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Valerie M.

Sandy Hook, CT

4.9 out of 5 stars
69 reviews
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Services

Valerie can host

0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs
No females in heat

Availability

I am a registered nurse. I am home 24 hours a day seven days a week with few exceptions. while I was raising my now grown children, we had a horse, two donkeys, a rabbit, two cats, two Newfoundland dogs, etc.. i’ve been an animal lover all my life.

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Boarding Cancellation Policy:

About Valerie M.

Communication

37 repeat pet parents
64% response rate
Usually responds within a few hours
70% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

54 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration
First aid/CPR
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Safety, trust & environment

As a Registered Nurse with decades of experience, I am highly attentive, responsible, and comfortable recognizing changes in behavior or health that may require attention. My nursing background has taught me the importance of patience, observation, safety, and clear communication—qualities that carry over naturally into caring for pets. You can feel confident that your dog will be closely supervised, well cared for, and treated with the same compassion and respect that I bring to my nursing profession. My home is a loving, dog-centered environment where pets are treated as members of the family. Dogs are never left alone and receive my full attention, companionship, affection, and supervision throughout the day. They are welcome on the furniture, can relax wherever they feel most comfortable, and are welcome to sleep in the bed if that’s what they’re accustomed to at home. While I do not have a fenced yard, dogs enjoy regular leashed walks and outdoor adventures on hiking trails on my property. including visits to a small creek where they can safely explore new sights and smells. I tailor activities to each dog’s personality, energy level, and needs. My goal is to provide a safe, comfortable, and loving home-away-from-home where your pet feels secure, happy, and truly part of the family.

Home

Lives on a farm/ranch
Has an unfenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has 1 dog
No children present
Dogs allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 0-2 hours

Information Valerie M. would like to know about your pet

What I would like to know about your pet ahead of time is: Health & Veterinary Information * Is your dog up to date on vaccinations? * Does your dog take any medications or supplements? * Does your dog have any allergies, medical conditions, or dietary restrictions? * Who is your veterinarian, and what is the best emergency contact number? * Has your dog had any recent illnesses, injuries, or surgeries? Temperament & Behavior * How does your dog get along with other dogs? * How does your dog react to strangers, men, children, bicycles, runners, or other animals? * Does your dog have any fears or anxieties (thunderstorms, fireworks, being alone, etc.)? * Has your dog ever bitten, snapped at, or shown aggressive behavior toward people or animals? * Are there any triggers I should know about? Daily Routine * What time does your dog normally eat? * How much and what type of food does your dog eat? * What is your dog’s exercise routine? * What commands does your dog know? * What helps your dog settle and relax? House Manners * Does your dog counter-surf or get into trash? * Is your dog allowed on furniture and beds at home? * Is your dog reliable on a leash? * Has your dog ever escaped from a collar, harness, or fenced area? Comfort & Preferences * What are your dog’s favorite activities? * Does your dog prefer a quiet environment or lots of activity? * What toys, treats, blankets, or comfort items would you like to send with your dog? * Are there any routines that help your dog feel at home? : .

A typical day

A typical day starts with a morning potty break followed by breakfast and plenty of affection. Throughout the day, your dog will be part of our family activities and will never be left alone. We will go on leashed walks depending on your dog’s energy level and preferences, the day may include playtime, cuddle time, and definitely tons of love. Dogs are welcome on the furniture and can choose their favorite cozy spot to nap. My goal is to follow your pet’s normal routine as closely as possible so they feel comfortable and secure while you’re away. In the evening, we’ll enjoy another walk, dinner, relaxation time, and lots of attention before settling in for the night. Dogs who are accustomed to sleeping on beds are welcome to do so here. I am attentive to each dog’s individual needs and routines, and I provide close supervision, regular updates, and plenty of loving care to ensure your pet feels safe, happy, and at home.

Location

Sandy Hook, CT

Valerie M.'s Neighborhood

Pets

Shakespeare's Farm

Pet care experience

Hi my name is Valerie. Animals have been a central part of my life for as long as I can remember. While raising my now-grown children, our lives were full of animals including a horse, two donkeys, two Newfoundlands, three cats, and rabbits. Caring for animals has always been a way of life for me. From 2016 to 2018, I provided pet-sitting services through Rover and was a 5 star sitter, most of my clients becoming repeat customers. many of my clients kept in touch when I returned to full-time work and could no longer care for their pets. Building trust with both pets and their owners was one of the most rewarding parts of the experience. Today, I share my home with Henry, my American Cocker Spaniel puppy. Before Henry, I was fortunate to spend many wonderful years with my Newfoundland, Shakespeare. Having cared for dogs of different breeds, sizes, ages, and personalities, I understand that every pet has unique needs and routines. In addition, my career as a Registered Nurse has strengthened the qualities that make an excellent pet caregiver: responsibility, patience, attentiveness, and the ability to recognize when something may be wrong. My goal is always to provide a safe, loving, and stress-free experience so both pets and their owners feel completely comfortable and confident.

Reviews

Brittany C.
Boarding • Jul 22, 2018
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Amazing care as always. Thank you Valerie.

Susan G.
Boarding • Jul 02, 2018
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Our elderly dog recently stayed with Valerie and her family for the second time. He was there for eleven days this time and Valerie did a wonderful job taking care of him. She took remarkable care of him, even though Harley is blind and losing his hearing. I would highly recommend her to anyone who needs a fantastic dog sitter.

Lori A.
Boarding • Jul 01, 2018
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This was Max’s first week with Valerie and he loved it!! We enjoyed receiving pictures and notes on how he was doing. He loved playing with Valerie’s dog and getting special hugs from her family. We will definitely use her again!!!

Cindy E.
Boarding • Jun 25, 2018
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Simon and Houdini had a fabulous stay while I was on my cruise. She sent me pictures of the dogs playing and sleeping. They were healthy and happy no medical incidents...All the pictures showed how relaxed and comfortable the dogs were in her home...No need to worry....

About Valerie M.

Communication

37 repeat pet parents
64% response rate
Usually responds within a few hours
70% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

54 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration
First aid/CPR
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Safety, trust & environment

As a Registered Nurse with decades of experience, I am highly attentive, responsible, and comfortable recognizing changes in behavior or health that may require attention. My nursing background has taught me the importance of patience, observation, safety, and clear communication—qualities that carry over naturally into caring for pets. You can feel confident that your dog will be closely supervised, well cared for, and treated with the same compassion and respect that I bring to my nursing profession. My home is a loving, dog-centered environment where pets are treated as members of the family. Dogs are never left alone and receive my full attention, companionship, affection, and supervision throughout the day. They are welcome on the furniture, can relax wherever they feel most comfortable, and are welcome to sleep in the bed if that’s what they’re accustomed to at home. While I do not have a fenced yard, dogs enjoy regular leashed walks and outdoor adventures on hiking trails on my property. including visits to a small creek where they can safely explore new sights and smells. I tailor activities to each dog’s personality, energy level, and needs. My goal is to provide a safe, comfortable, and loving home-away-from-home where your pet feels secure, happy, and truly part of the family.

Home

Lives on a farm/ranch
Has an unfenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has 1 dog
No children present
Dogs allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 0-2 hours

Information Valerie M. would like to know about your pet

What I would like to know about your pet ahead of time is: Health & Veterinary Information * Is your dog up to date on vaccinations? * Does your dog take any medications or supplements? * Does your dog have any allergies, medical conditions, or dietary restrictions? * Who is your veterinarian, and what is the best emergency contact number? * Has your dog had any recent illnesses, injuries, or surgeries? Temperament & Behavior * How does your dog get along with other dogs? * How does your dog react to strangers, men, children, bicycles, runners, or other animals? * Does your dog have any fears or anxieties (thunderstorms, fireworks, being alone, etc.)? * Has your dog ever bitten, snapped at, or shown aggressive behavior toward people or animals? * Are there any triggers I should know about? Daily Routine * What time does your dog normally eat? * How much and what type of food does your dog eat? * What is your dog’s exercise routine? * What commands does your dog know? * What helps your dog settle and relax? House Manners * Does your dog counter-surf or get into trash? * Is your dog allowed on furniture and beds at home? * Is your dog reliable on a leash? * Has your dog ever escaped from a collar, harness, or fenced area? Comfort & Preferences * What are your dog’s favorite activities? * Does your dog prefer a quiet environment or lots of activity? * What toys, treats, blankets, or comfort items would you like to send with your dog? * Are there any routines that help your dog feel at home? : .

A typical day

A typical day starts with a morning potty break followed by breakfast and plenty of affection. Throughout the day, your dog will be part of our family activities and will never be left alone. We will go on leashed walks depending on your dog’s energy level and preferences, the day may include playtime, cuddle time, and definitely tons of love. Dogs are welcome on the furniture and can choose their favorite cozy spot to nap. My goal is to follow your pet’s normal routine as closely as possible so they feel comfortable and secure while you’re away. In the evening, we’ll enjoy another walk, dinner, relaxation time, and lots of attention before settling in for the night. Dogs who are accustomed to sleeping on beds are welcome to do so here. I am attentive to each dog’s individual needs and routines, and I provide close supervision, regular updates, and plenty of loving care to ensure your pet feels safe, happy, and at home.

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.
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Valerie M.

Sandy Hook, CT

4.9 out of 5 stars
69 reviews