Cristina C.
Dedham, MA
first year vet student!❤️🐾
Pet care experience
**I am back home and available for dog walking from Dec 19-Jan 1st!** Whether you need your dog walked regularly, a check-in on your cat, or someone to come and care for your horses or other barn animals while you're away, I'm up to the task! I've taken care of a variety of animals going back as long as I can remember, from rabbits to horses (I have been a horseback rider since I was 11 years old) and other farm animals of friends and family. My work during my time as a pre-vet student has granted me further experience caring for and monitoring the health of ill and injured animals, as well as those recovering from surgical procedures. I independently walked and house-sat dogs and cats previously for a year, including for the owner of the shelter that I previously worked at for 3 years. I have worked with dogs and cats specifically as a vet assistant in the shelter, surgical, and ER setting collectively for almost four years now. I am currently working as an emergency vet assistant and volunteering at a farm taking care of chickens, sheep, and two Hereford cows. I want to provide your fur babies with the same care I'd give my own🐾❤️ Take a look through my photos as I'm sure they'll show my love for and dedication to "all creatures great and small" !
Reviews
Thank you for being flexible for a last minute walk with our puppy!
I’m visiting from out of town and Cristina was so sweet to my dog Pip. I really appreciated that she was also kind to my boyfriends dog when she visited Pip.
Cristina walks both of our dogs on a regular basis, and they love her! She is extremely reliable, friendly, knowledgeable and an animal lover. She is the best!
Cristina did an excellent job walking our puppy. She was on time and took great care of her.
About Cristina C.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I will listen carefully and abide by owner's instructions and wants. I will certainly provide water/food/treats as requested by the owner and will always only use owner's treats unless otherwise given permission, as I know some animals may have ingredient sensitivities. I have worked with many shy and nervous animals in shelters and always pay attention to body behavior (assisting shelter vets as they give physicals has really helped me know when an animal is overstimulated) If there are specific areas you would like me to walk with your dog (or likewise avoid), and if your dog has any fears/anxieties (i.e., loud traffic, young children, thunder, other dogs, etc.) please let me know! I will specifically keep dogs leashed unless in a fenced-in yard or indoors. Also, I like to schedule meet-and-greets with new clients when possible so I can meet the pet(s) and their owners face-to-face
Information Cristina C. would like to know about your pet
- First and foremost, please let me know of your dog's general temperament, behaviors, energy level, what's normal for them, and any favorite walking spots as well as any "caution" areas you wish for me to avoid (another dog that may not get along with your dog, no sidewalk, etc.) I've worked with a variety of dog ages, sizes, and breeds, but that doesn't mean I've seen it all! - Do you have any treats you'd like me to give? - Would you like me to feed them during my visit? - Are there any medications they need at my visit time? I have experience giving oral, topical, and injectable (SQ, IM) meds. I've also cleaned many dirty ears and trimmed many nails, so if any if that needs to be done, just let me know! * Above all, I will treat your dog as if they are my own and will stimulate them both physically and emotionally, providing exercise and TLC when you're not there with them. Please don't hesitate to provide me with any and all details you'd like me to know. The more I know, the better! I'll keep my phone on at all times during the walk so we can be in contact if needed and if I will always snap some shots of your fur baby to send to you! *
A typical day
I will usually arrive a little earlier than the scheduled time, especially with new dogs so we have extra time to get to know each other! New people can be confusing and scary to some dogs, and I want to make sure your dog is comfortable with me (and me with them) before we even head outside of your home. I will gladly do any feeding/watering/meds at any point during my visit, either before or after our walk, per owner instruction. Once we're leashed and set to go, with your dog's treats and poop bags handy, I'll take your dog for a walk in whichever way he or she likes best - whether they're older and like going for a slow stroll in a park, love going for fast-paced walks around your neighborhood, or prefer staying in your yard and playing fetch with their favorite toy. I won't walk any dogs off of leashes and will only play with dogs in fenced-in yards as it is safest for everyone!
Services
Cristina can watch in your home
Availability
I try to keep my availability updated as often as possible. I can do mornings and evenings as well as some weekends. Message me with the dates/times you need and I'm sure we can make something work!
About Cristina C.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I will listen carefully and abide by owner's instructions and wants. I will certainly provide water/food/treats as requested by the owner and will always only use owner's treats unless otherwise given permission, as I know some animals may have ingredient sensitivities. I have worked with many shy and nervous animals in shelters and always pay attention to body behavior (assisting shelter vets as they give physicals has really helped me know when an animal is overstimulated) If there are specific areas you would like me to walk with your dog (or likewise avoid), and if your dog has any fears/anxieties (i.e., loud traffic, young children, thunder, other dogs, etc.) please let me know! I will specifically keep dogs leashed unless in a fenced-in yard or indoors. Also, I like to schedule meet-and-greets with new clients when possible so I can meet the pet(s) and their owners face-to-face
Information Cristina C. would like to know about your pet
- First and foremost, please let me know of your dog's general temperament, behaviors, energy level, what's normal for them, and any favorite walking spots as well as any "caution" areas you wish for me to avoid (another dog that may not get along with your dog, no sidewalk, etc.) I've worked with a variety of dog ages, sizes, and breeds, but that doesn't mean I've seen it all! - Do you have any treats you'd like me to give? - Would you like me to feed them during my visit? - Are there any medications they need at my visit time? I have experience giving oral, topical, and injectable (SQ, IM) meds. I've also cleaned many dirty ears and trimmed many nails, so if any if that needs to be done, just let me know! * Above all, I will treat your dog as if they are my own and will stimulate them both physically and emotionally, providing exercise and TLC when you're not there with them. Please don't hesitate to provide me with any and all details you'd like me to know. The more I know, the better! I'll keep my phone on at all times during the walk so we can be in contact if needed and if I will always snap some shots of your fur baby to send to you! *
A typical day
I will usually arrive a little earlier than the scheduled time, especially with new dogs so we have extra time to get to know each other! New people can be confusing and scary to some dogs, and I want to make sure your dog is comfortable with me (and me with them) before we even head outside of your home. I will gladly do any feeding/watering/meds at any point during my visit, either before or after our walk, per owner instruction. Once we're leashed and set to go, with your dog's treats and poop bags handy, I'll take your dog for a walk in whichever way he or she likes best - whether they're older and like going for a slow stroll in a park, love going for fast-paced walks around your neighborhood, or prefer staying in your yard and playing fetch with their favorite toy. I won't walk any dogs off of leashes and will only play with dogs in fenced-in yards as it is safest for everyone!
Location
Dedham, MA
Pets
Cristina C.
Dedham, MA