Keith V.
newtown, PA
Dog walker and carnivore expert
Pet care experience
I have been obsessed with animals since I was a kid. I love dogs especially, and I am fascinated by their complex social lives. I have dealt with animals during every stage of my life. In college, I took care of a farm and worked at a kennel. In grad school, I looked after dogs, cats, chickens, and ducks. Since then, I've published a thesis project on conflicts between urban coyotes and domestic dogs. I worked for two years at a wolf sanctuary, and I'm currently looking for additional work to supplement my other forms of income. I understand dogs and cats from both evolutionary and behavioral perspectives. By now, research is pretty unanimous that punishment creates anxiety and tense relationships between people and dogs, while positive reinforcement is effective and much more enjoyable for both dog and owner, so this is how I look at pet care. I love taking dogs on lengthy walks, and I'm happy to feed, walk, and housesit animals!
Reviews
Keith was great! He showed up on time and clearly is good with animals. My dog loved him. Would highly recommend.
Keith really cares about dogs and wildlife in general. He even volunteers at a wolf dog rescue! I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my fur baby :)
I have known Keith for 9 years, and for 5 of them I have had my dog, Snacks. He has been eager and willing to petsit for Snacks when I am out of town, and is a natural companion to a dog. He makes it a priority to not only take good care of my dog, but also to ensure that he gets a significant amount of activity, which is what he needs as a terrier breed. I always receive detailed updates and photos while I am away. Keith always insists that I bring Snacks on hikes or walks to get coffee, which further demonstrates his genuine love for dogs. Finally, he understands his unique characteristics and triggers (e.g. hates long-haired dogs and skateboards), which makes me at ease that he can handle some of the challenging situations he may encounter with my pup.
Keith is a very responsible person. He will show up on time and is highly motivated. As an animal lover, I feel very confident in his ability to provide the best care for my pets.
About Keith V.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
When bringing a new animal to my home, I always introduce them to my dog, Mina, carefully. This means that I start with two people holding both animals on leashes. If the animals show no signs of aggression, I transition to a watch period. If this works, then I relax the rules a little. When I go to someone's house, I feel out the environment and take necessary precautions to keep all pets safe. I never assume that two strange animals will get along. My experience in the wildlife sanctuary world tells me that this can be very dangerous. Still, I am happy to carefully introduce my dog to yours if you think it might be a good fit. Playing animals burn far more energy than walking ones.
Information Keith V. would like to know about your pet
Definitely let me know if your dog has any allergies, medical conditions, or food sensitivities. If your pet is aggressive with certain people or animals, it's good to know about.
A typical day
I will go wherever you think is best and safest for your pet. I love walking on trails and in the woods, as dogs love the sights and smells. I understand, however, that you might prefer to keep your pet on a sidewalk or street.
Services
Keith can watch in your home
Availability
I'm currently a professional writer. This is flexible work, so I can take on three to four walks a day. I am unavailable most weekends.
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About Keith V.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
When bringing a new animal to my home, I always introduce them to my dog, Mina, carefully. This means that I start with two people holding both animals on leashes. If the animals show no signs of aggression, I transition to a watch period. If this works, then I relax the rules a little. When I go to someone's house, I feel out the environment and take necessary precautions to keep all pets safe. I never assume that two strange animals will get along. My experience in the wildlife sanctuary world tells me that this can be very dangerous. Still, I am happy to carefully introduce my dog to yours if you think it might be a good fit. Playing animals burn far more energy than walking ones.
Information Keith V. would like to know about your pet
Definitely let me know if your dog has any allergies, medical conditions, or food sensitivities. If your pet is aggressive with certain people or animals, it's good to know about.
A typical day
I will go wherever you think is best and safest for your pet. I love walking on trails and in the woods, as dogs love the sights and smells. I understand, however, that you might prefer to keep your pet on a sidewalk or street.
Location
newtown, PA
Pets
Keith V.
newtown, PA