likes breakfast, reading, and putzing around. I live alone, but my girlfriend comes over sometimes. I have an easy and flexible routine for hosting pets.

Where your pet will stay

Home characteristics

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

Safety, trust & environment

I have a fenced in yard and a little garden at home near the river. Things are very chill here, and I have a crate, treats, tennis balls, a peanut butter kong, and others toys. I have a pretty great routine with the dogs who already stay with me, but I am very receptive to the routines, words, and lifestyles you have established so that your dog will be comfortable living and communicating with me. For example, if cuddling on the bed is the vibe, great! But if they’re not allowed on beds then we won’t be forming any bad habits here! The main thing is communication and being on the same page so your dog is happy and healthy long term.

A typical day

Like many dogs, I agree that breakfast is an incredible part of the day. There are plenty of parks and trails near my house for morning walks or longer hikes. I work in a home office and can take potty/walk breaks as needed throughout the day. My quiet backyard is great for reading and observing the birds, bunnies, and other critters in the evening. There are friendly dogs and cats in the neighborhood who would love to meet a new friend, but also respect our space if we want to keep to ourselves.

16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs
No females in heat
Takes only 1 client at a time
Michael can host up to 2 pets per night
Let me know if your dog wants to socialize with other dogs or people, and how much they like to exercise. If there is a set time for eating, and if there are any norms for food/water I should know about. Routines about going in/outside. If couch and bed should be off limits. If they have any fun nicknames or words that they like (or words or movements they don’t like that I should avoid).
These prices are for 1 dog.

Prices may vary based on your selections. A booking fee of 11% will apply.

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.

Prices may vary based on your selections. A booking fee of 11% will apply.