Steven N.
Modesto, CA
Services
Prices include all fees.
Steven can host
Availability
I’m retired, so my schedule is flexible and easy to work around. I’m available most days, primarily during daytime hours, with occasional morning or evening availability as needed. I provide consistent, attentive care in a calm, low-key environment, with regular photo updates so you can see how your dog is doing.
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About Steven N.
Communication
Dog skills
Safety, trust & environment
I pay close attention to canine body language and stress signals, adjusting handling and environment as needed to keep each dog relaxed and secure. I work with one client household at a time—no pack environments or rotating dogs. This allows for a calm, controlled setting with minimal stress and better oversight. Best fit: calm, well-adjusted dogs that can settle in a new environment. Not a good fit: high-energy, reactive, or multi-dog households needing group-style care. Dogs must be comfortable around other dogs and able to settle indoors. A brief meet-and-greet is required for all new clients to confirm a good fit for everyone.
Home
Information Steven N. would like to know about your pet
To provide the best care, I ask for a brief overview of your dog’s: • Routine (feeding, rest, activity) • Temperament and energy level • Experience with other dogs • Any sensitivities, triggers, or medical needs I’m a great fit for dogs that are: • Generally well-mannered and house trained • Comfortable in a home setting • Able to settle between activity periods Dogs should be comfortable around other dogs and able to settle indoors. For safety and health: dogs should be current on flea/tick prevention and basic vaccinations. Identification is required (collar tag or microchip). If needed, I can provide a temporary tag during stays. If your dog has quirks, that’s completely fine—I just like to understand them upfront to set everyone up for success.
A typical day
Days are calm, structured, and tailored to each dog’s routine. • Supervised yard time for movement and exploration • Enrichment (toys, lick mats, light play) • Rest periods to prevent overstimulation • Fresh water, clean spaces, and attentive supervision throughout The focus is on balanced activity and calm downtime—not constant stimulation.
Location
Modesto, CA
Pets
Calm, Structured, Low-Volume Care
Pet care experience
I’m an experienced dog handler with a background in rescue, foster care, and shelter assessment work (SASA and 501(c) rescues). I’ve completed Fear Free Shelters core modules and continue building skills in canine body language and low-stress handling. I provide calm, structured, individualized care—reading dogs well and preventing issues before they start. Care takes place in a controlled home and yard environment designed for predictability, safety, and the ability to settle. If it sounds like a good fit, send a message with a little about your dog and we’ll start with a meet-and-greet.
Reviews
My elderly dog Charlie spent the day with Steven and had a wonderful time. Steven took excellent care of Charlie, gave him treats, and made sure all of his needs were met. It gave me great peace of mind knowing my dog was in kind and caring hands. Highly recommend!
I cannot recommend Steven enough! My dog is quite skittish with strangers and has a very specific routine at home, so I was nervous about boarding. Steven was incredibly understanding and listened to all my concerns, but what impressed me most was how he prioritized reading her body language over just following my instructions blindly. He understood that she might behave differently in a new environment and adapted brilliantly. Despite the challenges of a different household dynamic—managing a 'grazer' around his own dog and mirroring our busy family routine—he made her feel right at home. By the first night, she was eating, playing, and even sleeping in her crate! If you want a sitter who truly understands dog psychology and provides personalized care, Steven is the one.
I’ve known Steve for years through the local dog community and shelter work, and I’ve seen firsthand how well he handles dogs. He’s calm, attentive, and really understands how to read behavior and meet each dog where it’s at. Our dogs, Marco and Issa, have spent time with Steve and his dog, and it’s always been easy and comfortable. He offers a great balance of structure and engagement. Steve is reliable, knowledgeable, and genuinely cares about doing things right. I’d trust him with my dogs anytime.
Hi Steven is a very honest caring person who loves animals and people. He helped me adopt my dog about a year ago and went above and beyond to help me driving over 8 hours to get him to me. He would be a wonderful addition to your company. Lynda Tindle
About Steven N.
Communication
Dog skills
Safety, trust & environment
I pay close attention to canine body language and stress signals, adjusting handling and environment as needed to keep each dog relaxed and secure. I work with one client household at a time—no pack environments or rotating dogs. This allows for a calm, controlled setting with minimal stress and better oversight. Best fit: calm, well-adjusted dogs that can settle in a new environment. Not a good fit: high-energy, reactive, or multi-dog households needing group-style care. Dogs must be comfortable around other dogs and able to settle indoors. A brief meet-and-greet is required for all new clients to confirm a good fit for everyone.
Home
Information Steven N. would like to know about your pet
To provide the best care, I ask for a brief overview of your dog’s: • Routine (feeding, rest, activity) • Temperament and energy level • Experience with other dogs • Any sensitivities, triggers, or medical needs I’m a great fit for dogs that are: • Generally well-mannered and house trained • Comfortable in a home setting • Able to settle between activity periods Dogs should be comfortable around other dogs and able to settle indoors. For safety and health: dogs should be current on flea/tick prevention and basic vaccinations. Identification is required (collar tag or microchip). If needed, I can provide a temporary tag during stays. If your dog has quirks, that’s completely fine—I just like to understand them upfront to set everyone up for success.
A typical day
Days are calm, structured, and tailored to each dog’s routine. • Supervised yard time for movement and exploration • Enrichment (toys, lick mats, light play) • Rest periods to prevent overstimulation • Fresh water, clean spaces, and attentive supervision throughout The focus is on balanced activity and calm downtime—not constant stimulation.
Steven N.
Modesto, CA