Profile image
Profile image

Sonja T.

Woodley Park, Washington, DC

5.0 out of 5 stars
293 reviews
Image 1 of 25
Image 1 of 25
Image 2 of 25
Image 3 of 25
Image 4 of 25
Image 5 of 25
164PhotosView All

Services

Sonja can host

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

Sonja can care for

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

Availability

I am attentive to your pet’s needs – I am a full-time petsitter - available to meet you and your pet if the hours start early or end late. I am an active and playful person who exercises daily.

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Boarding Cancellation Policy:

About Sonja T.

Communication

73 repeat pet parents
96% response rate
Usually responds in a few minutes
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Dog skills

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

Safety, trust & environment

I am safe while walking your dogs, paying attention, looking far ahead and behind, watching for approaching dogs, car traffic, and pedestrians. I get to know your preferences and rules. My house is dog proofed with the trash cans secured. There is a large fenced patio for your dog to relax in — it is a covered, roofed patio to provide shade for your dogs.

Home

Lives in an apartment
Has a fenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has no pets
No children present
Dogs allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 0-2 hours

Information Sonja T. would like to know about your pet

> Does your dog need constant, 24-hour care or can they be solo for 4-8 hours? > Is your dog friendly and calm with other dogs? > How many pets in total? Asking because app and rates are geared towards two pets — if you have more than that, best to have a conversation about your situation and potential adjustment. > What are your dog’s quirks – with eating, sleeping, and going potty in rain or snow? > What are your dog’s triggers – for aggression, barking, nipping? > Are they high energy and in need of additional exercise? > What gives them anxiety, makes them happy, angry, or calm? > Any dietary needs, health concerns, or medication? > Is he or she a senior dog who needs some assistance getting up and moving about? > What is their overall mood — separation anxiety, socialize well with other dogs or need to be solo due to aggression or anxiety with other dogs?

A typical day

Go outside, walk, play, and smell things. Go inside for lounging, naps, and snuggles. Positive training time, exercise, and activities to tire them out before they go home with you. I will jog or sprint with your dogs if they’re higher energy and like to run, but also happy to take a more leisurely stroll if your dog is the type that prefers to stop and smell the flowers. Engaging with the environment, varying pace, and smells are how dogs "see" and enjoy the world:)

Location

Washington, DC

Sonja T.'s Neighborhood

GIVE YOUR DOG A VACATION TOO

Pet care experience

I am a full-time pet sitter and animal photographer. I have lived in DC for nearly 20 years. WHAT SETS ME APART FROM OTHERS I dote on your pet! Every pet is unique and special, and I tailor my services to your – and your pet’s – specific needs. I understand that you aren’t just seeking someone responsible who will provide a safe and fun environment, but also someone who will take your dog’s individual needs into account. I also provide positive, gentle training. See my reviews that show a track record of making pets feel comfortable and calm. Next time you're gone for the day, night, weekend, or longer, please think of me. I promise to love on your pet like they are my own! WHAT TO EXPECT I am communicative with you, give updates throughout the day, and take high-quality photos. I am tender and gentle with older dogs and puppies. I am attentive, and I attempt to read your pet’s needs. I play when they want to play, rest when they want to rest, and offer comfort when they’re missing you. I am happy to have your dogs (or cats, rabbits, or other 4-legged creatures) on my furniture and sleep in my bed. I have taken care of puppies who are still learning and need extra comfort, older dogs who need extra care and medicine, little dogs with behavioral issues that need extra patience, special needs dogs with sight and hearing challenges, and big dogs who think they’re lap dogs. SIZE & REACTIVITY I am 5’4 and petite, so as a general rule, I do not take dogs that are more than 45 lbs if they pull excessively on their leash for safety reasons. If you have a larger breed, I am still happy to consider working with you if they do not pull on their leash. Whether your dog uses a standard leash, a harness, or a gentle leader, please let me know if they have any triggers – skateboards, bicycles, children, or people who wear hats – it gives me fair warning so I may be prepared. I want to know if your dog is a jumper (does not know “down”), has aggressive, and/or destructive tendencies, so I know if there are any particular signs to keep a lookout for. PRICING Constant 24-hour care = $250 Can be alone 4-8 hrs = Ask me Friendly/calm with other dogs = Ask me $250 is my typical base rate because I get many 24-hour constant care requests where the dog cannot be left alone at all due to separation anxiety. I may consider a rate adjustment if your dog can be left alone for brief periods or if they are friendly and calm with other dogs, which offers me the flexibility to care for multiple clients. Tips are optional but appreciated because tips can help to offset the 20% Rover fee and the cost of travel to/from meet & greets. The puppy rate is higher because puppies typically must be boarded solo if they have not completed all their vaccines. The higher puppy rate also factors in additional work with potty training, constant play, and getting into everything. 1-on-1 attention, potty training, and lots of love are priceless. If crate training, I have two — one metal wire and the other a soft-shell fabric crate — I sanitize both after each stay. The dimensions 19 x 29 x 20 or they can sleep with me. Do you have more than two dogs? Ask me about the rate, because the base rates are intended for two dogs but I will take more on a case-by-case basis. If you have a unique circumstance in regards to distance, services, or situation, ask me about customization or modification to services. Examples: I have been a professional puppy-nanny, a dog handler for a wedding and photoshoots, and long-term care situations that included long-distance travel or to veterinarian appointments. BOARDING I can board up to three dogs at once and/or cats, although I also offer solo, one-on-one care for individual attention. Located in Woodley Park near the National Zoo, my home is close to several walking trails and parks. An 8-minute walk from the Woodley Metro stop. Free street parking is available (2-hour limit) or ask me about guest parking. Two people are in the household who are professional pet sitters, because my partner, Travis is also a Rover sitter. When boarding (and sometimes housesitting), Travis and I often tag team and petsit together, which is DOUBLE the amount of attention and affection for your pet! There are two of us to play, walk, cuddle, and care for your pet overall. Travis is, in his words, “not a small man,” and he assists with bigger breeds and leash-pullers. We have a large dog area that is fully fenced and secure for playing fetch and general playtime. If your dog is reactive, I won’t take your dog to the dog park or near other dogs on the sidewalk. It will be one-on-one time with Travis and me only! DOGGIE DAYCARE “Doggie Daycare” is 7-11 hours a day, dropping off from 7 to 9 am and picking up from 4 to 6 pm. Extending beyond or before those time frames incurs an “extended hours” fee set by Rover. Need a sitter for less than 7 hours a day? Inquire about a potential adjusted hourly rate. HOUSE SITTING I respect your privacy and home. I have multiple repeat clients who trust me in their homes. I will bring in mail and packages, water plants or a garden, and clean up after myself before I leave. Let’s meet beforehand to introduce ourselves – book me for a 30-minute walk so we can walk together as a demo and talk about your pet’s needs. The cost of this walk/meeting covers transportation costs to meet you. Short-term housesitting - non-overnight - may be prorated at an hourly rate.

Cat care experience

Profile image
KIND CAT LADY WILL CARE FOR KITTIES

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

Reviews

Karla S.
Drop-In Visits • jun. 03, 2026
Profile image

Sonja did a great job taking care of Maximus!

Marko M.
Boarding • may. 19, 2026
Profile image

Sonja and Travis were excellent dog sitters for Gordon. Sonja was responsive and communicative during Gordon's stay. She regularly sent photos and updates of their many adventures. Gordon received a lot of attention and activity. I particularly appreciated how patient and kind both she and Travis were with Gordon during the first meeting, which helped to set a friendly tone for the stay. When an unexpected urgent situation arose during Gordon's visit, Sonja was quick to both communicate with me and resolve the situation adequately. When I picked him up at the end of the weekend, it was clear from his mood and energy that he had been well taken care of. I would be happy to send Gordon off to Sonja again--and I know he would be too!

Mark J.
Dog Walking • may. 05, 2026
Profile image

Sonja - was in time, kept in touch and made sure Coco had a fun walk.

Emily N.
Drop-In Visits • dic. 01, 2025
Profile image

Sonja is great. My cat was happy and well cared for upon my return 💜

About Sonja T.

Communication

73 repeat pet parents
96% response rate
Usually responds in a few minutes
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Dog skills

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

Safety, trust & environment

I am safe while walking your dogs, paying attention, looking far ahead and behind, watching for approaching dogs, car traffic, and pedestrians. I get to know your preferences and rules. My house is dog proofed with the trash cans secured. There is a large fenced patio for your dog to relax in — it is a covered, roofed patio to provide shade for your dogs.

Home

Lives in an apartment
Has a fenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has no pets
No children present
Dogs allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 0-2 hours

Information Sonja T. would like to know about your pet

> Does your dog need constant, 24-hour care or can they be solo for 4-8 hours? > Is your dog friendly and calm with other dogs? > How many pets in total? Asking because app and rates are geared towards two pets — if you have more than that, best to have a conversation about your situation and potential adjustment. > What are your dog’s quirks – with eating, sleeping, and going potty in rain or snow? > What are your dog’s triggers – for aggression, barking, nipping? > Are they high energy and in need of additional exercise? > What gives them anxiety, makes them happy, angry, or calm? > Any dietary needs, health concerns, or medication? > Is he or she a senior dog who needs some assistance getting up and moving about? > What is their overall mood — separation anxiety, socialize well with other dogs or need to be solo due to aggression or anxiety with other dogs?

A typical day

Go outside, walk, play, and smell things. Go inside for lounging, naps, and snuggles. Positive training time, exercise, and activities to tire them out before they go home with you. I will jog or sprint with your dogs if they’re higher energy and like to run, but also happy to take a more leisurely stroll if your dog is the type that prefers to stop and smell the flowers. Engaging with the environment, varying pace, and smells are how dogs "see" and enjoy the world:)

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.
Profile image
Verified Enhanced Background Check
Profile image
Verified Enhanced Background Check

Sonja T.

Woodley Park, Washington, DC

5.0 out of 5 stars
293 reviews