Katherine S.
Old Town North, VA
Doggy Snuggles and Kitty Cuddles
Pet care experience
Hello! My name is Katie. I am a full time remote employee working in the tech field, but am looking for a little extra animal love and snuggles on the side! I have been pet and house sitting for family and friends for the past 13-14 years--mainly dogs but more recently (~4 years) I have incorporated cats into the rotation. I have experience with walking and overnight stays for large, medium, and small dog breeds. I also have experience walking and caring for more reactive dogs (both human and animal reactive). Whatever animals I care for, I do my best to build up a comfort level and trust with any pet prior to providing full care. Cats are relatively new in my purrrview--but I have experience in both indoor and indoor/outdoor cat care. I also have experience with cats who believe they are the rulers of the universe, and who don't care to converse with peasants (rightfully so!). I also am able to transport pets if needed--I have experience providing drop off and pickup from local daycares and other overnight stay locations.
Reviews
Katie is the absolute best! She was our saving grace during our wedding weekend. We have a German shepherd named Lilo who can be picky about who she warms up to. Katie totally understood this and was happy to do an extended meet and greet with us so Lilo could get acquainted with her. Lilo immediately loved Katie! Since it was our wedding, we wanted to have Lilo at some of our pre ceremony photos. Since it was a busy day, Katie went out of her way to pick Lilo up once the photos were done and we didn’t have to worry about her the rest of the wedding. This was priceless to us! And Katie sent frequent photo updates of long walks and play time to our family members so we knew Lilo was doing great. AND this was all during a holiday weekend, New Year’s Eve, yet Katie gave all her attention to our pup. Lilo came home with a new toy and a new bff. Thank you SO much, Katie! Lilo hopes to hang with you again soon!
Katie was great with Bruno. She sent photos of their walks, play and snuggle time throughout his stay. I could tell he was happy and relaxed which is especially wonderful as Bruno has a bit of separation anxiety from time to time. Communication with Katie was excellent - quick to respond, activity updates and questions about his health. I will definitely reach out to Katie for boarding for Bruno on our next trip. Thank you, Katie!
Pi is a shy little guy but this little orange tabby has let Katie into his heart! After her devoted care and many entreaties, Pi now lets Katie coax him out of hiding and give him some loving pats and scritches. She has accomplished what no other pet sitter has done: earn the trust and affection of my cat Pi. 🧡 🐈
Katie was fantastic and gave my dog so much love and attention.
About Katherine S.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have a cozy 2 BR apartment near Old Town, Alexandria. I'm on the top floor of my apartment building (3 floors) so there are steps that would be required for an animal to take up to my place. Animals are welcome on all beds and furniture, and I have hardwood floors for easy cleaning if accidents happen! I am 1 block from the Mt. Vernon walking trail, a 15 minute walk to Old Town, and very close to a few local dog parks. My apartment unit also has many dogs (and cats!) that go for afternoon and evening walks, so there will always be plenty of potential new best friends around if that is your animal's preference!
Home
Information Katherine S. would like to know about your pet
For dogs, I would love to know whether or not they have been cared for by another person before (eg: is it their first time in a new location/without owners, etc), if they are people/dog reactive, if there is any specific walking equipment necessary for me to use (harness, stationary leash, etc.), how long they are comfortable without supervision, and whether they have any allergies to any dog or human food and treats.
A typical day
During a normal work day, I will be able to take your dog for as many 15-20 minute walks around local area as is necessary for their schedule (usually ~2-3 walks). After work and on weekends, I love walking down into the Old Town area and people watching. I live right along the Mouth Vernon Trail, and walking along the water towards Mount Vernon is one of my favorite activities to burn off some puppy energy! When the Potomac is at low tide, I have some times taken dogs down to swim in the water for some extra fun! (Only with express permission of the owner + supervision at all times). At home, I'm all about snuggling up together after an exciting day of exploration!
Services
Katherine can host
Katherine can watch in your home
Availability
As a full time remote employee, my days are fairly flexible. I prefer to work on the couch, so animals that like attention while owners are working would be welcome. I am open to repeat local walks, and overnight care--I am also open to house sitting overnight (as long as there is reliable WiFi for an overnight on work days!)
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About Katherine S.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have a cozy 2 BR apartment near Old Town, Alexandria. I'm on the top floor of my apartment building (3 floors) so there are steps that would be required for an animal to take up to my place. Animals are welcome on all beds and furniture, and I have hardwood floors for easy cleaning if accidents happen! I am 1 block from the Mt. Vernon walking trail, a 15 minute walk to Old Town, and very close to a few local dog parks. My apartment unit also has many dogs (and cats!) that go for afternoon and evening walks, so there will always be plenty of potential new best friends around if that is your animal's preference!
Home
Information Katherine S. would like to know about your pet
For dogs, I would love to know whether or not they have been cared for by another person before (eg: is it their first time in a new location/without owners, etc), if they are people/dog reactive, if there is any specific walking equipment necessary for me to use (harness, stationary leash, etc.), how long they are comfortable without supervision, and whether they have any allergies to any dog or human food and treats.
A typical day
During a normal work day, I will be able to take your dog for as many 15-20 minute walks around local area as is necessary for their schedule (usually ~2-3 walks). After work and on weekends, I love walking down into the Old Town area and people watching. I live right along the Mouth Vernon Trail, and walking along the water towards Mount Vernon is one of my favorite activities to burn off some puppy energy! When the Potomac is at low tide, I have some times taken dogs down to swim in the water for some extra fun! (Only with express permission of the owner + supervision at all times). At home, I'm all about snuggling up together after an exciting day of exploration!
Location
Alexandria, VA
Katherine S.
Old Town North, VA