Valerie D.
Northwest, Columbus, OH






Services
Valerie can host
Valerie can care for
Availability
Pet care is woven into the fabric of my daily life - both personally and professionally. 🐾💛 As a lifelong animal lover and pet parent myself, our home is always filled with furry companionship. 🐶🐱 We’re a homeschool family, which means someone is always home to care for our own pets—and that also gives me the flexibility to support other pet parents when they need help. 🏡📚 I’m also a medical therapist with an established clientele. 🧘♀️ While I occasionally see patients at my studio, my schedule is part-time and designed to complement my pet care work. My days are thoughtfully structured around bookings for dog walking, drop-in visits and house sitting. 🦮🚗🐕🦺 Because of this flexible rhythm, I’m able to give each pet I care for plenty of time, attention and genuine presence. Whether it’s a quick mid-day walk, a few calming visits throughout the day or staying overnight for in-home care, I prioritize making pets feel safe, loved and totally at ease in my care. 🐕🐾✨
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About Valerie D.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Safety and trust are at the heart of every service I provide. 🐶🏡🐾 Whether I’m caring for pets in their own home or staying overnight as a house sitter, I treat every animal and space with deep respect, attentiveness and warmth. When I provide drop-in visits, dog walks or house sitting, I follow your pet’s routine as closely as possible. 🕒 From mealtimes to medications to favorite toys and nap spots, I pay attention to the details that help your pet feel calm, safe and secure. I’m mindful of keeping your home tidy, your pet areas clean and your animal companions content. 🧹🦴✨ I also send regular updates (and plenty of photos! 📸) so you always know how your pet is doing—and that your home is in trusted hands. Whether it’s a quick drop-in or an extended stay, I create an environment of kindness, reliability and genuine care, so you can feel fully at ease while you’re away. 💛🐾
Home
Information Valerie D. would like to know about your pet
🐾 Important Information to Know Before Booking Caring for your pets is a responsibility I take very seriously—and creating a safe and peaceful environment for everyone involved is my top priority. 🏡🐕❤️ Please take a moment to read through the following important information before booking. Your honesty and consideration help ensure a smooth, safe and happy experience for all. 🚫 No Aggressive Dogs – No Exceptions I cannot accept any dog with a history of aggression, no matter how long ago the behavior occurred or under what circumstances. Safety is non-negotiable. If your dog displays aggression toward me I will not be able to walk them, do drop-in visits or house sit. There are no second chances when it comes to safety. Even if your dog is sweet at home, unfamiliar people can trigger unexpected behaviors. Please be honest about any history of - Resource guarding Growling or biting Reactivity to other dogs or strangers Unpredictable or aggressive behavior Some sitters are trained and equipped to manage these challenges - I am not one of them. And that’s okay! It’s just about finding the right fit for your dog. 💛 🚫 Jumping Dogs I understand some dogs get excited, especially young ones — but jumping up on people is never a good thing. If jumping is encouraged or allowed in your household, your dog will absolutely do the same when I'm at your home caring for your dog - that creates safety issues. Please be mindful of this behavior before booking. Respect for boundaries is important for everyone’s well-being. 🚶 Pulling on Walks We love walks as much as your dog does, but pulling can quickly turn a peaceful outing into chaos—especially when walking more than one dog. If your dog pulls, I highly recommend using a head harness like the Gentle Leader, Halti, or my favorite brand, Dogs My Love (available on Amazon). 🦮✨ These tools are safe, humane and incredibly effective for transforming your dog into a calm, manageable walking companion. They allow your dog to pant, eat, drink and play as normal—just without the pulling. If your pup isn’t trained to walk calmly yet, a head harness makes all the difference for your dog's safety and everyone else's. Thank you for reading through these important details. I know this might seem like a lot, but it's all in the spirit of making your pet’s time with me as safe, smooth and happy as possible. I’m truly honored every time a family trusts me with their beloved pet and I want every stay to reflect that care and commitment. 💕🐾
A typical day
Every day with animals is a little different—and that’s part of the joy! 🐶🐾 A typical day depends on each pet’s personality, age and energy level, but no matter what, I make sure they feel safe, loved and engaged while you're away. For dogs, that might mean morning and evening walks to get their wiggles out 🦮☀️, backyard playtime or sniffy strolls to keep their minds active. If your pup loves a good game of fetch, I’m all in. If they prefer lounging in the sun or getting brushed while listening to calm music, that works too. 🐕🎶 For cats, it’s all about tuning into their vibe...some love interactive play with toys, wand and laser chases or window bird-watching 🐈🪟, while others just want a cozy lap, a chin scratch or a peaceful presence nearby. I always let them lead the way. Throughout the day, I provide potty breaks, fresh water, feeding, any needed meds and of course—lots of affection and attention. 💦🦴💕 I also send regular updates and photos 📸 so you never have to wonder how your fur baby is doing - you’ll feel connected every step of the way. Whether it’s playtime, cuddle time or quiet companionship, I meet pets where they are and make sure their day feels happy, calm and full of love. 💛🐾
Location
Columbus, OH
Dog Walking / Drop-Ins / House Sit
Pet care experience
Lifelong animal lover with 40+ years of experience and a heart that melts for seniors. I'm also a medical professional with over 31 years of experience in my field and in addition, I work at a vet hospital, part-time. Your pets are your family - I'll treat them that way! 💛 Hi there and welcome! 🐾😊 After several fulfilling years on Rover, I took a heartfelt break to care for family abroad and spend sacred time with my beloved brother in hospice. That’s us in my profile photo. 💙 I’m so grateful for that time and to the amazing clients who supported me while I pressed pause. Now, I’m back, leash in hand, tail-wagging ready and offering - 🐕 Dog walking 🏡 Drop-in visits (for dogs & cats) 🛏️ In-home house sitting 🐈 Cat care (yes, I speak fluent feline 😽) With over 40 years of experience, I’ve cared for animals in all stages of life, from puppies with boundless zoomies to wise seniors who just want a cozy corner and a kind voice. Whether your pet is spunky, shy, snuggly or sassy, I meet them with patience, empathy and genuine love. 💕 I have a soft spot for senior pets and animals with special needs. I've adopted many who were passed over time and time again and made sure their days—however many they had left—were filled with comfort, dignity and lots of tenderness. 🐾💫 My approach is calm, flexible and always safety-first. You’ll find I’m easy to communicate with, will follow your instructions to a T and always happy to send lots of updates (and adorable photos & videos 📸) while you’re away. 💬 Fun fact: I’ve responded to every review I’ve received—over 150 five-star reviews and counting. (If you’re browsing on the Rover app, hop over to a laptop for the full story—mobile doesn’t always show my responses!) If you’re looking for a pet sitter who’s part Mary Poppins, part BFF and 100% heart, I’d be honored to care for your fur-family. Let’s chat and see how I can make your pet’s day a little brighter. 🌞🐶🐾 Warmest wags, Valerie🐾 Because every tail deserves a happy tale. 🐕📖
Cat care experience

Valerie also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Reviews
Great care and very reliable. We appreciate you and your family!


We've used Valerie to watch our dogs when we're away for 5+ years, and have always had a phenomenal experience. And we plan to keep sending our dogs to her for many years to come. 😁


Valerie always does an amazing job with our pups! Thank you!!!


Valerie and her family stepped in and loved on my babies when we had last minutes out-of-town plans! My babies loved every minute!
About Valerie D.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Safety and trust are at the heart of every service I provide. 🐶🏡🐾 Whether I’m caring for pets in their own home or staying overnight as a house sitter, I treat every animal and space with deep respect, attentiveness and warmth. When I provide drop-in visits, dog walks or house sitting, I follow your pet’s routine as closely as possible. 🕒 From mealtimes to medications to favorite toys and nap spots, I pay attention to the details that help your pet feel calm, safe and secure. I’m mindful of keeping your home tidy, your pet areas clean and your animal companions content. 🧹🦴✨ I also send regular updates (and plenty of photos! 📸) so you always know how your pet is doing—and that your home is in trusted hands. Whether it’s a quick drop-in or an extended stay, I create an environment of kindness, reliability and genuine care, so you can feel fully at ease while you’re away. 💛🐾
Home
Information Valerie D. would like to know about your pet
🐾 Important Information to Know Before Booking Caring for your pets is a responsibility I take very seriously—and creating a safe and peaceful environment for everyone involved is my top priority. 🏡🐕❤️ Please take a moment to read through the following important information before booking. Your honesty and consideration help ensure a smooth, safe and happy experience for all. 🚫 No Aggressive Dogs – No Exceptions I cannot accept any dog with a history of aggression, no matter how long ago the behavior occurred or under what circumstances. Safety is non-negotiable. If your dog displays aggression toward me I will not be able to walk them, do drop-in visits or house sit. There are no second chances when it comes to safety. Even if your dog is sweet at home, unfamiliar people can trigger unexpected behaviors. Please be honest about any history of - Resource guarding Growling or biting Reactivity to other dogs or strangers Unpredictable or aggressive behavior Some sitters are trained and equipped to manage these challenges - I am not one of them. And that’s okay! It’s just about finding the right fit for your dog. 💛 🚫 Jumping Dogs I understand some dogs get excited, especially young ones — but jumping up on people is never a good thing. If jumping is encouraged or allowed in your household, your dog will absolutely do the same when I'm at your home caring for your dog - that creates safety issues. Please be mindful of this behavior before booking. Respect for boundaries is important for everyone’s well-being. 🚶 Pulling on Walks We love walks as much as your dog does, but pulling can quickly turn a peaceful outing into chaos—especially when walking more than one dog. If your dog pulls, I highly recommend using a head harness like the Gentle Leader, Halti, or my favorite brand, Dogs My Love (available on Amazon). 🦮✨ These tools are safe, humane and incredibly effective for transforming your dog into a calm, manageable walking companion. They allow your dog to pant, eat, drink and play as normal—just without the pulling. If your pup isn’t trained to walk calmly yet, a head harness makes all the difference for your dog's safety and everyone else's. Thank you for reading through these important details. I know this might seem like a lot, but it's all in the spirit of making your pet’s time with me as safe, smooth and happy as possible. I’m truly honored every time a family trusts me with their beloved pet and I want every stay to reflect that care and commitment. 💕🐾
A typical day
Every day with animals is a little different—and that’s part of the joy! 🐶🐾 A typical day depends on each pet’s personality, age and energy level, but no matter what, I make sure they feel safe, loved and engaged while you're away. For dogs, that might mean morning and evening walks to get their wiggles out 🦮☀️, backyard playtime or sniffy strolls to keep their minds active. If your pup loves a good game of fetch, I’m all in. If they prefer lounging in the sun or getting brushed while listening to calm music, that works too. 🐕🎶 For cats, it’s all about tuning into their vibe...some love interactive play with toys, wand and laser chases or window bird-watching 🐈🪟, while others just want a cozy lap, a chin scratch or a peaceful presence nearby. I always let them lead the way. Throughout the day, I provide potty breaks, fresh water, feeding, any needed meds and of course—lots of affection and attention. 💦🦴💕 I also send regular updates and photos 📸 so you never have to wonder how your fur baby is doing - you’ll feel connected every step of the way. Whether it’s playtime, cuddle time or quiet companionship, I meet pets where they are and make sure their day feels happy, calm and full of love. 💛🐾
Valerie D.
Northwest, Columbus, OH
