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Stephen & Mariana A.

5.0 out of 5 stars
Profile image

Stephen & Mariana A.

5.0 out of 5 stars

Highlights

Identity Verified
10 years of experience
Has a fenced yard
Home full time

Pet care experience

WFH Family: Full-Time Care

As a lifelong dog lover, long-time owner, and trusted go-to sitter for friends and family, I know firsthand that peace of mind is everything when you leave your pet. My wife and I both work from home full-time, meaning your dog will almost never be left alone. They will enjoy constant company, regular potty breaks in our secure garden, and plenty of attention throughout the day. We also have a gentle 4-year-old daughter who is being raised to respect and love animals, making our home a wonderful, warm environment for dogs that are comfortable around children. Because our own beloved Collie is now 10 years old, I am uniquely attuned to the needs of senior dogs. I understand the importance of a slower pace, a gentle touch, strict adherence to feeding schedules, and providing a low-stress environment where they can truly relax. What Sets Us Apart: Full-Time Supervision: Working from home means continuous companionship and care—perfect for pups who dislike being left alone. Family & Child Friendly: A warm, lively, but respectful household. Great for social dogs who love being part of family life. Senior & Special Care Experience: Patient, attentive, and highly experienced with older dogs who need a gentler routine or specific medication/feeding schedules. Proven Track Record: Years of experience minding dogs for friends, neighbours, and family members who trust us implicitly with their furry best friends. Owner's Peace of Mind: We are organised, reliable, and happy to send regular photo and text updates so you always know how your dog is getting on. Whether your dog is a quiet soul who loves a snooze by the desk while I work, or a playful companion for daily walkies, they will be treated exactly like a member of our family.

Qualifications

96% response rate
Usually responds in under an hour
10 years of experience

Ratings and reviews

5.0
stars
4 ratings
S N.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • Sep 09, 2026

Stephen and his family minded our 6 month old lively pup! Great service with no fuss. He updated us while we were away. Lily our puppy was very happy there! Would highly recommend. Sheila, Clontarf

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Sinead F.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • Jul 22, 2026

Highly recommend Stephen & his family. We needed a dog sitter last minute and he was brilliant. Kept us updated while we were away, and he and his family took great care of our dog. Came home to a happy dog. Would definitely use Stephen again 😊

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Vivek B.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • Jul 21, 2026

Stephen took good care of Habba and kpt us updated on a daily basis with photos . Our pet also got along with Steve's own pet very nicely. There is a park right outside their house which is convenient for daily walks.

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Ellen R.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • Jul 06, 2026

Stephen and his family looked after Jeff for a week while we were away abroad. We were unexpectedly left without a sitter a week before our trip and Stephen was very accommodating, arranging a meet & greet before any commitment. Once Jeff arrived at Stephen’s house, he was straight in and we knew instantly he’d settle in well. Stephen sent updates throughout the week and we could see Jeff was enjoying himself and getting plenty of attention. I would absolutely use Stephen and Mariana again the next time we’re away.

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Luis Q.
May 24, 2026

I’ve known Stephen for over 3 years through our children, who attend the same crèche and are great friends. We spend a lot of time together as families, and I’ve always seen him as a caring, responsible, and trustworthy person. He’s fantastic with animals and has a very well-trained dog with an amazing temperament. I’ve seen him regularly handle his dog calmly and confidently, even during busy crèche pick-ups. I would absolutely recommend Stephen as a loving and reliable pet caregiver.

Calendar and availability

Available
Not available
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Available
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Schedule

Because my wife and I both work from home full-time, pet care fits seamlessly into our daily routine. Our schedule is highly flexible, meaning guest dogs are rarely left unattended and enjoy constant companionship throughout the day. A typical day with us includes: Mornings: A bright and early start with breakfast, a potty break in the garden, and a morning walk before work starts. Throughout the Day: Dogs are welcome to snooze in the office with me while I work, lounge in the living room, or potter about the garden. Potty breaks and head scratches happen naturally between tasks. Evenings: Another walk, dinner time, and plenty of family relaxation in the evening. Since we are always here, we can easily adapt our day to match your dog's specific feeding, medication, or walking routine.

Where your pet will stay

Home characteristics

Lives in a house
Has a fenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has 1 dog
Children 0-5 years old
Dogs not allowed on bed
Dogs not allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 8+ hours

Safety, trust & environment

Safety and peace of mind are my top priorities. When a dog stays with us, they are treated with the exact same care and caution we show our own beloved Collie. 🏡 Our Home & Garden Environment Fully Secure Garden: We have a completely fenced-in, secure back garden where dogs can safely potter about, stretch their legs, and play under supervision. Dog-Friendly Layout: Our home is a calm, tidy, and safe indoor space with plenty of comfortable spots for dogs to rest or snooze right next to us while we work. 🌳 Location & Walks Safe, Established Neighbourhood: We are based in a quiet, mature, and very safe area of Artane, ideal for peaceful neighborhood walks without chaotic traffic. Fantastic Local Parks: We are incredibly lucky to be close to excellent green spaces. Depending on your dog's energy levels and preferences, we enjoy daily walks to Rockfield Park or longer adventures to the beautiful St. Anne’s Park. 🛡️ Trust & Supervision Constant Company: Because we work from home, guest dogs are supervised throughout the day and never left unattended for long periods. Child-Safe Environment: Our 4-year-old daughter is great with dogs and has been taught exactly how to interact with them gently and respectfully.

Pets

0 to 7 kg
7 to 18 kg
18 to 45 kg
Unspayed females accepted, neutered males only
Crate-trained dogs only
Stephen & Mariana can host up to 2 pets per night
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.