Stephen G.
Stephen G.
Contact for Drop-In Visits
$89 total per visit
Highlights
Pet care experience
Shelter volunteer, dog lover, hiker
I'm a dog lover who volunteers with and fosters for the Pets In Need shelter in Palo Alto. If you adopted your pup from there (or the Redwood City location), I may well have helped take care of her/him already! How do I work with a dog? With affection, food, exercise, consistency, and lots of positive reinforcement. I've worked with big dogs, bouncy dogs, small dogs, skittish dogs, and puppies with sharp teeth. My favorites are the smart, enthusiastic dogs; there's something magical about helping your cute bundle of energy learn new dog skills. For pups on the more energetic end of the activity spectrum, I'll be delighted to take them hiking in a local park rather than (or as well as) sniffing around the block. And if long walks and learning new tricks doesn't sound like your dog, I'll still be glad that we get to spend time together! What if your dog has "special requirements?" First, I'm not going to blame your dog. Second, please let me know! I'm not worried. I've worked with a variety of challenges in the shelter, and it'll probably be fine. And, if there's an issue so challenging that I wouldn't be the right person, you don't want me looking after your pup anyway. What do I do when I'm not working with dogs? I'm in my early 40s, want a dog but don't currently have the stability to get one of my own, and work as a data scientist in the transportation sector. Working with data is fun and rewarding too, but less snuggly. Small print: maximum two dogs at a time (maybe three if I know them all already), no injections (I don't have that experience and your pup probably doesn't want me "learning on the job"), extra fees may apply for dogs with severe separation anxiety (let's start by discussing your pup's challenges). === === === === For the avoidance of any ambiguity, my work through rover.com is neither affiliated with nor endorsed by Pets In Need. I volunteer with Pets In Need because I believe in their mission and want to help the dogs awaiting adoption. I work with clients through rover.com because I offer a service to wonderful folks like you who've brought dog into their families. === === === ===
Qualifications
Safety, trust & environment
I know from my own experience that leaving your dog(s) - for any reason - is a tough call that requires trust in the person who's looking after them. When I'm with your dog(s), I'm with your dog(s) exclusively. Sometimes, people who board dogs or walk dogs will take multiple dogs at once, which means that they can charge less per dog and increase their revenue. Those efficiencies work for them, but I'll be focused on your dog(s) only. The only dogs I'll be walking together are your dogs and the only person I'll be bringing into the house is me. Your home's also important. I have a comprehensive set of questions that I'll want to review before taking care of your pooch so that I know how things work for your dog in your home. You likely have your own house rules: maybe there's one specific couch that Fido's allowed on or perhaps you secure your trash cans carefully to keep the raccoons out. That's okay - I'll respect your home the way you want it.
Ratings and reviews
Is there a 6-star option? There should be! Stephen did an excellent job of caring for my dog and my house. From the pre-stay visit, to the gentle and appropriate reminders, detailed notes, and the charming and informative daily updates. Bonus: new skills and tricks were learned by my pooch! Stephen's gentle and calm approach -- superb!
From first introduction to yesterday's assignment, Stephen was a 5-star performer and a pet's best friend! Highly recommend Stephen if you're looking for a dog and pet savvy person who's responsible, caring, and detail-oriented... and one who adores dogs and dogs (at least mine) adore right back. Stephen's care meant my dog got a "spa day" rather than a dull day... walks, treats, sunshine naps, and ear scritches all included.
Stephen goes above and beyond to make sure our pups and our house are well cared for. He is attentive to details and trustworthy. He sends updates and pictures often. We will definitely ask him to sit for us again, thank you Stephen!!
Stephen was incredible, our dogs were in such good hands! We have never had a dog sitter so attentive to detail and such a great companion for the dogs. We were impressed by Stephen's pre-visit to meet the dogs and make sure it was a good fit. He took notes and had us share important details about the dogs. He updated us throughout his stay, sending pictures and letting us know how the dogs were doing. He also left the house in excellent condition and took our garbage cans out to the street which was so helpful. We would highly recommend Stephen to our friends and family. Thank you, Stephen!
Stephen took great care of our pup and our house! He left it clean and did everything to our specifications. He provided many pictures of Ellie which was super helpful. We would definitely use Stephen again!
Excellent care for Moose and my home, as always with Stephen!
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
I spend most of (yes, too much of) my time in front of a computer, so your pooch will have my company for much of the day. When house sitting, my objective is to provide care that maintains your pup's regular schedule. If your dog needs continuous attention through the day, we can discuss how best to provide that.