Profile image

Kristine R.

20 years of experience
Profile image

Kristine R.

20 years of experience

Contact for Boarding

from $100 per night

Highlights

Enhanced background check
20 years of experience
Home full time
Can administer medication
Special needs experience
Senior dog experience

Pet care experience

A comfy family retreat for pets.

For me, pet care has never been just a job—it's been a lifelong passion. I was raised in a family of professional trainers and boarders, where I learned from an early age how to properly care for dogs of all ages, temperaments, and needs. We also spent countless hours working alongside local shelters, helping dogs build confidence and prepare for their forever homes. Professionally, I have over 20 years of experience working in boarding, training assistance, behavioral rehabilitation, and pet care. In 2012, I began my career as a professional dog groomer and later became certified to groom both dogs and cats. In 2020, I became certified to train new groomers as they worked toward their professional certifications. Today, I combine all of that experience to provide a calm, loving, and individualized experience for every pet in my care. My Specialties I specialize in creating fear-free, low-stress experiences built on patience, trust, and compassion. Some of my areas of expertise include: • Fear-free handling and grooming • Trauma rehabilitation grooming for pets who cannot safely visit traditional salons due to fear, anxiety, or behavioral concerns • Senior pet care • Puppy care and socialization • Pets with medical or mobility challenges • Basic training and reinforcement of good manners • Administering medications while carefully monitoring for symptoms or side effects One of my greatest passions is helping fearful dogs learn that grooming and handling don't have to be scary. Rather than forcing pets through services, I work at their pace, building trust over time with the goal of helping them become comfortable and confident again. Many of my clients come to me after being turned away from traditional grooming salons due to behavioral or medical concerns. What Your Pet Can Expect I strive to make every stay feel like a vacation with family rather than simply boarding. Your pet may enjoy: • Daily walks (typically 2-4 per day, while following your normal routine whenever possible) • Plenty of one-on-one attention and affection • Playtime, enrichment, and exercise • Trips to the dog park (with your permission and only if appropriate for your pet) • Picture, video, and message updates throughout their stay • A calm, loving home environment where they are treated like family One unique tradition many pets come to love is bedtime story time. It may sound unusual, but quietly reading aloud has helped many anxious dogs relax before bed. I've even seen it help dogs experiencing storm anxiety or fear of loud noises settle more comfortably. Routine is incredibly important to me. If your pet has a specific schedule, feeding routine, medication plan, or bedtime ritual, I'll do everything possible to maintain it while they're in my care. Because of my experience working with behavioral and medical cases, I also pay close attention to subtle changes in your pet's behavior, mobility, appetite, and overall well-being. If I notice anything concerning, I'll communicate with you immediately and act quickly in your pet's best interest. Communication & Grooming I believe communication is one of the most important parts of pet care. The more I know about your pet's personality, routines, preferences, and medical history, the better experience I can provide. In return, you'll receive detailed updates about how they're doing, including behavior, activities, and anything I notice that may be helpful for you to know. During boarding or daycare stays, I'm also happy to reinforce basic training and offer guidance on grooming maintenance, body language, and behavioral changes that may strengthen your bond with your pet at home. Professional grooming services are available for pets staying in my care. Grooming recommendations, pricing, and service completion depend on your pet's size, coat condition, medical needs, and stress level. My philosophy is simple: I will never force a pet through a service. Their comfort, trust, and emotional well-being always come first. Booking Information To help protect my home while still providing every pet with the highest level of care, the estimated price for boarding and daycare includes a refundable cleaning/security fee. This fee is fully refunded after your pet's stay provided there is no excessive damage or extraordinary cleaning required beyond normal pet messes. I believe this allows me to continue offering a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for every guest while being fair to both pet parents and my home. My goal is simple: every pet should leave my care feeling safe, loved, understood, and excited to come back.

Qualifications

100% response rate
Usually responds within a few hours
20 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration
First aid/CPR
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience

Calendar and availability

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
SMTWTFS

Schedule

I am generally home all day. I do work as a groomer for pets that are unable to got to salons, but I do this from home as well. So your pets will have round the clock love and care. You will need to provide any food and specific treats if your pet has a favorite or dietary restrictions/allergies.

Where your pet will stay

Home characteristics

Lives in a house
Has an unfenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has caged pets
Has no pets
Children 6-12 years old
Dogs allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture

Safety, trust & environment

Pets are family. I will personally take them for walks throughout the day for fresh air and exercise, play with them and ensure they feel comfortable and lived while you are away. I do offer creating services, however, depending on the size of your dog, you may have to supply the crate. You pet will always be treated like family, but the details of their routine and activities will depend on your instructions. I respect that different lifestyles require different things (i.e crating vs free roam, scheduled feeding vs grazing, scheduled walks/potty breaks vs whenever they want to go out, etc.) and will maintain that sense of normalcy as much as possible. If you opt for grooming, and I am able to comfortably groom your dog, grooming will take place 1-2 days before your return. That way they have time to decompress after, and if they are stressed for parts, it gives leeway to do little bits over time.

A typical day

* Long walks/runs (depending on pets physical limitations) * Visits to the dog park (with your permission and depending on pets comfort/behavior) * One-on-One indoor and outdoor playtime with toys * Movie time and cuddles * Story time (bedtime stories and calming reads to lower anxiety as needed) * Bath time! (Upon request and for an additional charge) * Brushing and daily necessary groom maintenance * Birthday celebrations!!!! * Fun pictures and videos to send to the family!

Cats
0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs
Kristine can host up to 3 pets per night
In order to create a comfortable environment and the best possible experience for your pets, it is crucial that you communicate the following in advance: * Behavioral issues (counter surfing, resource guarding, food/toy aggression, any other aggressive or defensive behaviors and triggers, marking, destructive behavior and triggers, etc.) * Do they get along with other pets and/or children * Any medical conditions or concerns * Any and all medications and times for administration * Diet and feeding schedule * Walking or bathroom schedules (if applicable) * Are they crate trained? * Do you allow your pets on furniture * Any training you are working in at home * Do you have a leash and harness for your dog? * Specific Toy restrictions, likes/dislikes, and type of play. * Any specific routines or lifestyle details for your pet so that I may have everything ready for them upon arrival!
Each sitter joining Rover needs to pass a background check. And by booking on Rover, you can get photo & message updates, 24/7 support, and reimbursement for eligible vet care.