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Karina M.

Vashon Island, WA

5.0 out of 5 stars
38 reviews
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Karina's Bark O Lounge!

Pet care experience

Hello! I have a long history with not only dogs and cats, but had a small farm and an educational petting zoo. I am a "professional grade" animal lover. My own best fur friend is my 12 lbs shitzu Harry Ruckus, a chill little man in a fur coat. He is the house ambassador. Harry recently got a pet! Harry met Sally the Cat in June and that was that. Then, Sally needed a kitten friend so Jack joined the pack.*2023 UPDATE: 🐱 We now have 4 kitty friends in campus IF YOUR DOGGO HAS CAT ISSUES INCLUDING CHASING, BARKING OR WORRYING, I may not be the Droid you seek. My goal is to help your animals feel safe, cared for and reduce their anxiety in your absence whether in their own home or mine..Because I typically only take 1-3 dogs, your friend always gets extra attention. We spend a minimum of an hour hiking with the dogs during every walk. We hike through the woods, might head to the beach. I try to change up the location daily. If there are opportunities to be off leash we do that. I have a couple of safe locations that allows for that. Whether they are on a board or I am hired to exercise your dog, they will come home spent and relaxed. PLEASE NOTE: I live on VASHON ISLAND. It requires taking a quick ferry ride from Southworth, Ruston or Fauntleroy in West Seattle. I live near the North end ferries (Fauntleroy and Southworth incoming boats). Boarding: Smaller dogs under 50 lbs preferred. Rarely I will take a larger mellow dog. I specialize in Senior and special needs dog care. I am experienced with administering medication and giving shots My home is less than 2 miles from a veterinary clinic. I never have more than a maximum of 3-4 guest dogs. Sorry, no highly Nervous or repeat BARKERS dogs (unless they come with a * bark limiting device*). I respect my neighbors so any dog guests must be peaceful as well. IF YOUR DOG IS AN ANXIETY BARKER THIS IS NOT THE PLACE. Guest pets are not put in kennels unless that is their *comfort*/sleeping preference but are treated like pack/family members. They typically sleep next to or ON my bed. I believe dogs away from their families really need extra attention to reduce their anxiety. They will be loved up with excessive cuddles. Pet Visitation (at your home WHICH MUST BE ON VASHON ISLAND): I can do multiple daily home visits if required. I will walk or exercise your dog +/or engage or play with your kitty, water plants and bring in mail if requested. *I only take on nearby pet visiting when my boarding schedule permits.* This is my mainstay. I work with dogs 7 days a week. As I live and work exclusively on Vashon Island, I am never gone from my property for more than short bursts of time and will have someone here if Im ever away for longer . Text me and let's chat. They are treated like family in my own home. I will follow your specific instructions in your home. Happy calm doggos is the goal.

Reviews

Christy P.
Dog Boarding • Sep 11, 2023
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Karina was fantastic with communication and I got some great shots throughout my pup's stay. She gave helpful feedback about how he did and what may be helpful for future boardings. I hope it works out again for our pup to stay with such a great sitter. Thanks Karina!

Bevrely M.
Dog Boarding • Aug 18, 2023
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Karina took very good care of my dog Ella. Thank you Karina!

Sylvia F.
Dog Boarding • Aug 01, 2023
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My pup had another wonderful month with Karina! She always gets excited when we pull up to the house. :-)

Sylvia F.
Dog Boarding • May 11, 2023
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Karina did an excellent job taking care of my pup for the month that I was working on Vashon. She has a great yard for dogs to play, and she takes the dogs on fun outings. My pup was always excited to get there, which to me is the best indication that she had a great time!

About Karina M.

Communication

16 repeat pet parents
85% response rate
Usually responds in under 12 hours
80% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

45 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration
First aid/CPR
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience

Safety, trust & environment

Your dog is treated as a family member and unless you as an owner express a preference for kenneling during downtime, we are a cage free facility.

Home

Lives in a house
Has a fenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has 1 dog, 2 cats
No children present
Dogs allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 2-4 hours

Information Karina M. would like to know about your pet

Does your dog have any food issues I should know about? Is it safe to give your dog treats with other dogs nearby? Does your dog mark? If so please plan on supplying a *belly band*. Does your dog prefer to kennel at night? Please tell me about any issues your dog may have or sensitivities. I want your dog and any other dogs to be safe and comfortable. How does your dog behave off and on leash? What makes your dog happy? What scares your dog: loud noise, thunderstorms, bees, kids...? Is your dog on flea medication? (PLEASE be YES...)

A typical day

Weather permitting, we often go as a pack to the beach or the wooded trails for a long walk or some serious run around time If your dog is good off leash, we may go where they can have freedom to be themselves. My yard is fenced and huge so lots of ball toss for the fetchers. My main goal is to completely eliminate any anxiety your sweet friend might arrive. ( I have been 100% successful so far). We play actively if your pet is able, and spend lots of time petting and snuggling often. I am happy to send both photos and videos to you during the stay. A balance of activity and quiet attention are the tools I employ. Whatever it takes to help your dog feel more relaxed while you are apart. I know how they miss their people when we are away. I also give a wicked pet massage, no extra charge!

Services

Boarding
in the sitter's home
$65per night
Drop-In Visits
visits in your home
$35per visit
Doggy Day Care
in the sitter's home
$35per day
Dog Walking
in your neighborhood
$36per walk

Karina can host

0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
Dogs over 1 year old
Spayed and neutered dogs
No females in heat

Karina can watch in your home

Cats
0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs
Dogs over 1 year old

Availability

I'm home full-time most of the year. If I'm ever going to travel, you will be informed about who is covering in my absence. 🙂

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Boarding Cancellation Policy:

About Karina M.

Communication

16 repeat pet parents
85% response rate
Usually responds in under 12 hours
80% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

45 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration
First aid/CPR
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience

Safety, trust & environment

Your dog is treated as a family member and unless you as an owner express a preference for kenneling during downtime, we are a cage free facility.

Home

Lives in a house
Has a fenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has 1 dog, 2 cats
No children present
Dogs allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 2-4 hours

Information Karina M. would like to know about your pet

Does your dog have any food issues I should know about? Is it safe to give your dog treats with other dogs nearby? Does your dog mark? If so please plan on supplying a *belly band*. Does your dog prefer to kennel at night? Please tell me about any issues your dog may have or sensitivities. I want your dog and any other dogs to be safe and comfortable. How does your dog behave off and on leash? What makes your dog happy? What scares your dog: loud noise, thunderstorms, bees, kids...? Is your dog on flea medication? (PLEASE be YES...)

A typical day

Weather permitting, we often go as a pack to the beach or the wooded trails for a long walk or some serious run around time If your dog is good off leash, we may go where they can have freedom to be themselves. My yard is fenced and huge so lots of ball toss for the fetchers. My main goal is to completely eliminate any anxiety your sweet friend might arrive. ( I have been 100% successful so far). We play actively if your pet is able, and spend lots of time petting and snuggling often. I am happy to send both photos and videos to you during the stay. A balance of activity and quiet attention are the tools I employ. Whatever it takes to help your dog feel more relaxed while you are apart. I know how they miss their people when we are away. I also give a wicked pet massage, no extra charge!

Location

Vashon Island, WA

Karina M.'s Neighborhood

Pets

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Karina M.

Vashon Island, WA

5.0 out of 5 stars
38 reviews