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Paul J.

Durham, NC

5.0 out of 5 stars
1,043 reviews
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Services

Paul can care for

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

Availability

Dog walks and cat care occupy a substantial portion of my weekly schedule (I have also tended to chickens, Koi, Bearded Dragon and a ferret, though these are not covered by the Rover Guarantee).

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Drop-In Visits Cancellation Policy:

About Paul J.

Communication

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

Dog skills

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

Safety, trust & environment

I do not offer in-home boarding at my home at this time, though there are a number of other Rover providers who extend this service.

Information Paul J. would like to know about your pet

I find it useful to know what type of activity your cat or dog is accustomed to and able to enjoy. For dogs, I also like to know how they respond to loud noises (sirens, yard machines, thunder, fireworks), their comfort level in a heavy rain, their response when seeing on walks other dogs, other people, and whether they have ever had an 'adverse experience' with another animal or person.

A typical day

I tailor each visit to the abilities and needs of the dog or cat and the wishes of the owner, to the extent that I can accommodate them as discussed in an in-home or telephone 'meet and greet' conversation prior to the requested service.

Location

Durham, NC

Paul J.'s Neighborhood

Connection is key, for owner & pet

Pet care experience

Wet weather, cold weather, no problem. Call me.... I've had dogs across my life, including 27 years as an adult, and with my wife since 2003 have been owner and caretaker of one dog (Layla, adopted at age 2 in 2007 and who lovingly left us at age 15 in 2020), and five cats (two currently, Sherpa and Askari) . I appreciate the soul and spirit of animals and recognize the bond they have with their owners, as well as the curiosity and caution they have when meeting someone new. I’ve given medications to both cat and dog (including insulin and B-12 injections to cats), regularly trim our cats’ nails, and trained our dog to fetch the morning newspaper, find a ‘hidden’ leash in another room, and perform a few other commands. Though I do not offer training or nail-care services, having done so with ours indicates some measure of commitment, care and connection. I am physically healthy, ran an annual marathon a total of 17 times between 1990 and 2009, and 15 half marathons through 2023, once annually (though I’m not a speedster), and September of 2025 completed my 45th (almost) successive annual Outdoorsman Triathlon (one mile swim, four mile run, eight mile canoe) in western North Carolina. I can take care of your pet’s needs, cat or dog, for exercise, attention and play, food and hydration, and medication administration if needed, with an out of home walk, an in-home visit, or a combination of the two. I’ve been entrusted with keys and entry-permission to offices and home alike, and have both honored and fulfilled such trust. Contact me!

Reviews

Mo Z.
Drop-In Visits • May 19, 2026
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Great experience with Paul. He was communicative, reliable, and clearly took wonderful care of my cats. Would definitely book again!

Jarrad W.
Drop-In Visits • May 18, 2026
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Paul is a rockstar, and helped me and Big T when I needed care for my cat on very short notice!!

Sam J.
Drop-In Visits • May 17, 2026
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Paul was great and even went out of his way to look for my lost gecko. 10/10

Emily P.
Drop-In Visits • May 12, 2026
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Cannot recommend Paul enough!!! Truly a wonderful caretaker to our 2 cats and extremely communicative. I am someone who worries a lot about my pets, but I never had any concerns with them being left with Paul after meeting him and seeing his connection with animals. He also was able to give medication to one of my fussy cats, which is an impressive feat. If you are looking for someone who is trustworthy and caring to look after your pets, Paul is the one!

About Paul J.

Communication

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

Dog skills

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

Safety, trust & environment

I do not offer in-home boarding at my home at this time, though there are a number of other Rover providers who extend this service.

Information Paul J. would like to know about your pet

I find it useful to know what type of activity your cat or dog is accustomed to and able to enjoy. For dogs, I also like to know how they respond to loud noises (sirens, yard machines, thunder, fireworks), their comfort level in a heavy rain, their response when seeing on walks other dogs, other people, and whether they have ever had an 'adverse experience' with another animal or person.

A typical day

I tailor each visit to the abilities and needs of the dog or cat and the wishes of the owner, to the extent that I can accommodate them as discussed in an in-home or telephone 'meet and greet' conversation prior to the requested service.

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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Paul J.

Durham, NC

5.0 out of 5 stars
1,043 reviews