Kathia S.
London
This profile has not been completed and reviewed by Rover's sitter quality team. Once it has been approved, pet parents will be able to contact Kathia S.
Experienced and Empathetic Dog Sitting
Pet care experience
I started dog sitting 14 years ago with my first client Otto, a West Highland Terrier who came with a bite warning. We weathered through a tense four days of getting to know each other and eventually developed a trusting relationship. We even discovered that Otto was much misunderstood! Over the past 14 years, Mushroom, our senior Labrador Retriever and I have moved across four countries. I have been a part-time dog sitter in all the cities we have lived in. Many of my early clients have now gone to the big park in the sky due to old age, with Mushroom joining them in 2018. Their humans remain dear friends through this connection. My late dog Mushroom was an active user of the Dogbuddy network when I had to travel so I understand what it feels like to have to leave your dog in someone else's care. I am firm but highly empathetic when handling dogs. More importantly, I handle dogs with routine to give them assurance and prevent anxiety. Mushroom, my dog had developed severe anxiety and was highly destructive after a year of being mishandled by family members while I was abroad. When I returned, I took him home to live with me and studied methods to ensure I could rehabilitated him to live an emotionally healthy life. When your dog stays with me, I make it a priority to ensure they feel safe and loved. I live and run my business in the Old Street area. My partner and I live in our own flat within a lovely local compound with many dog lovers. Our area has friendly footpaths for an urban dog trail. We are also 1 minute away from a lovely garden and 5 mins from another small park. When dogs board with me, I will endeavour to not leave them alone for more than 3hrs at a stretch. I'm also available to assist in separation anxiety training as follow through for day-time training can be difficult for owners who work long hours. Update: I apologise due to current commitments, I am unable to take on new clients for the moment.
Reviews
Kathia is sooo thoughtful and professional! Mopsy had a great stay with her and definitely had a wonderful day.
Kathia was extremely professional, and I couldn’t have asked for my 14 week old puppy to be looked after any better. She was flexible to last minute arrangements/changes, and when I left I felt totally sure that he was in safe hands. She is an expert, and clearly adores dogs. I would recommend her time and time again. Thank you, Kathia, for being so wonderful.
I have known Kathia since 2004 when she became our go-to dog sitter in Shanghai, China. We were living overseas at the time, and my husband's work required frequent trips back Stateside. What a relief it was to find someone as trustworthy, responsible, knowledgeable, attentive, and communicative as Kathia to care for our two pooches while we were away weeks at a time. From the get go, I could tell Kathia was a "dog person." Dogsitting wasn't just some mindless side gig for her: as a dog owner herself, she displayed a sincere passion for dogs. She was highly observant and insightful-- she grasped doggie body language, behavior, illnesses/symptoms, and was simply a font of information when it came to recommending training tips, dog foods, treats, and supplies. Yes, we were dog enthusiasts and kindred spirits! Sadly, we live in different countries now, but I remember fondly how good she was to my babies Remy and Martin. I will forever be grateful, and of course, I wholeheartedly recommend Kathia as a trusted, competent, and mature caretaker for your pooch.
I can't recommend Kathia highly enough. She was brilliant with Marlowe, he loved being watched by her and loved it even more when he got to stay overnight! Kathia is reliable, trustworthy and has loads of experience with dogs so I always feel confident she'll make the right decisions. She treats the dogs like they are her own, there is no shortage of petting, playing and love with her. She was my go-to dog sitter and I'm sure she will be yours too.
About Kathia S.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I do not leave dogs alone unattended and I do not off leash them unless given specific instruction by owners and only after dogs and I have achieved a good level of trust.
Home
Information Kathia S. would like to know about your pet
I would love to meet your dog and find out if I am the right person for him or her! You may also want to meet me first to know if I am the right person for you.
A typical day
During day care or boarding, dogs will get a variety of stimulating activities such as puzzle games (e.g. Nina Ottosson), walks and of course lots of cuddles.
Services
Kathia can host
Availability
Due to current commitments, I am unable to take on new clients for the moment. Existing clients are welcome to get in contact to see if I am able to take them on.
About Kathia S.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I do not leave dogs alone unattended and I do not off leash them unless given specific instruction by owners and only after dogs and I have achieved a good level of trust.
Home
Information Kathia S. would like to know about your pet
I would love to meet your dog and find out if I am the right person for him or her! You may also want to meet me first to know if I am the right person for you.
A typical day
During day care or boarding, dogs will get a variety of stimulating activities such as puzzle games (e.g. Nina Ottosson), walks and of course lots of cuddles.
Location
London, United Kingdom
Kathia S.
London