Laura V.
Highland Park, IL
Animal Lover Lives to Help Animals
Pet care experience
I have over 13 years experience doing vet assistant and vet technician tasks and skills as a volunteer at The Animal Welfare League in Chicago Ridge, IL. I have been employed as part of the membership and philanthropic department at Lincoln Park Zoo from which I learned a great deal, stemming from my biology classes on taxonomy to zoology, to specific animal facts and conservation of threatened animals. I therefore know a great deal of educational background on animal behavior. I studied psychology and comparitive human psychology/animal behavior with a bachelors in science from IIT. I have grown up with dogs, cats, and ferrets. At Southwest Animal Care Center, I bathed, fed, walked, medicated, and cared for boarding and patient animals. I graduated with my veterinary assistant certificate in 2018. After graduating from IIT, I became a kennel attendant and learned a great deal about how to care for animals. Pet care is a daily task for me as I take care for two little fuzzbutt ferrets, Icarus and Agatha. Icarus often wakes me up with his bushy tailed excitement. I'm lucky to have such wonderful critters in my life. Right now, I am only offering dog walking and off-site at client's home services. From what I've read from the anthropologist book "Inside of a Dog" by Alexandra Horowitz, animals, especially dogs, crave human attention so being attentive to an animal's needs is to me, what's most important. This includes communicating with animals to know when they need a bathroom break, when they want play, when they want affection and cuddles, when they want nappy time, being fed according to what their schedule is, and of course, offering healthy treats (if allowed) and new novel smells, toys, etc.
Reviews
I've known Laura for more than 15 years, and she has always been an animal lover. I worked with Laura at the Animal Welfare League and saw first hand her skills in animal handling and care. Laura is a trustworthy, sensitive and thoughtful individual who would treat another's pets as her own, showing them respect and compassion while she tends to them. I've trusted her to watch my own animals when leaving town, and have complete confidence in her ability to safely and thoughtfully provide care.
My good friend Laura is one of the most kind and lovely people I've ever met! I witnessed her meet and interact with over a dozen dogs that I have hosted at my house over the years. Every dog immediately sensed her gentle nature and felt comfortable around her (even the super shy ones)! We have walked dogs together many times and she is always attentive to their needs and safety. I can't recommend her enough to take good care of any animal!
Laura was a kennel tech here. She cared for the animals. she feed and walked and gave meds when they were boarding. She worked well with staff. Vickie
Laura is a very responsible pet owner and very caring person. She has 3 ferrets and a cat and takes care of them by making sure they are safe, entertained and regularly visit their veterinarian for appointments. She is also a very compassionate person. She is the one who convinced me to try vegetarianism and eventually veganism. She practices what she is serious about. And she'd be great to watch over your precious pooch.
About Laura V.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I take extra care to be a courteous and contentious guest in the owner's home. I treat my stay with respect and humbly care. You can trust me to provide excellent care and keep everything tidy and clean.
Home
Information Laura V. would like to know about your pet
It is helpful to know each dog's habits, temperment, age, ability to follow training commands, energy level, and other circumstantial things to note, like special diets, allergies, etc.
A typical day
I like to take dogs on safe walks through parks, where they can smell new smells, possibly pass by and meet friendly dogs and people. Dog parks are a great place too, depending on if the dog is registered or if it's a free dog park. However, I know some dogs are skittish of other dogs, in which case we can just walk around the neighborhoods or even forest preserves but beware of ticks! Walks through parks, playing fetch and with lots of toys, given plenty of affection and attention, with all needs and cares meet to be happy and healthy.
Services
Laura can host
Laura can watch in your home
Availability
I can manage 4-5 walks per day with one or multiple dogs at a time 5-6 days a week. This is my main job and I'm dedicated to providing top care as if they are my own.
About Laura V.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I take extra care to be a courteous and contentious guest in the owner's home. I treat my stay with respect and humbly care. You can trust me to provide excellent care and keep everything tidy and clean.
Home
Information Laura V. would like to know about your pet
It is helpful to know each dog's habits, temperment, age, ability to follow training commands, energy level, and other circumstantial things to note, like special diets, allergies, etc.
A typical day
I like to take dogs on safe walks through parks, where they can smell new smells, possibly pass by and meet friendly dogs and people. Dog parks are a great place too, depending on if the dog is registered or if it's a free dog park. However, I know some dogs are skittish of other dogs, in which case we can just walk around the neighborhoods or even forest preserves but beware of ticks! Walks through parks, playing fetch and with lots of toys, given plenty of affection and attention, with all needs and cares meet to be happy and healthy.
Location
Highland Park, IL
Pets
Laura V.
Highland Park, IL