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Rafael G.

5.0 out of 5 stars
1 repeat client
Profile image

Rafael G.

5.0 out of 5 stars
1 repeat client

Contact for Boarding

from $50 per night

Highlights

Enhanced background check
20 years of experience
Home full time
Can administer medication
Special needs experience
Senior dog experience

Pet care experience

Around The Clock Attention & Care

I’ve owned, trained, and taken care of dogs for 26 years. I’ve had a Dachshund, Beagles, Rottweiler, and have fostered - and trained - a German Shepard, two Pit bulls, Husky, and currently a Penkingese. The German Shepard came to me from a friend who was rescuing him but couldn’t train him properly so I spent almost 2 months with him - trained him how to walk properly on a leash, stop nipping, and to become a follower rather then a pack leader. I then returned him to my friend (who I can give contact info so you can ask directly) who still has him to this day. My Rottweiler was the first dog that I had living on my own and within a month she was potty and crate trained, I trained her to walk properly OFF the leash, and even trained her to only sit in one specific spot in the car (passenger side backseat). She unfortunately passed away before my kids were born and it wasn’t fair to adopt dogs with the zero free time babies give you. My kids are now older and since I work from home, I’m excited to have dogs back around. Everyone (including dogs) that enters my home is treated like family. I’m a very hands on parent and that translates to all levels of care - whether it’s a pet or kid. I personally walk twice a day (typically by myself) so your dogs will be engaged and exercised. If you have any questions, feel free to ask - I’m very big on transparency. I work full time from home but own my own business. Due to this, I don’t have a fixed schedule or designated breaks or lunches, I can start and stop whenever I want or need to. Your dogs will never be interrupting or waiting on me for whatever they might need. I have a home with a good sized yard. Since I’m home 99.9% of the time, there really is no need to crate (unless for whatever reason you require that for sleeping or some other situation). They can sleep with me and sit on furniture (again unless you don’t want that due to the rules in your home and those rules will be followed and respected here).

Qualifications

1 repeat pet parent
84% response rate
Usually responds in around an hour
70% bookings with photo updates
20 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration
First aid/CPR

Ratings and reviews

5.0
stars
6 ratings
Lisa C.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • Aug 03, 2026

Truly our dogs are our fur children and leaving them with anyone causes hesitation and Rafael understood that concern. Rafael and his family were absolutely amazing with Giotto. Photographs and updates were sent. The response time for any questions I had was immediate. The transition home was almost painless - it was almost like Giotto had found a second home. I will be using him again for both short- and long-term visits.

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Judith R.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • Oct 02, 2022

Rafael was wonderful with our dog Clue. Clue can be very anxious, but was very comfortable with Rafael. Rafael was caring and attentive, providing multiple daily walks and regular updates. I highly recommend him for any dog care needs.

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Qifan H.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • Sep 27, 2022

My dog loves Rafael and his leash walking has been improved since his stay.

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Renee K.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • Sep 17, 2022

Rafael exceeded expectations! He was everything you could want for someone to watch your dog! He provided daily walks, love, and amazing care. I will use him everytime I go away now!

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Qifan H.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • Sep 06, 2022

Rafael is the best dog sitter I booked on Rover so far. He is very knowledgeable and loves dogs. My dog loves staying with him. He also gives tips about how to train dogs. Definitely my go-to for dog boarding.

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Calendar and availability

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Available
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Schedule

I’m home throughout the entire day as I work from home. He/she will be engaged & never alone while here. We also have a young dog who is sweet with all.

Where your pet will stay

Home characteristics

Lives in a house
Has an unfenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has 1 dog
Children 6-12 years old
Dogs allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 0-2 hours

Safety, trust & environment

We have long leashes and a fairly private yard, are frequently outside and would never leave them unattended. We treat all those who enter just as family.

Pets

A typical day

We will go on long walks (if that’s appropriate for your pet, shorter as needed for that scenario), we will play, go hiking, and I’ll be present with him/her the entire day.

0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs
Rafael can host up to 3 pets per night
My only requirement is that the dog be potty trained. If it’s a puppy who’s in the learning process then I’m fine with that and will help train them while they’re with me (I’ve done multiple times).
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.