Hi. My legal name is Kathryn but I also go by the nickname Katy. My mom loved the album 'Katy Lied' by Steely Dan 🤣. I've always loved and have had a special connection with animals. I've been volunteering at animal shelters since I was 16. I've worked as a receptionist, adoption counselor and kennel worker at animal hospitals with boarding facilities and at Animal Care League in Oak Park. I've work with a wide variety of breeds from small to large and different temperaments from friendly to aggressive. I've done behavioral observation projects, created enrichment treats/toys 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 and tapirs. I completed an animal behavioral training program hosted by the Shedd Aquarium and Ken Ramirez in 2016 which was amazing. I got my BA in Anthropology, Minor in Gender Studies from Northern Illinois University. My focus was primarily physical anthropology such as primatology/animal behavior. I even did field work for 3 months studying wild spider monkeys at El Zota in Costa Rica. I also 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 have experience with small mammals and fish. I've worked jobs with chickens, ducks, quail and sheep I've had cats and dogs my whole life, except currently so I miss my daily pet fix. I would love to take care of yours when you're busy, at 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/pets so I personally do not have any day/time restrictions for accepting jobs unless I am already booked another client. I am able to work longer jobs farther away from home but I mostly work in Lake and Cook County. I've lived in Northern Illinois my whole life and know all the best forest preserves for walks and the local veterinarians just in case. I try to be patient, calm and understanding with all animals. I will respect their space, boundaries and never rush or force. I believe in rewarding positive behaviors rather than punishing for unwanted behaviors. My safety and the pet's safety/wellbeing are of the utmost importance to me. I have been house/pet sitting for years and have stayed in many different homes, met so many animals and have always received excellent reviews. I have never canceled through Rover. Even in terrible weather i have always showed up to my drop ins/walks and would never leave an animal unattended. I will be very respectful of your home and leave the space clean and secure. My goal is to always leave your house looking like I was never there or better. I'll treat your pet like my own pet, my friend, my coworker :)