Katie F.
Bowie, MD
Skilled Animal Rescue Volunteer!
Pet care experience
I am currently away/out of town and unable to accept requests at this time (Jan 2024). I am a long-time animal rescue and shelter volunteer that has worked in both a veterinary office and two open-intake animal shelters, along with volunteering with several local animal rescues. I have experience handling, grooming and medicating both dogs and cats. I had a beagle for 15 years that had epilepsy, allergies and separation anxiety, so never fear, I can handle your pets medical issues! I also own three cats currently that are all rescues, and have fostered cats with local rescue groups. I have also owned 2 100 lb+ dogs and currently own a Neapolitan Mastiff - experienced with all sizes! I have a background in animal husbandry, and have experience pet-sitting for horses, goats and other various farm animals, in addition to the usual dogs, cats, goldfish, etc. :) I have excellent references from past animal sitting adventures, and from other professional references in and outside of the animal world. I work a full-time job during weekdays, so I am available for walks/sitting before or after work, or midday on some weekends.
Reviews
I was leaving my dog with a stranger for the first time and pretty nervous about having someone in my house. Katie did a great job, sending me pictures of Willy being his happy self. I would have her back anytime.
Katie took great care of our older cats. Allowed us to enjoy time away with family without worry.
If I could give Katie 10 stars I would!!! She was truly fantastic with our two Berners. It can be daunting trying to find someone who understands the big dogs and how to handle them, but she was SO communicative with us in an especially sensitive situation. Our youngest just had been neutered and had a gastropexy done. So there was a lot of pill taking, instructions on cleaning his incision, and strict movement restrictions and she was just amazing about it ALL! We came home to a more healed up pup than we left, and it’s all because of her. That doesn’t even cover the fact when he tore up his bed out of spite (tired of being cooped up) she informed us and handled it beautifully. Cleaned it up so he couldn’t get to any scraps to eat, and monitored him just in case until we got home from the airport. She really set this anxious dog moms heart at ease!
Highly recommend Katie!! She is a great dog and cat sitter, appealing to their every need and, in my cat’s case, all their quirks. Her communication and updates, as well as photos, are great and she’s always timely. She’s done stay-overs and check-ins, including a last-minute reservation due to a family emergency, and I completely trust her with my pets and the house. Will keep coming back to her for all of our pet needs as long as you’ll have us.
About Katie F.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I do not offer boarding due to my own dog. For house sitting, drop-ins or walk-ins, I always like to schedule a meet-in-greet if I haven't cared for your pets before. That way you can show me where everything is, and I can meet both you and your pet. Then you can also tell me anything I may need to know; is your dog a door darter? do they have a harness or other equipment that keeps them more secure during walks? where are the gates to your yard, are they secure? (I would always check before letting the dog into the yard!)
Information Katie F. would like to know about your pet
Does your pet have a favorite toy or a favorite activity? Does your pet have any quirks? Do they like ear rubs? Is there a certain place you like to walk him or her? Let me know!
A typical day
I would love to take your dog to their favorite spots, and beyond! I love to find out what your pet enjoys, like belly rubs, their favorite toys, where they sleep, etc. I always make sure to read the pet owner's instructions thoroughly - where everything is I may need in the home, is your dog crated when you're gone, etc.
Services
Katie can watch in your home
Availability
I am currently working my day job Monday thru Friday. This means I am typically not available for midday care (except on weekends). So your pets should be okay with being alone for an ~8hr time period. Depending on the day/my schedule, I will be available mornings, evenings, and overnights. I am not generally available for 24/7 care, in that if I'm house sitting overnight, your pet would be alone for several hours mid day, but I would stay at your home overnight and take care of your pets first thing in the morning/before going anywhere.
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About Katie F.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I do not offer boarding due to my own dog. For house sitting, drop-ins or walk-ins, I always like to schedule a meet-in-greet if I haven't cared for your pets before. That way you can show me where everything is, and I can meet both you and your pet. Then you can also tell me anything I may need to know; is your dog a door darter? do they have a harness or other equipment that keeps them more secure during walks? where are the gates to your yard, are they secure? (I would always check before letting the dog into the yard!)
Information Katie F. would like to know about your pet
Does your pet have a favorite toy or a favorite activity? Does your pet have any quirks? Do they like ear rubs? Is there a certain place you like to walk him or her? Let me know!
A typical day
I would love to take your dog to their favorite spots, and beyond! I love to find out what your pet enjoys, like belly rubs, their favorite toys, where they sleep, etc. I always make sure to read the pet owner's instructions thoroughly - where everything is I may need in the home, is your dog crated when you're gone, etc.
Location
Bowie, MD
Pets
Katie F.
Bowie, MD