Katharine M.
Brooklyn, NY
Loving & Experienced Cat+Dog Owner
Pet care experience
I adore dogs for their pure joy and love for everything. Unfailingly, they make me laugh and give me a new perspective on the most mundane moments. Not to mention the endless supply of kisses and cuddles...and of course, no matter their size, every dog seems to believe they can fit in my lap! Growing up with both dogs and cats initiated my love for animals, and I’ve been involved with animal rescue and foster for over ten years. I have taken care of animals with histories of aggression as well as abuse, and pets who are extremely ill. I am able to administer meds, including subcutaneous fluids, and I’m currently getting certified for pet first aid. I can’t bear to see animals suffer, so I want to do anything and everything I can to ensure their health and safety. It’s the best way I’ve found to put my love and patience to real use. When I’m looking after a dog, they’re my top priority. They get my full attention, no matter what. I’ll bring them along as often as possible on my outdoor adventures--running, hiking, yoga, and so on. I’m extremely athletic, and I love finding parks to walk in. If you have a favorite dog park, I’ll take the dog there often, and bring along a toy to play fetch! I work part-time, so my schedule is wide open for playtime, cuddles, and roaming the neighborhood. After the pup is worn out, I’ll happily curl up to read and simultaneously serve as a human dog pillow. You’ll have to prepare yourself for lots of cute photos; I’ll try to catch your pup in their silliest moments, and keep you fully updated from day to day. I’ll reach out immediately if anything urgent comes up. At the end of the stay, you’ll get a detailed report card on how the visit went: how the dog and I got along, if there were any irregularities or patterns I noticed with eating or going to the bathroom, any new friends made on walks, etc. I want you to relax while you’re away, and get the full benefit of knowing everything there is to know about your pup’s life! I also have years of experience with cats, including ferals. I’m thrilled to care for any type of pet given proper instruction...although I am probably not the best person to take care of feeding of your snake! Mostly, I’m looking forward to spending each day around dogs, enjoying their enthusiasm for life.
Reviews
We have always had pets (cats and a dog) and Keelin has been very involved with their care ever since she was little. She has helped tame feral cats (which became our pets) and has assisted with giving medications and fluids to our pets as they aged. She thoroughly enjoys interacting with every cat and dog, and understands the importance of adhering to feeding and medication schedules and giving every pet regular love and attention. She has been active with animal rescue groups since high school and can adapt to the specific needs of each animal. She is reliable, committed and experienced, and would be an excellent pet sitting choice!
I’ve known Keelin for eight months, since she started renting from me, and it is clear how passionate she is about animals and how great she is with them. I have a cat and two dogs (a Shih-Tzu and a pit bull) that Keelin will sometimes look after in the mornings or evenings. They all love Keelin; my Shih-Tzu routinely sneaks into her room to see her, and even the indifferent cat will cuddle with her or let her pick him up. Keelin is great about feeding the animals and making sure they are able to get outside when nature calls, but she also genuinely enjoys spending time with them and making sure they get enough attention. I highly recommended her as a dog-sitter to some of my friends, and they have had her come look after their dogs multiple times. I am sure she will be an excellent caretaker for others’ dogs as well!
I have known Katherine since elementary school and have witnessed her interactions with pets on multiple occasions with my pets and her own. She is excellent with dogs of all breeds, sizes and ages, is an extremely loyal and dependable person and always has an optimistic attitude. She is one of the only people I would trust with the care of my own dogs and will be excellent with your furry friends!
About Katharine M.
Communication
Skills
Information Katharine M. would like to know about your pet
At our meet-and-greet, we can go over all the basics of dietary restrictions, emergency numbers, commands your dog knows, and so on. In addition, it’s important to me to have a clear understanding of a dog’s temperament, especially getting to know any potential fears or triggers. For example, my rescue dog is afraid of men, and I’ve looked after incredibly sweet dogs who are afraid of small children. I want to ensure the best experience for your dog and everyone involved. I’ll take your dog on an initial walk so that they can get comfortable with me and recognize that you trust me, too. I've found that is one of the quickest ways to win a dog's heart! I have no preferences when it comes to breed or size, and I am especially comfortable working with large dogs that love to bark or knock you over with kisses. I also just want to mention that I am currently working on getting my certification for pet first aid/CPR. I do have experience with administering oral medication and subcutaneous (IV) fluids.
A typical day
If your dog is young and healthy, we’ll spend a lot of time walking and playing outside. I try to find good parks or running paths nearby to give them a safe and scenic place to sniff, chase squirrels, and generally tire themselves out. I’ll happily bring a dog along on a run of whatever length they can handle. Dogs with less mobility will get extra playtime at home and shorter walks. Regardless, they’ll get all the affection I can muster (spoiler alert: a lot), and I’ll care for their daily needs thoroughly and promptly. Plus, I make a great dog pillow and ear-scratcher!
Services
Katharine can watch in your home
About Katharine M.
Communication
Skills
Information Katharine M. would like to know about your pet
At our meet-and-greet, we can go over all the basics of dietary restrictions, emergency numbers, commands your dog knows, and so on. In addition, it’s important to me to have a clear understanding of a dog’s temperament, especially getting to know any potential fears or triggers. For example, my rescue dog is afraid of men, and I’ve looked after incredibly sweet dogs who are afraid of small children. I want to ensure the best experience for your dog and everyone involved. I’ll take your dog on an initial walk so that they can get comfortable with me and recognize that you trust me, too. I've found that is one of the quickest ways to win a dog's heart! I have no preferences when it comes to breed or size, and I am especially comfortable working with large dogs that love to bark or knock you over with kisses. I also just want to mention that I am currently working on getting my certification for pet first aid/CPR. I do have experience with administering oral medication and subcutaneous (IV) fluids.
A typical day
If your dog is young and healthy, we’ll spend a lot of time walking and playing outside. I try to find good parks or running paths nearby to give them a safe and scenic place to sniff, chase squirrels, and generally tire themselves out. I’ll happily bring a dog along on a run of whatever length they can handle. Dogs with less mobility will get extra playtime at home and shorter walks. Regardless, they’ll get all the affection I can muster (spoiler alert: a lot), and I’ll care for their daily needs thoroughly and promptly. Plus, I make a great dog pillow and ear-scratcher!
Location
Brooklyn, NY
Katharine M.
Brooklyn, NY