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Sarah M.

Norwood Park, Chicago, IL

5.0 out of 5 stars
6 reviews
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Services

Sarah can host

Cats
0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
Spayed and neutered dogs only
No females in heat

Sarah can care for

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

Availability

Pet care fits naturally into my daily routine because I work from home most days. This allows me to provide plenty of attention, supervision, companionship, and potty breaks throughout the day. On the days I go into the office, I am never gone all day—typically no more than six hours at a time. When caring for dogs in my home, I generally provide two walks per day, along with frequent opportunities to play and go potty in my fully fenced yard. I tailor activities to each dog's age, energy level, and preferences. I strive to make pets feel comfortable and secure by maintaining a consistent routine, providing fresh water, feeding them according to their schedule, and giving them plenty of attention and enrichment. I have experience caring for puppies, senior pets, and animals that require medication, including administering pills and injections when needed.

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Boarding Cancellation Policy:

About Sarah M.

Communication

94% response rate
Usually responds in under half an hour
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Dog skills

33 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration
First aid/CPR
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Cat skills

Injectable medication administration

Safety, trust & environment

When caring for pets in a client's home, I follow the routines and instructions provided. I know that pets are often most comfortable when their schedules remain consistent, so I prioritize maintaining their normal feeding, exercise, medication, and bedtime routines. I also provide regular updates and photos so pet parents can feel confident that their pets are happy and well cared for while they are away.

Home

Lives in a house
Has a fenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has caged pets
Has 1 dog
No children present
Dogs allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture

Information Sarah M. would like to know about your pet

I love it when a pet parent has instructions written out in detail - it's super helpful. I need to know if your pet has any allergies, medications, or medical conditions. If your pet has medical issues, please give me the contact info for their vet clinic; please let the clinic know ahead of time that I am authorized to make decisions if you are unable to be reached. Please share any quirks, peccadillos, and endearing traits your pet may have. :)

A typical day

First thing I do in the morning is take my dog guests outside in my yard to do their business while I wake up with a cup of coffee (or two). With my work schedule, I take several breaks throughout the day, and dogs get plenty of chances to go outside for business and play time. Provided your dog doesn't have an intense prey drive and doesn't get aggressive if another dog is nearby, I'd be happy to provide 2 walks a day. The first walk will be around 8:00 AM before I start work and another one at 8:00 PM before bed. Depending on the weather and any physical limitations the dog may have, each walk will be around 15 minutes long. If there is more than one dog staying with me, I will walk them separately. I avoid other dogs and people while walking to avoid any potential problems. Please provide your pet's favorite toys.

Location

Chicago, IL

Sarah M.'s Neighborhood

Pets

Animal lover who works from home

Pet care experience

Hello! I'm a lifelong animal lover with extensive experience caring for pets of all ages, sizes, and personalities. Throughout my life, I've shared my home with six dogs of my own and several foster dogs. Additionally, I have experience raising puppies, caring for senior pets, and supporting animals with different needs and temperaments. Years ago, I worked in a veterinary clinic, where I gained hands-on experience caring for animals and assisting with their medical needs. Because of that experience, I am comfortable administering medications, including pills and injections, if needed. I currently work primarily from home, which allows me to provide plenty of attention, supervision, and companionship. Your pet will never be left alone for more than six hours, and in most cases, they'll enjoy having me nearby throughout the day. I live in a single-family home with a secure fence around the whole property, giving dogs plenty of safe space to run, play, explore, and burn off energy. While many dogs are perfectly happy playing in the yard, I'm also happy to take dogs on walks upon request at no additional charge. I have my own dog, River, about half the time, as I share custody with my ex. River is wonderful with other dogs; her favorite thing is creating a "puppy pile" by curling up next to—or sometimes right on top of—whoever happens to be nearby. If your dog enjoys canine companionship, they'll likely have a new cuddle buddy. My love for animals extends beyond dogs. I adopted an elderly cat from a family friend who could no longer care for her, and I also adopted a turtle from a friend who moved. My turtle now enjoys a comfortable home in a spacious 100-gallon aquarium. Providing animals with safe, enriching environments is something I genuinely enjoy. I understand that every pet is unique, and I strive to make them feel comfortable, secure, and loved while you're away. I have been a foster mom to dogs, so if I'm caring for a puppy or a dog that isn't fully potty trained, I take extra precautions, including removing rugs and closely supervising indoor time to set everyone up for success. Pet parents describe me as patient, caring, responsible, and communicative. I believe regular updates and clear communication provide peace of mind, and I'll treat your pet with the same kindness and attention I give my own animals. I look forward to meeting you and your furry family members!

Cat care experience

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Experienced pet caregiver

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

Reviews

Jean G.
Boarding • jul. 11, 2026
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Izzy had a blast with Sarah and River! Izzy is well taken cared of.

Maria K.
Boarding • jul. 06, 2026
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Sarah was excellent, and we were happy knowing that Darla was in good hands! Will definitely book again!

Arooba C.
Doggy Day Care • jun. 29, 2026
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Sarah accommodated my daycare request at short notice and I couldn’t be happier to have chosen her! Both my little pups have special needs and she put me at ease with her communication and multiple photo updates. She was very thorough with understanding their care and I will absolutely use her services again next time we’re in town. Highly recommend if you are looking for a professional pet lover! Thank you, Sarah!

Dan V.
jun. 22, 2026

We couldn't be happier than with Sarah! They are 100% dependable and reliable, and it’s so clear how crazy about dogs they are. From the second my Max arrived at Sarah’s it was clear he was comfortable and felt safe and loved. Pet friendly furniture and a great enclosed yard makes it the perfect place to trust any pet.

About Sarah M.

Communication

94% response rate
Usually responds in under half an hour
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Dog skills

33 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration
First aid/CPR
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Cat skills

Injectable medication administration

Safety, trust & environment

When caring for pets in a client's home, I follow the routines and instructions provided. I know that pets are often most comfortable when their schedules remain consistent, so I prioritize maintaining their normal feeding, exercise, medication, and bedtime routines. I also provide regular updates and photos so pet parents can feel confident that their pets are happy and well cared for while they are away.

Home

Lives in a house
Has a fenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has caged pets
Has 1 dog
No children present
Dogs allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture

Information Sarah M. would like to know about your pet

I love it when a pet parent has instructions written out in detail - it's super helpful. I need to know if your pet has any allergies, medications, or medical conditions. If your pet has medical issues, please give me the contact info for their vet clinic; please let the clinic know ahead of time that I am authorized to make decisions if you are unable to be reached. Please share any quirks, peccadillos, and endearing traits your pet may have. :)

A typical day

First thing I do in the morning is take my dog guests outside in my yard to do their business while I wake up with a cup of coffee (or two). With my work schedule, I take several breaks throughout the day, and dogs get plenty of chances to go outside for business and play time. Provided your dog doesn't have an intense prey drive and doesn't get aggressive if another dog is nearby, I'd be happy to provide 2 walks a day. The first walk will be around 8:00 AM before I start work and another one at 8:00 PM before bed. Depending on the weather and any physical limitations the dog may have, each walk will be around 15 minutes long. If there is more than one dog staying with me, I will walk them separately. I avoid other dogs and people while walking to avoid any potential problems. Please provide your pet's favorite toys.

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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Sarah M.

Norwood Park, Chicago, IL

5.0 out of 5 stars
6 reviews