Sophia C.
Gaithersburg, MD
Services
Sophia can host
Availability
Pet care is our full-time lifestyle. After more than 12 years of professional boarding and daycare, we've built our daily routine around the dogs in our care. From morning potty breaks and supervised play to walks, rest time, and evening cuddles, every dog receives consistent attention, structure, and personalized care throughout the day. Nothing makes us happier than seeing a nervous first-time guest settle in, make friends, and start playing confidently in our backyard.
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About Sophia C.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Safety is always my top priority. Dogs spend their time on the main floor of our home, where they have plenty of space to play, relax, and interact. To reduce the risk of injuries, access to furniture with jumping hazards has been limited after a previous accident, creating a safer environment for dogs of all ages and sizes. Our large fenced backyard provides plenty of room for supervised outdoor play and exercise. Dogs are never left unattended outside, and new guests are introduced gradually based on their size, temperament, and play style to ensure positive and safe interactions. Dogs are required to wear a secure collar with identification tags during their stay. For dogs that are still developing reliable recall, I use supervised long-line management when appropriate, allowing them to explore and play safely while maintaining control. Over the years, I've made thoughtful adjustments to our home based on experience, always with the goal of creating the safest possible environment for every dog in my care.
Home
Information Sophia C. would like to know about your pet
I believe every dog is an individual, so I like to learn as much as possible before their stay. Please tell me about your dog's personality, daily schedule, feeding routine, energy level, favorite games, training cues or commands, experience with other dogs, and any medical needs or behavioral quirks. I also wanted to know what makes them happy, what makes them nervous, and how they interact with people and other dogs. The more you share, the better I can tailor their care, reduce stress, and help them settle into our home as if they've been here before. There are no "bad" answers—honest communication helps me create the safest and most enjoyable experience for every dog in my care.
A typical day
There’s no one-size-fits-all schedule here. Every dog has a different personality, and I tailor each day to help them feel safe, engaged, and at home. Every day is designed to balance exercise, socialization, rest, and plenty of individual attention. After morning potty breaks and breakfast, dogs enjoy supervised indoor and outdoor play with carefully matched companions based on their size, temperament, and play style. Throughout the day, we keep them engaged with games like tug-of-war, fetch, treat times, and plenty of opportunities to explore our large fenced backyard. Just as importantly, we make sure every dog has time to relax, nap, and recharge in a calm home environment. I live in a very dog-friendly community, and weather and schedule permitting, we also enjoy walks around the neighborhood or visits to nearby parks. Some dogs especially love exploring the trails and natural surroundings near Seneca Creek State Park. Every dog is different, so I adjust activities to match each guest's age, energy level, and personality. Whether your pup loves to play all day or prefers a quiet spot to watch the action, they'll receive personalized care and attention that helps them feel comfortable and at home.
Location
Gaithersburg, MD
Pets
Sophia C. 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.
12 Yrs FT + 92% Repeat
Pet care experience
I've been sharing my life with dogs for nearly 40 years and have provided full-time professional dog boarding and daycare since 2014. Caring for dogs isn't just my job—it's been a lifelong passion. What sets me apart is not only my experience, but also my commitment to providing a true home environment. I keep a small, carefully managed group so every dog receives plenty of attention, exercise, supervision, and affection. My husband and I are home full-time, so your dog is rarely left alone and is treated like part of our family. Over the past 12 years, I've cared for hundreds of dogs with different personalities, energy levels, and routines. I'm experienced in introducing new dogs into a group, recognizing stress signals early, managing play safely, administering oral and topical medications, and adapting to each dog's individual needs. My nearly 92% repeat customer rate reflects the trust families place in us. Many of my clients have stayed with us for years, and I've had the privilege of watching their puppies grow into seniors. While I welcome healthy dogs of all ages, I focus on providing a safe, low-stress environment where every guest can relax, play, and feel at home. My goal has always been simple: to care for every dog as if they were my own, so their families can travel with complete peace of mind.
Reviews
This was our second time having our Shiba Inu, Koko stay with Sophia. It was a great experience, we knew Koko was in good hands and she was well cared for. Highly recommend Sophia! She and her family really care for their guests and it shows. Our dog was so happy.
This was our first boarding with Sophia, and she did a great job. We got cute photos of our pup daily, and she enjoyed spending time with her new friends.
Sophia is an excellent dog sitter. She took great care of my dog and kept me updated daily with photos, which I really appreciated. My dog looked so happy during his stay with her. I will definitely book with Sophia again in the near future!
Sophia was fantastic. She sent updates with pictures everyday and communicated with meto let me know how my dogs are doing. She is extremely friendly and professional.
About Sophia C.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Safety is always my top priority. Dogs spend their time on the main floor of our home, where they have plenty of space to play, relax, and interact. To reduce the risk of injuries, access to furniture with jumping hazards has been limited after a previous accident, creating a safer environment for dogs of all ages and sizes. Our large fenced backyard provides plenty of room for supervised outdoor play and exercise. Dogs are never left unattended outside, and new guests are introduced gradually based on their size, temperament, and play style to ensure positive and safe interactions. Dogs are required to wear a secure collar with identification tags during their stay. For dogs that are still developing reliable recall, I use supervised long-line management when appropriate, allowing them to explore and play safely while maintaining control. Over the years, I've made thoughtful adjustments to our home based on experience, always with the goal of creating the safest possible environment for every dog in my care.
Home
Information Sophia C. would like to know about your pet
I believe every dog is an individual, so I like to learn as much as possible before their stay. Please tell me about your dog's personality, daily schedule, feeding routine, energy level, favorite games, training cues or commands, experience with other dogs, and any medical needs or behavioral quirks. I also wanted to know what makes them happy, what makes them nervous, and how they interact with people and other dogs. The more you share, the better I can tailor their care, reduce stress, and help them settle into our home as if they've been here before. There are no "bad" answers—honest communication helps me create the safest and most enjoyable experience for every dog in my care.
A typical day
There’s no one-size-fits-all schedule here. Every dog has a different personality, and I tailor each day to help them feel safe, engaged, and at home. Every day is designed to balance exercise, socialization, rest, and plenty of individual attention. After morning potty breaks and breakfast, dogs enjoy supervised indoor and outdoor play with carefully matched companions based on their size, temperament, and play style. Throughout the day, we keep them engaged with games like tug-of-war, fetch, treat times, and plenty of opportunities to explore our large fenced backyard. Just as importantly, we make sure every dog has time to relax, nap, and recharge in a calm home environment. I live in a very dog-friendly community, and weather and schedule permitting, we also enjoy walks around the neighborhood or visits to nearby parks. Some dogs especially love exploring the trails and natural surroundings near Seneca Creek State Park. Every dog is different, so I adjust activities to match each guest's age, energy level, and personality. Whether your pup loves to play all day or prefers a quiet spot to watch the action, they'll receive personalized care and attention that helps them feel comfortable and at home.
Sophia C.
Gaithersburg, MD