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Mikaela R.

Columbia, MD

5.0 out of 5 stars
149 reviews
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Services

Mikaela can care for

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

Availability

Pet care is my favorite part of life, taking care of their needs is a planned and prioritized part of my schedule. I never overbook and always try to make sure to have at least an hour in between clients in case a stay goes long so that I’ll still have travel time. I will notify you of any health or behavior issues I notice your dog has and offer advice and resources to help. I will also do any kind of care I feel your pet needs, that I am qualified to do, such as ear cleaning, brushing, minor dematting, medicated baths, topical cleaning and application (for hotspots or sore) or external anal gland expression. Baths and nail trimmings will be charged with a $10 grooming fee for cats and dogs. If you’d like me to do hair trims as well, please notify me well in advance so I can learn and take a class to gain the proper skills needed to do so. Your pets health will always come first.

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
House Sitting Cancellation Policy:

About Mikaela R.

Communication

19 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds in a few minutes
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Dog skills

18 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration
First aid/CPR
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience

Safety, trust & environment

I follow all rules provided by clients, make sure that every dog is leashed properly. I always double check any time I lock a door. If I find something out that could be a hazard to the dog, I would pick it up and put it out of reach. I keep personal vet numbers and the PetER number saved in my phone. I clean up any messes the pets have made and always refresh water bowls. I treat your home with more respect than I treat my own. I am very cautious about any health concerns and always let client know if I find any new lumps, bumps, booboos, or growths. I also am qualified to administer medications to pets. I can also do insulin shots and IV fluids, since I have in the past, if given a refresher. If you have cats, please do a quick vacuuming before you leave. I am allergic, but not to the point I cannot care for them properly. Having a generally clean home just makes the care much easier. I will also clean up after any brushing, nail trims or messes the pet makes themselves.

Information Mikaela R. would like to know about your pet

Any health concerns, medications the dogs takes, any allergies food or environmental. It’s important to know anything they are afraid of and they’re habits around chasing cars/squirrels/animals. Whether they have any aggressive tendencies, if they’re likely to get into anything or be destructive, if they have a high prey drive, if they get along with other dogs, strangers, or children, if they have a bite history (so I know what to avoid), the number of their vet, any previous injuries or illnesses, what type of things they enjoy, their favorite snack, if they’re on a special diet, and there favorite place to be pet.

A typical day

I play games with the pups, any toy they’re interested in. I prioritize places and games recommended by the client. I make sure to let each pup have plenty of time to stop and sniff the roses/tree trunks. I like to take them on paths and always avoid tall grass to prevent tics. Oftentimes I let the dog choose the direction.

Location

Columbia, MD

Mikaela R.'s Neighborhood

Pets

15+ Years Professional Experience

Pet care experience

I am non-binary and use they/them pronouns. Please be respectful. I have over 10 years professional experience working with dogs at vet offices, shelters, boarding facilities, and in home pet sitting and walking. I will treat your pets with the utmost care and respect. I work with dogs and cats of all ages, breeds, sizes, and health concerns. I'm available from 9AM-8PM on weekdays (except for Tuesdays from 3-4 and Thursdays 12:30-3 and 10AM-9PM on weekends. For sitting, I am available as early as 7AM and late as 10PM. I have 2 dogs, Lyka, who is spayed and gets along well with other dogs and Igor Samuel Vimes who is neutered, has 3 legs, and is selective with other dogs. I am experienced working with any dogs that have special needs. I am a strong advocate for spay and neuter and adoptdontshop. I grew up with large dogs and currently have two medium sized dogs. I love All dog breeds, especially bully breeds. I am familiar with dog body language and general illnesses. I hope I can help you feel comfortable while your pet is in my care. House Sitting: I am not available for overnights, but can do very late night visits. I require a meet n’greet at your home before accepting any new clients, just so we know it’s a good fit. Obviously LGBTQIA+ friendly 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈 Vaccinated.

Reviews

Franziska C.
Drop-In Visits • Jul 04, 2026
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Mikaela has been caring for our cat while we are on vacation for the last 3 years & our experience has been nothing but great! Leaving your pet at home while on vacation can be an heartbreak, but it is absolutely reassuring if you have someone like Mikaela, who is so reliable and caring! We find our cat happy and cared for when we get home and there is no better feeling!

Christopher B.
Drop-In Visits • May 04, 2026
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As always, Mikaela is such a great sitter for Ares. Mikaela is very good about taking lots of pictures of Ares to show me how happy he is and that he is being well taken care of. Mikaela has sat for Ares for a number of years now and I’m so glad to have a consistent person I can rely on and is familiar to Ares anytime I go out of town and he needs taken care of. Thank you so much Mikaela!

Kevin K.
Drop-In Visits • Oct 05, 2025
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Wonderful, as always. Thanks for dealing with the unusual circumstances this time!

Drop-In Visits • Sep 09, 2024

Mikaela R. cancelled a booking after the stay began.

About Mikaela R.

Communication

19 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds in a few minutes
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Dog skills

18 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration
First aid/CPR
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience

Safety, trust & environment

I follow all rules provided by clients, make sure that every dog is leashed properly. I always double check any time I lock a door. If I find something out that could be a hazard to the dog, I would pick it up and put it out of reach. I keep personal vet numbers and the PetER number saved in my phone. I clean up any messes the pets have made and always refresh water bowls. I treat your home with more respect than I treat my own. I am very cautious about any health concerns and always let client know if I find any new lumps, bumps, booboos, or growths. I also am qualified to administer medications to pets. I can also do insulin shots and IV fluids, since I have in the past, if given a refresher. If you have cats, please do a quick vacuuming before you leave. I am allergic, but not to the point I cannot care for them properly. Having a generally clean home just makes the care much easier. I will also clean up after any brushing, nail trims or messes the pet makes themselves.

Information Mikaela R. would like to know about your pet

Any health concerns, medications the dogs takes, any allergies food or environmental. It’s important to know anything they are afraid of and they’re habits around chasing cars/squirrels/animals. Whether they have any aggressive tendencies, if they’re likely to get into anything or be destructive, if they have a high prey drive, if they get along with other dogs, strangers, or children, if they have a bite history (so I know what to avoid), the number of their vet, any previous injuries or illnesses, what type of things they enjoy, their favorite snack, if they’re on a special diet, and there favorite place to be pet.

A typical day

I play games with the pups, any toy they’re interested in. I prioritize places and games recommended by the client. I make sure to let each pup have plenty of time to stop and sniff the roses/tree trunks. I like to take them on paths and always avoid tall grass to prevent tics. Oftentimes I let the dog choose the direction.

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.
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Mikaela R.

Columbia, MD

5.0 out of 5 stars
149 reviews