Kiersten A.
San Luis Obispo, CA
Skilled, experienced, and loving!
Pet care experience
Skilled animal welfare professional (international and domestic work with rescues) who currently works for the Humane Society of the United States’ Animal Rescue Team and VP of Vincentian SPCA. I love all animals and utilize only positive reinforcement techniques when working with dogs. I currently have 4 rescued street dogs and am comfortable with dogs of all sizes, breeds, and temperaments. I’m available for overnights (weekends preferred but open to other needs case by case) and daily dog walks/drop-in visits. PLEASE NOTE: for overnights, I can start on the first day as early as 1pm, and on the last day services will conclude at 11am. I’m willing to extend services outside of this timeframe range with a heads up + a slight additional fee. I’m aware of and happy to utilize and teach enrichment strategies (visual, auditory, scent, etc.) and puzzle toys for dogs needing mental stimulation in addition to walks/runs (physical stimulation). I’m also experienced with t-touch, a calming massage-like technique on anxious or excitable dogs. I am happy to give your pup/s a bath for an additional charge; let’s chat about that if interested. I love animals-especially dogs! I look forward to working with you!
Reviews
Kiersten took great care of my two cats. One is skittish and needs medication and Kiersten had no issues giving him his meds. She sent me photos and updates and I really appreciated how well she communicated. I would not hesitate to have Kiersten watch them again in the future. Thanks so much!
Really wonderful person. Cared for our dogs better than we do! House in great shape when we returned to town too! I highly highly recommend Kiersten! You will not be disappointed!
Kiersten was amazing! Our dog was very well cared for. He loves Kiersten. Kiersten sent daily progress texts with pictures. She took great care to serve our dog's specific needs. We are so happy that we can leave town without having to worry about our dog now that we can call Kirsten. Highly recommended!
Words can not capture how impressed I was with Kiersten, from her professionalism to her level of flexibility and loving demeanor towards my dogs. I always have a hard time leaving them and she allowed me to feel completely comfortable throughout the entire process. Kiersten was very responsive and would reach out to me for things that were important. The daily document she uploads with notes and pictures helped me see just how well they were taken care of. I would recommend her without hesitation to anyone. My dogs were happy to see me but part of me thinks they want her back! Thank you Kiersten for making this an incredible experience for us all.
About Kiersten A.
Communication
Skills
Information Kiersten A. would like to know about your pet
I am comfortable with any/all breeds, sizes, and temperaments-from teacup chihuahuas to Great Danes...dogs have the most variance in size of all species and I’m able to safely handle! I have a soft spot for adopted shelter pets, especially pit-bull type dogs and love working with bully breeds! From my background in animal welfare, I’m prepared to comfortably handle rowdy, jumpy, and mouthy dogs or shy/fearful dogs. I love cats, too and grew up with them! I only use positive reinforcement methods and am happy to share more about the how and why behind this. Before interacting with your companion, I’d like to learn more about: what their history is, how that history influences their view of the world (are some things scary or triggers to them and how you manage their reactions?), what they most enjoy, their schedule/routine, any allergies or known medical conditions, and what type/what level of communication you’d like from me while watching your pet.
A typical day
I’m very receptive to what your pet needs and am ready to meet them where they are... I love to hike and go for nature walks but am also open to relaxing in their space at home and keeping them company. In addition to physical fun, I’m also experienced with canine and feline enrichment, or mental stimulation, in a home environment from working and volunteering in shelters. I’d love to share more about this, depending on your pal’s needs.
Services
Kiersten can watch in your home
About Kiersten A.
Communication
Skills
Information Kiersten A. would like to know about your pet
I am comfortable with any/all breeds, sizes, and temperaments-from teacup chihuahuas to Great Danes...dogs have the most variance in size of all species and I’m able to safely handle! I have a soft spot for adopted shelter pets, especially pit-bull type dogs and love working with bully breeds! From my background in animal welfare, I’m prepared to comfortably handle rowdy, jumpy, and mouthy dogs or shy/fearful dogs. I love cats, too and grew up with them! I only use positive reinforcement methods and am happy to share more about the how and why behind this. Before interacting with your companion, I’d like to learn more about: what their history is, how that history influences their view of the world (are some things scary or triggers to them and how you manage their reactions?), what they most enjoy, their schedule/routine, any allergies or known medical conditions, and what type/what level of communication you’d like from me while watching your pet.
A typical day
I’m very receptive to what your pet needs and am ready to meet them where they are... I love to hike and go for nature walks but am also open to relaxing in their space at home and keeping them company. In addition to physical fun, I’m also experienced with canine and feline enrichment, or mental stimulation, in a home environment from working and volunteering in shelters. I’d love to share more about this, depending on your pal’s needs.
Location
San Luis Obispo, CA
Pets
Kiersten A.
San Luis Obispo, CA