Karin M.
Ventura, CA
reliable | loving | beautiful space
Pet care experience
Hi. I’m Karin. A reliable and caring pet sitter. The only reason I don’t have my own pets currently is because I like to wander off to explore the world when I can. The rest of the time I work at home writing. Which is less of a solitary profession when kept company by a four legged friend. I fell into pet-sitting in 2015 looking after my friend’s chihuahua in Santa Barbara. I then moved on to one of her neighbors and her boxer, and from there it became word of mouth. Then someone suggested I charge people for my services and that is when I joined Rover. After a hiatus to travel and then Covid, I am now back here again. But this time I have a beautiful house in North Ventura, where people can bring their cats and dogs and leave them in a much more tranquil environment than a kennel or pet hotel. I have taken my inspiration from a video I saw about the D Hotels pet sitting business model. I’ve transformed one bedroom into a suite for your pet. It has a bed with pillows and a laptop that plays soothing music to help them overcome any anxiety they encounter about you not being around. Outside I have secured and fenced off a 300 square foot portion of my yard. And added a raised bed in a shaded area so dogs can move around more freely during the day if they like. There is a window to the house on one side so my pet guests can see that I am right there while they enjoy all the good smells in my garden. Spending time outdoors and keeping fit has always been an important part of my life. But for me walking has always been more fun with a dog. It also seems to be a fast way to bond with them. Most owners notice that their dogs look for me for a few days after I have gone because exploring the neighborhood together we become buddies.
Reviews
Karin was the best nanny we could have dreamed for our Blue Heeler, he was so happy and loved all the time, the is such a good communicator so we felt super comfortable with her taling care of our beloved Astro. For sure we will schedule our vacations according to Karin availability!! Thank you so much Karin!
Karin is an absolute sweet heart! We had never left our pup alone, yet alone for a whole entire week. But from the 1st interaction to the last, our experience was top tier. We met prior before our travel day for a meet and greet and felt very comfortable from the moment we walked in. Javi, our corgi/husky, came back to us in great spirit. Karin's communication was great, her response time was great, and the way she kept us updated was even better. So many cute pictures were sent. Our dog enjoyed the beach, hiking, her enormous back yard, his own bed, and all the love we couldn't give him. Will definitely recommend and if we ever have to leave I will definitely call her first. Make no mistake, this is the dog mom you want taking care of your pups!
Karin took great care of Ada over the holidays. She is very dog smart and has a wonderful place for hosting pups. She updated us daily with photos & was easy to communicate with. Would definitely book with her again!
Karin was SO great with Ruby. I could tell Ruby didn't want to leave Karin's side and had a wonderful time with her. She can be quite picky since she's a senior dog, so Ruby's stamp of approval means a lot! I would definitely leave Ruby in Karin's great hands again.
About Karin M.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Safety, trust & environment: Hopefully the reviews I have so far speak to this better than I can. My best quality is that I care. Pet sitting is a serious responsibility and honoring the trust that owners place in me is important. A successful experience really comes down to paying attention to a hundred little details ... and knowing what questions to ask owners before they leave. In addition to the Rover background check, I have a 2016 National FBI background report; and a FICO score of 750 (I'm accountable and responsible). When I was younger I produced TV commercials around the world, so I have plenty of experience handling high stakes emergencies elegantly if anything unexpected arises. But this has never happened. Most likely I’ll spend my time sitting next to your pet working, in between breaks to pet, play, walk and feed them.
Information Karin M. would like to know about your pet
I like to get a sense of the personality of the dog, and any particularities of it's breed - especially if it's a breed I haven't sat for previously. What is your pet's routine living at home with you like? That's probably a good place for me to start - imitating that.
A typical day
Describe a typical day: I’m an early riser. My coastal house is a little like a small version of a farm. First thing after the coffee is on I am out in the garden checking on things, and taking my pet guest for a poosie or peesie. Playing with animals helps increase concentration. I like to take breaks from the work I do on my flatscreen computer by going and checking in on my guests ... pet them, talk to them … unless they are asleep. I’ll go for walks according to the weather, but can cater to the pet’s schedule it is used to. I prefer to take them on the bike path, or to the botanical gardens, or through the quieter streets in my neighborhood where there are lots of good smells, but where they won't be overwhelmed by too many other dogs. If your pet has lots of energy the beach is 20 minutes away to walk to. I don't do off leash under any circumstances. Unless I really know the pet well.
Services
Karin can watch in your home
Availability
Schedule: I work flexible hours writing at home. Even when I don't have a pet to care for, I take breaks every hour …. gardening, doing housework, lifting weights in my garden, and going for hikes on the beach.
About Karin M.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Safety, trust & environment: Hopefully the reviews I have so far speak to this better than I can. My best quality is that I care. Pet sitting is a serious responsibility and honoring the trust that owners place in me is important. A successful experience really comes down to paying attention to a hundred little details ... and knowing what questions to ask owners before they leave. In addition to the Rover background check, I have a 2016 National FBI background report; and a FICO score of 750 (I'm accountable and responsible). When I was younger I produced TV commercials around the world, so I have plenty of experience handling high stakes emergencies elegantly if anything unexpected arises. But this has never happened. Most likely I’ll spend my time sitting next to your pet working, in between breaks to pet, play, walk and feed them.
Information Karin M. would like to know about your pet
I like to get a sense of the personality of the dog, and any particularities of it's breed - especially if it's a breed I haven't sat for previously. What is your pet's routine living at home with you like? That's probably a good place for me to start - imitating that.
A typical day
Describe a typical day: I’m an early riser. My coastal house is a little like a small version of a farm. First thing after the coffee is on I am out in the garden checking on things, and taking my pet guest for a poosie or peesie. Playing with animals helps increase concentration. I like to take breaks from the work I do on my flatscreen computer by going and checking in on my guests ... pet them, talk to them … unless they are asleep. I’ll go for walks according to the weather, but can cater to the pet’s schedule it is used to. I prefer to take them on the bike path, or to the botanical gardens, or through the quieter streets in my neighborhood where there are lots of good smells, but where they won't be overwhelmed by too many other dogs. If your pet has lots of energy the beach is 20 minutes away to walk to. I don't do off leash under any circumstances. Unless I really know the pet well.
Location
Ventura, CA
Karin M.
Ventura, CA