Katie D.
Lutz, FL
Reliable, experienced, & INSURED!
Pet care experience
Hi, my name is Katie Delmar, I’m 30 years old, and I live in Lutz (but I have clients all over the North Tampa area)! I've been a full-time dog walker and pet sitter since August 2017, and I did it as a side-gig for over a decade previously. Most of my clients are private, but I occasionally Rover to fill in gaps in my schedule! I have experience with dogs of all sizes and breeds, and many other animals too! I am comfortable and capable administering medications and caring for special needs pets (including insulin and glucose monitoring for diabetic animals). My clients know that I love their pets as much as my own, and their happiness and safety is my top priority! I usually have up to 12 dog walks during the day, and I house/pet sit overnight very frequently- probably at least half of the time. I live alone in a small one-bedroom cottage on a lake. I only accept one boarding client at a time, and on a case-by-case basis. Any dog that stays with me in my home must be cat-friendly, housebroken, and non-destructive. Preferably also crate-trained (or at least able to be crated if needed) and spayed/neutered. I also have a dog, but I “share custody“ of him with my mom, so he is only at my place like half the time. He is a medium size, mixed breed pup (born 4/16/19). I am very flexible and willing to work with you to figure out exactly what type of care is best for your pet, just send me a message and we will work it out!
Reviews
Katie is an amazing dog sitter. You won't have to worry about your pets while you are away. She stayed in our home while we were away and fed, exercised and snuggled our GSD puppy so well while we were out of state. She is so communicative and you can tell she adores all animals.
Katie is a fantastic kitty sitter ( I'm sure she's good with dogs too but cats are way pickier ! ) It is a good feeling knowing your furbabies are well taken care of when you cannot be there with them.
Katie was super. Stayed in contact and sent lots of pictures. I definitely recommend!
Katie was great with our girls and took great care of our home while we were gone! Will definitely be calling her again.
About Katie D.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I’m certified in pet first-aid and CPR. I also have my own insurance which would cover any vet bills or property damage that I’m at fault for, though I have actually never had to use it because I have never let a pet get injured, nor inflicted any damages to my clients’ homes. I’ve been walking dogs and pet sitting full time for almost 5 years, so I’m pretty confident in my abilities to keep animals safe. On walks, I always carry gel pepper spray, a super loud whistle, and an extra rope lead. So far I’ve only had to use the whistle, but I am prepared to do whatever it takes to protect us from stray/feral dog attacks. I am extremely aware of my surroundings, and I typically spot the alligators, coyotes, snakes, etc long before the dogs do! At my home, the yard is not fully fenced, because I live on a lake. It’s fenced on 3 sides, but the gate is usually open, so I keep all dogs that stay with me on leash when outdoors (unless they are like, a super old slow senior dog, or one with perfect recall skills). I make sure to “puppy proof” my home weekly (aka, pick up my cats’ toys, wash all dog blankets/bedding, etc). One of my cats is a 2 year old sphynx (hairless) who loooves to play with dogs, so if you have a puppy that needs some cat socialization, send ‘em over! My other cat is a three-legged senior, he mostly keeps his distance from dogs. He doesn’t even really like my own dog, but he is very tolerant.
Information Katie D. would like to know about your pet
I prefer for my clients to leave clear, concise, written instructions regarding their pets’ care and needs. Please let me know if your pet has any allergies, illnesses, or behavioral quirks!
A typical day
I always make sure that my client’s dogs are having a good time. For some dogs, that means lots of “sniffari” walks so they can explore and decompress. For others, it means stuffed frozen kongs, puzzle toys, and working on commands/skills (I loooove to do basic puppy training! Send me your puppies! I will teach them “off” and “leave it”!). Some of my clients dogs like to be my sidekick, so I take them on adventures (and even along with me to walk other dogs, if they are into that!). Others feel more safe at home, so I make sure to set aside lots of time for snuggles! I rarely do dog park or dog beach trips these days, unless the client specifically asks me to. I love taking dogs on hikes though! Whether they are walking the trails with me, or I’m carrying them in a backpack.
Services
Katie can watch in your home
Availability
I am a full-time pet care provider. I walk dogs during the day, and I almost always have a few clients out of town at any given time!
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 |
14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 |
21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 |
28 | 29 | 30 |
About Katie D.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I’m certified in pet first-aid and CPR. I also have my own insurance which would cover any vet bills or property damage that I’m at fault for, though I have actually never had to use it because I have never let a pet get injured, nor inflicted any damages to my clients’ homes. I’ve been walking dogs and pet sitting full time for almost 5 years, so I’m pretty confident in my abilities to keep animals safe. On walks, I always carry gel pepper spray, a super loud whistle, and an extra rope lead. So far I’ve only had to use the whistle, but I am prepared to do whatever it takes to protect us from stray/feral dog attacks. I am extremely aware of my surroundings, and I typically spot the alligators, coyotes, snakes, etc long before the dogs do! At my home, the yard is not fully fenced, because I live on a lake. It’s fenced on 3 sides, but the gate is usually open, so I keep all dogs that stay with me on leash when outdoors (unless they are like, a super old slow senior dog, or one with perfect recall skills). I make sure to “puppy proof” my home weekly (aka, pick up my cats’ toys, wash all dog blankets/bedding, etc). One of my cats is a 2 year old sphynx (hairless) who loooves to play with dogs, so if you have a puppy that needs some cat socialization, send ‘em over! My other cat is a three-legged senior, he mostly keeps his distance from dogs. He doesn’t even really like my own dog, but he is very tolerant.
Information Katie D. would like to know about your pet
I prefer for my clients to leave clear, concise, written instructions regarding their pets’ care and needs. Please let me know if your pet has any allergies, illnesses, or behavioral quirks!
A typical day
I always make sure that my client’s dogs are having a good time. For some dogs, that means lots of “sniffari” walks so they can explore and decompress. For others, it means stuffed frozen kongs, puzzle toys, and working on commands/skills (I loooove to do basic puppy training! Send me your puppies! I will teach them “off” and “leave it”!). Some of my clients dogs like to be my sidekick, so I take them on adventures (and even along with me to walk other dogs, if they are into that!). Others feel more safe at home, so I make sure to set aside lots of time for snuggles! I rarely do dog park or dog beach trips these days, unless the client specifically asks me to. I love taking dogs on hikes though! Whether they are walking the trails with me, or I’m carrying them in a backpack.
Location
Lutz, FL
Pets
Katie D.
Lutz, FL