Kristen C.
Tehachapi, CA
Services
Kristen can host
Kristen can care for
Availability
Pet care isn’t just something I do—it’s fully integrated into my daily life. Living off-grid and working from home means I don’t have a traditional 9-to-5 schedule, so my time revolves around the animals in my care. From the moment I wake up, I’m tending to their needs—letting dogs out to stretch their legs in the fresh mountain air, preparing meals tailored to each pet, and making sure everyone feels comfortable and at ease. Throughout the day, I engage with them in ways that suit their personalities—whether it’s a long hike through the woods for high-energy dogs, quiet companionship for more relaxed pets, or interactive play for curious cats. Because I’m always home, no animal is ever left alone for long. I have the flexibility to adapt to their needs in real-time, whether it’s providing extra comfort for a nervous newcomer or giving an active pup the extra exercise they crave. At night, every pet settles in safely, knowing they are in a warm, loving environment. Caring for animals isn’t a job I clock in and out of—it’s simply my way of life.
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About Kristen C.
Communication
Dog skills
Safety, trust & environment
Exercise and outdoor time are a big part of my daily routine. I take my dog for runs or walks multiple times a day, exploring the beautiful mountain trails and giving them the movement they need. If your dog enjoys exercise and adventure, I’d be happy to include them in these outings, ensuring they get plenty of physical activity and enrichment. Whether they prefer a leisurely stroll or a high-energy run, I tailor the experience to match their needs and comfort level. If your pet has special needs—such as medication, a specific feeding routine, or any other care requirements—I’m happy to integrate that into my daily schedule. Every animal is different, and I make sure to accommodate their unique needs so they feel comfortable, safe, and well cared for during their stay.
Home
Information Kristen C. would like to know about your pet
Please do let me know if your pet has any special needs or if there are any behavioral clues I should be aware of and I will be sure to get a solid understanding to best care for your kiddo.
A typical day
A typical day consists of lots of time in my fenced back yard which is expanding soon. Working on that. Or laying in the sun on the front deck. Whichever they prefer. They are welcome to accompany me on my daily routine around the property since living off grid there is always something to be done. They can run and play with my girl Aleutia who has boundless energy and absolutely loves ALL other dogs. If there are specific activities your dog likes please let me know and/bring their favorite toy.
Location
Tehachapi, CA
Pets
Tail Wags & Purrs in the Woods!
Pet care experience
Tucked away in the mountains, my off-grid home is more than just a boarding space—it’s a peaceful, nurturing retreat where both dogs and cats can feel safe, understood, and truly at home. I’ve spent my entire life surrounded by animals, and caring for them is second nature to me. Maybe it’s the Leo in me, but I’ve always been drawn to the independent, curious nature of cats, just as much as the loyalty and energy of dogs. I take the time to get to know each animal individually—their quirks, their comforts, and their communication style—because no two are the same. Whether they need adventure, structure, play, or just a quiet place to rest, I tailor their stay to what suits them best. My own pack includes two amazing dogs, both of whom I’ve raised since they were pups—an Australian Kelpie who thrives on activity and focus, and a Husky/Malamute mix who loves adventure just as much as I do. I also have two incredibly special cats, Face and Lilith. Face, my shadow and best friend, was once a wary barn cat who took 1.5 years to trust me. Now, he hikes with me and my dogs, showing an adaptability I’ve never seen in another cat. Lilith, my Hemingway cat, appeared as a tiny, helpless kitten in the woods and has since grown into a thriving, playful companion. Recently, I also took on the challenge of caring for and finding homes for 21 puppies all at once—an experience that reinforced my deep commitment to the well-being of every animal that comes into my care. For dogs, my home offers the perfect mix of adventure and comfort, with plenty of space to roam, explore, and play. For cats, I provide a dedicated, dog-free space downstairs, designed just for them, complete with padded, cloth-covered shelves, sunlit lounging spots, and plenty of enrichment to keep them engaged. Cats are never let outside unless specifically requested by their owner, ensuring their safety. Whether you have a dog who thrives on companionship and outdoor adventure or a cat who craves quiet comfort and personalized care, my home is a place where they will be loved, understood, and cared for like family. I do have a large fenced back yard which is behind expanded currently.
Cat care experience
Kristen also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Reviews
I booked boarding for my 7 month-old Golden Retriever puppy from Dec 29 to Jan 1, with pickup scheduled for 7:00 PM on Jan 1. I disclosed upfront that she is a puppy with high energy. No concerns or complaints were raised by the sitter, and she did not ask anything regarding Meisie’s training. When we dropped Meisie off, we were standing outside her home in the cold (snow), calling for Kristen because we had no signal that high up in the mountains to message her. She eventually came out of the house, and at that point I volunteered the information that Meisie is house trained, but that if she is kept indoors, accidents will happen. On Dec 31, the sitter contacted me for the first time with an emotionally charged message, using words typed in all uppercase and calling for early pickup, clearly in some sort of emotional state calling my dog manic. According to her, my puppy was untrained, something that was never a requirement when the booking was made. As mentioned, I had volunteered information about house training when I noticed that she kept the dogs indoors while we were standing outside calling for her. I replied to her outburst in an attempt to de-escalate the situation and find some sort of resolution, but she did not respond to my messages at all. At that point, I was extremely concerned for my dog’s safety and contacted Rover seeing that I was out of town. The Rover Safety team became involved, and it took multiple hours to arrange for another sitter, Brianna, on extremely short notice to go and collect my dog from Kristen. Brianna told me that when she picked Meisie up, my dog was wet, cold, and covered in mud, and appeared distressed. I do not wish to drag this review out any further with additional details, but based on my experience, she is not an animal lover, and I would not recommend this sitter in any shape or form — not even in an emergency.
I'm just back after 3 days away for a New Years getaway. I left my girl Mila with Kristen and her beautiful dog Aleutia. No one told me I'd miss my dog this much... But Kristen must have known, she sent me pics of Mila and updates and really put my heart at ease. Thank you Kristen, cheers, until we see you guys again.
Kristen is an animal whisperer. Pets are drawn to her naturally. She has an empathetic soul. She is able to communicate with dogs & cats with love. She is one of very few people I know I can trust with my precious golden retreiver. She is gentle & kind. I highly recommend Kristen for you pet care needs.
About Kristen C.
Communication
Dog skills
Safety, trust & environment
Exercise and outdoor time are a big part of my daily routine. I take my dog for runs or walks multiple times a day, exploring the beautiful mountain trails and giving them the movement they need. If your dog enjoys exercise and adventure, I’d be happy to include them in these outings, ensuring they get plenty of physical activity and enrichment. Whether they prefer a leisurely stroll or a high-energy run, I tailor the experience to match their needs and comfort level. If your pet has special needs—such as medication, a specific feeding routine, or any other care requirements—I’m happy to integrate that into my daily schedule. Every animal is different, and I make sure to accommodate their unique needs so they feel comfortable, safe, and well cared for during their stay.
Home
Information Kristen C. would like to know about your pet
Please do let me know if your pet has any special needs or if there are any behavioral clues I should be aware of and I will be sure to get a solid understanding to best care for your kiddo.
A typical day
A typical day consists of lots of time in my fenced back yard which is expanding soon. Working on that. Or laying in the sun on the front deck. Whichever they prefer. They are welcome to accompany me on my daily routine around the property since living off grid there is always something to be done. They can run and play with my girl Aleutia who has boundless energy and absolutely loves ALL other dogs. If there are specific activities your dog likes please let me know and/bring their favorite toy.
Kristen C.
Tehachapi, CA