Rachel S.
Rachel S.
Contact for Boarding
from $45 per night
Highlights
Pet care experience
Loving & Flexible Pet Care ❤️🐾
🐾 Loving & Flexible Pet Care 🐾 Hi! I’m Rachel, and caring for animals has been a part of my life for over 25 years. I have 53 reviews and a 5-star rating on Rover, along with years of additional hands-on experience through pet sitting, animal rescue, fostering, and volunteering in a veterinary setting. If you read through my previous reviews, you’ll notice many clients mention the same things: frequent pictures and updates, great communication, how comfortable their pets became with me, and the peace of mind they had while they were away. I’ve cared for everything from one pet needing lots of individual attention to a household of five fur babies for an entire week. Several clients have even said their pets missed me after they came home, which may be one of my favorite compliments! ❤️ 🐶 Individualized Care You may notice that my Rover availability allows me to care for multiple pets at a time. However, that does NOT mean I automatically accept multiple unrelated pets together. Before accepting a booking, I talk with each owner about their pet’s personality, routine, behavior, and individual needs. If your dog needs to be the only animal in my home, please let me know. As long as I don’t already have another booking that conflicts with that need, I’m happy to accommodate an individual stay. The same applies to pets who need separation from other animals, a quieter environment, their own space, or additional management. My years of rescue and fostering have taught me that not every dog needs or wants to socialize with other animals, and that’s completely okay. Good pet care is about creating the environment where your particular pet feels safe and comfortable. Through fostering and rescue, I’ve accumulated supplies such as dog gates and other equipment that allow me to safely create separate areas when necessary. Because I own my home, I also have the flexibility to designate a room or area specifically for your pet. I have cameras available to monitor pets when appropriate as well. Tell me what your pet needs. I’ll always be honest about whether I can accommodate it safely and comfortably. 🏡 Boarding in My Home I own my home in Griffin and have a large, fully fenced yard, giving dogs plenty of room for potty breaks, exercise, playtime, and fresh air. I enjoy providing enrichment based on each dog’s personality and energy level. This can include: • Treat puzzles and enrichment toys • Interactive games • Outdoor playtime • Walks and sniffing activities • One-on-one attention • Plenty of cuddles and quiet time Some dogs want to play and stay busy. Others would much rather curl up beside someone and relax. I’m happy with both! My goal isn’t to completely change your pet’s routine just because you’re traveling. I want to learn what they normally do at home and make their stay as familiar, comfortable, and enjoyable as possible. I’m currently taking a break from fostering so I have more flexibility for my Rover clients, and I do not currently have pets of my own living in my home. 🏠 House Sitting When I provide house sitting, I take the responsibility for your home just as seriously as I take the responsibility for your pets. Previous Rover clients have specifically mentioned returning from vacation to a clean home and appreciated that I kept them informed about both their pets and their house while they were away. I also have professional house-cleaning experience, so I make it a priority to leave your home the same as, or better than, I found it. While you’re away, I’m happy to: • Bring in mail and packages • Take your garbage can to the street on trash day and bring it back • Follow your household instructions • Keep an eye on your home and property • Notify you if I notice anything unusual • Keep things clean and organized I’ve also experienced firsthand why having an attentive person staying in your home can matter. During one previous house-sitting stay, a tree limb unexpectedly fell onto the house. Thankfully, there wasn’t significant damage, but I immediately notified the homeowner, checked the home for damage, and made sure everything was secure. If I notice something concerning or unusual while you’re away, you’ll hear from me. My goal is for your household to continue running as smoothly as possible so you can enjoy your trip without worrying about what’s happening back home. 📸 Communication & Updates One of the most consistent compliments throughout my Rover reviews is communication. You’ll receive pictures and updates while you’re away because I know how reassuring it is to actually see that your pet is happy and doing well. I’ve sent daily pictures and videos to owners traveling in another country, reassured people leaving their dog for the first time, cared for pets who became stressed while their owners were away, and kept owners informed throughout their trips. You shouldn’t have to spend your vacation wondering, “Are they okay?” I want you to be able to look at your phone, see that sweet face, know everything is okay, and get back to enjoying your time away. 🐕 Rescue, Foster & Veterinary Experience In addition to my years of pet sitting, I’ve spent significant time involved in animal rescue and fostering. I’ve cared for dogs and cats with many different personalities, backgrounds, energy levels, and needs. I’ve also volunteered in a veterinary setting, gaining hands-on experience with animal handling, restraint, vaccines, and spay/neuter care. That experience has given me a particular appreciation for animals who may need patience, structure, decompression, separation, or a little extra understanding. 🔒 Safety, Trust & Environment Your pet’s safety, comfort, and emotional well-being are always a priority. My home provides a clean, pet-friendly environment with a fully fenced yard for safe outdoor time. Dogs are supervised during outdoor breaks and are not left outside unattended. Inside, I can use gates and separate areas when needed based on each pet’s personality, energy level, and comfort with other animals. I carefully manage introductions between pets and only allow interaction when it’s safe and appropriate for everyone involved. If your pet prefers to be alone, needs separation, or is more comfortable in a quiet space, please tell me. I also pay attention to changes in behavior, appetite, energy level, bathroom habits, and overall well-being throughout a stay. If something seems out of the ordinary, I’ll communicate with you. 🕐 My Work Schedule & Midday Potty Breaks I currently work outside of Rover in Griffin, but my schedule is very predictable. My shifts are either: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM or 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM I’m normally off Thursdays and Sundays. An important thing for pet parents to know is that I consistently leave work at my scheduled time. My current job doesn’t typically require me to stay late, which allows me to reliably plan your pet’s care around my schedule. For pets boarding in my home, I provide potty breaks, feeding, and attention before leaving for work and again as soon as I return. If your dog needs a midday potty break, I also have a lunch break and can come home to let them outside before returning to work. I may be able to provide the same midday break when I’m house sitting in your home, depending on your location. I live and work in Griffin and generally house sit within approximately a 15-mile radius of my workplace. If you live close enough for me to get to your home, care for your pet, and return to work during my lunch break, I’m happy to arrange that. If your pet can’t comfortably go the length of my workday without a potty break, please don’t automatically assume I can’t care for them. Tell me what they need first! Between my lunch break, days off, your location, and other arrangements, we may be able to create a schedule that works perfectly. 🚐 Transportation, Vet & Grooming Appointments I also own a rescue van that I purchased for transporting animals, so I’m completely comfortable having dogs ride with me. This gives me additional flexibility when caring for your pet, especially during longer stays. With your permission and when appropriate, I may be able to help with: • Vet appointments • Grooming appointments • Approved outings • Trips to a dog park if that is something your dog already enjoys and you specifically request it • Other transportation needs we discuss in advance If your pet has a veterinary or grooming appointment that can be scheduled on one of my days off, I’m happy to discuss taking them to and from the appointment while you’re away. I will never take your pet somewhere without your knowledge and permission. Safety in the vehicle is important to me. I have dog seat belt attachments that connect to a properly fitted harness, and I also have several different sizes of crates that can be secured in my van when crated transportation is the safer or more comfortable option. Please tell me how your dog normally rides in a vehicle, whether they’re comfortable in a crate, and whether they have any car anxiety or motion sickness. We can decide together what is safest and most comfortable for them. 🤝 Meet & Greets Whenever possible, I prefer doing a meet & greet before the first booking. For house sitting or drop-in care, I’m happy to come to your home so I can meet you and your pet where they’re most comfortable. You can show me their normal routine, feeding and potty schedule, medications or special instructions, where everything is located, and all those little things about your pet that are important for me to know. It also gives your pet an opportunity to meet me while you’re still there. For boarding in my home, you’re welcome to bring your dog to my house for a meet & greet before the stay. You can see where they’ll be staying, check out the fenced yard, ask questions, discuss any special accommodations, and make sure you’re comfortable with the environment before booking. A meet & greet isn’t just for me to determine whether we’re a good fit. It’s for you to decide too. I want you to feel completely comfortable with the person you’re trusting with your pet and, in many cases, your home. 📅 Flexible & Last-Minute Plans I understand that not everyone plans a trip months in advance! Some clients are spontaneous, and sometimes people contact me when they only have a general idea of when they may be traveling. That’s completely fine. Send me the dates you’re considering and tell me what you’re thinking. I’ll check my Rover bookings and work schedule and let you know what I can accommodate. My previous Rover clients have specifically mentioned my responsiveness and willingness to help with last-minute situations, so please don’t hesitate to ask. ❤️ Most Importantly Every animal is different. Some need exercise. Some need structure. Some need extra reassurance. Some need enrichment. Some need their own space. Some need separation from other animals. And some really just want someone to sit down so they can curl up beside them. Tell me about your pet. I’ll take the time to learn their routine, personality, likes and dislikes, feeding schedule, favorite activities, quirks, and what makes them feel secure. My goal is for you to leave knowing your pet isn’t simply being “watched.” They’re being cared for by someone who genuinely pays attention to them. After years of Rover clients trusting me with their pets and homes, and 53 reviews while maintaining a 5-star rating, I still take that responsibility just as seriously. I want your pets to be happy, your home to be cared for, and you to be able to enjoy your time away knowing everything back home is in experienced, attentive, and loving hands. ❤️🐾
Qualifications
Ratings and reviews
If I could rate Rachel 1000 stars I would! She was perfect!!! Very attentive and keeps in touch with you the whole time you're gone. She loved my dogs just as if I love them. I HIGHLY recommend her!
Rachel was amazing!!! She was very loving towards our pups and spent much more time with them than we expected! She’s very sweet and trustworthy. She even cleaned our house and did laundry before she left. Rachel will, without a doubt, be our dog/house sitter of choice moving forward.
Rachel is the absolute best! We have used her 3 times so far and every single time she is so thorough and respectful and perfect!!! We were blown away by how much she goes above and beyond. We love her and will continue to use her anytime we are out of town. Thanks for everything you do for us, Rachel!
Was excellent with Maxx, she sent pictures to let me know how he was doing! Strongly recommend!
We could not have found a better person for the care of our pets, Rachel is a very sweet and responsible person, now the problem is that they miss her too much.
Rachel was wonderful! She was able to come help us last minute when our usual dog sitter backed out on us. She made us feel comfortable and her price was fair!! She sent pictures and communicated the whole week we were gone. We will be using her again for sure!
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
MY WORK SCHEDULE AND POTTY BREAKS I currently work outside of Rover in Griffin, but my work schedule is very predictable. My shifts are either 8:30 AM–5:00 PM or 10:00 AM–6:30 PM, and I’m normally off Thursdays and Sundays. An important thing for pet parents to know is that I consistently leave work at my scheduled time. My current job does not typically require me to stay late, so I’m able to plan your pet’s care around a dependable schedule. For pets boarding in my home, I provide potty breaks, feeding, and attention before leaving for work and as soon as I return. If your pet needs a midday potty break, I also have a lunch break and can come home to let them out before returning to work. I may also be able to provide a midday potty break when house sitting in your home, depending on your location. I live and work in Griffin and generally house sit within approximately a 15-mile radius of my workplace. If your home is close enough for me to get there, care for your pet, and return to work during my lunch break, I’m happy to arrange that. Just let me know approximately where you live and what your pet’s normal schedule is. We can discuss exactly what I can provide before you book. If your pet cannot comfortably go the length of my workday without a potty break, please don’t automatically assume I can’t care for them. Tell me what they need first. Between my lunch break, days off, your location, and other arrangements, we may be able to create a schedule that works very well for your pet.
Where your pet will stay
Home characteristics
Safety, trust & environment
SAFETY, TRUST & ENVIRONMENT Your pet’s safety, comfort, and emotional well-being are always my top priority. I provide a calm, structured, and secure environment where pets can relax, feel safe, and settle in comfortably while you’re away. In my home, I maintain a clean, pet-friendly space with a fully fenced yard for safe outdoor time. Dogs are always supervised during outdoor breaks, and I never leave pets unattended outside. Inside the home, I use gates and separate areas when needed to ensure each pet has a safe, appropriate space based on their personality, energy level, and comfort with other animals. I carefully manage all introductions between pets and only allow interaction when it is safe and appropriate for everyone involved. If a pet prefers to be alone, needs separation, or is more comfortable in a quiet, low-traffic space, I can easily accommodate that. My goal is always to reduce stress and create a predictable, peaceful environment that builds trust. I closely monitor behavior, appetite, energy levels, and overall well-being throughout each stay. Because of my background in rescue, fostering, and veterinary settings, I am experienced in recognizing early signs of stress, discomfort, or illness, and I will always communicate with you right away if anything seems out of the ordinary. I also maintain a clean and hygienic environment by regularly sanitizing pet areas, keeping fresh water available, and ensuring bedding and shared spaces are comfortable and well cared for. Safety is built into every part of my routine, including secure leash handling during walks, careful door management to prevent escapes, and constant awareness during all transitions in and out of the home. In addition, I have experience caring for pets with a wide range of needs, including those who require extra patience, structure, or a low-stimulation environment. I adjust my care style to match what helps your pet feel most secure and supported. If your pet has any specific safety needs, triggers, routines, or comfort preferences, I encourage you to share them with me. I will always do my best to create an environment that supports their well-being and gives you complete peace of mind while you’re away.
A typical day
A TYPICAL DAY A typical day with me is based around your pets normal routine as much as possible. I know pets feel most comfortable when their feeding times, potty breaks, exercise, playtime, and bedtime routines stay familiar, so I will always ask you what a normal day looks like for them. The morning starts with a potty break and some outdoor time, followed by breakfast according to your pets normal schedule. Depending on their personality and energy level, we may spend additional time outside playing, walking, exploring the fenced yard, or simply relaxing before starting the day. Throughout the day I make sure fresh water is always available and provide plenty of attention and interaction. I enjoy using treat puzzles, toys, games, outdoor play, walks, and other enrichment activities to keep pets mentally and physically engaged. For pets who prefer a quieter day, I am just as happy providing companionship, cuddles, and a comfortable place to relax. On days that I work, I make sure pets have a potty break, food, water, and attention before I leave. My work schedule is consistent, and I leave work at my scheduled time. If a dog boarding in my home needs a midday potty break, I have a lunch break that allows me to come home, let them outside, spend a little time with them, and then return to work. When house sitting, I may also be able to provide a midday visit during my lunch break if your home is close enough to my workplace in Griffin. We can discuss your location and your pets needs before booking to make sure the schedule works well for everyone. Once I am home for the evening, your pet gets another potty break and plenty of attention. Evenings may include dinner, outdoor play, a walk, enrichment activities, or simply relaxing together depending on what your pet enjoys. I also send pictures and updates throughout the stay so you can see what your pet has been doing and know they are comfortable and well cared for. Every pet is different, so there really is not one schedule that I use for every animal. An energetic dog may have a day filled with outdoor activities and games, while a senior or more relaxed pet may prefer shorter potty breaks and lots of quiet companionship. My goal is to create a typical day that feels as much like your pets normal day with you as possible. Tell me their routine, favorite activities, feeding schedule, potty schedule, bedtime habits, and all the little things they are used to, and I will do my best to keep their days happy, comfortable, familiar, and fun while you are away.