Katie V.
Grand Rapids, MI
Services
Katie can care for
Availability
I currently work a flexible full time job for a company I love! I am able to work from home at least 1 day a week and have every other Friday OFF, along with extended holidays. I am able to stay in your home and care for your animals like they're my own! If you live within 10 minutes of 49512, I am able to provide lunch break playtime!
About Katie V.
Communication
Dog skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have been very in sync with animals, especially dogs, since a young age. I can tell when a dog is stressed, moody, ready to play; I can recognize the “let-me-out-to-pee-lady” face. If a pup needs to be leashed, I’ll be right there with him until he’s ready to go inside. I’m diligent about closed doors, locked gates, scanning for fence holes or potential escape routes, and I never EVER leave a dog unattended while outside. If you’re baby is staying at my home and needs to be crated, I have a quiet area in my home in a separate suite where he can chill out and relax. All chemicals or poisonous items are kept in a cabinet above our washing machine and nothing is left on the ground. Our cat litter is in a special litter box that is impossible for sneaky poo snack cravers to get into. If your friend doesn’t much prefer cats, we have a private apartment suite on our lower level where we can hang out cat-free!
Information Katie V. would like to know about your pet
Please let me know your furry friend’s quirks, triggers, loves, etc. I am generally very good at reading dog body language (cats, too!) but I can’t help if I don’t know :)
A typical day
My furry friends and I play lots of fetch, frisbee, and make the occasional trip to the dog beach on Lake Michigan! I also LOVE doing photoshoots with my dogs! I am a professional photographer so if you want a cute professional photo of your dog, I’d be happy to include one in their visit! In the winter, I love taking them on snow walks through our wooded neighborhood.
Location
Grand Rapids, MI
Pets
I love em’ like they’re mine <3
Pet care experience
I have had dogs in my life since I came into this world! Dogs are my life and I love every single doggo I see. Fun fact: I’m that dog-loving nut who asks complete strangers on the street if I can pet their babies! Then I promptly start talking to the dog as if he’s my best friend in the entire world who I haven’t seen in 20 years (who am I kidding? Of course every dog is my best friend!) I have owned dogs in adulthood and have successfully trained them utilizing positive reinforcement training as well as click training. I slowly get to know the doggo and meet him/her on their level. I enjoy taking my own doggos (Margie the border collie and Lilibet the corgi) to the dog park and on walks up and down our steep hill! I know how to wear out the excited ones and embrace the couch potato ones :) I have multiple nicknames for my dogs and chances are, your dog will inherit a nickname from me :) I will love on your furry friend like they’re my own.
Reviews
Katie is the best! Second time she stayed at our house she was just as good as the first. Super communicative and friendly. Will be rebooking again and again!
Katie was friendly, communicative and wonderful to our dogs. She sent us amazing photos of them while we were away. It was clear they were happy around her. Would not hesitate to recommend or book again!
Katie was absolutely amazing with our dog, Boone! She took such great care of him and kept us updated with excellent communication throughout our time away. The pictures she sent were wonderful, and she even sent a video with funny music that had us laughing and made being away so much easier. We also came home to a house that looked like no one had even been there, everything was spotless and well cared for. We highly recommend Katie and would absolutely book with her again!
Katie took great care of Molly and the house while I was away! Glad to have found another trusted person to care for my fur baby when I cannot.
About Katie V.
Communication
Dog skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have been very in sync with animals, especially dogs, since a young age. I can tell when a dog is stressed, moody, ready to play; I can recognize the “let-me-out-to-pee-lady” face. If a pup needs to be leashed, I’ll be right there with him until he’s ready to go inside. I’m diligent about closed doors, locked gates, scanning for fence holes or potential escape routes, and I never EVER leave a dog unattended while outside. If you’re baby is staying at my home and needs to be crated, I have a quiet area in my home in a separate suite where he can chill out and relax. All chemicals or poisonous items are kept in a cabinet above our washing machine and nothing is left on the ground. Our cat litter is in a special litter box that is impossible for sneaky poo snack cravers to get into. If your friend doesn’t much prefer cats, we have a private apartment suite on our lower level where we can hang out cat-free!
Information Katie V. would like to know about your pet
Please let me know your furry friend’s quirks, triggers, loves, etc. I am generally very good at reading dog body language (cats, too!) but I can’t help if I don’t know :)
A typical day
My furry friends and I play lots of fetch, frisbee, and make the occasional trip to the dog beach on Lake Michigan! I also LOVE doing photoshoots with my dogs! I am a professional photographer so if you want a cute professional photo of your dog, I’d be happy to include one in their visit! In the winter, I love taking them on snow walks through our wooded neighborhood.
Katie V.
Grand Rapids, MI