Michelle S.
Michelle S.
Contact for Boarding
from $85 per night
Highlights
Pet care experience
Rescue-Experienced Dog Care
I’m an experienced dog sitter and active foster with a deep understanding of dogs who benefit from patience, consistency, and thoughtful, attentive care. Through fostering, I’ve worked with a wide range of personalities, including dogs adjusting to new environments, managing anxiety, or coming from uncertain backgrounds. I offer overnight boarding in my home, drop-in visits, and walks. My approach is calm, structured, and intentionally low-volume, allowing me to provide a higher level of individualized attention and a predictable, low-stress routine for each dog in my care. When dogs stay in my home, I’m intentional about introductions, supervision, and maintaining a peaceful environment. I limit the number of dogs I care for at one time and thoughtfully consider temperament and compatibility to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. I’m experienced with administering medications, supporting crate routines, reinforcing training cues, and following detailed care instructions. I pay close attention to behavior, body language, and subtle changes, and I communicate proactively with updates so you can feel confident and at ease while you’re away. Whether your dog is social and energetic or more sensitive and routine-oriented, my goal is to provide reliable, attentive care in a calm environment where they can feel safe, settled, and genuinely well cared for. Additional Note on Care Options: For dogs who are comfortable around other well-matched dogs, I offer a social boarding environment with thoughtful introductions and supervision. I also offer private, solo care for dogs who require or prefer being the only dog in my home. As this option reserves my full availability and limits additional bookings, a premium rate may apply. If your dog has specific preferences or sensitivities, I’m always happy to discuss the best fit to ensure an exceptional experience. Extended In-Home Care: For in-home visits or daycare sessions exceeding 8 hours, an additional fee may apply to reflect the extended attention and reserved time. This ensures every dog receives consistent, high-quality care throughout the day.
Qualifications
Ratings and reviews
Michelle was fantastic! We booked her last minute for Memorial Day without any stress, and she was very responsive. We had a great experience!
I can’t say enough good things about Michelle. My dog is super anxious, so I was really worried about leaving her in someone else’s care—but the minute Michelle opened the door, Mabel ran right in. It was an instant bond. Both Mabel and I could immediately feel Michelle’s warmth and kindness. I felt completely at ease knowing she’s an experienced dog sitter and that Mabel was in such good hands. When I picked Mabel up, she was calm and happy. Now, whenever we go back, Mabel runs straight through the door, so excited to see her—which says everything.
5 plus stars! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ We don’t just trust and leave our dogs with anyone. Michelle was knowledgeable, prompt and made our day away relaxing knowing we didn’t have to worry about them. She did everything as instructed and the dogs loved her. She’s a natural with dogs and it shows. Will use her again next time we go out of town. Safe and secure dog sitting and very trustworthy and reliable.
In the decade I’ve called Michelle a friend, I’ve come to know that one of the most special things about her is her love for animals! She has fostered countless dogs, selflessly providing them a loving home while advocating for their adoption. She has also had multiple dogs of her own and treats them like they are her children. Michelle is responsible, dedicated, dependable and truly caring. She is the best!
Michelle truly has a heart for all animas and especially dogs. She’s responsible, kind, and pays attention to the little things that matter. You can tell she genuinely enjoys being around dogs, and they respond to her so naturally. I would trust her completely with any pet in my home!
Michelle's deep compassion for animals shines through in her dedication to ensuring they feel safe, comfortable, and cherished. She has always been patient and loving to my pets, giving them space when they needed it, and love and attention when they wanted it. Plus her volunteer hours at the local animal shelter demonstrate her heartfelt empathy, and she has truly transformed the lives of numerous dogs in need.
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
I currently run my own business and have a flexible schedule that allows me to work from home or out of the house as needed. Because of this, I’m able to prioritize pet care throughout the day and provide reliable walks, drop-ins, and attentive supervision.
Where your pet will stay
Home characteristics
Safety, trust & environment
I have a fenced in yard at my home, am able to walk dogs as needed and take care of dogs for drop in visits at any south Tampa home.
A typical day
Daily activities include going for a walk, playtime in the backyard, enrichment play time inside with toys, enrichment dog puzzle games, and dog centered tv or light jazz music while I work and they nap or look out the window!