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Rydia W.

5.0 out of 5 stars
1 repeat client
Profile image

Rydia W.

5.0 out of 5 stars
1 repeat client

Contact Rydia W.

Highlights

Enhanced background check
10 years of experience
Can administer medication
Senior dog experience

Pet care experience

PhD student who loves fur babies

As a current parent to 2 cats and prior dog/fish mom, I have a lifetime of experience caring for critters of all shapes and sizes! My main job is being a Psychology PhD student and teacher at GMU (you can google my name!). I’ve worked with animal behaviorists and can handle a rowdy big floof, scaly friend, or tiny pooch! Senior care is a passion of mine, both in the animal and human domains. I am strongly against aggressive handling techniques and believe in a gentle yet firm approach, focusing on your pets unique needs and personality.

Cat care experience

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Cat mom of 15 years

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

Qualifications

1 repeat pet parent
100% response rate
Usually responds in under half an hour
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards
10 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Senior dog experience

Ratings and reviews

5.0
stars
2 ratings
Vernadette B.
5.0 out of 5 stars
House Sitting • Jul 31, 2026

Words cannot express how grateful I am for Rydia. She's an amazing sitter that pays attention to detail. She took great care of my senior dog for 15 days while I was way care for my terminally ill mother. My mother passed away during my stay and Rydia did not hesitate to extend her stay whole funeral arrangements were made and she was peacefully put to rest. Thank you Rydia. Im forever grateful.

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Jessica M.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Drop-In Visits • Jul 27, 2026

Rydia is very caring, attentive, and communicative. She went above and beyond taking care of my three kitties and left a handwritten note which I thought was so sweet. I will definitely book with her again in the future.

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Mindy W.
Jul 27, 2026

Rydia went above and beyond while caring for our dog. She is very attentive to detail and accommodating. The frequent updates gave me peace of mind, and we came home to a happy dog and everything just as we left it. I couldn’t have asked for a better sitter and highly recommend her to anyone looking for exceptional pet care.

Tim M.
Jul 27, 2026

Rydia was fantastic. She was reliable, communicative, and took great care of our family dogs. We appreciated the regular updates and could tell our pups were in great hands. We’d happily book with her again!

Shada W.
Jul 12, 2026

I had the pleasure of having Rydia take care of my 2 dogs and cat for 4 days during a family move. Rydia is very diligent and made sure all animals were well taken care of. I would have her take care of our animals again.

Calendar and availability

Schedule

Im a PhD student at Mason during the day, so Im mostly available in the afternoons and evenings (past 3 pm). Im available for overnight stays, but will need to return during the day to get to school.

Where your pet will stay

Safety, trust & environment

I follow a gentle, care-first approach, following your pets needs based on their personality and your experience. I ensure that all needs are cared for holistically, and as a current psychology student I have plenty of experience ensuring your pet feels comfortable, safe, and happy. I am always available to reach by phone during care, and will provide twice-daily (minimum! you will likely be spammed with pics haha) updates on wellness.

Pets

A typical day

I make sure your babies get plenty of fun, exercise, and mental stimulation. I make sure to adapt based on how your pet likes to play!

0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs
Dogs over 1 year old
Let me know if your pet has any special needs or behaviors I can account for. I’m happy to maintain behavioral trainings for younger dogs, keep cats off counters, and give pets just how they like it!
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.