Nicole D.
Nicole D.
Contact for Boarding
from $45 per night
Highlights
Pet care experience
Patient Lakewood dog lover
I've been an animal person my entire life. I grew up helping pet-sit the neighborhood dogs, and my family loved a rescue German Shepherd/Rottweiler mix from the time I was 10 (she was 2) until she was 15 - she watched us grow up and even visited my college house. As an adult, my heart belonged to January, a border collie/American Staffordshire terrier mix I brought home in my late 20s after seeing her story on the news. She was an energetic, clever puppy who taught me patience, consistency, and the value of positive training. We had 13 wonderful years together before she passed in November 2025. Losing January left a hole in my routine and my heart, and i'm not quite ready to adopt again - but i've found real joy and healing in caring for other people's pets. I've recently house-sat and hosted dogs, cats, and birds for friends and family, from puppies and kittens to seniors on medications with special needs. That experience, plus a gentle nudge from the people who suggested Rover, is what brings me here. I've used the same trusted vet since I was a kid and know the ropes - comfortable administering medication, contacting the vet, or getting emergency care if needed. Your pet will be loved, watched closely, and cared for like one of my own.
Cat care experience
Nicole also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Qualifications
Ratings and reviews
We have used Nicole D as an In-Home Dog Sitter many times. She is great with Max. He gets very excited when Nicole comes. Max knows he will be receiving lots of attention, belly rubs and several walks daily. Nicole sends me pictures of their activities. Nicole is a trustworthy, kind, caring Dog Loving Human! Don’t hesitate hiring Nicole…She is the Best!
I would absolutely recommend Nicole to anyone looking for someone they can trust with their pets. She’s our neighbor and has spent a lot of time around our English Bulldog, Gus, who absolutely loves her. She’s always been so sweet, patient, and loving with him. She also had a dog, Jan, who she absolutely adored and cared for until sadly losing her this past October. Anyone who knows her knows how much her dog meant to her and how much love and care she gave her. Nicole always makes it a point to say hi to Gus when he is in our backyard, even if she has to wave to him through the fence cracks :) She truly loves animals and treats them like family. I know how hard it can be to trust someone else with your pet, but I would feel completely comfortable leaving Gus in her care. I know he would be loved, spoiled, and very well taken care of!
Nicole was amazing with both my dog and cat! My dog has anxiety and struggles when we are gone, he felt completely comfortable with Nicole and had a great time while we were away! My cat also loved her and gets very excited when she comes to visit:) We were very happy with the care she provided for both of our pets and would have her care for them again!
Nicole is exactly who you want caring for your pet while you’re away! She stayed overnight with my 10 year old Alaskan Malamute for a full week, sending daily photos and video updates plus clear notes on feeding, medication, and bathroom schedules — nothing was left to guess at. She paid close attention to my dog’s routine and quirks and kept it consistent all week, which matters a lot for an older dog, especially a breed like a Malamute. It completely eased my anxiety and gave me total peace of mind. If you’re looking for someone trustworthy, attentive, and genuinely kind-hearted to care for your pet, Nicole is who I’d recommend without hesitation!
Calendar and availability
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
27 | 28 | 29 | 30 |
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
27 | 28 | 29 | 30 |
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | ||||
4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 |
18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
Schedule
I work a hybrid schedule: two days at home (typically Monday and Friday) and three 8-hour days in an Avon Lake office (Tuesday-Thursday). My schedule is flexible and easy to swap these days. I can use my noon lunch break for midday walks, potty breaks, and playtime if you're within 5-10 miles of my location. I’m available in the evenings after work for walks, feeding & visits. I'm also happy to water plants, bring in mail, and handle other small house-sitting tasks.
Where your pet will stay
Home characteristics
Safety, trust & environment
I live in a cozy Lakewood duplex on the first floor with a front yard and porch my dog loved to lounge on (yard stake leash available for safe outdoor time). I already have bowls, beds, leashes, and other supplies, so your pup won't need to travel with a pile of gear. I can board up to two dogs at a time -any size, any friendly mix - but I don't board cats in my home (happy to care for them at yours).
A typical day
I’m always up for a long run, walk, or game of fetch to help tire the most energetic dogs out. I’m also great with hiding treats in Kongs and other toys for mental stimulation. Snuggling is always a favorite, especially for those pets that just need reassurance.