Kristen L.
Brentwood, DC
Dog-lover seeking pups to care for!
Pet care experience
I have been walking, sitting, and boarding dogs in DC for over four years, in addition to the experience I had caring for my own dogs at home when I was growing up. I do it because I love these four-legged creatures but don't have one of my own right now! I take pleasure in making sure they're well cared for and that you're updated frequently. I am happy to work with you on special needs your dog may have and I also enjoy jogging so am happy to run with your pup if s/he does well with that! Those I've worked with have said that I am reliable and go above and beyond. Here are a couple of reviews from folks I've worked with: "Kristen was great; she sent lots of updates and was easy to communicate and coordinate with!" "Kristen was amazing! I could not have hoped for a nicer or more caring sitter. I got multiple pictures and texts a day. Just such a great experience. I cannot recommend her enough." "Diligent, helpful, and kept me up to date."
Reviews
Absolutely amazing! Taco was so happy spending time with her
Kristen took such great care of our toy poodle puppy Maro, we joked that he'd miss her more than he missed us! We always hate having to leave him when traveling, but Kristen made sure he was well cared for and it made us so happy seeing her photo updates. When we returned Maro was content and happy, he clearly had a wonderful time while we were away!
I highly recommend Kristen! This was my first time leaving Gabby since before COVID-19 and Kristen's check-ins and photos really comforted me. I could tell she was in great hands. Gabby is a senior pup with some health issues and Kristen had no issues dealing with them. Thank you, Kristen, for taking such great care of my girl!
I had JUST adopted Lucy from the shelter when I learned I had to go into the hospital. I had very little time to find a sitter and I was so lucky to find Kristen. She and Lucy hit it off right away and Kristen sent me photos that indicated that Lucy was very content to be working from home with Kristen. I will make Kristen my go-to sitter and walker for Lucy.
About Kristen L.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
How I care for pets varies by dog and by human. I appreciate hearing if the human has preferences, a routine, or any habits they are trying to reinforce, so that I can try to be consistent with those. And my approach to the dogs is to be sensitive to signs they are showing. For an excited pup, I am happy to engage. For a nervous pup, I will get down on their level and reach out to them but let them decide when they are comfortable. I often like to take them for a walk at the start of the sitting because I think that can help them gain trust and feel a little more comfortable.
Home
Information Kristen L. would like to know about your pet
I appreciate hearing about any special needs your dog may have, how he/she/they do around other dogs, and any medications to be aware of. As noted above, I also am happy to hear if your dog(s) have a particular routine, or if there are habits you are trying to reinforce, so I can try to be consistent with them.
A typical day
Walks depend on the dog and location, of course! But I tend toward the green areas. If close to Rock Creek Park or another trail, I enjoy taking them for short hikes. If not, happy to find other green spaces around town. Pace depends on the pup too - I know some need to do some good sniffing and others really need to get their wiggles out (or sometimes both). At home or during a visit, I am happy to play with them and give them extra pets and love depending on what they like.
Services
Kristen can host
Kristen can watch in your home
Availability
I'm currently working mainly from home and when I do go into the office, I have a lot of flexibility around hours. This means I can generally be very flexible and plan my schedule around everybody's needs. :)
About Kristen L.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
How I care for pets varies by dog and by human. I appreciate hearing if the human has preferences, a routine, or any habits they are trying to reinforce, so that I can try to be consistent with those. And my approach to the dogs is to be sensitive to signs they are showing. For an excited pup, I am happy to engage. For a nervous pup, I will get down on their level and reach out to them but let them decide when they are comfortable. I often like to take them for a walk at the start of the sitting because I think that can help them gain trust and feel a little more comfortable.
Home
Information Kristen L. would like to know about your pet
I appreciate hearing about any special needs your dog may have, how he/she/they do around other dogs, and any medications to be aware of. As noted above, I also am happy to hear if your dog(s) have a particular routine, or if there are habits you are trying to reinforce, so I can try to be consistent with them.
A typical day
Walks depend on the dog and location, of course! But I tend toward the green areas. If close to Rock Creek Park or another trail, I enjoy taking them for short hikes. If not, happy to find other green spaces around town. Pace depends on the pup too - I know some need to do some good sniffing and others really need to get their wiggles out (or sometimes both). At home or during a visit, I am happy to play with them and give them extra pets and love depending on what they like.
Location
Washington, DC
Kristen L.
Brentwood, DC