Kara P.
Highland Park, NJ
Lover of Pets & Former Vet Tech
Pet care experience
I grew up with pets (dogs and cats) and have over eight years of professional experience working with dogs and cats (some exotic pet experience also) in the veterinary field (animal handling (using only Fear Free & low stress methods), administering medications, pet parent education, etc). I am currently a full-time student, so my availability is limited - but, if I can help you, I will! In August of 2020, I lost my Soul Pup, Polar (the sweetest pittie), to kidney disease. In June of 2022, I unexpectedly and very rapidly lost my best buddy of 11 years, Ralph, to hemangiosarcoma. My heart cannot consider another dog of my own at this time, but I would love to walk yours. (** I am a big fan of pitties and bully breeds.)
Reviews
Kara took amazing care of Gunther and was very clearly passionate and knowledgeable about pets. She kept me posted with updates and it felt like Gunther had a better time than I did!
Kara is absolutely amazing ? ? She took such good care of my special needs kitty cat and she took two trips over to go over care, get keys, etc. I felt so at ease with her taking care of him ❤️
Kara did an amazing job taking care of my dog Benji for a week. She really went above and beyond to take care of him since he has medical issues. Thank you so much Kara , you are the best sitters I have met .
Kara was so great with our Callie. She sent me pictures and updates all throughout the weekend. She even took her for a 3+ mile hike on both days she was with her !! I felt completely safe leaving our pup with Kara and would recommend her to anyone.
About Kara P.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have ample dog walking and handling experience, including anxious, nervous dogs and special needs dogs. Additionally, my own dog (Ralph), suffered from very serious separation anxiety for the last ~2.5 years of his life. He was treated through Penn Vet's Behavior Department. I will always be your dog’s advocate and will NEVER put them in an unsafe situation. Your dog will only be treated with compassion and understanding. We ask a lot of our dogs and often don't consider how it impacts them, or maybe how we can do things better. I do have a large yard, but it is not fenced - if they were to be in my yard, it would be on leash and supervised only. If your dog is on oral or injectable medications, I can administer those as well.
Home
Information Kara P. would like to know about your pet
I would love to meet the dog and the people who care for them prior - this would allow for us to verify that I am the right person to help care for your pet. I would also need to know of any special considerations and/or needs in which your pet may have (e.g.: animal/dog reactivity, if they are afraid of anything, if there are any areas to avoid in your neighborhood), any triggers, medical ailments, vaccination status, where your pet goes for veterinary care and if they are currently taking any medications and/or have any dietary restrictions.
A typical day
I live in a town with two parks and a nature preserve - all are very accessible from my home and I love to walk - I miss walking with my dogs very much. Providing mental and physical enrichment is so crucial for dogs, as it helps ease anxiety they may be experiencing and allow them to use their brain to problem solve. I do not subscribe to the philosophy that a “tired dog is a good dog”, I think a dog who has their mental and physical needs met is a happy and well-rounded dog. All dogs are “good” dogs. :)
Services
Kara can host
Kara can watch in your home
Availability
I am currently a full-time student, so my availability is limited - but, if I can help you, I will! When I am not in class or clinical, I am generally home and can provide a safe environment for your dog.
About Kara P.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have ample dog walking and handling experience, including anxious, nervous dogs and special needs dogs. Additionally, my own dog (Ralph), suffered from very serious separation anxiety for the last ~2.5 years of his life. He was treated through Penn Vet's Behavior Department. I will always be your dog’s advocate and will NEVER put them in an unsafe situation. Your dog will only be treated with compassion and understanding. We ask a lot of our dogs and often don't consider how it impacts them, or maybe how we can do things better. I do have a large yard, but it is not fenced - if they were to be in my yard, it would be on leash and supervised only. If your dog is on oral or injectable medications, I can administer those as well.
Home
Information Kara P. would like to know about your pet
I would love to meet the dog and the people who care for them prior - this would allow for us to verify that I am the right person to help care for your pet. I would also need to know of any special considerations and/or needs in which your pet may have (e.g.: animal/dog reactivity, if they are afraid of anything, if there are any areas to avoid in your neighborhood), any triggers, medical ailments, vaccination status, where your pet goes for veterinary care and if they are currently taking any medications and/or have any dietary restrictions.
A typical day
I live in a town with two parks and a nature preserve - all are very accessible from my home and I love to walk - I miss walking with my dogs very much. Providing mental and physical enrichment is so crucial for dogs, as it helps ease anxiety they may be experiencing and allow them to use their brain to problem solve. I do not subscribe to the philosophy that a “tired dog is a good dog”, I think a dog who has their mental and physical needs met is a happy and well-rounded dog. All dogs are “good” dogs. :)
Location
Highland Park, NJ
Kara P.
Highland Park, NJ