Personalized care for your dog or cat - Merrimac
Highly-rated overnight sitters - Merrimac
Prices are estimates per night. Pricing may vary based on your search. A booking fee of 11% and taxes will apply.
“Sydney was wonderful with both my mini schnauzers. She took care of their every need and gave them lots of love. We have rebooked with her for several more dates and will continue to book with her for boarding in her home.”
“Linda and David are the most loving and caring couple to our little angel, Daisy. We have used them exclusively in Blacksburg for the last 3 years. Daisy is excited to see them each visit and prances up to their door. We are so grateful for them.”
“Russell was in great hands with Vanda. She took great care of him and sent plenty of pictures. We spend quite a bit of time in Lynchburg and hope to ask her to watch him again.”
“Holly was super flexible with a super short notice to take care of our 9lb-13mo old-cute-spoiled-baby girl-wiener Pitanga. It was the very first time Pitanga spent the night away from mom and dad and Holly sent lots of pictures of our puppy along the day. I’ll definitely ask Holly to take care of her again in the future. Super recommend!”
“My Aussie always has the best time with Liz and her crew. I never have to question whether my pup is well cared for because I know she’s in the best hands. Liz is always my go-to sitter!”
“Holy cow, our dog’s experience with Kurt could not have been better! Kurt kept in amazing touch with us and sent photos of his many adventures with our dog. I would definitely have him as my first choice any time we need care. 10/10 WOULD RECOMMEND!”
“Courtney & Kameron took great care of Barkley while I was away. He went on lots of walks and enjoyed all the extra attention. Courtney sent lots of pic throughout the weekend. Will definitely use them again!!!”
“My belgian malinois, had an amazing weekend with Carmen and her dogs. She was worn out and napped for half of the day afterwards. So, I know she had a great time. I am definitely going to be a repeat customer. Thank you!”
“Nancye is absolutely amazing! She loved and spoiled our Josey as if he was her own. I loved that we had the opportunity to have a meet and greet before we took our trip. She took him on walks. He loves car rides and she took him to get ice cream with her getting him a pup cup. It was our 1st time leaving him with someone new and she sent us pictures and updated all along the way. Nancye has such a love for fur babies and it shows. Would definitely recommend her.”
“We’ve used Nancy a few times for boarding our golden retriever pup and she is fantastic! We love her bubbly and welcoming personality. We’ve always felt like our pup has been in great hands with exceptional care. Highly recommend!!!”
“Veronica has been so great with Sam multiple times and Sam loves hanging out with her, her family, and her friendly dogs ... plus he comes back happy, and tired from all the playtime which is great, too :)”
“Richard was amazing with my boys. My bluetick can be difficult to say the least and Richard had no trouble at all. It’s wonderful to have someone with training watching your fur babies. If he can train wolves, he can handle most dogs!”
“Amari was very accommodating for a last minute booking, kept me updated with lots of pictures and reassured me that my dog was doing great! Would definitely book with her again in the future.”
About: I’ve always been the person who stops to say hi to every dog I pass and always at the cat section at the pet stores. I’ve cared for my own pets for years and have experience with dogs and cats of different ages, sizes, and personalities. I know how hard it can be to leave your pet with someone else, so I do my best to make them feel safe, comfortable, and loved while you’re away. Whether your pet wants to play all day or just curl up next to someone, I’ll make sure they get the attention and care they deserve. I’ll also send plenty of updates and photos because I know I’d want the same for my own pets. Pet care fits easily into my routine because spending time with animals is something I genuinely enjoy. I have a flexible schedule and can make time for walks, playtime, feeding, cuddles, and whatever else your pet needs throughout the day. I understand how important consistency is, so I’ll do my best to stick to your pet’s normal routine to help them feel comfortable and stress free I know that trusting someone with your pet is a big deal. I treat every animal in my care as if they were my own and always put their safety and comfort first. I’ll carefully follow any instructions you provide, keep a close eye on your pet, and make sure they feel secure and cared for at all times. I’m also a big believer in communication, so you’ll receive updates and photos throughout their stay so you can relax knowing your pet is in good hands.
“Louella had so much fun with Samantha and her husband! She came home exhausted from playing so much (which is exactly what we wanted before we drove a few hours back home to South Carolina!!) thanks for taking care of my girl.”
“I cannot say enough about how wonderful Shannon was. She treated my dogs as her own and my girls loved her from the minute we dropped them off. I have never felt more comfortable and relaxed away from my girls! The daily texts and pictures were great! Patti S.”
About: I've watched dogs and cats with all different personalities and needs (i.e. blind, diabetic, anxious, etc.). I believe in understanding a pet's needs from the perspective of the pet and responding with compassion. I work full time, but can usually work from home if needed. I will talk with you before we commit to pet sitting to ensure my schedule works for your needs (if that's getting off early, working from home every day during the time of the sitting, going home over lunch for a walk, etc). I have no fur babies (or kids) of my own, so your babies will get my undivided attention and I will shower them with all the love I wish I could give to my own fur baby if I had one. (Know I recognize that love looks different for different critters - for some it may mean keeping a respectful distance!)
About: Lifelong dog owner with foster experience through rescue. Comfortable with different personalities and committed to safe, structured care. Your dog will be treated like family, with lots of supervision, updates, and understanding of individual needs. I work a full time job during the week with availability most days to come home and check on my animals during the day. I have weekends off with some on call days mixed into the schedule. I live on just under an acre without a fence at the moment. I have 3 dogs who are k9 off leash trained, however, any dogs I bring on the property get leash walked around the property for safety for scheduled potty breaks and playtime.
About: I have 2 years of veterinary clinic experience. From boarding, medication management, to overall care. I have taken care of numerous kittens and puppies as well as seniors! I currently am always available! I have plenty of time for your animal! I can make time for whatever is needed for you and yours! I have 5 cats from kitten to senior! I have a large empty room upstairs! We have plenty of toys and extra towers! Our home is better suited for cats!
Over 4.1 million dogs curled up for a sleepover in a sitter's home on Rover1
Cat caregivers near you - Merrimac
Prices are estimates per visit. Pricing may vary based on your search. A booking fee of 11% and taxes will apply.
“I am in a weird situation where I have a missing cat and needed someone to help check on my feral traps. Olivia has been wonderful! She is knowledgeable about feral cat traps and did not need instructions for how to reset them or anything. She has gone out of her way to bring snacks from home to make the traps more enticing. I am so grateful for Olivia’s help and would absolutely recommend her.”
“Lauren was amazing with our cat and rabbits! She went above and beyond to play with everyone and make sure they were well cared for. Very reliable and kind. Highly recommend!”
“Rachel was great with my kitties. My kitties were still a bit new to each other but Rachel made me feel at ease that they’d be safe! She sent lots of pictures and gave me updates on meals.”
“Kate was amazing and very trustworthy - highly recommend. She was great with communication and pictures of our cats. We (& our cats) really appreciated her! Hire her - you won't be sorry!”
“Katie did a phenomenal job checking in on our cat! Each visit, she took a nice handful of photos, provided detailed notes on the visit, and spent quality time with our grumpy old lady, determined to win her over. She was also very tidy and washed out previous dinner bowls unprompted.”
“Sam took such wonderful care of our dear little cat, Alaska. Alaska got lots of cuddles and attention while we were away and really took a liking to Sam. We will absolutely work with Sam in the future, and we recommend Sam to anyone looking for a responsible, caring, communicative, and attentive pet sitter! Thank you so much, Sam!!”
“Sophia checked on my cats while I was traveling. She made sure they had food and water, kept the litter box clean, and provided them with company while I was away. Sophia was very conscientious and caring with my cats, and I recommend booking her!”
About: I have been taking care of my pets and the pets of family and friends for as long as I can remember. I also had about two years of experience with dealing with my senior dog, Ella, on multiple medications, supplements, and a special die. I am a graduate student, so my schedule is relatively flexible as long as it fits within my availability. I am more than happy to get up early or stay up late to visit a pet, and most weekends I am free all day. I thoroughly listen to and follow through with the instructions of every client and make sure to respect their wishes while simultaneously ensuring that the dog or cat is taken care of in the healthiest and most reassuring way to the pet owners.
“James connected with my dog almost instantly and went above and beyond with her care. James helped us out when someone came to clean our apartment and Misha needed to be protected.”
“Claire did such an amazing job taking care of Blue. She was great to work with, followed my requests to a T, and sent frequent updates! I would totally recommend her to anyone needing a pet sitter.”
“Caitlin is phenomenal! She's professional, personable, and skilled at everything we requested. She also offered to cover cat duties that we hadn't originally requested because the original tasks didn't fill a full 1/2 hour, which was really helpful. Can't say enough good things about her. Highly recommend.”
“Everything went great with Natasha! I had to have my mom pick up and drop off and Natasha was so flexible. She had my two cats for a week. I got updates and pictures to let me know how they were doing which made me so much more at ease. It was my first time using Rover and she made it such a good experience! Will definitely use her again!”
Why choose a sitter on Rover
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A perfect match for every pet
Read sitter profiles to find 5-star reviews and specialists who understand your pet's unique personality.
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Schedule a free in-person meeting to ensure a perfect fit before you ever book.
Perfect for high energy dogs - Merrimac
Prices are estimates per day. Pricing may vary based on your search. A booking fee of 11% and taxes will apply.
“Linda and David were great with Viking. I appreciate all they did to take care of Viking while I moved my son into an apartment at school. It is evident that they truly care for animals. Your pet will be in good hands with Linda and David.”
“Corrie and Greg took amazing care of my 5 mo. old puppy for daycare! She got plenty of walks and had a great time playing with their other dogs and kids! I also received updates and pictures throughout the day which were so relieving and reassuring. I'd definitely recommend Corrie and Greg and rebook with them again!”
“They have been super nice and patient with my dog! I feel very comfortable leaving my dog with them and I get little updates throughout the day so I know that my dog is doing well under their care! They are also very flexible in terms of their times which I really appreciate for my schedule! Overall, really nice people who I can trust to care for my dog!”
“Nancy’s was great! We were in town for graduation and needed a pet sitter for a few hours to attend the ceremony. Nancy’s was very attentive and excited to take care of Chai. She was in great hands and I highly recommend her to anybody who wants extra special treatment for their pup.”
About: I like to take a supervised yet hands-off approach to watching over dogs. That is, letting dogs be their curious and playful selves while making sure they're safe and well taken care of. I've owned dogs my whole life (breeds including portuguese water dog, rottweilers, maltese/poodle mix, terrier mix, schnauzer/poodle mix, and a german shepherd currently) and find that they are happier and better behaved when given freedom to explore and lead rather than be expected to remain obedient and tame at all times. Some pups need more structure and thrive on a little more rigidity though, and I am very capable of meeting whatever their needs are and sticking to what you know is best for their personality. I am easily swooned by all kinds of dogs but am not one to let them use their good looks and charm to get the best of me. I am mostly just excited to hang out with as many of these guys as I can! I do want to be transparent that I work regular hours Mon - Fri, so I cannot stay with your pups 24/7 during the week. That being said, lunch time bathroom breaks are a guarantee! Walks in the morning and in the evening, and a quick potty break in the afternoon! I do have a day job, but your sweet pup will always be my first priority. I have a large backyard and live just a few short minutes from the Huckleberry Trail 🙂 I also have a spacious yard where your furry friend can roam free!
About: I am a new sitter on Rover, but don’t let that put you off. :) My family has never known a time where we didn’t have pets! When I was five years old, my parents entrusted to me a sweet black kitty for whom I was solely responsible for. Not only did this experience affirm my love for animals, but it also jumpstarted me into a world of responsibility! Since then, we have rescued dogs and cats of all shapes and sizes, happily welcoming “bully” breeds and giving them all the love and care they deserve! I’ve cared for elderly dogs and cats with and without disabilities, as well as those who need certain medications or injections. Further, big breeds do not intimidate me- I love them! Perhaps most importantly, I will love and care for your pet as if it were my own! ❤️ I am currently a graduate student at Virginia Tech, and as such, my weekdays are fairly busy until the evenings. If you need overnight care on the weekdays, let me know and we can work something out! I typically have a couple meetings in the mornings that I can conduct on zoom, but I do have in person class from 2-5 that I will need to leave your home for. Fridays and weekends, however, are wide open! I have two sweet, playful cats currently and live in an apartment, so it is likely that care will be provided in your house! I often find this is better anyway, as your pet is already comfortable in their home and less likely to feel stress with change.
“Deann was wonderful! We were a last minute booking and she could not have been more flexible or more gracious! Our puppy had a great afternoon. We will definitely be return customers!”
About: I have grown up with many dogs and I volunteer at my local shelter walking dogs now so I really love being with all dogs! I work full time but I have some flexibility during the days here and there and I am free all evenings throughout the week and all weekends I provide individualized care and attention for each pet. If I can tell a pet wants to be alone, I will let them do their thing. If they want to play, I will play with them. I will read the dog and cater to what they want to do!
“Emily and her family are wonderful! They welcomed my old lad, Major, and genuinely seemed to care about him as they do their own pup. Emily sent photos of Major getting settled in and spending time with the fam and was very communicative. I continue to trust Emily with Major's care while I'm at the office, knowing he's in great, capable hands 😊”
“Jessie always does a great job taking care of our sweet, but shy fur baby! We appreciate the pictures and updates she regularly sends us. It makes our hearts happy knowing that our dog is getting wonderful care and lots of love when we’re away!”
About: Animals have been a part of my life since my childhood. Having both cats and dogs in my household, I have been trusted to take care of pets my entire life. I have experience in taking care of both big and small dogs, both personally and professionally taking care of pets belonging to others as well as temporarily taking care of foster animals, even those with health conditions. I have also taken care of cats my whole life, including those that live with other animals such as dogs. To me, taking care of pets is not just a profession, but is an ordinary and enjoyable part of life. I am a current student at Virginia Tech, coming back home for my winter break period, with plenty of time to spare. I am available every day to take care of pets, as I am already actively taking care of my dog, as well as my sister’s cats whenever necessary. I care for my own dog by keeping her active and healthy, through plenty of playtime and walking time. I am able to adjust to whatever my client’s needs will be, and I am available to take pets on walks to keep them active, or even just stay with them to keep them company.
About: I am a veterinarian who has dedicated her life to caring for animals. I have worked with animals from a young age, including many hours working in vet offices in high school leading up to college and vet school (became a licensed vet in 2020). I am quite comfortable with caring for animals who need medications administered, or more intense levels of care while their owners are away. Working with animals brings me joy and peace, and making sure they are happy and well cared for is my life mission. I believe in fear free handling, and I am happy to work with animals who do not trust unknown people. I am a licensed veterinarian but I am currently in grad school so I am very flexible. I can be home all day if needed, and can provide close supervision. I have a 3 year old female German Shepherd (very friendly!) and cats (mostly outdoor). I have the ability to keep my dog separate if needed but she loves playing with other dogs! I have a full sized truck and the ability to transport animals with me safely. I have 2.5 acres of fenced land for dogs to run and play as well as a small fenced in section adjacent to the house. A pet door offers come and go access to the house. I am free to drop in during the week or board animals for extended periods, and if your animal needs medications administered as part of their care I am very capable. I am comfortable handling large dogs (I have a lot of practice in my line of work as a veterinarian). I am also comfortable with young animals, cats, older animals, and any animal requiring high levels of care.
About: People like me because I LOVE pets so much. I have a 2-year-old chihuahua named Cheeto, and have had many size dogs over the years. I also have a cat named Marvel who is under a year. I grew up on a farm with a variety of animals from small to large, cats, dogs, horses, pigs, rabbits, and a peacock. My friends and family say that I have animal radar and know when one is near. I do well with a variety of temperaments, and warm up to the dog at their own comfort level. I send picture or video updates so the pet parents can keep in touch and not miss them. From past work with a pet brand and learned some good information about dog food and safety; and am a part of a petsitting group online where we share useful learning. I would have 10 dogs if I could, so this is the way to meet more! I look forward to meeting your best friends, and loving them like they are accustomed. I'm grateful to Rover for allowing me to make lifelong friends in addition to my petsitting business. It fits anytime! I do walks, pick-ups for vet or groomer, overnights, days or just multiple visits. I observe and communicate behaviors. Safety is key! Any service in your home, I usually shut doors that won’t be necessary to eliminate accidents during stays, play and walk and give them company or a game. I leave your home like I found it or better and communicate frequently for any direction from you or notification about your pet and home. Get the mail, water plants. At my home, I have a whole floor for them to hang out and look out a huge window to deer, birds, plants. We walk in the suburb, or take car rides if ok. Watch movies, naps. I make sure in any situation that safety and risk assessment is on point. If I don’t know I will ask. If it’s a medium breed or smaller dog in my home, I’ll walk them with my chihuahua, or if not, just walk separately.
“It was a pleasure meeting Madison and her great family. She was a lifesaver taking care of our dog. Our dog was spoiled. I would highly recommend Madison for any pet sitting needs.”
“My dog Max appeared to have a wonderful time at Richard and Kelly’s. It’s awesome to have found a place close to work and home to take him for daycare :) 100% going again !!”
About: I’ve taken care of animals since I was around 4 years old, however when I turned 9 I started caring for horses as well. I’ve also been handling little animals like guinea pigs and hamsters since I was 12. I graduated high school in 2022, I’m at home quite frequently! I have more than enough time that I can spend with your adorable animal/s! I have two dogs in my home to keep your fur baby company! Rue is very playful and just loves the attention. She’d hang out with your dog all day! Bailee is an adorable love bug who just wants to cuddle all day.
About: I have always been an animal lover! I always have to stop and pet when I see them. I have often pet sat/boarded our neighbors animals for weeks even. I love all animals! I am currently a stay at home mom so I have extra time to come walk your pets, sit with them, or even for them to come stay with me I am home all day. At my home pets are always on leash and walked on grass/sidewalk. Can be kept in a separate area if requested! Clients home is based on clients wishes (backyard/dog park/sidewalk). I also have 3 loving dogs and 2 cats that stay with me currently!
More than 1.6 million pets enjoyed cuddles and care from sitters on Rover1
Adventure-ready dog walkers - Merrimac
Prices are estimates per walk. Pricing may vary based on your search. A booking fee of 11% and taxes will apply.
About: I have lived with dogs my entire life and have been tasked with taking care of others dogs as well. I would love to take your dogs on walks, play fetch in the backyard, or just lounge around all day. I have yet to meet a dog I didn’t like and am not afraid to deal with any messes if needed. I will be here over the summer and have no other obligations so if your animal needs someone there full time I would be happy to hang out with them! I care for pets by providing a comfortable and loving environment for your pet while you’re gone. I am more than willing to do whatever it takes to make your pet feel like it’s just another day at home! I understand some pets may not react well to strangers initially, but I am extremely patient and will work with your pet to reach a trusting relationship.
“Caroline was amazing! She took such great care of my dog George and went above and beyond to make sure he was happy and comfortable. I especially appreciated the adorable pictures and updates—such a thoughtful touch that made me feel at ease. You can tell she truly cares about the dogs she walks. I also really appreciated her flexibility and willingness to help out last minute. Highly recommend Caroline to anyone looking for a kind, reliable, and professional dog walker. Thank you again!”
About: I have been taking care of my pets and the pets of family and friends for as long as I can remember. I also had about two years of experience with dealing with my senior dog, Ella, on multiple medications, supplements, and a special die. I am a graduate student, so my schedule is relatively flexible as long as it fits within my availability. I am more than happy to get up early or stay up late to visit a pet, and most weekends I am free all day. I thoroughly listen to and follow through with the instructions of every client and make sure to respect their wishes while simultaneously ensuring that the dog or cat is taken care of in the healthiest and most reassuring way to the pet owners.
About: What sets me apart is as a pre-vet student, my clinical experience working in a veterinary setting, where I assisted in vaccine clinics and gained hands-on exposure to animal handling and care. This experience taught me how to safely and calmly work with animals of different temperaments, including those who may be nervous or stressed. I also have over 10 years of experience with a variety of species including dogs, cats, cows, goats, pigs, chickens and birds. I am happy and open to take care of all animals. I’m attentive to detail and able to recognize changes in behavior, appetite, or energy that could indicate a problem. While I provide loving and reliable care, I also bring a level of awareness and responsibility that comes from working in a clinical environment. I’m comfortable following specific care instructions and making sure each pet feels safe, comfortable, and well cared for. Beyond that, I truly enjoy spending time with animals and make an effort to build trust and give them the attention and affection they need. Afterall, it's all I want to do as I pursue my dreams to becoming a Veterinarian :) I have a very flexible schedule. I make sure to plan my schedule around the pets I’m caring for so they receive plenty of time, attention, and exercise. Your pet’s safety and comfort are my top priorities. In a client’s home, I carefully follow all instructions to maintain their normal routine, environment, and feeding schedule to reduce stress. I always ensure doors, gates, and leashes are secure, and I closely supervise pets during walks and playtime. I create a calm, clean, and safe environment and pay close attention to behavior or any signs of discomfort. With my background in animal science and clinical settings, I am detail-oriented, reliable, and focused on making sure your pet feels safe, cared for, and at ease while you’re away.
About: I’ve been around and taking care of dogs since I was 7. I grew up training all of our puppies and continuing to love them now at their old age. I’m comfortable with cats and dogs of large/medium to small. I’m currently a full time college student. Available to sit weekdays and weekends. As well as walks during the day. Most of my mornings are free and afternoons as well. I enjoy spending my free time with animals, last year I spent a lot of time at the animal shelter hanging out with dogs and cats! I am able to come to your home, in you and your dogs/cats environment to keep your animals company, safe, and well loved while you’re away.
About: I’ve been around dogs my whole life, my family had some growing up and once I moved out I got 2 of my own. I’ve also watched many neighbors and friends dogs since i was young and feel more than comfortable taking them out, administering medicine, and loving on them! Fur babies are family and should be treated as such! And that’s exactly the kind of care I would show your fur baby. Dogs are creatures of habit, so it’s important for me to know what your routine looks like so I can try my best to keep it the same. It will be as if you’re not even gone! I work from home so my days are extremely flexible. Aside from occasional meetings and needing to administer my own dog his medication three times a day (6am, 2pm and 10pm) I have an open schedule to check in on your baby. If you were to bring your dog to me, they would be in a spacious little townhome with an open yard. All I ask is that your dog is friendly with other dogs, as I have 2 at home that would be there with us. One is a staffordshire terrier/husky mix, and the other is a border collie. They all would get plenty of walks and playtime together. If I were to drop in at your home, I would take whatever care necessary! What that looks like is up to you. Taking your dog on a walk, administering medicine, playing with them, whatever you and your pet need!
About: I have 2 years of veterinary clinic experience. From boarding, medication management, to overall care. I have taken care of numerous kittens and puppies as well as seniors! I currently am always available! I have plenty of time for your animal! I can make time for whatever is needed for you and yours! I have 5 cats from kitten to senior! I have a large empty room upstairs! We have plenty of toys and extra towers! Our home is better suited for cats!
About: I have grown up with animals and pets my whole life. Growing up by farm in Germany, I fostered a love and care for all animals and I am my happiest when I’m with them. While I have always owned cats myself, I also have experience with dog-sitting (including walking, playing (of course☺️), and minor allergy medications). I adore pups/cats and am excited to care for your little ones! I currently work 3 days a week in EMS (W-F) and am very flexible outside of these hours to love and care for your pets. Safety is of utmost importance!! When leaving the house, I will ensure all doors are locked. I will keep an eye out to make sure your dog doesn’t try to eat something they shouldn’t or bring things into your home. I will also keep an eye on other animals around your pet, especially when walking and leaving the home. I have two cats of my own - Flo & Mo. While one is apprehensive, the other is goofy (and very orange). Every pet is different and I will respect their needs and comfort zones while in their space.
About: When you book with me, you’re not just getting a pet sitter—you’re getting someone who shows up, follows through, and genuinely enjoys what they do. I keep things consistent for your pets (same routines, same care, same attention), so they stay happy and relaxed while you’re away. Expect quick replies, regular updates, and zero wondering how things are going. My calendar fills up quickly because my pet families know I’m dependable and easy to work with. If you want someone professional, trustworthy, and fun for your pets to hang out with, I’ve got you covered! Simply put, I prioritize my furry friends. My schedule allows me to have flexible breaks throughout the day, so your pets aren’t left waiting long stretches for attention. Whether it’s potty breaks, walks, playtime, or just a quick check-in, I’m able to show up when your pet needs it—not just morning and night. Safety first! I always have a care plan that I follow intentionally to provide a quality experience for your pets. I keep things professional and dependable from start to finish—quick responses, regular updates, and a routine your pet can count on. Most of the families I work with are repeat clients because once they see how smooth and reliable the experience is, they don’t want to book anyone else.
About: It may come as a surprise that I’ve never had a pet growing up, but that hasn’t stopped my love for animals. One thing I love about pet care is that each pet has there own personality. I’ve cared for lazy dogs, hyper dogs, mean dogs, social dogs, cats who believe we work for them and the cats who insist they’re dogs. I’ve definitely seen it all. One thing I’ve learned about pet care is that you must gain trust. Each dog has their own specific, unique needs that must be met. Whether it falls down to a few more bathroom breaks throughout the day or extra tender love and care, all needs will be met with your pet in my care. As far as tangible experience, I’ve accumulated years of experience working and volunteering at several clinics and hospitals. This has afforded me the opportunities to gain experience with medical care as well. I am a huge advocate for fitness and exercise for myself and pet, so I can guarantee your pet will get lots of exercise with me.
About: As of 8/2025: My business is insured by Pet Care Insurance (PCI) for your peace of mind. Nice to meet you! I’m Jamie and I’m a cat dad and vet student here at Virginia Tech. I have lifelong experience caring for animals - I grew up with five cats, two Guinea pigs, and four birds! Petsitting for my neighbor’s dogs was my very first job as a kid and I have been doing it for friends, family, and coworkers ever since. I have experience caring for elderly and disabled animals, those with particular feeding schedules or allergies, and am comfortable administering medications for your pets as needed. I have cared for everything from dogs and cats to ferrets, rabbits, and even chickens. Let’s connect so we can talk about your goals for your pets’ wellness and comfort when you’re away, and how I can help you achieve them. I have an extremely flexible academic schedule and a flexible employment schedule which makes petsitting a breeze. Shoot me a message so I can get you on my calendar! My animals are fully vaccinated and on monthly preventatives for your pets’ wellness as much as mine. Don’t worry, I make sure to send lots of pictures and updates along the way! :)
“McCall is incredibly responsive and a great addition to our routine. She provides updates and pictures from their walk which is so appreciated. Our dog has epilepsy and she has gone out of her way to give my family peace of mind. I am confident our dog is happy and safe while in her care.”
Over 980,000 dogs traded couch time for play time with Doggy Day Care on Rover1
Large dog specialists near you - Merrimac
Prices are estimates per night. Pricing may vary based on your search. A booking fee of 11% and taxes will apply.
“Sydney was wonderful with both my mini schnauzers. She took care of their every need and gave them lots of love. We have rebooked with her for several more dates and will continue to book with her for boarding in her home.”
“Russell was in great hands with Vanda. She took great care of him and sent plenty of pictures. We spend quite a bit of time in Lynchburg and hope to ask her to watch him again.”
“Holly was super flexible with a super short notice to take care of our 9lb-13mo old-cute-spoiled-baby girl-wiener Pitanga. It was the very first time Pitanga spent the night away from mom and dad and Holly sent lots of pictures of our puppy along the day. I’ll definitely ask Holly to take care of her again in the future. Super recommend!”
“My Aussie always has the best time with Liz and her crew. I never have to question whether my pup is well cared for because I know she’s in the best hands. Liz is always my go-to sitter!”
“Holy cow, our dog’s experience with Kurt could not have been better! Kurt kept in amazing touch with us and sent photos of his many adventures with our dog. I would definitely have him as my first choice any time we need care. 10/10 WOULD RECOMMEND!”
“Courtney & Kameron took great care of Barkley while I was away. He went on lots of walks and enjoyed all the extra attention. Courtney sent lots of pic throughout the weekend. Will definitely use them again!!!”
“My belgian malinois, had an amazing weekend with Carmen and her dogs. She was worn out and napped for half of the day afterwards. So, I know she had a great time. I am definitely going to be a repeat customer. Thank you!”
“We’ve used Nancy a few times for boarding our golden retriever pup and she is fantastic! We love her bubbly and welcoming personality. We’ve always felt like our pup has been in great hands with exceptional care. Highly recommend!!!”
“Veronica has been so great with Sam multiple times and Sam loves hanging out with her, her family, and her friendly dogs ... plus he comes back happy, and tired from all the playtime which is great, too :)”
“Richard was amazing with my boys. My bluetick can be difficult to say the least and Richard had no trouble at all. It’s wonderful to have someone with training watching your fur babies. If he can train wolves, he can handle most dogs!”
“Amari was very accommodating for a last minute booking, kept me updated with lots of pictures and reassured me that my dog was doing great! Would definitely book with her again in the future.”
About: I’ve always been the person who stops to say hi to every dog I pass and always at the cat section at the pet stores. I’ve cared for my own pets for years and have experience with dogs and cats of different ages, sizes, and personalities. I know how hard it can be to leave your pet with someone else, so I do my best to make them feel safe, comfortable, and loved while you’re away. Whether your pet wants to play all day or just curl up next to someone, I’ll make sure they get the attention and care they deserve. I’ll also send plenty of updates and photos because I know I’d want the same for my own pets. Pet care fits easily into my routine because spending time with animals is something I genuinely enjoy. I have a flexible schedule and can make time for walks, playtime, feeding, cuddles, and whatever else your pet needs throughout the day. I understand how important consistency is, so I’ll do my best to stick to your pet’s normal routine to help them feel comfortable and stress free I know that trusting someone with your pet is a big deal. I treat every animal in my care as if they were my own and always put their safety and comfort first. I’ll carefully follow any instructions you provide, keep a close eye on your pet, and make sure they feel secure and cared for at all times. I’m also a big believer in communication, so you’ll receive updates and photos throughout their stay so you can relax knowing your pet is in good hands.
“Louella had so much fun with Samantha and her husband! She came home exhausted from playing so much (which is exactly what we wanted before we drove a few hours back home to South Carolina!!) thanks for taking care of my girl.”
“I cannot say enough about how wonderful Shannon was. She treated my dogs as her own and my girls loved her from the minute we dropped them off. I have never felt more comfortable and relaxed away from my girls! The daily texts and pictures were great! Patti S.”
About: Lifelong dog owner with foster experience through rescue. Comfortable with different personalities and committed to safe, structured care. Your dog will be treated like family, with lots of supervision, updates, and understanding of individual needs. I work a full time job during the week with availability most days to come home and check on my animals during the day. I have weekends off with some on call days mixed into the schedule. I live on just under an acre without a fence at the moment. I have 3 dogs who are k9 off leash trained, however, any dogs I bring on the property get leash walked around the property for safety for scheduled potty breaks and playtime.
“I would definitely recommend Claire for petsitting. She friendly and accommodating, and our dog seemed very well cared for. Our only problem was finding the house because the address sent to us through Rover was not correct, but hopefully that has been fixed.”
About: Some of my pet experience includes bathing dogs, taking care of dogs for friends, having my own dog who i care for, and loving all animals. I’ve trained my dog to for certain commands which i believe is very helpful. All my friends come to me when they need someone to take care of their fur babies! I am a college student with a work load, however no job. A lot of my days are spent in my home doing homework and pet care fits into my schedule because I can always be there to play and take you pets out. I don’t have very long classes either or in a big stretch so your pay would be cared for almost 24/7 I care for pets as if they were my children haha! In my home, I have bowls, treats, and toys for your pets. In your home, I would respect the space and take care of your pet as if it were my own.
“I travel a lot with my 3 year old English Cocker and I’m always looking for quality people to care for him while I’m at work - and I can’t recommend Emily enough! We have utilized her boarding services several times and each time Gus has not even noticed that I was gone! He’s always very happy to be dropped off and Emily always takes the greatest pictures of him and keeps me well updated! I’m a consistent return customer and very, VERY happy with the care my dog receives when under her wing!”
“McKenanne took great care of my dog and was good about communicating before and during my dog's stay. Her two dogs were very friendly which helped to make my dog more comfortable and happy.”
“They looked like they had a great time! Was given plenty of attention and treats. Did not appear overly hungry or thirsty when we brought them back home telling me they were given plenty of food and water. Liked that Lydia has a fenced in back yard and appreciated the daily picture updates and video without me having to ask first. Was also able to get us in last minute and was very responsive. Would highly recommend!”
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1Global data from Rover (November 2025)