Profile image
Profile image

Michelle J.

Clarendon-Courthouse, VA

5.0 out of 5 stars
•6 reviews
Image 0
Image 1
Image 2
Image 3
Image 4

Former-Service Dog Foster

Pet care experience

I have always loved animals and I would love to help take care of yours! I grew up with black labs, cats, and a rabbit. I started training dogs when I was 12 years old, attending classes, and working with my grandma's German Sheppard puppy. Since then I have worked with a range of dogs of all shapes and sizes, my favorites of which were 4 service dogs-in-training who I fostered for a non-profit organization while in college. The organization's professional trainers gave me lots of tips and tricks to use with our pups. Each of my foster dogs went to class, the grocery store, dog parks, and service dog awareness sessions with me, and I helped them learn to behave in public. Eventually, my pups all grew up and went to work for their people. Now, I look forward to meeting your dogs and helping you with your boarding, puppy-sitting, walking, and in-home needs! And if you need a little help training or reinforcing, or if your dog just needs a new audience to applaud all its tricks, I am happy to do so. If you are visiting the area on vacation, my house is 20 minutes from cedar point and 10 minutes from Kalahari Resorts.

Reviews

Milad Z.
Doggy Day Care • Jun 13, 2021
Profile image
Profile image

Michelle was really communicative with us. she was also super nice to the dogs. The place is also perfect for having dogs. she has a cute fenced back yard that dogs can run around.

Jamie M.
Doggy Day Care • Jun 11, 2021
Profile image

Michelle watched Nessie for us twice and Nessie loved her! We’d definitely contact her again if we are in the area. :)

Matthew K.
Dog Boarding • Jun 01, 2021
Profile image
Profile image

Michelle was great with our dogs! I will definitely use her again if we have to. Thank you so much!!!

Rob H.
Dog Boarding • Aug 15, 2016
Profile image

Our dog was happy and very well taken care of... Michelle spoiled her with letting her sleep on the couch and bed. Would definitely hire Michelle again!

About Michelle J.

Communication

1 repeat pet parents
90% response rate
Usually responds in within a few hours
100% bookings with photo updates

Skills

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

Safety, trust & environment

I have a large fenced-in backyard where we can play ball, run around, or just lay in the grass. Our yard also has an above-ground pool, but the deck is kept locked at all times to prevent any accidents. We also live on a quiet street. If the dog(s) are outside, I stay outside with them and if I have to go inside, the dogs come inside with me. We do have cats that are friendly but intimidated by dogs, so when we have dog guests, our cats stay upstairs in their bedrooms. Having been around dogs my whole life, I am comfortable adhering to any feeding and medication schedule your dog might have, and I can also adjust to any behavioral or training needs as desired. I have worked with dogs of all sizes and energy levels, and I am great with dogs that might be a little shy in new environments. I do not own a dog crate, but if I am sitting at your house or if you bring your own crate, I will crate your dog at specified times if you request. Finally, I love taking pictures of happy dogs, so I'll send you lots of pictures throughout the day!

Information Michelle J. would like to know about your pet

I love all dog breeds, and have no breed restrictions! Before sitting your dog, I would like to know... 1. Are they housebroken? 2. What, if anything, makes them angry, scared, or uncomfortable? 3. What are their favorite things to do, toys to play with, and games to play? 4. Is there any tricks or commands that they enjoy showing off or that you would like me to continue working on during my time with your pet? 5. Are they aggressive towards cats?

A typical day

While staying with me, the dogs will have access to my large fenced-in backyard, complete with shade trees, a sunny patio, and an endless supply of freshwater. We will play fetch, tug-of-war, or just lounge around in the grass for some ear scratches. I can also walk the dogs on-leash around my yard, down my street, and/or through a quiet nearby neighborhood (5 minute drive away). If it's raining or if we're spending time inside, the dogs are welcome to explore the entire first floor of my house and we'll spend lots of time cuddling and playing inside.

Services

Dog Walking
in your neighborhood
AWAY

Michelle can watch in your home

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

Availability

I am working full time from home all summer, so I can watch dogs from my home during the week at any time. I have the flexibility to take breaks outside with the dogs so they can enjoy the fresh air in my fenced-in backyard, and they are welcome to hang out with me inside while I do work. On the weekends, I'm much more available and will be happy to hang out with your dog all day from my home or make house visits and dog walking trips that fit your schedule.

About Michelle J.

Communication

1 repeat pet parents
90% response rate
Usually responds in within a few hours
100% bookings with photo updates

Skills

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

Safety, trust & environment

I have a large fenced-in backyard where we can play ball, run around, or just lay in the grass. Our yard also has an above-ground pool, but the deck is kept locked at all times to prevent any accidents. We also live on a quiet street. If the dog(s) are outside, I stay outside with them and if I have to go inside, the dogs come inside with me. We do have cats that are friendly but intimidated by dogs, so when we have dog guests, our cats stay upstairs in their bedrooms. Having been around dogs my whole life, I am comfortable adhering to any feeding and medication schedule your dog might have, and I can also adjust to any behavioral or training needs as desired. I have worked with dogs of all sizes and energy levels, and I am great with dogs that might be a little shy in new environments. I do not own a dog crate, but if I am sitting at your house or if you bring your own crate, I will crate your dog at specified times if you request. Finally, I love taking pictures of happy dogs, so I'll send you lots of pictures throughout the day!

Information Michelle J. would like to know about your pet

I love all dog breeds, and have no breed restrictions! Before sitting your dog, I would like to know... 1. Are they housebroken? 2. What, if anything, makes them angry, scared, or uncomfortable? 3. What are their favorite things to do, toys to play with, and games to play? 4. Is there any tricks or commands that they enjoy showing off or that you would like me to continue working on during my time with your pet? 5. Are they aggressive towards cats?

A typical day

While staying with me, the dogs will have access to my large fenced-in backyard, complete with shade trees, a sunny patio, and an endless supply of freshwater. We will play fetch, tug-of-war, or just lounge around in the grass for some ear scratches. I can also walk the dogs on-leash around my yard, down my street, and/or through a quiet nearby neighborhood (5 minute drive away). If it's raining or if we're spending time inside, the dogs are welcome to explore the entire first floor of my house and we'll spend lots of time cuddling and playing inside.

Location

Arlington, VA

Michelle J.'s Neighborhood

Pets

Rover Logo
All stays booked on Rover receive our Rover guarantee, 24/7 support, and our reservation protection.
Profile image
Verified Background Check
Profile image
Verified Background Check

Michelle J.

Clarendon-Courthouse, VA

5.0 out of 5 stars
•6 reviews