Kathryn R.
Kathryn R.
Highlights
Pet care experience
Kat&Dog-Pawsitively Active&Pampered
Hello, my name is Kat, and I am an MFA graduate in poetry from the University of Maryland, but I'm originally from the Bay City / Saginaw area. I am a current PhD student in poetry at Western Michigan University where I also teach English Composition 101. I live in/nearby the Vine neighborhood close by downtown with access to neighborhood walking and nearby dog parks. I'm also happy to take your doggy for a field trip to their favorite dog park or nature trail! I often walk up to 4 miles a day, so I look forward to bringing your dog along for some of the adventure! I am available to feed animals, take care of potty business, provide play time, take them to the park, give them love, brush/groom (with instruction if needed), and give medications depending on your dog's temperament (instructions needed). I may be available for additional services depending on the request / depending on the animal. Cats are my favorite animal and as a lifetime owner of cats, I am often able to work with all of their different personalities and love them for it! Here to provide pets, play time, food, and clean up fur balls, and litter boxes, etc. I can help with medications, too, depending on your cat's temperament (instructions needed!) As a grad student, I have pretty flexible hours during the school year, only teaching one class and then taking classes. We can communicate nuances in my schedule when the time comes, but generally, I have room to maneuver. I am available for Meet and Greets: In person Meet and Greets are welcomed and preferred! FaceTime or online meetings are welcomed, too, to discuss specific expectations or specific details about your pet(s) before services. I've owned dogs and cats my entire life and I've always found animals to be a source of comfort. I believe interacting with animals through walks and nurture is a way to repay the comfort and happiness animals give us, and I look forward to creating a bond with your pet(s) that can be beneficial for them both physically and mentally. Thank you for your interest and consideration! I look forward to meeting you and your pet(s) soon! -Kat
Cat care experience
Kathryn also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Qualifications
Pets
Safety, trust & environment
As a past owner of a skittish, black cat, I'm really good with all cat / animal personalities and have gained patience and intuition in respecting individual animal boundaries and creating trust, and eventually a unique bond. I live on the second floor of an apartment house and have a large balcony for fresh air away from direct traffic and foot-traffic to allow your dog some relaxing outdoor time. I am also an avid walker, often walking 4 miles a day and can guarantee I'll be able to keep your dog under control and engaged.
Ratings and reviews
Kat is great with our pets and clearly cares about them! She keeps us updated while we’re away and our animals are always happy and well cared for when we get back. We’ve booked with her multiple times and would absolutely recommend her!
Another great stay with our dogs from Kathryn. They love her! She is very respectful of our house and super reliable in her care & feeding to meet our pup’s needs.
A great experience again and very happy well cared for pups.
Kat did an AMAZING job watching all 5 of our dogs. We have some special needs dogs, and Kat was amazing in terms of communication, sending videos/pictures, and all other instructions (like feeding/playing). It was a monumental ask of her, and she was flawless. I highly recommend Kat for any pet sitting activity and hope she will have us back one day in the future!
Kathryn R. cancelled a booking 3 days before it was scheduled to begin.
Kat is always wonderful with our pets—attentive, affectionate, and clearly someone they feel comfortable with. We came home to happy animals who were clearly well cared for and loved while we were away. It’s such a relief knowing they’re in such good hands with her.
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
As a grad student who only teaches one class a semester, I have a lot of flexibility in my schedule allowing me to spoil your pet with plenty of drop ins, walks, or longer visits. I do, however, have my own cat, so I won't be able to do more than three nights away from my home at a time and I will need to be able to return to my home at some point everyday to take care of her and spend at least 2 hours with her, but I will still have plenty of time to spend with your fur baby! Small dogs are welcome in my home! This fall I teach Tuesdays and Thursdays 11:00 am-12:15 pm and have office hours until 1:30 on those days as well. On Wednesdays I have class 6:30-9 pm. My independent studies will create other small nuances in my schedule which may be subject to change, so we can discuss.
- Cats0 to 15 lbs16 to 40 lbs41 to 100 lbsover 101 lbsKathryn can host up to 3 drop-ins per day
- Please let me know if your dog is 40+ pounds. Please let me know whether your dog is reactive to people, cats, or other dogs. ( I will most likely smell like a cat to your dog..will this be a problem or a trigger to them?) Please let me know whether your dog has shown any habits of aggression, anxiety, stress, etc. that I should know about in recent behavior, unusual circumstances, dog walking or other behavioral responses regarding your absence or the presence of strangers, etc. Please let me know about your cat's personality / behavior so I can know how to approach! If your animal has any special instructions please make notes of these for me, so I can provide your pet the best individual care possible!