Natalie V.
Columbia, SC
Former vet tech-confident petsitter
Pet care experience
Current kitty, chicken, and dog mom. I'm a new doctor but former vet tech. I have had cats, rodents, birds, and reptiles since childhood. As a former vet tech I have experience caring for a variety of common medical conditions and I'm comfortable with giving medications, and injections. I also have dog training experience after doing therapy work with my dogs for 6 years. I love spending my spare time with critters and I understand the demands of a busy work or school schedule so I'm flexible about timing. Let me know how I can help your busy schedule!! My current pups are giant breeds and very pet friendly, so I'm comfortable with puppies, older dogs, and everything in between. I have had multiple giant breed dogs (my current pups are both over 100lbs). I have also loved and cared for Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Cattle dogs, Australian Shepherds, German shepherds, Golden Retrievers, bulldogs, and cats of all sorts of personalities and needs. I believe in positive reinforcement and a calm supportive environment so pets feel comfortable spending time with me. I can't wait to play and snuggle with your pet in your home. I try to spend as much time with your pet out in my home as possible so they can play and relax in a home environment when I do host pets.
Reviews
Natalie did an excellent job caring for my 19 year old special kitty cat. He requires medicine daily and special care and she excelled in both. She provided thorough information including photos every visit and added helpful information that she has learned from her vast experience that I can appropriate in my care for my kitty. She was careful with him and showed sincere love for him. She also left a clean environment for me that I appreciate and admired upon my return… Thank you Natalie! Job well done!
Natalie is a dream! She took her time with my dog & introduced some different techniques I could use with her when walking to avoid pulling. She has definitely given me more confidence in walking her while other pets are outside! I will be hiring her in the future for sure & recommend you do the same. :)
Natalie was very caring for my pup! We received many updates through out the day on Maggie’s comfort and activities! I would highly recommend Natalie for any of your dog sitting needs!
Natalie was so great!!! Took excellent care of my pup, who was recovering from a double knee surgery. He's a big guy with lots of energy but was supposed to be on restricted activity, and I'd been stressed about finding someone to manage him while I was out of town.. but Natalie is totally the dog whisperer, I was so impressed with how well she handled him from the very start!! She also had great communication and went above and beyond spending time with him and sending pictures, would absolutely recommend her to take care of your doggo :)
About Natalie V.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Safety is a priority with me! I am meticulous about safety around doors as I know many cats and dogs sneak past, and I am very careful with leashed walks with dogs (I prefer well fitting harnesses or head collars if possible if your pup is energetic or has a history of trying to run, or if your pet is trained well on a leash then I'm fine with just the collar). I'm happy to snuggle or play with pups inside the home before or after walks to make sure they are comfortable and happy throughout my visit. Inside the home I'm careful about moving slowly and earning your pets trust. With playful cats I love to play with toys. My current cat goes crazy for this wand toy so I love doing that or laser pointer fun. With calmer cats I'm happy to just wait for them to come to me. I like talking gently with them and helping them to recognize that I'm a friend. I particularly like repeat clients for that reason so hopefully I can earn your trust so you choose me again. I love to know your cats favorite scritch spots so I can give them the love they prefer.
Information Natalie V. would like to know about your pet
I want clear directions about feeding, allergies, medications, and any specific likes/dislikes that your pet has. I prefer harnesses for dogs, but if your dog prefers a collar only I understand. I love sweet older dogs, and I am very comfortable with medicating animals after years in vet care. I love cat care and would definitely love caring for your cat. I need to know any specifics about feeding, if your kitty is the shy type or more outgoing, favorite toys or treats, and of course any medication schedule.
A typical day
I love playing with cats as I previously described and I am also a huge fan of snuggly cats and I'm happy to patiently wait for them to come to me. For dogs I'm happy to play with toys in your home, play in the yard if you have one, or take them for short walks. If you are close to any parks I love to go do some relaxing park walks and if there's a dog park you frequent I love watching the interactions and joy of dogs running their energy off.
Services
Natalie can watch in your home
Availability
I'm currently off work temporarily for personal reasons so I'm happy to do drop in visits any day of the week or weekend and I'm home at almost all times except a few errands. I am very flexible about timing and can do twice a day visits or more if needed. I'm excited to spend more time with some new pet friends!
About Natalie V.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Safety is a priority with me! I am meticulous about safety around doors as I know many cats and dogs sneak past, and I am very careful with leashed walks with dogs (I prefer well fitting harnesses or head collars if possible if your pup is energetic or has a history of trying to run, or if your pet is trained well on a leash then I'm fine with just the collar). I'm happy to snuggle or play with pups inside the home before or after walks to make sure they are comfortable and happy throughout my visit. Inside the home I'm careful about moving slowly and earning your pets trust. With playful cats I love to play with toys. My current cat goes crazy for this wand toy so I love doing that or laser pointer fun. With calmer cats I'm happy to just wait for them to come to me. I like talking gently with them and helping them to recognize that I'm a friend. I particularly like repeat clients for that reason so hopefully I can earn your trust so you choose me again. I love to know your cats favorite scritch spots so I can give them the love they prefer.
Information Natalie V. would like to know about your pet
I want clear directions about feeding, allergies, medications, and any specific likes/dislikes that your pet has. I prefer harnesses for dogs, but if your dog prefers a collar only I understand. I love sweet older dogs, and I am very comfortable with medicating animals after years in vet care. I love cat care and would definitely love caring for your cat. I need to know any specifics about feeding, if your kitty is the shy type or more outgoing, favorite toys or treats, and of course any medication schedule.
A typical day
I love playing with cats as I previously described and I am also a huge fan of snuggly cats and I'm happy to patiently wait for them to come to me. For dogs I'm happy to play with toys in your home, play in the yard if you have one, or take them for short walks. If you are close to any parks I love to go do some relaxing park walks and if there's a dog park you frequent I love watching the interactions and joy of dogs running their energy off.
Location
Columbia, SC
Pets
Natalie V.
Columbia, SC