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Tara W.

5.0 out of 5 stars
67 repeat clients
Profile image

Tara W.

5.0 out of 5 stars
67 repeat clients

Contact for Boarding

from $35 per night

Highlights

Tara has Star Sitter status!
Basic background check
40 years of experience
Has a fenced yard
Home full time
Can administer medication

Pet care experience

Pets are family!

Leaving pets behind while you are away is always a stressful experience. My goal is to ease that concern as much as possible. While in my home, your dogs will be integrated into the household. They will be loved on and cared for, and I will follow their usual routine as closely as possible. This is an active household and can meet the needs of your energetic dog, or snooze on the couch with your more sedentary friends. I grew up in a household with animals. As a pet owner, I know how difficult it can be to find someone you trust to care for your animals the way that you do. Different kinds of pets require different kinds of care, as do animals with different types of temperaments. Finding the right person can be critical, and that person can be the difference between a good experience and a bad one for your particular animal. I have been caring for animals my whole life, as we always had dogs, cats and small animals in the house. I have been pet sitting for family and friends since 1992. It is something that I love to do, and it also gives me the opportunity to work with and interact with different species. I have ownership experience caring for dogs (from Great Danes to Chihuahuas), cats, small animals (including hamsters, gerbils and guinea pigs), rabbits (love these guys!) and fish. I am willing to be educated if you have specialty pets that need care, however, I don’t do snakes! One of my passions is training and competing with my rescue dogs in a variety of dog sports. I have also enjoyed volunteering in animal shelters and serving as a foster home for several rescue organizations. I have taught classes in obedience, rally, agility and flyball as well as worked as a private dog trainer. With the time I have invested in these areas, I have gained tremendous knowledge regarding pack behavior, temperaments, personalities, and training. I can usually see a problem before there is one. For the safety of everyone in the household (dogs, rabbits and any visiting animals), dogs will be kenneled while I am away from the house. Dogs that are outside of their normal environment can sometimes act differently in an unfamiliar situation. For this reason, dogs are kenneled in order to protect the safety of all. Exceptions can be made for repeat customers whose dogs have proven to integrate well into the household, interact well with the resident dogs, and do not harass the rabbits. I currently share my life with four rescues, Dalmatian Mix Tesla, Border Collie Keely and my bonded pair of rabbits, Ollie and Blaze. I also have a young Dalmatian named Skylar. They keep me on my toes! About my yard The yard is fully fenced with a 6 foot privacy fence, and it is in good repair. The gate is kept locked at all times. The yard is a good size, with open space and shade, and also contains my organic garden. Additional Services (ask about pricing) Small animal boarding

Qualifications

67 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds in a few minutes
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards
40 years of experience
Oral medication administration
First aid/CPR

Ratings and reviews

5.0
stars
200 ratings
Johnnie J.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Drop-In Visits • Jul 25, 2026

Always does an excellent job.

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Mandy S.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • Jul 20, 2026

Tara always takes wonderful care of our pets!

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Hannah S.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • Jun 15, 2026

Scout has been to Tara's many times over the past 4 years and she is always reliable, consistent, and I know Scout enjoys her time at Tara's house. She gets excited if I mention Tara's name! I highly recommend!!

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Marlenne G.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • Apr 27, 2026

Another wonderful stay for Rusty 💕

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Johnnie J.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Drop-In Visits • Mar 15, 2026

Always does an excellent job!

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Ryan C.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Drop-In Visits • Feb 03, 2026

Tara is the most consummate professional and caring pet sitter. She’s an amazing person.

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Calendar and availability

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
SMTWTFS

Where your pet will stay

Home characteristics

Lives in a house
Has a fenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has caged pets
Has 4 dogs
No children present
Dogs not allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture

Pets

A typical day

Here's where we'll take our walks I live in a large suburban neighborhood with ample areas for walking. There is also a neighborhood park that can be accessed easily with a short walk. The park contains walking trails with shade. We also have a nearby dog park as well as a city park that is very pleasant for outdoor excursions. Your dog's sleeping arrangement: I will use my best judgment in this area. Typically, your dog will be allowed to sleep in the master bedroom at night unless the dog is not comfortable with that arrangement. I prefer to keep the animals restricted to the one room so that I know where everyone is if an emergency were to arise. Puppies will be kenneled if they are not housebroken to assist with house training and to minimize accidents and chewing incidents. If preferred, dogs can be kenneled, either in one of my kennels or your own if you provide it. Time I'll spend with your dog (my home): I spend most of my free time at home with my dogs or we are out together doing something. Your dogs will join me in those excursions if you are comfortable with that. Time I'll spend with your dog (your Home): Drop in visits will occur at 4, 8, or 12-hour intervals when at all possible. Each visit is usually 30 minutes, depending on the pets and the tasks required. We will be sure to discuss specific needs and agree on a routine before you leave. Up to three visits per day can be provided during the week. Weekends allow for 4 visits per day if needed. Package pricing available on a case-by-case basis for multi pet households with different species.

0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
Unspayed females accepted, neutered males only
No females in heat
Crate-trained dogs only
Tara can host up to 2 pets per night
For everyone’s safety, I would like to know as much as possible about your dog. Are they escape artists? Do they have food allergies? What medications are they taking and do they have any chronic illnesses such as seizures or stress diarrhea? Do they guard food or objects or have any aggressive tendencies? How about a fear of thunderstorms or loud noises and how do they react? Are they a fence jumper or have any behavioral problems (doesn’t like men, women, children, certain parts of the body or collar touched, etc.)? Are they house trained/crate trained? What is their typical feeding schedule? Does your pet do anything that others would find unusual? I do ask that you provide your dog’s food as this will minimize their stress while being away from home. I also ask that dogs be up to date on vaccinations/titers and be on a flea preventive (especially between March – November).
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.