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Betsy K.

Lewes, DE

5.0 out of 5 stars
•47 reviews
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The Pet-sitting Biologist

Pet care experience

Hello and thanks for considering me for your dog care needs! Please note: my pup Cora and I are a package deal. She is a well-behaved and trained Belgian Malinois born July 2023. Cora is a love bug with lots of energy and she makes a wonderful playmate for active dogs or a devoted snuggle bud for mature dogs. If your dog gets salty around other dogs we are not the best fit, sorry! Spanning nearly four decades, my animal care experience includes many domesticated species of mammals, reptiles & birds. In my career as a wildlife biologist I have cared for many exotic and non-domesticated animals as well. In my career as animal trainer I have helped many dogs resolve their human problems using behavioral science. As a caregiver I use my vast knowledge & understanding of animal physiology and behavior to give your pet the best care and bring you peace of mind while away from home. I’m trained in animal CPR/first aid & my experience as a veterinary nurse qualifies me to care for sick or elderly pets. I provide pet sitting in the owner's home. While house sitting I can also take care of plants or gardens as needed. I am homebody so your pets will get lots of attention. I am 53, super trustworthy, happily single & no human kids. I can happily provide lots of references from folks who trust me enough to hand me the keys to their castles! In addition to overnight care, I offer Dog Day School & Walk-n-Train Adventure visits. Please reach out to learn more about how I can help enrich and train your dog while you are at work. I offer more than the traditional day care option where dogs only run around like silly goobers all day - when your dog spends the day with me, in addition to play and fun there will be learning via structured training sessions tailored to your buds specific needs. Don't need all day care? I also offer walk-n-train adventure visits. I will pick your dog up at your home at a specified time and we will walk and train while we have an adventure at the local park, beach, or hiking trail for an hour to two hours. Day school and adventure walks are planned around each individual dogs specific training and exercise needs. Regardless of why your dog is with me, we will enjoy daily long walks which include hang time at the park or the beach. I will always strive to meet the daily ball throwing and snuggles quota! I am also a cat lover and will provide whatever level of attention and interaction your feline friends require. And if you have any farm animals I am your girl - I can care for chickens, goats, horses and the like. **Free in-home consultation; references upon request - discounts available for students and seniors** As mentioned above, I am a professional dog trainer since 1995. My lifelong love of critters led me to earn two biology degrees (BS & MS) with an emphasis in animal science. Using behavioral science based learning techniques I teach humans to understand their dogs behavior and clearly communicate with their furry friends. My experience training dogs and humans includes basic and advanced obedience, potty training and problem solving for shy, fearful, aggressive or just plain naughty dogs. I also have experience with tracking and scent work including drug and bomb detection dog training. Please reach out if you would like to schedule a training session!

Reviews

Lubna G.
House Sitting • Apr 13, 2024
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Betsy was so great with our pup who fell in love with Cora! They did a great job taking care of the house and the pets felt like their routine hadn’t been interrupted at all. Even the kitties tolerated some kisses from Cora and we felt Betsy did a great job redirecting as needed in building some new friendships. We would definitely book again!

Alison W.
House Sitting • Dec 27, 2023
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Betsy has watched our dogs a few times, and there is no one we trust more than her with our pups! She is amazing. Our dogs adore her! She is the best.

Derek T.
House Sitting • Jul 10, 2023
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Just finished our first sit with Betsy. Cats seemed happy and healthy when we got back! House was clean, everything seemed in good order and we had an appropriate level of communication during our trip. We have already booked a second stay, I'm sure the cats will be happy to see Betsy again!

Megan & Scott M.
House Sitting • Jul 09, 2023
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As always, we feel lucky to have Betsy watch after our boys while we’re away. We love knowing that our high energy dog is getting lots of activity and our diabetic cat is getting his medicine on time. Would highly recommend!

About Betsy K.

Communication

13 repeat pet parents
90% response rate
Usually responds in under 12 hours

Skills

37 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

ANIMAL CARE & ATTENTION: I typically like to get two daily walks in - usually an hour to hour and half each. I NEVER let dogs off leash unless it is a fully fenced secure private yard and I avoid taking other people dogs to dog parks. I am safety girl and will always lean towards avoiding situations that may bring troubles. For my kitty friends - I will provide whatever level of snuggle attention your cat is into and be sure to scoop boxes daily. I have cared for meow-meows all my life and enjoy their company. If your cat is exclusively indoor, I support that and can promise that your cat will remain inside on my watch.

Home

Lives in a house
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 Betsy K. would like to know about your pet

All animals must be dog friendly - no dog aggressive dogs for boarding or house sitting. I cannot care for males who are not neutered. I will consider un-spayed females. I have no breed restrictions and will evaluate each animal individually on it own merits. I am OK with caring for special needs pets - be it medical or behavioral, I've got you covered!

A typical day

Typically I am up by 7am and out the door soon after for the morning wander before breakfast, usually a half hour or so. Later in the day we will go on a long walk to the local parks and if there is an ocean, lake, bay or river nearby, we are there! I am not a fan of dog parks as they can be dangerous and potentially traumatize a dog for life. I prefer long walks and securely fenced yards or the like for ball throwing sessions. I also love playing with kitties and will be sure to bring my laser light and cat nip along!

Services

House Sitting
in your home
$60per night
Doggy Day Care
in the sitter's home
AWAY
Dog Walking
in your neighborhood
AWAY

Betsy can host

0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
Unspayed females accepted, neutered males only
Crate-trained dogs only
Takes only 1 client at a time

Betsy can watch in your home

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

Availability

I am currently searching for a new wildlife biologist job. In the meantime I am working from home full-time. Your pets will get lots of attention during my hourly stretch breaks and tons of playtime!

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Calendar last updated 3 days ago
Dog Walking Cancellation Policy:

About Betsy K.

Communication

13 repeat pet parents
90% response rate
Usually responds in under 12 hours

Skills

37 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

ANIMAL CARE & ATTENTION: I typically like to get two daily walks in - usually an hour to hour and half each. I NEVER let dogs off leash unless it is a fully fenced secure private yard and I avoid taking other people dogs to dog parks. I am safety girl and will always lean towards avoiding situations that may bring troubles. For my kitty friends - I will provide whatever level of snuggle attention your cat is into and be sure to scoop boxes daily. I have cared for meow-meows all my life and enjoy their company. If your cat is exclusively indoor, I support that and can promise that your cat will remain inside on my watch.

Home

Lives in a house
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 Betsy K. would like to know about your pet

All animals must be dog friendly - no dog aggressive dogs for boarding or house sitting. I cannot care for males who are not neutered. I will consider un-spayed females. I have no breed restrictions and will evaluate each animal individually on it own merits. I am OK with caring for special needs pets - be it medical or behavioral, I've got you covered!

A typical day

Typically I am up by 7am and out the door soon after for the morning wander before breakfast, usually a half hour or so. Later in the day we will go on a long walk to the local parks and if there is an ocean, lake, bay or river nearby, we are there! I am not a fan of dog parks as they can be dangerous and potentially traumatize a dog for life. I prefer long walks and securely fenced yards or the like for ball throwing sessions. I also love playing with kitties and will be sure to bring my laser light and cat nip along!

Location

Lewes, DE

Betsy K.'s Neighborhood

Pets

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Betsy K.

Lewes, DE

5.0 out of 5 stars
•47 reviews