Kristen H.
Kristen H.
Contact for Boarding
from $70 per night
Highlights
Pet care experience
Rescue-Trained, Complex-Ready
Every dog is a personality, a story, a world of their own. I’m a rescue-trained pro with 20+ years caring for pups with complex needs. From reactive dogs and aggressive dogs to seniors and those with disabilities, medical needs, or physical challenges. I customize care for every dog, from fresh meals and supplements to training and behavior support. I can even take your furbaby to the vet and provide a full summary and recording if you are unable due to work or other commitments. I'm your perfect pet concierge. Trusted, expert care for dogs. Peace of mind for parents.
Qualifications
Ratings and reviews
Our dog, Coach, had a dream stay with Kristen over Christmas. He was treated like royalty. She handled his food and meds like the pro she is, but also carved out a path for him so he wouldn’t have to walk on the snow. She sent several videos a day, he looked SO happy. Can’t wait for the next opportunity to board him at Kristen’s house. He looked like he didn’t want to leave!!
Kristen is the BEST, most RELIABLE, most CARING dog walker/sitter/whisperer known to humankind. She's been taking care of our dog Coach for 10 years. He is obsessed with her. Her decades of work in animal rescue, fostering, dog behavior training, and being a dog parent of her own make her an unmatched, unrivaled voice in all things pet-sitting. I would literally trust her to take my dog for a year if I needed to, and I would never feel like I needed to "check in" (only would because I'd miss my dog). She has spidey senses about everything going on around her in a 360 degree radius, and will sense anything happening down the street that might be problematic for your dog and act accordingly. I have never seen more of an expert in pet behavior. She has cared for the healthiest of pets, and the unhealthiest of pets. She also has innate medical knowledge and skills, and can administer meds, therapeutic support, and be empathetic to a pet's health needs, physical limitations, and boundaries. Whether you have an easy dog (or pet), a high maintenance diva, a dog with aggression issues, a puppy, a senior dog, or a newly rescued pet who needs to come out of their shell, Kristen is your gal!
Kris is a caring, present, thoughtful and thorough pet sitter and walker, but to be honest, she's WAY more than that. Kris is a pet *companion* par excellence. She has deep experience in rescue work, and for this reason has been wonderful with our rescue, a difficult but charming chihuahua. Kris has in a short time, miraculously, made best friends with him. We trust Kris completely when going away, to care for our dog with attention and love, and when we return, it is clear he has been happy, engaged, and well cared for. Highly recommend this wonderful woman to hang out with your pets today!
Kristen is without a doubt one of the most knowledgeable and caring pet sitters and walkers you can find. She has many years of experience working with purebred and rescue dogs, and she cares deeply for the welfare of dogs and other animals. With a background in dog training and in corporate America, and as a seasoned foster and architect of foster dog placements, Kristen is an unusual balance of working professional, rescue expert, and dog lover. She has on a number of occasions helped me train my dogs, walked, and dog sat for me in her home and my own when I have traveled for work or family vacations. I have never seen Kristen out of her depth in working with even the most obstinate or shy dogs, and her expertise will translate well to any of your dog care needs. I recommend her highly without reservation.
I cannot think of a better person to work with dogs. Someone who has dedicated love to the hardest rescue dog cases, dogs big and small. Her knowledge of a dog’s nature and needs is unmatched. She is one of the few people I trust with my own dog.
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
I'm currently working on getting certified to work with neurodiverse children by taking online courses. My schedule is completely my own and allows me to be flexible based on your needs and timeline.
Where your pet will stay
Home characteristics
Safety, trust & environment
I do both in home care and out of home care. I have a very large network of experts in pet care due to my connections in rescue, training and veterinary. My home is a single floor rancher with a finished basement for dogs who may need decompression or prefer to have their own space. We also have a 1/2 acre backyard. It is not fenced but dogs are not left outside unattended anyway. We have multiple in ground leaders if they like to sunbathe. We are right next to the woods so pack walks and a nearby dog run are great for getting the zoomies out with ball time or exploring the smells and sounds. In your home, I can adapt to whatever is needed.
Pets
A typical day
Balancing mental and physical stimulation is essential for a dog’s overall well-being. Many pups benefit even more from mental enrichment than physical exercise. I’m fortunate to have private woods directly behind my home, offering rich opportunities for sniffing, exploring, and natural scent work that engages their minds and supports healthy curiosity. I also live beside a quiet dog park that stays fairly empty during the day, making it ideal for controlled pack walks, small group play, and structured fetch sessions. And with the South Orange Reservation just ten minutes away, I can easily incorporate deeper trail adventures when appropriate. Before designing any routine, I take the time to speak with you, observe your dog, and understand their natural rhythms, how they explore, how they unwind, and how they prepare for rest. A dog’s ability to settle comfortably, whether for naps or bedtime, is just as important as their activity time. My goal is to support both their stimulation and their sense of security