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THEODORE Y.

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THEODORE Y.

No star rating available
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Austin, TX

Contact for Boarding

from $70 per night

Highlights

Enhanced background check
30 years of experience
Has a fenced yard
Home full time
Accepts 1 client at a time

Pet care experience

35y of Dog Care Senior/Special-Need

I’ve cared for dogs for more than 35 years, but my experience goes well beyond owning pets. For two years, I was one of the general managers of Care for Dogs, a large rescue organization in Chiang Mai, Thailand, caring for roughly 200 dogs with a team of about 20 employees, volunteers and visiting veterinarians. My role covered nearly every part of rescue operations: daily care, medications, veterinary appointments, fostering, adoption placement, behavioral evaluation, rehabilitation and end-of-life care. I personally fostered approximately 30–40 dogs and helped place more dogs into permanent homes than I can count. I also coordinated the international relocation of roughly 20 rescue dogs from Thailand to adoptive homes around the world, handling veterinary requirements, health documentation, vaccinations, airline logistics, crates, travel arrangements and adopter coordination. I’m especially comfortable with dogs who need more attention than the average pet sitter may be accustomed to. I have extensive hands-on experience with senior dogs, anxious and fearful dogs, rescue dogs, dogs recovering from surgery and dogs with ongoing medical needs. My experience includes administering oral and topical medications, injections and subcutaneous fluids; assisting veterinarians during procedures; wound and post-operative care; mobility assistance; cones, bandages and stitches; overnight monitoring; hospice and end-of-life care; and recognizing behavioral or physical changes that may require veterinary attention. I’m also very experienced reading canine body language and working patiently with frightened, undersocialized, reactive or previously abused dogs. Building trust with a nervous dog is something I genuinely enjoy and am very good at. I am not a veterinarian or veterinary technician, and I never pretend to be one. I follow veterinary and owner instructions carefully and know when something is outside my role and requires professional medical attention. For owners of senior, special-needs or medically complicated dogs, I’m happy to provide detailed updates including medications, meals, bathroom activity, behavior, photos and changes I observe. I offer boarding, house sitting, daycare, drop-in visits and walks. I have reliable transportation and can assist with emergency veterinary transportation when authorized. I do not accept dogs with aggression toward people, dogs, or cats, or dogs that are not house-trained. Dogs have been a major part of my life for decades. I understand their behavior, their health and, most importantly, how different every dog can be. My goal is simple: when your dog is with me, you should feel confident that someone experienced, observant and genuinely invested in their wellbeing is looking after them.

Cat care experience

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Experienced Cat Care- Special Needs

THEODORE also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.

Qualifications

100% response rate
Usually responds in under half an hour
30 years of experience

Ratings and reviews

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0 ratings
Kenna B.
Sep 11, 2026

Ted is an avid animal lover! Whether his own animals, foster dogs or animals in shelters in 3rd world countries... he loves each one with his whole heart. Ted has cared for my animals in the past with love and attention. And he's always up for an adventure with a new animal friend. You won't regret having him care for your fur babies!

Perry R.
Sep 08, 2026

Ted has cared for three generations of my dogs over the years, including dogs with special needs, and I’ve always trusted him completely with them. He treats every dog like his own, with a level of patience, attention, and genuine affection that is hard to find. He is incredibly attentive to routines, medications, behavior changes, feeding needs, and the little things that make a dog feel safe and comfortable. He is also calm and dependable, which matters even more with older dogs, anxious dogs, or pets that need extra care. What stands out most is how much he genuinely loves animals. My dogs have always been excited to see him, and I’ve never had to worry when they were in his care. I would recommend Ted without hesitation to anyone looking for someone responsible, experienced, and truly invested in the well-being of their pets.

Julie S.
Sep 08, 2026

Ted is a gifted caregiver who connects well with dogs and cats. His extensive experience as a foster and experience running a dog shelter make him that much more qualified to care for your pet. Ted understands that pets are a member of the family and will provide them with the care and affection you would provide yourself. His connection with animals is a gift and a passion. You are in good hands with him.

Calendar and availability

Available
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Schedule

I work from home and have a very flexible schedule, so dogs in my care get plenty of attention throughout the day rather than being left alone for long stretches. My partner also works from home, which means there is usually someone here, and dogs are generally never left alone for more than three hours. For dogs who need closer supervision because of age, medical needs, anxiety, recovery from surgery or other special circumstances, I can also arrange 24/7 monitoring for an additional fee. We live in a quiet lake community on Lake Austin, so our days can include neighborhood walks, Lakeway trails, Lakeway Park and plenty of relaxed time at home. For dogs who genuinely enjoy the water, and only with your approval, I can also offer swimming, lake outings or even a boat ride. I’m happy to customize your dog’s routine around what makes them comfortable, including feeding schedules, medications, frequent potty breaks, slower walks, mobility needs and extra one-on-one attention for shy, sensitive or senior dogs. My two dogs are Enzo, a mellow 10-year-old neutered Golden Retriever, and Bella, a sweet 2-year-old spayed Great Pyrenees mix. Both are gentle and friendly with other animals, and their calm personalities often help visiting dogs settle in. I also have a dog-friendly vehicle set up with ramps, beds and plenty of room for comfortable transportation. Basic grooming such as brushing and simple cleanups can also be provided when needed.

Where your pet will stay

Home characteristics

Lives in a house
Has a fenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has 2 dogs, 2 cats
No children present
Dogs not allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 0-2 hours

Safety, trust & environment

Safety, Trust & Environment I live in a single-story home in a quiet Lake Austin community with a grassy, fully fenced yard. The one-story layout is especially helpful for senior dogs, large breeds and dogs with mobility limitations who may have difficulty navigating stairs. My home is shared with Enzo, my 10-year-old neutered Golden Retriever, and Bella, my 2-year-old spayed Great Pyrenees mix. Both are mellow, social dogs who are comfortable around other animals and tend to create a relaxed atmosphere for visiting dogs. I take introductions seriously and give every new dog time and space to adjust. I pay close attention to body language, stress signals, eating, drinking, bathroom habits, mobility and changes in behavior. With my rescue background, I’m particularly comfortable with dogs who are shy, anxious, older, recovering from medical procedures or simply need a little more patience. I follow each owner’s instructions carefully and can maintain specific feeding, medication, exercise and recovery routines. I’m also comfortable providing detailed updates about meals, medications, bathroom activity, behavior and anything unusual I notice. Dogs are never pushed into activities they do not enjoy. Walks, swimming, lake outings, interactions with other dogs and other activities are always based on the individual dog’s temperament, health, abilities and your instructions. My goal is to make my home feel less like boarding and more like staying with experienced family.

Pets

0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs
No females in heat
Takes only 1 client at a time
THEODORE 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.