Tara G.
Springfield, VA
Services
Prices may vary based on your selections. A booking fee of 11% will apply.
Tara can care for
Availability
As a full-time stay-at-home dog mom to my sweet 4-year-old mixed breed pup and a teen aged human, I have a flexible schedule and plenty of time to give your pet the one-on-one attention they deserve. Most days you’ll find me exploring local trails, visiting dog parks, or going on long walks. I’d love to add dog walks, drop-in visits, or house sitting to my daily routine. I’m happy to leave my dog at home to focus solely on your pup, or—if your dog enjoys the company—I can bring my friendly boy along for a playdate. Either way, your dog will get lots of love, exercise, and care.
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About Tara G.
Communication
Dog skills
Safety, trust & environment
Whether I’m visiting your home or staying overnight, I aim to make your dog feel completely safe and relaxed in their own environment. I treat your pet like I do my own—with love, respect, and attentiveness. I follow your instructions carefully and take time to understand your dog’s routine and preferences. I’m all about enriching their day with whatever makes them happiest—whether that’s a game of tug, a quiet cuddle, a scent walk, or a few rounds of “find the treat.” We can stick to your neighborhood, explore nearby parks, or simply hang at home—it’s entirely up to you and your pup. My goal is to make sure they feel secure, exercised, and deeply cared for while you’re away.
Information Tara G. would like to know about your pet
To give your dog the best possible care, I’d love to know: Any allergies, medications, or medical conditions Your dog’s daily routine—mealtimes, amounts, walking schedule, etc. Behavioral quirks or triggers (e.g., doesn’t like other dogs, scared of thunder, pulls on leash) Favorite toys, games, or activities What helps your pup feel safe, happy, and at home Anything you’d like me to keep an eye on, avoid, or reinforce Feel free to tell me as much as you’d like—I genuinely enjoy learning what makes your dog unique. The more I know, the better I can tailor my care to keep them comfortable, happy, and stress-free while you're away.
A typical day
🐾 What’s Included in House Sitting with Me • Overnight stay in your home so your dog feels secure in their routine • 18+ hours of daily companionship with all scheduling previously approved by you. • Walks, potty breaks, and outdoor time (tailored to your pup’s needs) • Flexibility: I may step out for 2–4 hours at a time, but your dog’s comfort always comes first and we will discuss these details prior to the date of service. • Playtime, enrichment games, and snuggles (or calm company for quieter dogs) • Feeding and fresh water on your schedule • Medication administration (if needed) • Frequent photo and video updates—as many as you’d like! 🐾 A Typical Day While House Sitting Your Dog: When I’m house sitting, your dog gets to stay in the comfort of their own home, surrounded by familiar sights, smells, and routines—and I do my best to keep things just the way they like it. Mornings usually start with a potty break and some fresh air, followed by breakfast and a bit of playtime or snuggles—whatever your dog enjoys most. If they’re active, we might go for a walk around the neighborhood or a hike on a nearby trail. If they’re more relaxed, we might hang out together while I tidy up, work on my laptop, crochet quietly, or read nearby so they feel connected and calm. Throughout the day, I follow your schedule for feeding, walks, medications, or anything else your pup needs. I build in play sessions, enrichment/food games, or quiet time depending on your dog’s age and energy. I also make sure water bowls are always fresh, paws are clean after outdoor time, and your dog feels safe and loved. In the evenings, we wind down with a walk or backyard time, dinner, and some final cuddles before bed—on their usual schedule, in their usual spot. I’ll send plenty of pictures and updates so you know your pup is doing great. Basically, I become your dog’s stand-in best friend while you’re gone—loving them like you would, and keeping everything running smoothly
Location
Springfield, VA
Pets
Tara G. 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.
Loved by Dogs. Trusted by Humans.
Pet care experience
Dogs love me. Owners trust me. I bring dependable, loving care with clear communication, fun adventures, and as many photo updates as you’d like—plus treats in my pocket, always! I’ve been surrounded by dogs my entire life—raised in a home where dogs were family and teaching my husband and child the same. From senior rescues to 8-week-old puppies, I’ve cared for dogs of every age, size, and personality. What sets me apart is my ability to meet each dog exactly where they are. Playful pup? I’m down for tug, fetch, and zoomies. Shy or older dog? I offer a calm, quiet presence, gentle affection, and lots of patience. I always let the dog lead the way. Safety is my top priority: I double-clip leashes and harnesses on walks, use canine seat belts in the car, and I’m certified in Cat and Dog First Aid by the American Red Cross. I clip GPS Apple AirTags on each dog when we go for a walk for a “just in case” scenario. Thankfully I’ve never had to use them, but exercising an abundance of caution with your sweet pup is important. I take pride in offering not just great pet care, but great people care too. I’m highly responsive, punctual, and respectful of your space. I keep things clean, follow your instructions to the letter, and always check in if I have a question. Want tons of pictures and videos? I’m happy to send as many updates as you’d like—or just a few, if you prefer peace of mind with less pinging. My goal is to make your time away completely worry-free, with a happy dog and a tidy, calm home to return to. 🐾 What’s Included in Per Sitting/Overnight Stay with Me? • Overnight stay in your home so your dog feels secure in their routine • At least 18+ hours of daily companionship • Walks, potty breaks, and outdoor time (tailored to your pup’s needs). • Flexibility: I may step out for 2–4 hours at a time, but your dog’s comfort always comes first • Playtime, enrichment games, and snuggles (or calm company for quieter dogs) • Feeding and fresh water on your schedule • Medication administration (if needed) • Frequent photo and video updates—as many as you’d like! And yes—it was me. I let the dogs out. And I’d love to take yours out too.
Reviews
I almost don’t want to leave a review because I want Tara all to ourselves! It’s very difficult to find a quality/trust worthy dog walker these days, but Tara is surely both! She is extremely detail oriented and follows instructions to a T. She sends TONS of pics and videos with a detailed report card about the visit. It’s clear my pups adore her. They usually take a little while to warm up to strangers but it was love at first site with Tara! She also left the most thoughtful card and puppy cookies. Excited to use her for more walks/visits in the future!
This was the second time Tara cared for Nala, and once again she was absolutely amazing. Leaving your dog behind is never easy, especially when you know how much they miss you, but Tara always goes above and beyond to make sure Nala feels loved, comfortable, and cared for. Nala definitely misses me when I’m away, but Tara does such a wonderful job of being there for her and filling that void with affection, attention, and patience. She kept me updated throughout the stay, which gave me so much peace of mind. I am incredibly grateful to have found someone I trust so completely with my girl. Tara is reliable, caring, and truly treats Nala like her own. I would recommend her without hesitation and will absolutely continue booking with her in the future 🐾🐶🩷🫶🏻
There aren’t enough superlatives to describe the care and attention to detail that Tara provides. Photos, videos, pup cups, check lists, fetch time, the list goes on!!! The most important is that our dog squad is happy and loves Tara. Thank you!!
Tara is by far the most wonderful pet sitter ever! She is so attentive to our Buddy. He absolutely loves her! She is great at watching the house while we’re away too. She is a treasure!!❤️❤️
About Tara G.
Communication
Dog skills
Safety, trust & environment
Whether I’m visiting your home or staying overnight, I aim to make your dog feel completely safe and relaxed in their own environment. I treat your pet like I do my own—with love, respect, and attentiveness. I follow your instructions carefully and take time to understand your dog’s routine and preferences. I’m all about enriching their day with whatever makes them happiest—whether that’s a game of tug, a quiet cuddle, a scent walk, or a few rounds of “find the treat.” We can stick to your neighborhood, explore nearby parks, or simply hang at home—it’s entirely up to you and your pup. My goal is to make sure they feel secure, exercised, and deeply cared for while you’re away.
Information Tara G. would like to know about your pet
To give your dog the best possible care, I’d love to know: Any allergies, medications, or medical conditions Your dog’s daily routine—mealtimes, amounts, walking schedule, etc. Behavioral quirks or triggers (e.g., doesn’t like other dogs, scared of thunder, pulls on leash) Favorite toys, games, or activities What helps your pup feel safe, happy, and at home Anything you’d like me to keep an eye on, avoid, or reinforce Feel free to tell me as much as you’d like—I genuinely enjoy learning what makes your dog unique. The more I know, the better I can tailor my care to keep them comfortable, happy, and stress-free while you're away.
A typical day
🐾 What’s Included in House Sitting with Me • Overnight stay in your home so your dog feels secure in their routine • 18+ hours of daily companionship with all scheduling previously approved by you. • Walks, potty breaks, and outdoor time (tailored to your pup’s needs) • Flexibility: I may step out for 2–4 hours at a time, but your dog’s comfort always comes first and we will discuss these details prior to the date of service. • Playtime, enrichment games, and snuggles (or calm company for quieter dogs) • Feeding and fresh water on your schedule • Medication administration (if needed) • Frequent photo and video updates—as many as you’d like! 🐾 A Typical Day While House Sitting Your Dog: When I’m house sitting, your dog gets to stay in the comfort of their own home, surrounded by familiar sights, smells, and routines—and I do my best to keep things just the way they like it. Mornings usually start with a potty break and some fresh air, followed by breakfast and a bit of playtime or snuggles—whatever your dog enjoys most. If they’re active, we might go for a walk around the neighborhood or a hike on a nearby trail. If they’re more relaxed, we might hang out together while I tidy up, work on my laptop, crochet quietly, or read nearby so they feel connected and calm. Throughout the day, I follow your schedule for feeding, walks, medications, or anything else your pup needs. I build in play sessions, enrichment/food games, or quiet time depending on your dog’s age and energy. I also make sure water bowls are always fresh, paws are clean after outdoor time, and your dog feels safe and loved. In the evenings, we wind down with a walk or backyard time, dinner, and some final cuddles before bed—on their usual schedule, in their usual spot. I’ll send plenty of pictures and updates so you know your pup is doing great. Basically, I become your dog’s stand-in best friend while you’re gone—loving them like you would, and keeping everything running smoothly
Tara G.
Springfield, VA