Dog Walking Newton Center

About: I’ve been around dogs for over a decade—starting with my family dog and now as the owner of a rescue dog of my own. Most of my experience has been with smaller dogs (25 lbs or less), but I’m comfortable caring for dogs of all sizes, breeds, and temperaments. I regularly walk my dog around Newton and Cold Spring Park, and I’m familiar with local dog parks (both fenced and off-leash). I prioritize safe, attentive walks and make sure each dog gets plenty of exercise, enrichment, and affection—whether that’s playtime, cuddles, or just keeping them company. I also have experience caring for senior dogs and administering oral medication, and I understand the importance of patience, consistency, and gentle care. As a Rover user myself, I know how important trust and communication are. I provide regular updates and photos so you can feel confident and connected while your pet is in my care. I’m a great fit for busy working professionals and families who need reliable, thoughtful support, as well as for senior dogs or lower-energy pets who benefit from a calm, consistent environment. To ensure the highest level of attention and comfort, I care for one dog or cat at a time. I work from home most days, so pet care fits naturally into my routine. I’m available for drop-in visits or walks around lunchtime, and again in the late afternoon and evening after the kids are done with school or camp. I enjoy building time into my day to give pets the attention, consistency, and care they need—and making sure they feel comfortable and well cared for while you’re away. I approach pet care with a strong focus on safety, consistency, and trust. I always take the time to learn each pet’s routine, preferences, and any specific needs so I can provide care that feels familiar and comfortable for them. In a client’s home, I’m respectful of your space and follow all instructions closely—whether that’s feeding schedules, walking routines, medications, or favorite activities. I’m attentive on walks (leash safety, awareness of surroundings) and make sure pets are secure at all times. In my home, pets are cared for in a calm, clean, and supervised environment. I’m mindful of creating a safe space and ensuring pets feel at ease. I also provide regular updates and photos so you can feel confident your pet is happy and well cared for.

“Alexander was absolutely amazing with our two large dogs. They enjoyed all of the walks that he took them on and he was always on time and made sure to send us pictures. Can’t recommend him enough.”

Kalvin G.

About: Along with growing up with two dogs and helping to raise a puppy as a teenager, family friends and neighbors have relied on me to take care of their dogs and cats since I was ten. I've worked with all types of dogs, from Shih Tzus to Pit Bull mixes. I'm the one in my family who takes the dogs out on long hikes (or for short walks around the block once they get older), brushes their teeth and fur, gives them baths, and trims their nails. I'm a regular volunteer at cat shelters in cat care, and as a student on the pre-veterinary track, I have shadowed and volunteered at vet clinics to better understand the care that goes into your pets' health. Besides dogs and cats, I also have experience with a myriad of animals, such as hamsters, rabbits, chinchillas, guinea pigs, mice, fish, hermit crabs, geckos, snakes, tortoises, and turtles. I have experience in preparing special diets for pets and other animals with specific health needs, and in senior dog care. I'm a college student, so I fit bookings around my classes and workload. My classes start at 8 am on weekdays, so my general availability is as follows: Monday/Wednesday/Friday: Available after 11:30 am Tuesday: Available after 6 pm Thursday: Heavier on classes, but I may be able to do a quick drop-in in the morning/evening if needed Weekends: Unavailable 8-10 am Saturdays, otherwise available As a lover of all creatures, I take the safety of both pets and wildlife seriously. As such, I will always supervise pets that are outside in yards and keep them on leashes outside fenced-off areas so they are not a danger to others or themselves. If transporting pets in my car, I will keep them safe and secure in a carrier/crate. As a college student who has shared living spaces with new people before, I understand the importance of respecting others' belongings and boundaries. During drop-in visits, I will be sure to respect your home and any rules you may have for your comfort (i.e. no shoes in the house, specific dishes/silverware for pets only, general cleanliness, etc.).

“Claudia was great with our dog who is very anxious by nature. She was on time and very responsible in communication with me through Rover. I felt great peace of mind knowing our dog was walked and well taken care of while we had a couple of long days at work. Highly recommend!”

Dana S.

“Lindsay was great with my dog and really helped me out in a pinch!”

Melissa N.

“Su was absolutely wonderful with Giro. Giro, that is usually poo shy with new people very quickly felt very comfortable 😃 which is a wonderful sign. Thank you Su! We would definitely love to have you walk Giro again”

Avishag D.

“Thank you so much! Jana was great- showed up when she said she would, was wonderful with Clodagh and had great communication and hand off. Thanks so much!”

Sarah F.

“Julia was great! Totally reliable, pleasant and kind. Our dog can be wary around new people, but he warmed up to her just about instantly. She knows how to work with “nervous” mutts. I’ll definitely request her again if I need a dog walker.”

Robin S.

About: Proud dog-owner for the past three years! Grew up in a house cosplaying as a petting zoo- cats, frogs, dogs, hamsters, you name it! Extremely flexible, willing to adapt, and excited to get to know your pets! Just a teacher trying to make enough money to have a career of not making enough money #fortheloveofthegame I currently teach full-time, so evenings and weekends provide the most availability. However, with summer around the corner, my availability will be expanding! After mid-May, I will have availability from 3:30 PM onwards. I currently live in an apartment in West Harlem with my 4-year old mutt. She warms up to most doggos, but an intro would be necessary! The apartment is near multiple parks, and I am located in a walkable area.

“Our pets at adore Diane! She is one of the best pet walkers and sitters we’ve ever found. Thank you so much for your genuine friendship and care to our little family. We appreciate you!”

Ari R.

“Scout had a great first week with Aaron - she seemed happy with the walks and very comfortable with him. From the human side, he's a good and responsive communicator, and responsible around scheduling and closing up the house. He clearly loves dogs and has a good way with them. Thumbs up!”

Claude D.

“Traci has been perfect for our girl. We are so grateful that she was able to take Cora for a walk on such short notice. She then helped create a plan for us as we only adopted Cora a week ago! We look forward to hopefully many more walks with Traci.”

Josie A.

“Deirdre is an amazing dog-walker! She’s incredibly responsive, communicative, and always makes sure Franklin has what he needs for a great walk. We love working with her!”

Susanne D.

About: My family has owned dogs all my life. All of them have been shelties, so I know how to care for energetic dogs. I helped take care of our senior dog Misha, who passed at 17 years old. I also helped train and care for our two puppies Sadie and Ollie. Sadie has anxiety problems, and I’ve had plenty of experience getting her to take medications. She also had to get surgery to remove her tail, and I was her primary care giver during her recovery, including administering medication and cleaning the site. Now that I’ve moved away from home for college, I don’t get to see my dogs much anymore, and would love to care for yours! I’ve also had experience caring for cats, even though I’ve never personally owned any. My best friend used to have 6 cats and I always took care of them when they’d go on vacations, including administering meds, feeding, cleaning litter boxes, and playing. I’m currently working part time and am a student at CU, so I have time to take dogs on walks or drop in to check on them and let them outside. In the summer, my schedule will open up and I’ll be able to pet sit for longer times while you go on vacation! I feel safe around all sorts of dogs, including big ones. I’m not able to have pets in my apartment, but I will provide them with the highest level of care in your home! I will take them on long walks around the neighborhood or to parks.

“Maria is wonderful! Always very thoughtful and caring when she is walking my 9yr old French bulldog! Making sure she takes it easy when it is very hot outside. And putting her rain coat on and coaxing her outside in the rain.”

Erica F.

“Eliza has been walking my dog Tilly for a few weeks and has been doing a great job. Tilly is a "wallflower" and a tough cookie to crack and this is the first time she's had to have a walker that is not me nor my wife. Eliza was very patient with Tilly for the first few days while she was becoming more comfortable with a stranger. Eliza has been reliable every single day and has always been on time. She sends a detailed report about the walk and what Tilly was like, photos, and makes sure Tilly has enough water after dropping her off. Overall, Eliza is the first person I will think of when I need the extra help.”

Edmundo R.

About: I grew up with animals. Dogs and cats specifically have always been apart of my life. I am able to keep up with with the youngest peppy puppy or slow down to meet the pace of a senior dog. I am not fazed by much and happy to provide the same love and care that you would give to your animal. I am a freelancer with a very flexible schedule. I have the ability to work with you on potential last minute needs and care for your pets. I am very comfortable caring for animals weather it be a quick check at the home ot in an more outdoor adventure. My goal is to give your animal the care they care they need in the environment that works best for you and them.

“Really excellent, did everything we asked and arrived right on time. Super professional and great energy for meeting and taking care of dogs she's never met. Will definitely be using her services again!”

Jacob R.

About: I absolutely love animals. I grew up with a cat before my family adopted a senior dog and got a puppy. I’m able to administer medication to pets, as we did that with our senior dog, but have also cared for our (no longer) puppy his entire life. I helped train him and helped him understand fetch, which he now loves. Additionally, I often cared for my grandma’s cat both when she couldn’t and just because I love her cat. I’m currently in grad school and intern a few days a week, however I am free for at least some period of time every day of the week! I’m available Monday and Friday evenings after 5pm, Tuesday and Thursday evenings after 6:30pm, Wednesdays all day until 5pm, and all day on both weekend days. In someone’s home, I’m always respectful of their limits with their pets. If at a friend’s, I always make sure to ask whether it’s okay if their pet can be on the couch, given a treat, etc.

“Chuck walked my dog Wally for me for five days when I was in the hospital and did an excellent job. He was patient and friendly and wrote adorable little notes updating how each walk went. He took really cute photos of wally each day and varied the route, often walking longer than we even asked for and taking interesting paths around the neighborhood rather than the boring round the block walks! Thanks for the help and professionalism Chuck!!”

Sarah G.