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Shawn S.

Star Sitter

Port Chester, NY

5.0 out of 5 stars
62 reviews
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Services

Shawn can care for

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

Availability

Pet care is my full-time focus, and my weekly schedule is built around a steady group of regular walking, hiking, dog park, training, and drop-in clients throughout Westchester and lower Fairfield County. Most mornings begin with scheduled dog park outings at Paws Place at Ward Acres, followed by individual walks, trail adventures, and pet-care visits. Tuesdays and Thursdays are generally focused on Cos Cob and Greenwich, where I often spend the later morning hiking at Montgomery Pinetum, Mianus River Park, Pemberwick Park, or another nearby destination. My other routes typically include Rye Brook, Port Chester, Harrison, Rye, Mamaroneck, Larchmont, and surrounding communities. Dog-training sessions are generally scheduled after 5:00 p.m. on weekdays and throughout the weekend. This allows me to focus on my regular walking and adventure routes during the day while offering training at times when pet parents are more likely to be available and involved. Because I organize my schedule geographically, availability depends on the day, location, requested service, and the needs of my existing clients. I may be able to accommodate recurring walks, dog park runs, hikes, training sessions, drop-in visits, medication administration, cat care, and occasional extended-care arrangements. Advance notice is always helpful, although I will consider last-minute requests when my route allows. I tailor each visit to the individual pet rather than following a one-size-fits-all routine. Services may range from a quick potty break or medication visit to a structured walk, enrichment session, dog park outing, woodland hike, beach adventure, or private training session. Weather, age, health, temperament, and energy level are always taken into account. My priority is providing consistent, attentive, and dependable care while building lasting relationships with pets and their families. New clients are welcome to reach out so we can determine whether my schedule, service area, and approach are the right fit.

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
House Sitting Cancellation Policy:

About Shawn S.

Communication

19 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds in a few minutes
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Dog skills

35 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

Oral medication administration
Injectable medication administration

Safety, trust & environment

Whether I’m caring for a pet in my Rye Brook home or in the comfort of their own familiar environment, I tailor their care to their established routine, personality, age, energy level, and individual needs. Care in my home is available on a limited, case-by-case basis for select pets. I consider temperament, compatibility with my own dog and cat, medical or behavioral needs, and whether my home environment and schedule are the right fit. A meet-and-greet may be required before I accept a first stay. Pets in my care receive individualized attention, regular exercise, enrichment, supervised relaxation, and a routine designed to help them feel safe and comfortable. When caring for pets in a client’s home, I work carefully to preserve their usual schedule and minimize disruption. Depending on the pet, visits may include feeding, refreshing water, potty breaks, structured walks, litter-box cleaning, playtime, companionship, brushing, enrichment, and medication administration. I am comfortable following detailed instructions and caring for pets with specialized medical, behavioral, or senior-care routines. I provide enrichment based on what each pet genuinely enjoys. An active dog may benefit from a walk, game of fetch, training practice, or outdoor adventure, while a senior or anxious pet may prefer a slower routine and calm companionship. Cats are allowed to interact on their own terms and may receive interactive play, affection, quiet company, or additional space depending on their comfort level. I take cleanliness, safety, and home security seriously. I keep food, water, litter, and medication areas clean; securely close doors, gates, crates, and enclosures; and respect each client’s home and privacy. I also monitor appetite, water intake, bathroom habits, mobility, energy, and behavior so I can report any meaningful changes. After each visit or care period, I provide a detailed update with photos and information about activities, meals, water, medications, bathroom activity, and overall behavior. Whether your pet needs a one-time visit, recurring care, extended support, or a carefully considered stay in my home, my priority is keeping them safe, comfortable, engaged, and well cared for.

Information Shawn S. would like to know about your pet

Before meeting or caring for your pet, I want to understand anything that could affect their comfort, safety, or behavior. Most importantly, please tell me about any triggers that may cause a fight, flight, freeze, or panic response—such as unfamiliar people, other animals, children, bicycles, loud noises, vehicles, grooming, being touched in certain areas, having equipment put on, or someone entering the home. I also need to know about any history of growling, snapping, biting, lunging, resource guarding, reactivity, escaping, door-dashing, or becoming difficult to handle when frightened or overstimulated. Honest information is never judged; it simply helps me prepare, choose appropriate equipment, manage distance, and avoid placing your pet in a situation they are not ready for. Please share their usual routine, energy level, preferred activities, leash skills, recall reliability, social preferences, feeding instructions, allergies, medications, physical limitations, and any dietary restrictions. It is also helpful to know what motivates them—whether that is food, toys, praise, movement, space, or affection—and which cues or handling methods they already understand. I bring calm, confident, and attentive energy to every interaction. I am comfortable reading body language, adjusting my approach, creating structure, and staying composed when a pet is nervous, excited, reactive, or unsure. Rather than forcing interaction, I give animals clear guidance and the time and space they need to feel secure. The more I know beforehand, the better I can tailor the visit, prevent avoidable stress, and create a safe, productive, and enjoyable experience for your pet.

A typical day

A typical day may begin with an early walk, check-in, or dog park outing—giving pets a positive start with exercise, fresh air, sniffing, and enrichment. I tailor every visit to the individual pet’s age, health, energy level, personality, training, and preferences. For active dogs, a day with me may include trail walking, hiking, supervised dog park play, swimming, beach time, fetch, Frisbee, tug, long-line exploration, or a structured neighborhood walk. I also enjoy incorporating Chuckit games, recall practice, confidence-building exercises, and fun tricks into our time together. When appropriate, dogs may join compatible companions for carefully supervised social play and shared adventures. Not every pet needs a high-energy outing. Senior dogs, puppies, anxious dogs, and more easygoing pets may benefit from a slower sniff walk, gentle yard time, relaxed companionship, shorter play sessions, or calm enrichment indoors. I adjust the pace, duration, terrain, and activity based on the weather and how the pet is feeling that day. For cats and smaller pets, enrichment may include interactive toys, food puzzles, play sessions, brushing, conversation, cuddles, or simply quiet company. I respect each animal’s boundaries and allow them to choose how much interaction they want. Meals, fresh water, medications, bathroom breaks, litter-box care, rest, and established household routines are always incorporated as needed. My goal is to make each visit feel safe, engaging, structured, and enjoyable—whether that means an exciting trail and swimming adventure or a peaceful afternoon with familiar comforts.

Location

Port Chester, NY

Shawn S.'s Neighborhood

Pets

Shawn S. has Star Sitter status

The Star Sitter program highlights responsive sitters who deliver highly rated care and have a history of listing accurate availability and preferences, making it easier for pet parents to find the best care for their pets.

Dog Trainer & Adventure Guide

Pet care experience

Animals have always been a major part of my life, and today I work full-time providing dependable, hands-on pet care throughout Westchester County and lower Fairfield County. My goal is to give every dog more than a basic neighborhood walk—I focus on exercise, enrichment, socialization, training, and memorable adventures tailored to the individual dog. Each morning, seven days a week, I organize dog park outings at Paws Place at Ward Acres. These outings give compatible dogs an opportunity to run, play, explore, practice recall, and build healthy social skills in a supervised environment. I carefully consider each dog’s temperament, play style, energy level, and comfort around other dogs before including them in a group. I also offer adventure outings throughout Westchester and Greenwich. Tuesdays and Thursdays are generally my Cos Cob and Greenwich days, with later-morning hikes and park visits at places such as Montgomery Pinetum, Mianus River Park, and Pemberwick Park. Depending on the season, weather, location, and each dog’s needs, adventures may also include Tod’s Point, Rye Beach, Larchmont Dog Beach, Saxon Woods, Congress Street Park, Harrison Dog Park, Abendroth Dog Park, Crawford Park, the Leatherstocking Trail, Sheldrake Lake, and other dog-friendly trails, parks, and open spaces. Based in Rye Brook near Crawford Park, I have convenient access to local trails and green space for walks, enrichment, and individualized care. I also have limited flexibility for select overnight or extended-care arrangements when the dog is a good fit for my home environment, schedule, and existing pets. During the winter, I especially enjoy offering beach adventures at Rye Beach and Tod’s Point. I also visit Larchmont Dog Beach throughout the year. These outings give dogs open space, fresh air, and a stimulating change from their usual routines. Warmer-weather adventures often focus on shaded woodland trails, swimming opportunities, and park exploration. Every adventure is adapted to the individual dog. Activities may include structured leash walking, long-line exploration, hiking, swimming, fetch, recall practice, confidence building, supervised group play, and off-leash exercise where it is permitted, safe, and appropriate. Some dogs thrive during energetic pack adventures, while others benefit more from a quiet trail, slower sniff walk, or one-on-one training session. I come prepared for active outings with a dedicated dog-adventure backpack and organized vehicle setup. Depending on the activity, I carry Chuckit balls, a Chuckit launcher, tug and floating toys, treats, water, collapsible bowls, long lines, backup leashes, cleanup supplies, tick-removal tools, and basic grooming equipment. I also keep canine first-aid supplies, vet wrap, emergency equipment, visibility gear, and support slings available so I am better prepared for injuries, fatigue, changing weather, or unexpected situations on the trail. I am a GoodPup Certified Dog Trainer and use reward-based training methods adapted to each dog’s personality, motivation, and learning style. I regularly work on loose-leash walking, pulling, recall, jumping, puppy biting, door manners, impulse control, place training, confidence building, and calm behavior around people and dogs. I am especially comfortable helping dogs who resist walking, become overstimulated outdoors, or need clearer structure and encouragement. Safety is always my priority. I am confident handling dogs of different sizes, breeds, ages, strengths, and energy levels, including dogs with behavioral or medical considerations. I use appropriate equipment and adjust each outing according to the dog’s age, fitness, training level, weather, trail conditions, and individual needs. On hot days, I shorten strenuous activity, choose shaded routes, provide water, and substitute calmer enrichment when necessary. I have experience caring for puppies, senior pets, rescue animals, anxious dogs, strong pullers, and pets requiring medication or specialized routines. I provide detailed updates after visits so owners know where we went, what their dog enjoyed, how they behaved, and whether they ate, drank, peed, or pooped. My animal-care background extends well beyond dogs. Over the years, I have cared for cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, freshwater and reef aquarium fish, and reptiles including tokay geckos, leopard geckos, skinks, veiled chameleons, and ball pythons. This diverse experience has given me a broad understanding of animal behavior, enrichment, husbandry, and the importance of following each pet’s established routine. At home, I share my life with Zelda, my four-year-old golden retriever, who will turn five on July 18, 2026, and Little Girl “LG,” my ten-year-old rescue cat. Caring for my own pets—and the many animals entrusted to me by local families—has reinforced my belief that excellent pet care requires patience, consistency, communication, preparation, sound judgment, and genuine affection. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in English and a Master of Public Health from the University of Maryland. My education has strengthened my communication skills, attention to detail, and commitment to the health and well-being of both pets and their people. Depending on your location and scheduling needs, I may be available for neighborhood walks, dog park runs, hiking adventures, beach outings, drop-in visits, training sessions, in-home pet sitting, and other personalized care arrangements for established clients. Whether your dog needs structured exercise, energetic group play, a peaceful woodland hike, confidence building, or individualized training support, I work to make every visit safe, engaging, and rewarding.

Cat care experience

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Reliable Cat Care & Medication

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

Reviews

Eileen M.
Drop-In Visits • Apr 26, 2026
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Shawn is awesome! I have an older lab and Shawn is so patient and kind with him. He goes above and beyond what I had expected him to do. I have never left my pup with anyone and Shawn makes it possible for my boy to stay in his home when we day trip.

Richard H.
Dog Walking • Mar 25, 2026
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Shawn is reliable and provide great updates on his activities with Bacon. The best.

jennifer m.
Dog Walking • Mar 02, 2026
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Shawn was wonderful ! My dogs loved him! He took great care of them! Would highly recommend Shawn !

Lee M.
Drop-In Visits • Feb 17, 2026
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Shawn’s the best! Thank you again for taking care of our 2 kitty cats. 🐈 I wish all rover caregivers were like you 🙌🏼

About Shawn S.

Communication

19 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds in a few minutes
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Dog skills

35 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

Oral medication administration
Injectable medication administration

Safety, trust & environment

Whether I’m caring for a pet in my Rye Brook home or in the comfort of their own familiar environment, I tailor their care to their established routine, personality, age, energy level, and individual needs. Care in my home is available on a limited, case-by-case basis for select pets. I consider temperament, compatibility with my own dog and cat, medical or behavioral needs, and whether my home environment and schedule are the right fit. A meet-and-greet may be required before I accept a first stay. Pets in my care receive individualized attention, regular exercise, enrichment, supervised relaxation, and a routine designed to help them feel safe and comfortable. When caring for pets in a client’s home, I work carefully to preserve their usual schedule and minimize disruption. Depending on the pet, visits may include feeding, refreshing water, potty breaks, structured walks, litter-box cleaning, playtime, companionship, brushing, enrichment, and medication administration. I am comfortable following detailed instructions and caring for pets with specialized medical, behavioral, or senior-care routines. I provide enrichment based on what each pet genuinely enjoys. An active dog may benefit from a walk, game of fetch, training practice, or outdoor adventure, while a senior or anxious pet may prefer a slower routine and calm companionship. Cats are allowed to interact on their own terms and may receive interactive play, affection, quiet company, or additional space depending on their comfort level. I take cleanliness, safety, and home security seriously. I keep food, water, litter, and medication areas clean; securely close doors, gates, crates, and enclosures; and respect each client’s home and privacy. I also monitor appetite, water intake, bathroom habits, mobility, energy, and behavior so I can report any meaningful changes. After each visit or care period, I provide a detailed update with photos and information about activities, meals, water, medications, bathroom activity, and overall behavior. Whether your pet needs a one-time visit, recurring care, extended support, or a carefully considered stay in my home, my priority is keeping them safe, comfortable, engaged, and well cared for.

Information Shawn S. would like to know about your pet

Before meeting or caring for your pet, I want to understand anything that could affect their comfort, safety, or behavior. Most importantly, please tell me about any triggers that may cause a fight, flight, freeze, or panic response—such as unfamiliar people, other animals, children, bicycles, loud noises, vehicles, grooming, being touched in certain areas, having equipment put on, or someone entering the home. I also need to know about any history of growling, snapping, biting, lunging, resource guarding, reactivity, escaping, door-dashing, or becoming difficult to handle when frightened or overstimulated. Honest information is never judged; it simply helps me prepare, choose appropriate equipment, manage distance, and avoid placing your pet in a situation they are not ready for. Please share their usual routine, energy level, preferred activities, leash skills, recall reliability, social preferences, feeding instructions, allergies, medications, physical limitations, and any dietary restrictions. It is also helpful to know what motivates them—whether that is food, toys, praise, movement, space, or affection—and which cues or handling methods they already understand. I bring calm, confident, and attentive energy to every interaction. I am comfortable reading body language, adjusting my approach, creating structure, and staying composed when a pet is nervous, excited, reactive, or unsure. Rather than forcing interaction, I give animals clear guidance and the time and space they need to feel secure. The more I know beforehand, the better I can tailor the visit, prevent avoidable stress, and create a safe, productive, and enjoyable experience for your pet.

A typical day

A typical day may begin with an early walk, check-in, or dog park outing—giving pets a positive start with exercise, fresh air, sniffing, and enrichment. I tailor every visit to the individual pet’s age, health, energy level, personality, training, and preferences. For active dogs, a day with me may include trail walking, hiking, supervised dog park play, swimming, beach time, fetch, Frisbee, tug, long-line exploration, or a structured neighborhood walk. I also enjoy incorporating Chuckit games, recall practice, confidence-building exercises, and fun tricks into our time together. When appropriate, dogs may join compatible companions for carefully supervised social play and shared adventures. Not every pet needs a high-energy outing. Senior dogs, puppies, anxious dogs, and more easygoing pets may benefit from a slower sniff walk, gentle yard time, relaxed companionship, shorter play sessions, or calm enrichment indoors. I adjust the pace, duration, terrain, and activity based on the weather and how the pet is feeling that day. For cats and smaller pets, enrichment may include interactive toys, food puzzles, play sessions, brushing, conversation, cuddles, or simply quiet company. I respect each animal’s boundaries and allow them to choose how much interaction they want. Meals, fresh water, medications, bathroom breaks, litter-box care, rest, and established household routines are always incorporated as needed. My goal is to make each visit feel safe, engaging, structured, and enjoyable—whether that means an exciting trail and swimming adventure or a peaceful afternoon with familiar comforts.

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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Verified Enhanced Background Check
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Verified Enhanced Background Check

Shawn S.

Star Sitter

Port Chester, NY

5.0 out of 5 stars
62 reviews