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Monica D.

Star Sitter

Merle Hay, Des Moines, IA

5.0 out of 5 stars
362 reviews
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Services

Monica can care for

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

Availability

My schedule throughout the summer will be wide open starting in June and going until late August. Throughout the school year I will be sure to update during breaks where I am, again, fully open. On a typical school week, I will be available on weekends and here and there as needed for nightly drop-ins on weekdays. If you have any questions at all please feel free to reach out and I'd be happy to chat with you!

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Drop-In Visits Cancellation Policy:

About Monica D.

Communication

73 repeat pet parents
96% response rate
Usually responds in a few minutes
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

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

Safety, trust & environment

I have a fully fenced in yard and a love for gardening so my dogs, and even my cats on occasion, love playing and relaxing in the back yard with me. When not outside, we are all smooshed together lounging on the couch with unlimited pets and a good book. I would love to be able to drop in and make your dog/cat feel just as loved and cared for when you are away or working. I'm an annoyingly tidy person so please trust that your home will look just as neat and clean as when you left and any puppy accidents taken care of. You and your pet will have peace of mind and your pet unlimited cuddles with every drop-in.

Information Monica D. would like to know about your pet

I believe it's important to pass along any info that gives you peace of mind as a pet parent! This could be any silly quirks, small triggers that could set off your pup (such as touching or grabbing the neck collar), the specific walking path your dog prefers to take home, or commands that you've been working on. Anything that helps me offer the best experience possible for your pet :)

A typical day

There are a couple of spots close to me that I love exploring with my pups, one of them being Glendale Cemetary! I know it sounds grim, but there are lovely trails, ponds, ancient trees, and 176 acres of smells to explore, truly a hidden gem! Walnut Woods is another amazing spot with trails, parks, and even a Bird Blind where you can watch for all of the different species of birds to pop in! If I'm heading your way for a walk, feel free to pass along any fun places your pup and I can explore!

Location

Des Moines, IA

Monica D.'s Neighborhood

Pets

Monica D. has Star Sitter status

The Star Sitter program highlights responsive sitters who deliver highly rated care and have a history of listing accurate availability and preferences, making it easier for pet parents to find the best care for their pets.

Art Teacher who LOVES gentle giants

Pet care experience

Hello, my name is Monica and I currently work as an art teacher. With many breaks throughout the school year and summers wide open I'm looking to fill my free time with another passion of mine, loving on strangers' pets! I've cared for pets of my own since I was in my teens and currently have two giant dogs, Holmes and Watson, and two cats. I have 12 years experience with Great Pyrenees, and since they are about as stubborn as it gets, I have full confidence that I can win over your pets as well, ha! Being a pet owner, I've worked through stressful adoption transitions, raising and training puppies, food allergies, giving medications to reluctant dogs, and helping giant arthritic seniors down the back steps. You can trust that I will always be careful, loving, fun, and responsible when it comes to your pet in your space.

Reviews

Katie K.
Drop-In Visits • Jun 15, 2026
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We got so many photos and great updates the whole time Monica was watching our two dogs!

randy w.
Drop-In Visits • May 25, 2026
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thank you for taking care of the pups. they were well takencare of.

Hannah M.
Drop-In Visits • May 17, 2026
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Monica was great and gave us such peace of mind while we were away from our pup!

Becki I.
Drop-In Visits • Mar 24, 2026
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Monica is great at communicating about our dogs while we are away. Our dogs love her!

About Monica D.

Communication

73 repeat pet parents
96% response rate
Usually responds in a few minutes
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

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

Safety, trust & environment

I have a fully fenced in yard and a love for gardening so my dogs, and even my cats on occasion, love playing and relaxing in the back yard with me. When not outside, we are all smooshed together lounging on the couch with unlimited pets and a good book. I would love to be able to drop in and make your dog/cat feel just as loved and cared for when you are away or working. I'm an annoyingly tidy person so please trust that your home will look just as neat and clean as when you left and any puppy accidents taken care of. You and your pet will have peace of mind and your pet unlimited cuddles with every drop-in.

Information Monica D. would like to know about your pet

I believe it's important to pass along any info that gives you peace of mind as a pet parent! This could be any silly quirks, small triggers that could set off your pup (such as touching or grabbing the neck collar), the specific walking path your dog prefers to take home, or commands that you've been working on. Anything that helps me offer the best experience possible for your pet :)

A typical day

There are a couple of spots close to me that I love exploring with my pups, one of them being Glendale Cemetary! I know it sounds grim, but there are lovely trails, ponds, ancient trees, and 176 acres of smells to explore, truly a hidden gem! Walnut Woods is another amazing spot with trails, parks, and even a Bird Blind where you can watch for all of the different species of birds to pop in! If I'm heading your way for a walk, feel free to pass along any fun places your pup and I can explore!

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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Monica D.

Star Sitter

Merle Hay, Des Moines, IA

5.0 out of 5 stars
362 reviews