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Shawn S.

5.0 out of 5 stars
73 repeat clients
Profile image

Shawn S.

5.0 out of 5 stars
73 repeat clients

Contact for Boarding

from $45 per night

Highlights

Shawn has Star Sitter status!
Basic background check
30 years of experience
Has a fenced yard
Home full time
Can administer medication

Pet care experience

Fur friends are Family

Shawn S. Professional Animal Care Specialist | Licensed Professional Dog Trainer | Certified Animal Nutritionist | Animal First Aid & CPR Instructor For over 30 years, I have devoted my career to the health, safety, and well-being of animals of all kinds. From family pets to wildlife and exotic species, I have built my reputation on compassionate care, professional expertise, and a commitment to treating every animal as if they were my own. My experience extends far beyond traditional pet sitting. As a Licensed Professional Dog Trainer, Certified Animal Nutritionist, and Animal First Aid & CPR Instructor, I provide comprehensive care that supports an animal’s physical health, emotional well-being, and behavioral development. Whether I’m caring for an energetic puppy, a senior dog with mobility challenges, an exotic animal with specialized needs, or a pet recovering from surgery, I tailor my care to each individual animal. Professional Qualifications * 30+ Years of Professional Animal Care Experience * Licensed Professional Dog Trainer * Certified Animal Nutritionist * Animal First Aid & CPR Instructor * Service & Therapy Dog Trainer * Senior & Special Needs Pet Specialist * Canine Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Experience * Behavioral Modification Specialist * Exotic Animal Care Experience * Wildlife Rehabilitation Experience Specialized Services Professional Dog Training I have worked with thousands of dogs throughout my career, helping families build strong, lasting relationships with their pets through positive, effective training methods. I specialize in identifying the root causes of behavioral issues and developing customized training plans that produce long-term success. Areas of expertise include: * Puppy training and socialization * Basic and advanced obedience * Behavioral modification * Anxiety and fear-based behaviors * Aggression management * Leash training * Household manners * Family coaching and education Service & Therapy Dog Training I have extensive experience training service and therapy dogs for veterans, children, and individuals with disabilities. Watching these remarkable partnerships change lives has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. Senior Dog Care & Physical Rehabilitation Senior dogs deserve patience, compassion, and specialized care. I have extensive experience helping aging pets remain comfortable, active, and happy through individualized care plans. Services include: * Mobility assistance * Physical therapy exercises * Recovery support after surgery or injury * Medication administration * Cognitive support * Comfort and quality-of-life care Certified Animal Nutritionist Proper nutrition plays a vital role in every stage of an animal’s life. As a Certified Animal Nutritionist, I understand how diet affects behavior, energy levels, recovery, weight management, allergies, and overall health. I can provide guidance on: * Balanced nutrition * Weight management * Senior pet nutrition * Performance nutrition * Special dietary needs * Food sensitivities * Healthy treats and enrichment Exotic Animal Experience My experience extends well beyond domestic pets. I have worked with a variety of exotic species, including: * Large cats * Bears * Exotic mammals * Birds * Reptiles * Specialty companion animals I understand the importance of proper handling, enrichment, species-specific care, and safety protocols when working with exotic animals. Wildlife Rehabilitation I have proudly worked alongside local shelters and wildlife rehabilitation centers, assisting with rescue efforts, rehabilitation, behavioral observation, recovery, and safe animal handling. These experiences have strengthened my understanding of compassionate, ethical animal care across a wide range of species. Why Families Trust Me Choosing someone to care for your pet is an important decision. My goal is to provide complete peace of mind by delivering dependable, knowledgeable, and loving care every time. Whether your pet needs a relaxing overnight stay, specialized medical support, behavioral guidance, rehabilitation, or simply someone who genuinely understands animals, I bring over three decades of professional experience to every visit. I believe every animal deserves patience, kindness, respect, and individualized care—and every family deserves confidence that their beloved companion is in capable hands. “When you trust me with your pet, you’re trusting someone whose life’s work has been dedicated to helping animals thrive.”

Qualifications

73 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds in a few minutes
80% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards
30 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration

Ratings and reviews

5.0
stars
285 ratings
Sandra G.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • Sep 12, 2026

Tilly seemed to be happy when I picked her up. I received photos of her playing, which was so cute. When I picked her up there was a cute note about her stay, and a bag of dog treats. I would definitely use Shawn S. again

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Devin K.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • Sep 11, 2026

Shawn is incredible! Highly recommend!

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Disa R.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • Sep 10, 2026

Libby had a great time with Shawn, she was treated like family and we felt very comfortable leaving for a short trip

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Amber G.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • Sep 08, 2026

Another successful boarding experience for our pup staying with Shawn. Came home tired and worn out from all of the fun and we love seeing all of the love he gets when we’re traveling.

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naomi h.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • Sep 03, 2026

Shawn & Chad were amazing as always!! They always take such great care of the girls. Flight plans changed and they were willing to keep the girls a few extra days! They are the BEST!

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Devin K.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • Aug 28, 2026

Koda always loves staying at Shawn’s!

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Calendar and availability

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
SMTWTFS

Where your pet will stay

Home characteristics

Lives in a house
Has a fenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has 3 dogs, 3 cats
No children present
Dogs allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 0-2 hours

Pets

A typical day

I am a triathlete so my hobbies are marathon running, swimming and I road bike cycle competitively. I also mountain bike ride, hike and do trail running.. I have a great trail right in front of my house that I take the dogs running or walking on around the lake. I also have paved paths all around my neighborhood that we use during bad weather.. I take my dogs as well as my fur visitors not only jogging we also do hiking, swimming and I take them mountain biking... I understand that not all dogs have the same activity level so I insure all pets will get exercise that is within their safety and ability..

0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
Spayed and neutered dogs only
No females in heat
Shawn can host up to 2 pets per night
I for sure like to know if a dog has a past history of aggression... I have to put my fur guest and my pets safety first.. I dont judge or stereotype any breed, I help with rehabilitation of shelter dogs and have been able to help with and change bad behavior of all sorts of breeds. It's also important that you have your pets shot and medical information handy. I also do not take unaltered male dogs or females.
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.