Karen H.
Leave your pup in my (DBS checked) caring hands!
Pet care experience
I'm a "more mature" woman with 2 going on 50 years' experience of looking after animals - mostly dogs. I'll explain: growing up, we had animals - dogs, guinea pigs and goldfish - and as kids, we were expected to help with their care. That's where my love for all things furry (and not necessarily furry!) began. Since then, friends and family have regularly left their animals in my care...so for the last couple of years I've been pet and house sitting “full time”, and enjoying every minute. I have experience of rescues, so even if your dog has certain issues, I may be able to look after him/her: just let me know what those are and we can have a chat. One thing: I don't have a car, so your home would need to be accessible by public transport. If it is, I look forward to meeting you and your pets, and doing my utmost to give them as good a time as you'll be having while you're away. Oh, and you’ll get very regular pupdates, needless to say!
Reviews
As soon as Karen came in through the door, my cat Ruby - who is quite timid & normally extremely shy with strangers - was completely at ease with her. It felt great to be able to go away knowing that my pet was going to be happy. Ruby is an older cat with health issues requiring medication but she was in safe hands and very well looked after. I have no hesitation in recommending Karen.
I count myself (and my pets) very lucky to have found Karen to sit for us. Planning and communication leading up to stay's had been perfect. Conversation with Karen during the stay was also excellent with regular updates including photos of my dog in various locations on walks…and positions ! My dog Isla took to her immediately and it was evident to see that Karen had a natural rapport with animals. My cat Isara who is extremely shy by nature, took a couple of days to warm up as she always does to people she doesn’t know. I appreciated the fact that Karen really identified with the character of each animal and acted accordingly, giving them love but also some space when needed. On my return my cat seemed the best of friends with Karen. House was immaculate upon return and the pets seemed very happy and settled. Karen is diligent, trustworthy and truly a caring person. I cannot recommend her highly enough. A real gem of a house sitter.
Victoria – Beccles, United Kingdom 14th-21st October 2023 Karen was a very caring and considerate companion for Emmy, our cockerpoo, while we were in Greece. She sent us pictures of all their adventures and excursions and relaxing at home in the evenings. The house was clean and tidy on our return, and Emmy definitely seems to miss her visitor.
Karen dog/house sat for me from 1st - 27th may 2023. This is the testamonial I gave her for Trusted House Sitters. I have had a number of house sitters and both Rafa and I would vote her No 1. "Absolutely brilliant. Karen sent me a WhatsApp every morning with photos of her and Rafa on their walks. She took full advantage of all the walks around Richmond and took him on the bus to Reeth in Swaledale. . What a happy dog. Karen was a very likeable easy person Nothing was too much trouble for her. Would give her 6* if possible."
About Karen H.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I treat each house or flat I go into as if it were my own. That means being security-conscious, of course, as well as leaving your home as clean and tidy as I possibly can. If you have any special rules about your pet's safety, such as supervising them while they're in the garden, I'm also happy to oblige.
Information Karen H. would like to know about your pet
Let me know any special requirements your pet has in advance. As I said, I have experience with rescue dogs, so can deal with certain behavioural issues - but forewarned is forearmed and I'd need to know beforehand to decide whether I can provide you pet with the care s/he needs! I'm happy to look after larger breeds of dog providing they're well lead trained. If your dog's recall isn't good, then I won't feel comfortable letting her/him off the lead, so we should also discuss that before the sit.
A typical day
If your pet enjoys a good game - so do I! Happy to throw balls or other toys (and well versed in getting them out from under the TV/cabinet when they're deliberately pushed there...), love playing tuggy, putting down snuffle mats, getting your dog to follow any commands s/he knows for treats or if you have a cat, shining lasers around or waving their feather waggler around...whatever s/he enjoys. But if s/he doesn't, I'm equally happy to just have cuddles on the sofa, assuming s/he's allowed :)
Services
Karen can watch in your home
Availability
I'm working part-time - teaching online and writing - from home at the moment. That means all I need is decent Wi-Fi and I'll have plenty of time to walk, play with or just cuddle your pet: whichever s/he needs.
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About Karen H.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I treat each house or flat I go into as if it were my own. That means being security-conscious, of course, as well as leaving your home as clean and tidy as I possibly can. If you have any special rules about your pet's safety, such as supervising them while they're in the garden, I'm also happy to oblige.
Information Karen H. would like to know about your pet
Let me know any special requirements your pet has in advance. As I said, I have experience with rescue dogs, so can deal with certain behavioural issues - but forewarned is forearmed and I'd need to know beforehand to decide whether I can provide you pet with the care s/he needs! I'm happy to look after larger breeds of dog providing they're well lead trained. If your dog's recall isn't good, then I won't feel comfortable letting her/him off the lead, so we should also discuss that before the sit.
A typical day
If your pet enjoys a good game - so do I! Happy to throw balls or other toys (and well versed in getting them out from under the TV/cabinet when they're deliberately pushed there...), love playing tuggy, putting down snuffle mats, getting your dog to follow any commands s/he knows for treats or if you have a cat, shining lasers around or waving their feather waggler around...whatever s/he enjoys. But if s/he doesn't, I'm equally happy to just have cuddles on the sofa, assuming s/he's allowed :)
Location
, United Kingdom
