Hii. My legal name is Kathryn but I also go by the nickname Katy. My mom loved the album 'Katy Lied' by Steely Dan 🤣. I have worked through Rover since summer 2021. I've always loved and had a special connection with animals, big and small. I volunteered at animal shelters since I was 16. I've worked as a kennel worker, adoption counselor and vet receptionist at animal hospitals with boarding facilities and at Animal Care League in Oak Park. I have worked with a wide variety of breeds with different ages/temperaments/needs. I did multiple behavioral observation projects and created enrichment treats during zoo-keeping internships with Lincoln Park Zoo, Brookfield Zoo and Chimp Haven in LA. I mostly worked with primates for those institutions but some other mammals as well like sloths, otters, giant anteater and tapirs. I completed an animal behavioral training program hosted by the Shedd Aquarium and Ken Ramirez in 2016. I received my BA in Anthropology with a minor in Gender Studies from NIU in DeKalb IL. My focus was physical anthropology with an emphasis on animal behavior and communication. I did field work for 3 months observing wild spider monkeys in Costa Rica. I have professional experience caring for house plants and gardens if that's needed when you're away (see my pictures for an idea of how many plants I own). I am open to caring for animals other than dogs and cats. I've done house sitting jobs with chickens, fish, guinea pigs, ducks, quails, sheep and more. I've had cats and dogs in my home my whole life, except currently. I would love to take care of your babies (pets) when you're busy with work or on vacation. I try to be flexible, prompt and reliable about hours/availability. I live with my family and don't have children so I am able to accept longer jobs. I try to be patient, calm and understanding with all animals. I will respect their space, boundaries and never rush or force any interaction. I believe in rewarding positive behaviors rather than punishing unwanted behaviors. My safety and the pet's safety/well being are of the utmost importance to me. I would be available to take an animal to the emergency vet if needed and discussed with the client during a job. I have been house/pet sitting for years, have stayed in many different homes, met so many animals and have received excellent reviews. I have never canceled through Rover and left a client without a sitter. Even in terrible weather I have always showed up to my drop ins/walks and would never leave an animal unattended/in need. I have willingly stayed later on many sitting jobs due to delayed or canceled flights. I will be respectful of your home and leave the space clean and secure. My goal is to leave your house looking like I was never there or better. I'll treat your pet like my own pet, my friend, my coworker :) I am one of the more expensive pet sitters in my area due to my maturity, trustworthiness, honesty and wealth of knowledge on animal behavior/house sitting responsibilities/cleaning. I'm the best choice if you need to travel and want to leave your pets with someone who won't need micromanaging and has the level of communication/problem solving skills to leave you feeling assured and comfortable. I always communicate if I have questions or concerns and have been responsible for very complicated medication regiments and diets. I have excellent reading comprehension and am extremely observant. I like to say there is no true price on that feeling of being confident with your sitters care of your house and animals when you're far away. You are going to want to enjoy your time off or focus on your work and not feel worried or get the realization that you don't trust who you left your home life with. In my non animal related personal life. I love to read, knit, collect vintage clothing/knick-knacks and watch movies/TV. I practice yoga multiple times a week. In 2024, I earned my 200hr certification that allows me to teach yoga. I love to swim, hike and spend a lot of time taking care of my house plants :)