Karen W.
Karen W.
Highlights
Pet care experience
Former Kennel Owner - Dog Trainer
Hi! I’m Karen, and caring for animals has been my lifelong passion and career. I bring over 20 years of hands-on experience working with dogs of every age, size, and temperament. I spent 10 years owning and operating a dog boarding and daycare facility, where I cared for everything from energetic puppies to seniors with special needs. I’m also an experienced positive reinforcement dog trainer, having taught puppy classes, basic obedience, and agility. Before opening my facility, I worked as a dog walker throughout university, and I was raised by two veterinarians—so I’ve truly grown up with this work. I understand canine body language, behavior, and how to create a safe, structured, and happy environment for all pets in my home. Your pet’s comfort and safety come first. I have a large, secure fenced in yard, plenty of space to play, and quiet areas for rest. If you’re traveling with a mixed pet family, I also have safe, separate areas for cats, thanks to my years of running a combined dog-and-cat boarding program. I’m experienced with: • Puppies (training, socialization, house manners) • Senior dogs (gentle routines, mobility support) • Dogs with medical or behavioral needs • Administering medications, including special diets and schedules, including insulin injections if needed My goal is to make your dog feel like they’re part of the family while giving you total peace of mind. I’m attentive, reliable, and committed to providing the same level of care I’d want for my own animals. I work full time from home, so I am always around. I can’t wait to meet your furry family member! 🐾
Qualifications
Ratings and reviews
My dog loves going to Karen's house! He doesnt even wait to say bye before he's heading to the yard for fun! He adores her kids and always comes home tired. Highly recommend!
Experienced care-giver with caring family and fenced in back yard. Our mini-poodle’s first night away from home and Karen made it a positive, happy experience for her. We will definitely be hiring her again :)
I had a very positive experience with Karen and her family. My dog Mr. Bailey was extremely well taken care of. I felt confident leaving him there. And Karen sent me pictures which helped with my decision to relax and enjoy my time with family while my dog was at her home. I would recommend Karen to anyone who wishes to leave their dog with her.
I am happy to recommend Karen to anyone looking for a responsible and caring pet minder. We were long time clients when she owned P.E.T.S. Boarding Kennel and always felt confident that our dog was getting the most loving of care. Our dog was always more than happy to go to the kennel, knowing she would be made to feel right at home! She was always so good to pair our dog with suitable playmates, in size and temperament, so as to avoid her being out with dogs too big or rambunctious. We always felt our pet was getting the very best of care with Karen.
Karen is a very trustworthy and knowledgeable pet caregiver. She has had years of experience once owning her own kennel for both doggy daycare and overnight stays. She has also had pets of her own from the smallest rodents to livestock and everything in between. I would trust my pet with her any day.
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
I work from home, I am home all the time. Happy to help with doggy daycare if you need your dog to come and play in a large fenced in area. I have many opportunities throughout the day to allow for free play outside, and lots of dog beds (couches if they're allowed!) throughout the house. I am available for overnight boarding on weekdays and weekends, including holidays.
Where your pet will stay
Home characteristics
Safety, trust & environment
I have a large 1/4 acre fully fenced yard and my own two small dogs, both around 10 pounds, both female (spayed). There is a doggy door to the yard for full and free access to the fenced yard if your dog is able to use the doggy door, if not I have a sliding patio door and man door to let them in and out. My dogs are allowed on the couch and bed, yours will be too, unless you prefer they aren't allowed for manners training! My home is puppy proofed (my one dog is a 6 month old puppy), so everything is out of reach and puppy safe. I have 2 sphynx cats as well that love dogs, and the cat litter is behind gates and out of reach for dogs. I have two children, ages 10 and 12. They have grown up with many dogs and cats, we had a busy dog boarding kennel for their entire childhood until we sold it a few years ago.
Pets
A typical day
We have lots of dog toys for indoors and outdoors. The large yard has trees to play around and chase. We can go for walks offsite as well, there is a beautiful trail through the forest just 1 minute away from the house, and a longer path alongside the river through St. Marys. Whatever activity your dog enjoys, we can accommodate. We can do scent games, slow feeders, tug of war (with rules), fetch, tunnels, and more!
Prices include all fees.