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Shakuntala M.

North Bethesda, MD

4.9 out of 5 stars
18 reviews
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Services

Shakuntala can care for

Cats
0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs

Availability

I just finished my MS from Hopkins and I'm jobhunting, so my weekly schedule is pretty flexible. However, I prefer to sit on weekends. Please message me and I'll do my best to accommodate you!

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
House Sitting Cancellation Policy:

About Shakuntala M.

Communication

7 repeat pet parents
92% response rate
Usually responds in under an hour
90% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

20 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Safety, trust & environment

I'm extremely diligent and thorough with my care, and I take pride in those qualities. I ask for a lot of information during meet and greets so that I can really get to know you and your pet's personality and needs. I'm also very communicative so you can expect frequent updates throughout any bookings.

Information Shakuntala M. would like to know about your pet

What is your dog's personality and energy level? How does your dog interact with other people and/or other dogs? Does your dog have any food aggressions or allergies? Does your dog need any medications? Does your dog have separation anxiety or any triggers I should be aware of? How do you reward good behavior? How do you deal with misbehavior? What kind of training does your dog have/not have? Are there any quirks or anything else I should know about your dog?

A typical day

I'm a very active human, so I guarantee your dog will get enough stimulation and exercise! If your dog likes water or open spaces, we can go run around and play some games on the beach in my neighborhood. I also know a few nice parks and walking routes in the area that we can take our time exploring! For older dogs, I'll still make sure they get enough exercise on our walks while keeping any special needs in mind.

Location

North Bethesda, MD

Shakuntala M.'s Neighborhood

Professional Cuddler 💞

Pet care experience

Hi there! I just moved to the DMV area from Massachusetts, and I'm so excited to meet all of your sweet fur babies 💕 I've been petsitting for dogs and cats through Rover for about 4 years now, and I've grown up taking care of animals for most of my life. I've cared for all sorts of dog breeds, from Chihuahuas to Newfoundland pups. I even house sat for the sweetest blind Australian cattle dog, Whisper - she actually used to be a famous climbing dog when she was younger! I think my diligence, love, and enthusiasm for animals are why my clients and friends have trusted me, time after time, to look after their dogs and cats. Honestly, I miss all the furry snuggles, so I'm really looking forward to loving on your sweet dogs and kitties <3 I've always grown up with pets and loved them like family, so I understand how important it is for them to be in the best hands possible. I am confident that I can give your pets the love, comfort, and care they deserve. Expect lots of cuddles, belly rubs, and attention! I am also fluent in caring for small to medium birds, fish, guinea pigs, and I have 6 years of experience raising reptiles. I work from home full-time as a computer engineer, so I have full flexibility during the weekdays to visit your animals and give them some love! I'm pretty free on weekends, too. Feel free to message me and I will do my best to accommodate you. I helped train and care for my old roommate's dog for 3 years, which exposed me to a lot of the nuances of caring for dogs, and I'm grateful for that. I completely understand that some animals get separation anxiety or anxious because of past experiences, and I will make sure to respect all boundaries set forth. My priority is making sure your animal is well-taken care of, happy, and comfortable while you're away. I promise to send you plenty of pictures and videos, so you are always updated on how your pet is doing.

Reviews

Karen W.
House Sitting • May 10, 2026
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Shakuntala took care of my elderly dog and 2 cats (one with a serious chronic illness) while I was away for the week and spoiled all 3 in the best way! They were all showered with love and attention and were cared for exactly per my instruction. She administered meds to my cat and dog with no issues. They all warmed to her immediately, including my one cat that hides from most people. She sent me updated throughout the day so I always knew that they were happy and getting everything they needed. She stayed in my home to care for them and left the house immaculate. I think they are missing her already! I will definitely rebook - she is the best pet sitter I’ve had by far

Rebekah H.
Drop-In Visits • Oct 13, 2025
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Shakuntala is so attentive and kind. She follows instructions and cares for the animals as her own. She communicates with us every step of the way. It felt so great to know our girls were taken care of!

Lyndsey C.
House Sitting • Sep 03, 2025
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Shakuntala was very responsive and respectful of our time. She was thorough with her meet and greet which made us feel very comfortable. During the stay she sent us frequent updates always keeping open lines of communication. You can tell she loves animals, that came through in all our interactions with her which is also wonderful to see and we know Beans very much appreciated all the attention.

Fernando U.
House Sitting • Aug 23, 2025
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Shakuntala was so good with our Beans! Thank you for being so kind and wonderful with our baby, and for helping us on such shirt notice. We will book her every time we can!

About Shakuntala M.

Communication

7 repeat pet parents
92% response rate
Usually responds in under an hour
90% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

20 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Safety, trust & environment

I'm extremely diligent and thorough with my care, and I take pride in those qualities. I ask for a lot of information during meet and greets so that I can really get to know you and your pet's personality and needs. I'm also very communicative so you can expect frequent updates throughout any bookings.

Information Shakuntala M. would like to know about your pet

What is your dog's personality and energy level? How does your dog interact with other people and/or other dogs? Does your dog have any food aggressions or allergies? Does your dog need any medications? Does your dog have separation anxiety or any triggers I should be aware of? How do you reward good behavior? How do you deal with misbehavior? What kind of training does your dog have/not have? Are there any quirks or anything else I should know about your dog?

A typical day

I'm a very active human, so I guarantee your dog will get enough stimulation and exercise! If your dog likes water or open spaces, we can go run around and play some games on the beach in my neighborhood. I also know a few nice parks and walking routes in the area that we can take our time exploring! For older dogs, I'll still make sure they get enough exercise on our walks while keeping any special needs in mind.

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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Shakuntala M.

North Bethesda, MD

4.9 out of 5 stars
18 reviews