Lara D.
Lara D.
Highlights
Pet care experience
Veterinary Assistant | B.S.
I have been devoted to animal care for as long as I can remember. Born in Burlingame, California, I have lived in different parts of the United States, experiences that have shaped my adaptability, compassion, and appreciation for different communities and lifestyles. My journey with animals began at five years old in Macedonia, where I spent my childhood caring for stray cats and dogs and developing a lifelong passion for protecting and advocating for animals. I hold a B.S. in Chemistry and Biology from Middle Tennessee State University and have over 1,000 hours of veterinary assistant experience. My scientific background, combined with hands-on clinical experience, allows me to provide thoughtful, detail-oriented care while recognizing subtle changes in behavior, comfort, and health. I recently completed an upper-level Animal Physiology course through UCLA Extension with a 4.0 GPA as I continue preparing for my goal of attending veterinary school. My education and veterinary experience allow me to provide a higher level of care, from maintaining daily routines and enrichment to supporting pets with medical considerations. I understand that pets are family, and I strive to provide the same level of attention and care that I would want for my own animals. I focus on personalized care, consistent communication, and creating a safe, comfortable experience for your pet while you are away. I would be honored to provide exceptional, reliable care for your companion.
Cat care experience
Lara also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Qualifications
Ratings and reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you’re looking for an exceptional dog sitter, choose Lara! Our original dog sitter canceled at the last minute, every dog owner’s nightmare. Thankfully, after a quick trial weekend, we decided to go with Lara. That weekend already gave us a good feeling, but I was still a little worried and concerned at first. But then she quickly proved to be the best thing that could have happened to my dog, Koda. She is incredibly kind, thoughtful, and, most importantly, reliable. She took Koda on amazing adventures, from hikes in Malibu and Palos Verdes to full loops at Kenneth Hahn Park. There wasn’t a single day he didn’t get an extra walk or plenty of time playing fetch, often both in the morning and again in the afternoon to match his energy levels. She even surprised him with a few new toys, including a tug rope and a squeaky toy, which was such a thoughtful touch. She also made sure to follow his feeding routine exactly and was very attentive to the small details we left in our notes. Throughout our trip, she kept us updated with lots of photos and messages, often with little captions about what they were up to, so we always knew he was having the best time. Even when we were in different time zones, she was quick to respond and incredibly consistent with updates. It’s such a relief to have found someone we trust completely, and we’ll absolutely be booking Lara again for our next vacation!
Lara is amazing!! She took our puppy for the afternoon and evening…and took such good care of her. She gave her a bath, clipped her nails, took her out to the parks and let her rest peacefully at home. She was such a great care taker and I loved getting pictures throughout the day of my happy puppy! Highly recommend 👍
Lara was wonderful with my cat Debbie. Debbie loved playing with Lara every day. I really enjoyed the videos she sent. And Lara even brought Debbie treats. Thank you!
Lara was fantastic! Lots of walks and attention! The house also looked great on my return home.
Lara was fantastic! Osito was so happy with her - they were playing non stop
Lara was incredible!! Osito is our 11 month old pup with lots of energy and she kept him entertained the whole night, and then even came back to take him for a walk the next day on short notice. Will absolutely be using her again. Osito was sad to see her leave! Thank you Lara!
Calendar and availability
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ||||||
2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 |
23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 |
30 | 31 |
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ||||||
2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 |
23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 |
30 | 31 |
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
27 | 28 | 29 | 30 |
Schedule
Pet care is my full-time focus, so I build my schedule around providing dependable, personalized care for every pet. Alongside pet sitting, I continue my education through UCLA and UCSD Extension as I prepare for veterinary school and volunteer with local veterinary clinics to further expand my experience. My goal is to provide exceptional care, consistent communication, and complete peace of mind while you’re away.
Where your pet will stay
Home characteristics
Safety, trust & environment
I believe every pet deserves care that is tailored to their individual personality and routine. Whether I am caring for your pet in my home or yours, I take the time to learn their schedule, preferences, exercise needs, and any medical or behavioral considerations to help them feel comfortable and secure. I provide personalized attention, enrichment, regular walks, playtime, and detailed photo and video updates so you always know how your pet is doing. My veterinary assistant experience also allows me to recognize subtle changes in behavior or health and provide attentive, knowledgeable care. My goal is to create a calm, safe, and stress-free experience where your pet feels loved and your family has complete peace of mind.
Pets
A typical day
Every day is tailored to each pet’s unique routine and needs. Mornings typically begin with a potty break, breakfast, and a walk or play session to start the day. Throughout the day, I provide one-on-one attention, enrichment activities, exercise, and plenty of affection, while maintaining the routines your pet is most comfortable with. I prioritize a calm, clean, and structured environment, along with regular photo and video updates so you can stay connected while you’re away. In the evenings, we enjoy another walk, dinner, relaxation, and quality time before bedtime. My goal is for every pet to feel safe, comfortable, and cared for as if they were part of my own family.