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Nicole S.

5.0 out of 5 stars
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Nicole S.

5.0 out of 5 stars

Contact for House Sitting

from $27 per night

These prices are for 1 dog.

Prices may vary based on your selections. A booking fee of 11% will apply.

Highlights

Basic background check
20 years of experience
Can administer medication
Special needs experience
Senior dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Pet care experience

Where Experience Meets Compassion

Animals have pretty much always been a huge part of my life. I have well over 15 years of experience with dogs and cats, with much of that time spent in animal rescue, fostering and training. Over the years, I’ve helped with more dogs than I could possibly count and have personally fostered 60+ dogs of all ages, breeds, sizes and backgrounds. Rescue has given me experience with a little bit of everything—puppies, seniors, breeder-release dogs learning how to live in a home, high-energy dogs, and dogs who are shy, fearful, anxious or reactive. I'm very comfortable slowing things down and letting a dog tell me what they need rather than expecting every dog to interact or behave the same way. I also have hands-on dog training experience and have continued my education in canine behavior, including Family Dog Mediation and Michael Shikashio’s Aggression in Dogs course. I use positive, reward-based methods and have a strong interest in canine body language and understanding the why behind a dog's behavior. A lot of that interest started with one of my own dogs, who came to me at 7 months old severely undersocialized and afraid of much of the world around her. Working through her fear and reactivity taught me an incredible amount and ultimately led me much further into dog training and behavior. I'm also comfortable with senior pets, medical needs, administering medications and following detailed care instructions. One of my own dogs had grand mal seizures, so I have firsthand experience caring for a dog with a seizure disorder as well. At the end of the day, I want the animals in my care to be treated exactly how I'd want someone to treat mine—with patience, kindness and attention to their individual needs. Every dog is different, and getting to know the dog in front of me is one of my favorite parts of doing this. And yes, I'm still the person you'll find sitting on the floor with the dog at a crowded get-together. 😂

Cat care experience

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Cat owner of 20 years!

Nicole also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.

Qualifications

100% response rate
Usually responds in a few minutes
Sends updates with Rover Cards
20 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience

Pets

Ratings and reviews

5.0
stars
1 rating
Meg K.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Drop-In Visits • Sep 06, 2026

Finding dog care in Rochester Mn has been a challenge for us. We’ve had sitters who seemed to adore the dogs but didn’t communicate much or we always worry about finding someone capable of handling a large working dog breed Nicole is everything and more you could wish for from a dog care profession. PLUS she has professional trainer expertise AND adores German Shepherd dogs! GSD She kept us informed on her arrival & the dogs emotional state both days we booked her for “check in”. We were gone for 10hr days and needed to have someone to just “let the dogs out”. Nicole engaged with them, got them to play and even documented the number of pees & visits to a water bowl. Ontop of that we got photos of our dogs smiling I’m not certain about all pet owners but when i get a photo of my dog/s smiling while I’m away it just puts us at ease and we can enjoy where we are without anxiety. So if you want to be able to relax and enjoy your day knowing your dogs are happy, safe, & cared for by a pro - Nicole is your go-to!!

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Amanda S.
Jul 25, 2019

Nicole is loved by our bulldog. She has been caring for him since we rescued him in 2016. She has cared for him while we have been away and also stops over to walk him when we are unable to do so. All he has to hear is Nicole and he goes crazy. She is committed to making sure our 4 legged family members get the best care possible. She is very knowledgeable and a great resource when I need something animal related. Nicole is great about sending updates and pictures. She is always prompt with her responses. She is always on time. I never have to worry when Nicole is caring for our dog. Nicole is like extended family

Jenifer L.
Jul 17, 2019

Nicole has been phenomenal at caring for my dog. She is very kind and thoughtful and treats my baby as one of her own. She is reliable as well as being knowledgeable which is highly important to me.

David W.
Jul 17, 2019

I was Nicole's roommate for a little less than a year and I saw first hand the high quality of care she provided for not only her own animals but for those she temporarily fostered. My girlfriend and I have a giant schnauzer named Hansel and Nicole would often take care of him when we wanted to spend time up in Minneapolis with my family. Hansel absolutely loves Nicole and playing with her and other dogs. I am so lucky to know such a fantastic person to watch our furry baby so we can go out on a date every now and again. 100% reliable.

Jean J.
Jul 16, 2019

I would highly suggest Nicole for your pets. She was my pet sitter and walker for my Siberian Husky for more than 5 years. She treats your furry love ones like they are her own. She brushes, feeds, plays, extra long walks without me asking. My dog, Piff would hear car pull up and would get so excited She is dependable, honest and only thinks what is best for your pets. I give her 2 thumbs up!!!

Calendar and availability

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
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Cats
0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs
Nicole can host up to 1 pet per night
These prices are for 1 dog.

Prices may vary based on your selections. A booking fee of 11% will apply.

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.

These prices are for 1 dog.

Prices may vary based on your selections. A booking fee of 11% will apply.