Katie V.
Allendale, MI
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 🐶 🐾 was amazing! I have a pretty scared pup, and she did everything she could make sure she felt calm and safe the whole time she watched them. She sent updates and made sure I felt involved during her stay. I will be using her again in September for a two week trip, and feel no anxiety about it at all now!
So grateful for Katie. She took very good care of Cooper. He loved being with her. Having her stay at our home was much less stressful on him and us while we were away. Will definitely use her again when we need a sitter for our boy.
I am VERY picky when it comes to who cares for my dogs as there are health issues, aggression, and general neediness/quirks that need to be paid attention to. Katie did an absolutely phenomenal job caring for them in my home while I was on vacation!! Her communication was excellent, and was very understanding/patient with the type-A level notes I left behind. lol. I did not once worry about their safety or question if they were in good hands or not. I will definitely use Katie again in the future -- thanks for your awesomeness!
Thank you so much again Katie for taking such great care of our Bernie pup & the overnight stay. 5 stars with your care-we appreciate you making sure Bernie got his medicine and potty breaks and bringing in my Amazon packages, lol. You are awesome & we appreciate all the updates with his walk, food, and playtime while we were away. Definitely would rebook Katie!
About Katie V.
Communication
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!
Home
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. When it’s time to play inside, I have a great “sushi” treat puzzle that is great for stimulating their minds!
Services
Katie can host
Katie can watch in your home
Availability
I currently work from home as a photographer, so I have plenty of time and love to give to your baby! We’ll become besties as I edit away on my laptop!
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About Katie V.
Communication
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!
Home
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. When it’s time to play inside, I have a great “sushi” treat puzzle that is great for stimulating their minds!
Location
Allendale, MI
Pets
Katie V.
Allendale, MI