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Vanessa S.

Irwin, PA

5.0 out of 5 stars
6 reviews
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Services

Vanessa can care for

0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs

Availability

Because of my flexible routine, I’m able to make pet care a central part of my day. This means I can give your pets the attention, exercise, and companionship they deserve, always prioritizing their comfort, safety, and happiness.

About Vanessa S.

Communication

1 repeat pet parent
88% response rate
Usually responds in under an hour

Skills

4 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

In your home things will be done your way. Leave me directions and rest assured that it will be taken to heart. I think communication is important so a daily update on my end with a photo of your pet only feels right. I’ve always been of the impression that you should leave things cleaner than you found it. I’m not above caring for fish or reptiles that you may have, as long as specific directions are provided. I have VERY much experience with plants too if that’s something you may need.

Information Vanessa S. would like to know about your pet

My questions before pet sitting: ______________________________________ - Feeding times/how much? * Where is food kept? - [ ] - Medications?/Allergies? * Where are medications kept? - [ ] * How do you like to give them their medicine? - [ ] - Emergency Contact // Vet info - [ ] - Bathroom breaks: when, where, and how? - [ ] - Where does waste go (trash and poop). For cats: how often does litter box get cleaned? - [ ] - Crate Trained or Free Roam? - [ ] - Any quirks or fears I need to consider? - [ ] - Any house rules for your pet? (i.e. not allowed on the bed, can't go in the office) - [ ] - Favorite treat? (Allowed/how often) * Where are treats kept? - [ ] - Favorite toy? - [ ] - How often do we like to exercise? * Where is leash kept? - [ ] - Where are cleaning supplies kept? (Just in case) - [ ] Start Day/Time: End Day/Time: Check In Schedule: Text w/photo updates: Alarm/Door Code: Wifi (only if staying): Parking: ______________________________________ I usually get all this information at the meet and greet anyway, but the more I know the more detailed my care can be :)

A typical day

🐶 For Dogs: I know that all dogs are different. Whether your friend enjoys running around like crazy or being a couch potato, I’m prepared for both end and everything in between. • Play Fetch (indoors or outdoors, depending on space) • Walks Around the Block or to a nearby park • Tug-of-War or with toys • Sniff Walks – slow walks where they get to sniff everything • Cuddle & Chill – movie time with their favorite blanket • Scratches - only the finest of itch management ⸻ 🐱 For Cats: Is your cat super needy? Is your cat completely hands off? Either way, I’m prepared to offer them companionship and entertainment on their terms. • Laser Pointer Chase • Feather Wand Play • Bird-Watching Station – open blinds for window entertainment • Cardboard Box Time (never fails) • DIY Cat Forts with blankets and boxes • Catnip Party – with owner-approved toys • Scratches - they need a little cheek scratch ⸻ 🐢🐰🦎 For Small Animals or Exotics • Tummy Time or Safe Free-Roam Time in a gated area (if applicable, of course. My hermit crabs can’t be out of their tank for long and I would not be happy to learn that someone that wasn’t me took them out) • Foraging Activities – hiding treats in hay or bedding • Gentle Handling or Lap Time (with owner permission ahead of time and only if they seem to be enjoying it) • Enrichment Toys – tunnels, chewables, or climbing options

Location

Irwin, PA

Vanessa S.'s Neighborhood

Pets

When Routine Matters

Pet care experience

I’ve had dogs for my entire life, usually they are even bigger than me (which is great for cuddles). From that, I’ve gained experience all the way from puppy to senior (including medications and insulin) many times. I understand that puppy needs to go every hour… or else. I get that your old friend needs a hype man to do that step to get back inside. Most of all, I know that no matter the age they could use a good belly scratch. As for cats, my parents have a bird so there were never cats in our house (which only made my obsession with them grow); however, my grandmother has always had cats and I’ve done more than my fair share of litter box cleaning, feeding, bringing back inside after an escape, and also insulin. I started doing more independent care around 4 years ago when my old job brought in 2 puppies (one of which I now own). Who needs that 15 minute break when I can just go take them outside for 5 minutes every hour? I have a 50 gal tank with 4 hermit crabs, animals with extremely specific care, I wouldn’t say hard, but the directions I leave behind when I go away must be followed to a tee. I understand that your routine and ways of doing things, no matter how particular, are for your pets best interest every time. You know what’s best and your directions are there for a reason, full stop.

Reviews

Victoria W.
House Sitting • Dec 06, 2025
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Vanessa is very nice and very organized, I will definitely use her again to watch Siren

Kerri A.
House Sitting • Dec 01, 2025
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Vanessa was wonderful with our Millie who is most comfortable at home to decrease stress. She was very flexible with date and time changes which I very much appreciated. Vanessa was very kind to send pictures and updates which allowed me to enjoy my time away. Our home was left in the same condition as when we left. We will definitely ask Vanessa to help with Millie in the future!!

Ashley R.
House Sitting • Sep 28, 2025
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Vanessa has been doing daily drop-ins and an overnight stay with our boys and we couldn't be happier. She is the best!!! Our babies love her so much! Thank you so much for taking such good care of our boys! 10/10, would recommend!!

Ashley R.
Drop-In Visits • Sep 27, 2025
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Vanessa is the sweetest! We're so happy with her and the love she gives our boys! She is great at communicating how the boys were while she visits. We will use her for all our daily drop ins and overnights!

About Vanessa S.

Communication

1 repeat pet parent
88% response rate
Usually responds in under an hour

Skills

4 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

In your home things will be done your way. Leave me directions and rest assured that it will be taken to heart. I think communication is important so a daily update on my end with a photo of your pet only feels right. I’ve always been of the impression that you should leave things cleaner than you found it. I’m not above caring for fish or reptiles that you may have, as long as specific directions are provided. I have VERY much experience with plants too if that’s something you may need.

Information Vanessa S. would like to know about your pet

My questions before pet sitting: ______________________________________ - Feeding times/how much? * Where is food kept? - [ ] - Medications?/Allergies? * Where are medications kept? - [ ] * How do you like to give them their medicine? - [ ] - Emergency Contact // Vet info - [ ] - Bathroom breaks: when, where, and how? - [ ] - Where does waste go (trash and poop). For cats: how often does litter box get cleaned? - [ ] - Crate Trained or Free Roam? - [ ] - Any quirks or fears I need to consider? - [ ] - Any house rules for your pet? (i.e. not allowed on the bed, can't go in the office) - [ ] - Favorite treat? (Allowed/how often) * Where are treats kept? - [ ] - Favorite toy? - [ ] - How often do we like to exercise? * Where is leash kept? - [ ] - Where are cleaning supplies kept? (Just in case) - [ ] Start Day/Time: End Day/Time: Check In Schedule: Text w/photo updates: Alarm/Door Code: Wifi (only if staying): Parking: ______________________________________ I usually get all this information at the meet and greet anyway, but the more I know the more detailed my care can be :)

A typical day

🐶 For Dogs: I know that all dogs are different. Whether your friend enjoys running around like crazy or being a couch potato, I’m prepared for both end and everything in between. • Play Fetch (indoors or outdoors, depending on space) • Walks Around the Block or to a nearby park • Tug-of-War or with toys • Sniff Walks – slow walks where they get to sniff everything • Cuddle & Chill – movie time with their favorite blanket • Scratches - only the finest of itch management ⸻ 🐱 For Cats: Is your cat super needy? Is your cat completely hands off? Either way, I’m prepared to offer them companionship and entertainment on their terms. • Laser Pointer Chase • Feather Wand Play • Bird-Watching Station – open blinds for window entertainment • Cardboard Box Time (never fails) • DIY Cat Forts with blankets and boxes • Catnip Party – with owner-approved toys • Scratches - they need a little cheek scratch ⸻ 🐢🐰🦎 For Small Animals or Exotics • Tummy Time or Safe Free-Roam Time in a gated area (if applicable, of course. My hermit crabs can’t be out of their tank for long and I would not be happy to learn that someone that wasn’t me took them out) • Foraging Activities – hiding treats in hay or bedding • Gentle Handling or Lap Time (with owner permission ahead of time and only if they seem to be enjoying it) • Enrichment Toys – tunnels, chewables, or climbing options

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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Vanessa S.

Irwin, PA

5.0 out of 5 stars
6 reviews