Katie A.
Grand Lake, CA
Your dog's new best friend!
Pet care experience
Growing up surrounded by dogs, I've always had a deep love and understanding of our furry friends. Over the past two decades, I've been actively involved in dog sitting, both in my own home and at clients' homes. I currently volunteer with rescues, will drive dogs from overcrowded shelters in central CA to fosters and other rescues/shelters. Whenever I travel, I visit local shelters to volunteer and learn more about how they do things. From having English Springer Spaniels as a kid, to my beloved Parson Russell Terrier Buddy (award winning ratter competitor), and now Ruby, my deaf pitty mix, my experiences have been filled with joyful moments of running around Lake Merritt, hiking, exploring neighborhoods, snuggling, teaching tricks, and more. I have extensive knowledge on elderly dog care, deaf dogs, and various forms of reactivity. I regularly care for my mom's elderly terrier who is blind and requires daily insulin injections. I've worked with many trainers over the years, and have some deaf dog training videos on YouTube as well. Having used Rover for my own pets, I deeply value the community's commitment to providing exceptional care and attention to animals. I'm excited to extend this level of care to your special furry companion and can't wait to meet them!
Reviews
Katie has watched my beloved fürchilde, Sartre, many times over the years and I can confidently recommend her without qualification. Katie is someone who knows and understands dogs, but more importantly, she loves them. My little buddy has been my guardian angel for over 12 years and I don't leave him with just anybody. With Katie, I know he'll be safe and looked after. That level of trust doesn't come easily for me and it says a lot that I've been able to place it in her.
You would be lucky to have Katie care for your dog! She goes above and beyond to care for your baby. My sweet Tony was immediately comfortable and at home with Katie. I had mentioned that we were working on Tony's leash etiquette. When I came back from my trip, Katie gave me some walking tips with Tony. She is an incredible pet caregiver!!
Katie is literally a dog whisperer and is the most dog passionate person I know! She's watched my dog Lulu for us while we were away, and I had 10000% trust in Katie for not only taking care of Lulu's needs, but loving Lulu like her own pup! Katie is extremely knowledgeable of a variety of dog training methods for behavioral needs, and will keep a close eye on your pup all the time! She is so kind, reliable, communicative and passionate, and is one of the best.
Katie may be better with dogs than she is with people--and she's pretty damn good with people. Any time I need to leave my little one with anyone, she is the very first person I call, and if she can't do it, I will literally delay my plans until the next time she is available as I don't trust my dog with anyone else.
About Katie A.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I am typically in bed by 9pm, and am up pretty early. I do not leave the house for more than a few hours at a time (this can be less, depending on your dog's needs). Weekends can be full of walks and hiking. I do not take dogs to dog parks, as there are too many unknown factors (untrained reactive dogs etc) and I want to keep your dog as safe as possible.
Home
Information Katie A. would like to know about your pet
Temperament/Reactivity/Aggression History: What’s your doggo’s history like with aggression and/or reactivity? I'm experienced with various breeds and temperaments, including reactive and aggressive dogs, so I do welcome all temperaments in my home. I just need to know up front what might tick them off so I know how to best make them feel comfortable and safe. Knowing this also allows me to potentially not book other dogs during their stay with me :) Allergies/Medical/Dietary Needs: Please let me know if your doggie is allergic to anything at all. I’ll typically only feed them what you bring, but it’s helpful for me to know this in case they get into some peanut butter or anything :) I’ll typically pay close attention to medical and dietary needs, including medication, feeding schedules, and allergies. Behavioral Understanding: Is your dog crate trained? Prong collar trained? Only positive reinforcement? I am well versed in all these methods (a aspiring dog trainer) understand behavioral cues and respect any training guidelines your pet follows. I’ll do only what you request, and not take training liberties, as I know this is a personal choice for each pawrent. Activity Preferences: Do they love long walks? Tug? Wrestling with other dogs? Emergency Preparedness: Do you have emergency contact information handy for quick communication with your vet or emergency contacts, just in case? Communication Style: I maintain open communication based on your preferences, providing updates as often as you'd like. Let me know if you have any specific requests around this.
A typical day
I love engaging pets in a variety of fun activities tailored to their preferences! We'll start with refreshing walks around the neighborhood, allowing them to explore new scents and sights. For active pets, we can enjoy playful sessions of fetch or tug-of-war, keeping them entertained and exercised. If your pet enjoys the great outdoors, I'm excited to take them on hikes! Beyond physical activities, I'll shower them with lots of love and attention, ensuring they feel cherished and happy throughout their stay.
Services
Katie can host
Katie can watch in your home
Availability
I currently work from my computer at home and set my own schedule, but considering a transition to full time pet care. During the weekdays, your doggo will receive a walk first thing in the morning, and as many as is needed throughout the day. I will follow their typical walking and feeding schedule, regardless of Ruby's schedule. Unless otherwise noted, I will typically go for a longer walk with them in the afternoon, and then of course the 'before bedtime' potty.
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About Katie A.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I am typically in bed by 9pm, and am up pretty early. I do not leave the house for more than a few hours at a time (this can be less, depending on your dog's needs). Weekends can be full of walks and hiking. I do not take dogs to dog parks, as there are too many unknown factors (untrained reactive dogs etc) and I want to keep your dog as safe as possible.
Home
Information Katie A. would like to know about your pet
Temperament/Reactivity/Aggression History: What’s your doggo’s history like with aggression and/or reactivity? I'm experienced with various breeds and temperaments, including reactive and aggressive dogs, so I do welcome all temperaments in my home. I just need to know up front what might tick them off so I know how to best make them feel comfortable and safe. Knowing this also allows me to potentially not book other dogs during their stay with me :) Allergies/Medical/Dietary Needs: Please let me know if your doggie is allergic to anything at all. I’ll typically only feed them what you bring, but it’s helpful for me to know this in case they get into some peanut butter or anything :) I’ll typically pay close attention to medical and dietary needs, including medication, feeding schedules, and allergies. Behavioral Understanding: Is your dog crate trained? Prong collar trained? Only positive reinforcement? I am well versed in all these methods (a aspiring dog trainer) understand behavioral cues and respect any training guidelines your pet follows. I’ll do only what you request, and not take training liberties, as I know this is a personal choice for each pawrent. Activity Preferences: Do they love long walks? Tug? Wrestling with other dogs? Emergency Preparedness: Do you have emergency contact information handy for quick communication with your vet or emergency contacts, just in case? Communication Style: I maintain open communication based on your preferences, providing updates as often as you'd like. Let me know if you have any specific requests around this.
A typical day
I love engaging pets in a variety of fun activities tailored to their preferences! We'll start with refreshing walks around the neighborhood, allowing them to explore new scents and sights. For active pets, we can enjoy playful sessions of fetch or tug-of-war, keeping them entertained and exercised. If your pet enjoys the great outdoors, I'm excited to take them on hikes! Beyond physical activities, I'll shower them with lots of love and attention, ensuring they feel cherished and happy throughout their stay.
Location
Oakland, CA
Pets
Katie A.
Grand Lake, CA