Rachel M.
Lakewood, OH
Services
Rachel can host
Rachel can care for
Availability
At this time, I do not have any commitments outside of my home for more than 2.5-3 hours at a time, so I can be flexible and available for your pet’s needs. I am a yoga teacher but currently only teaching a few classes a week and rarely more than one a day. Other than that, I am focused on my health (nothing that impacts pet care!), so I have some doctor's appointments, etc., but nothing that requires me to be away for more more than 2.5 hours or so. I am not working outside of that, so I am very available to meet your pets' needs and would be honored to share my time and care with them.
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About Rachel M.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
How I care for an animal depends on each animal's unique needs, but what will always be true is how I approach them conscientiously with kindness and respect. I earn their trust by balancing the right bids for connection at the right time, based on their behavioral cues and by providing consistent boundaries and expectations with love and care. FYI when your pet first arrives (after they have time to relax), I will check and record their vitals (heart rate, breathing rate, and gum condition) so that I am aware of their baseline in case I need to monitor for changes. This was a habit I learned in caring for my senior pup that I realized was really helpful to know in case a concern arises. About my home: - I own and live in my own duplex home in Lakewood and am fortunate to have an extremely large backyard compared to other Lakewood homes (full privacy fence). See pics of the house and yard in my photos. - I live on the second story. If your dog has mobility issues, please take this into consideration. I am able to carry any pet(s) up to 25 lbs up and down the stairs but no larger than that. - I live alone with no pets. I love kids but don't have any at this time. - I have a renter on the first floor. She is an animal lover as well but does not have any dogs, only one indoor cat that does not have access to any shared space. She and I easily coordinate backyard access, and she would be delighted to greet your pet during its stay. - As I cared for my own senior dog, it became necessary to install several secured baby gates around the house for keeping him in and out of certain spaces. I still have these gates in place so that I can do the same for your baby, if needed to support their care. Also, if needed, I have an extra large crate. About the neighborhood: Lakewood is a safe and pet-friendly neighborhood with ample sidewalks. I live about a 3-minute walk from Lake Road, where there are wide sidewalks far from the street and very little traffic. It's really a beautiful place to walk a dog or two. I also live a 4-minute drive from Lakewood's dog park in the Rocky River Reservation. I love to walk pets around the Metropark and adventure in the woods or down by the river. One of my favorite spots is Rocky River Nature Center, which is a 20-minute drive from me through the park but so worth it. Dogs love it there.
Home
Information Rachel M. would like to know about your pet
I want to know anything I can that will help keep your baby both happy and safe in your absence. In an effort to make that possible, please provide the following items in writing before services begin. This will help ensure I can provide your pet the best care possible as well as high-quality care in case of an emergency: - List of all medications and supplements with dosage and routine for anything they take whether I will be administering it or not - List of all current medical conditions and needs as well as who they see for the conditions - List of physical concerns or restrictions that could impact their care - A brief medical history as relevant in case of emergency - Description of food needs and routines, including types and brands of food, amounts and times of day, dietary restrictions, acceptable treats, and anything that should be avoided - Description of typical amount of daily exercise at home and any special requests - Any behavioral concerns especially patterns of fear or aggression with other animals or people (please note that I have experience managing some degree of aggressive behavior so I may be a good fit for dogs with some history of this but I MUST know about it in order to keep them and myself safe in the process - they deserve the best care during those fears) - Emergency contacts such as regular veterinarian, other providers, preferred emergency vet if relevant, and a local contact who could take the pet in the event that I experience a personal emergency (hopefully that will never happen but I'd rather be safe than sorry) - All the things they LOVE that I can do to help them feel at home and optimally happy such as how they like to be petted, how they like to get and give affection, their special games, toys, treats and snuggles, how they like to sleep, how they like meeting other animals or people on walks, the dog park, etc. I would love to have a list of the commands that they know, whether behavioral or tricks. We will practice them together because it's good for developing a relationship and stimulating them. - Anything they don't like or things to avoid to make them more comfortable - Please provide all supplies needed for your pet's stay such as leash, food, treats, toys, bed, pee pads, etc. Anything you want to bring is welcome! Don't worry about bringing too much. I want them to be comfortable.
A typical day
A typical day with me would include proper and thoughtful care, lots of affection and presence, and the right amount of exercise, stimulation and rest. I do daily walks, as long as the weather is safe and reasonable. If we can’t walk, then we do playtime and puzzles indoors. I have some dog puzzles and games available or you're welcome to provide any you have. If your dog likes to play fetch, I have a large backyard and would love to play with them if you provide their favorite toys. I make sure they get to lay in the sun when it’s available and plenty of fresh air, which is so nourishing for them. I work with them with treats and commands to help keep them engaged. If I am lucky, then we get loads of snuggle time! But I'm also fine to give them space. If they welcome it, I will curl up with them on the couch to read a book, watch a movie or just snuggle. They are also welcome to sleep with me if that's allowed at home. I will follow the same rules you use at home as long as you communicate them to me. I think it's best for their mental/emotional wellbeing both here and at home for me to be consistent with your rules at home.
Location
Lakewood, OH
Rachel M. 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.
Safe & happy pets since 1990
Pet care experience
Pets give their lives to us, and they deserve the best possible care in return. Living up to this duty of service is the foundation and reward of my pet care philosophy. I am a lifelong animal lover, from cattle and horses to reptiles and fish, I have experience with them all. Growing up in a rural area, we always had multiple pets at home including dogs, cats, lizards, hamsters, etc. At my grandparents, I had regular experience with cattle and horses. Once on my own, at 18, I got a cat and then in my late 20s, I got my first dog, Max (pictured). Max lived to be 16 years old, an astonishing age for a pit bull mix. It was my proudest honor to love and support him through his senior years. For now, I have chosen not to get another pet and am focusing my passion for animals on providing care for your beloved babies, and I couldn't be happier about it! It would be my honor to provide loving and safe care for them while you are away. Read more below for details of my experience, my approach to care and what I can provide. I gained so much senior dog experience with Max and am delighted to offer my experience with the following to your baby, including: - Prescription diet and dietary restrictions (home cooked meals at extra cost) - Oral and injected medications, including extended subcutaneous - Physical restriction due to injury or arthritis **Note - I live on the second floor of my home. I can carry dogs up and down the stairs up to 25lbs but no heavier than that** - Ability and willingness to understand complex medical conditions to the extent that it helps with their care - Exercise and stimulation even with limited mobility, including going for wagon rides in place of walks if needed - Monitoring of and familiarity with healthy vital signs In addition, I have experience caring for animals with other special needs including high anxiety and other animal aggression. At this time, I do not sit for more than one family at a time, so I can care for these animals without conflict. See the section on what I want to know ahead of time for details. For the safety of myself and your pets, it's important that I know as much as possible for their care, especially in these special needs situations.
Cat care experience
Rachel also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Reviews
Rachel is such an amazing sitter! She was so careful and loving with Java. My doggo had an upset stomach for a couple of days and would not eat (as is sometimes the case when staying in new places) and Rachel did her very best to ensure that Java would still not go hungry, coaxing her with broth and her favorite veggie snacks with my consent until she was hungry enough to eat her kibble. I was so touched by that moment, and could tell that Java was definitely in good hands. Rachel is incredible at communicating updates, questions, and needs/boundaries. I never felt confused or left in the dark. Additionally, I really appreciated the care that she took to ensure Java had a fun time with games and walks/adventures! Rachel's personality is as inviting as her lovely home, she is such a nice person! Reasonably priced stay for top-notch care! Will definitely book again.
I felt that Willow was well taken care of by Rachel. She had Willow stick to her familiar routine to help her feel comfortable. Willow went on a couple of hikes and got plenty of playtime. I received updates daily or more. Will definitely book with her again :)
There are not enough words to describe how wonderful Rachel is! We left our 1 year old dog, Nellie, with her for 10 days and had the best experience! We kept joking that Nellie isn’t going to want to leave when we pick her up! Will 100% be using Rachel again!
Bailey always comes back from Rachel's house so happy!! He absolutely adores her. She is wonderful with him, she's a great communicator, and she's just a really kind person. I can't recommend her enough. Thank you Rachel!!
About Rachel M.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
How I care for an animal depends on each animal's unique needs, but what will always be true is how I approach them conscientiously with kindness and respect. I earn their trust by balancing the right bids for connection at the right time, based on their behavioral cues and by providing consistent boundaries and expectations with love and care. FYI when your pet first arrives (after they have time to relax), I will check and record their vitals (heart rate, breathing rate, and gum condition) so that I am aware of their baseline in case I need to monitor for changes. This was a habit I learned in caring for my senior pup that I realized was really helpful to know in case a concern arises. About my home: - I own and live in my own duplex home in Lakewood and am fortunate to have an extremely large backyard compared to other Lakewood homes (full privacy fence). See pics of the house and yard in my photos. - I live on the second story. If your dog has mobility issues, please take this into consideration. I am able to carry any pet(s) up to 25 lbs up and down the stairs but no larger than that. - I live alone with no pets. I love kids but don't have any at this time. - I have a renter on the first floor. She is an animal lover as well but does not have any dogs, only one indoor cat that does not have access to any shared space. She and I easily coordinate backyard access, and she would be delighted to greet your pet during its stay. - As I cared for my own senior dog, it became necessary to install several secured baby gates around the house for keeping him in and out of certain spaces. I still have these gates in place so that I can do the same for your baby, if needed to support their care. Also, if needed, I have an extra large crate. About the neighborhood: Lakewood is a safe and pet-friendly neighborhood with ample sidewalks. I live about a 3-minute walk from Lake Road, where there are wide sidewalks far from the street and very little traffic. It's really a beautiful place to walk a dog or two. I also live a 4-minute drive from Lakewood's dog park in the Rocky River Reservation. I love to walk pets around the Metropark and adventure in the woods or down by the river. One of my favorite spots is Rocky River Nature Center, which is a 20-minute drive from me through the park but so worth it. Dogs love it there.
Home
Information Rachel M. would like to know about your pet
I want to know anything I can that will help keep your baby both happy and safe in your absence. In an effort to make that possible, please provide the following items in writing before services begin. This will help ensure I can provide your pet the best care possible as well as high-quality care in case of an emergency: - List of all medications and supplements with dosage and routine for anything they take whether I will be administering it or not - List of all current medical conditions and needs as well as who they see for the conditions - List of physical concerns or restrictions that could impact their care - A brief medical history as relevant in case of emergency - Description of food needs and routines, including types and brands of food, amounts and times of day, dietary restrictions, acceptable treats, and anything that should be avoided - Description of typical amount of daily exercise at home and any special requests - Any behavioral concerns especially patterns of fear or aggression with other animals or people (please note that I have experience managing some degree of aggressive behavior so I may be a good fit for dogs with some history of this but I MUST know about it in order to keep them and myself safe in the process - they deserve the best care during those fears) - Emergency contacts such as regular veterinarian, other providers, preferred emergency vet if relevant, and a local contact who could take the pet in the event that I experience a personal emergency (hopefully that will never happen but I'd rather be safe than sorry) - All the things they LOVE that I can do to help them feel at home and optimally happy such as how they like to be petted, how they like to get and give affection, their special games, toys, treats and snuggles, how they like to sleep, how they like meeting other animals or people on walks, the dog park, etc. I would love to have a list of the commands that they know, whether behavioral or tricks. We will practice them together because it's good for developing a relationship and stimulating them. - Anything they don't like or things to avoid to make them more comfortable - Please provide all supplies needed for your pet's stay such as leash, food, treats, toys, bed, pee pads, etc. Anything you want to bring is welcome! Don't worry about bringing too much. I want them to be comfortable.
A typical day
A typical day with me would include proper and thoughtful care, lots of affection and presence, and the right amount of exercise, stimulation and rest. I do daily walks, as long as the weather is safe and reasonable. If we can’t walk, then we do playtime and puzzles indoors. I have some dog puzzles and games available or you're welcome to provide any you have. If your dog likes to play fetch, I have a large backyard and would love to play with them if you provide their favorite toys. I make sure they get to lay in the sun when it’s available and plenty of fresh air, which is so nourishing for them. I work with them with treats and commands to help keep them engaged. If I am lucky, then we get loads of snuggle time! But I'm also fine to give them space. If they welcome it, I will curl up with them on the couch to read a book, watch a movie or just snuggle. They are also welcome to sleep with me if that's allowed at home. I will follow the same rules you use at home as long as you communicate them to me. I think it's best for their mental/emotional wellbeing both here and at home for me to be consistent with your rules at home.
Rachel M.
Lakewood, OH