Sarah K.
Toronto, ON
Services
Prices include all fees.
Sarah can care for
Availability
Much of the work I do outside of Rover is largely done online, so I'm happy to devote myself to your pets and home while you are away during these periods. I am currently continuing my training for acute emergencies at a local emergency veterinary clinic, which can sometimes limit my availability for such sits at times - but please don't hesitate to reach out to me if your pet does need such care, because I'll always make every effort to be the sitter who meets your needs and exceeds your expectations! My schedule is often flexible and if I can make it work, I would love to support you and your fuzzy family!
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About Sarah K.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I exclusively care for pets in their own homes, so your pets can remain in the most comfortable and familiar environment while you are away. I want them to have full access to their normal sights, scents, textures, sounds, routines, toys, comforts, and spaces, to minimize any anxiety they might have when you're away. Your pet's safety, happiness, and comfort are my top priorities. When caring for your pets in your home, I will provide all the love and attention you offer your companion animals, reinforce any training you're working on, and maintain the consistency you've worked hard to establish. I will always work to develop a genuine trust connection between myself and the pet(s) in my care - this is a top priority for me. I am immensely patient, I have knowledge of animal behaviorism and experience working with reactive or fractious animals, and I let your pet(s) (and your instructions) show me how to best keep them happy and content, while remaining in touch with you on a daily basis, so you never have to wonder or worry about how they are doing. Just as unfamiliar spaces can cause your pets undue stress, I know that being away from your pets can be equally stressful for you. In both cases, my priority is the same: to give you and your pets peace of mind, so you can rest well while you are away, and your pets can make a new, trusted friend who gives them the soothing, attentive care needed to help them remain calm and happy until you return.
Information Sarah K. would like to know about your pet
1. Name, Age, General Temperament 2. Breed/Animal Type 3. Size/Weight 4. What makes them feel safe and comfortable - whether it's a particular pillow, a blanket, a specific spot on the couch, an emotional support teddy bear, etc.? 5. Are they reactive to people, children, or other animals? Do they have separation anxiety, or - for dogs - any barking triggers? 6. What is their typical routine and what are their favourite activities? 7. Do they have any specific care needs or a medical history that requires specific attention or accommodation? Do they have allergies or a special diet? 8. Are there medical needs that require specific treatments or administration of medications? 9. Are they currently working on any kind of specific training or specific phrases or commands I should reinforce? 10. For dogs: What gear does your dog prefer when going out - a harness vs a collar, a happy hoodie (if desired), booties, etc. If you have another type of pet and they like going outside or wearing certain items, the same question applies. 11. Are they up-to-date with vaccines, flea and tick prevention, and similar preventative care, as applicable? 12. Is your veterinarian aware that you are going to be away, and have you made arrangements with them in the event that their services are needed (e.g., if they run out of medications or special food)? Do you have a valid credit card on file with your veterinarian?
A typical day
My first course of action is always the same: listening. I listen to you as you articulate your pet's needs, as well as your own standards and expectations. I also "listen" pets by observing and carefully monitoring their routines, behaviours, and preferences to see what makes them most content and satisfied. Ultimately, I prefer to let pets and their parents show me what they find most enriching and enjoyable, and creatively work with that in ways that are safe and that reinforce any training or routine you have worked hard to establish. If your pet is energetic and needs frequent exercise, my schedule allows me to support that for the duration of your time away. If your pet is more of a snuggly couch potato, I'm happy to do that all day, if it makes them happy. For cats or other pets, my method is similar. In my experience, "one size fits all" rarely works in pet sitting -- all pets have their own needs, preferences, and patterns, as do their families. I will always ask you about what makes your pets happy, I will let them show me what interests them at any given time, and I will keep up the normal activities that make them feel happy, safe, and well.
Location
Toronto, ON
Pets
Professional care in your home!
Pet care experience
I have a lifetime of lived experience (40+ years), and 10+ years of pet sitting experience, providing loving, dedicated, in-home care for cats, dogs, rabbits, and other small animals of all kinds, including those with age- or medical-related needs. As well, I am an emergency-trained Animal Care Attendant at one of Toronto's 24-hour hospitals. I took on this work solely to further enhance my pet sitting skills and my ability to support pets in any kind of situation, whether emergency or routine. My top priority is keeping pets safe, showing them all the love they deserve, maintaining the consistency of their routines as closely as possible, and easing everyone's anxiety (yours and your pet's) as much as possible while you are away. I do this by forming genuine relationships with pets and their families alike. I have worked hard to specialize in trust-building through active listening, fear-free handling, and routine consistency, so your pets can get to know me and look forward to our time together, rather than being distressed while their family is away. I firmly believe that, for many pets, in-home pet sitting and care is in their best interest. My goal is to help you and your pets feel safe and secure by avoiding the stress that some pets experience with traditional boarding or drop-in visits. Under my care, your pets get loving, dedicated care in their own home, with all the familiar sights, smells, treats, toys, and routines that bring comfort and consistency. My goal is maintaining your routine with your pet(s) as closely as possible, and continuous/24-hour care is often available for pets who need such support.** I am happy to usually support only one family at a time, meaning your pet receives exclusive love and care from me, not time divided amongst multiple pet sits, dog walks, drop-ins, etc., for other families. I am there to dedicate myself to your pets and your home, ensuring everyone's safety is maintained and updating you as frequently as you prefer. I will always treat your pets like family and your home like the haven it is. Along with attentive care for your animal companions and the advanced knowledge and professionalism I've accumulated, I also have thorough, hands-on experience with the following in a home setting: - Maintaining restricted, specialized, or prescription diets - Administering medications and vet-prescribed treatments (e.g., topical, oral, and injected medications, subcutaneous/SubQ fluids, etc.) - Caring for senior animals and animals with chronic health conditions, including diabetes, seizure conditions, FIP, FIV, FELV, digestive and urinary conditions, asthma, liver and kidney diseases, arthritis, etc. - Caring for animals with disabilities or special needs (e.g., blindness, hearing loss, mobility challenges, partial paralysis, etc.) - Detecting and providing first-line treatments for GI stasis in rabbits (paired with an immediate call to you and to your vet, of course!) - Providing specialized care for cats with challenging conditions like chronic constipation or megacolon - Providing the unique care required for hairless cats (baths and ear + nail cleaning, skin care treatments, etc.) and other specialized breeds (e.g., Persian cats) Please note that at-home medical treatments or medication administration, extensive monitoring, rates may vary from standard base rates on a case-by-case basis, depending on the kinds of care, home medical treatment(s) and monitoring your pet requires. Constant and/or 24/7 exclusive care may be subject to a charge of up to $25/hour for the impacted pet(s) only. Please see the note below* and reach out to me any time with questions or requests! I'll always do whatever I can to work with you and support you and your fuzzy family. 😊 My entire life has been full of love and friendship via the animals who have trusted me with their care, and I can't wait to meet your pet(s) and become their friend, too! ----- Be sure to ask about my discount offer for successful client referrals! ----- *Note: My standard house sitting rates guarantee a minimum of basic oral or topical medication and/or supplement administration (if needed), 2-3 daily feedings, morning and evening walks for dogs and litter box scoops for cats, overnight companionship unless otherwise noted, and general upkeep and security for your home (bringing in mail, tidying up, etc.). If you need constant care, please reach out and I'll see if our dates align and do my best to meet your needs. 😊 **Surcharges for specific care needs - such as 24-hour care or at-home procedures - may apply, to be discussed. ----- ***Drop-ins are available through most of Scarborough and East Toronto (east of the DVP). In-home pet sitting/house sitting is available throughout the GTA and extended care requests (5+ days) will be considered through the Pickering and Whitby regions. Constant care/24-hour care requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis, to ensure I can provide the care your pet needs.
Cat care experience
Sarah also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Reviews
Sarah is amazing! Our dog fam would be lost without her. She is kind, loving and responsible. When we had a dog who needed meds- I trusted her completely. She is so wonderful with my dog who is scarred of everything and celebrates their victories. Communication is excellent. I could not recommend more!!
Sarah is a very professional, loving, and caring pet sitter. She took care of our three special-needs dogs; two of them are seniors, and the youngest is very anxious. Sarah managed to bond with all of them, which gave us great peace of mind. I usually feel very nervous leaving my dogs with a pet sitter, but this time was different. Sarah knows pet first aid and sent us daily updates, which made us feel reassured throughout the entire time. I would definitely recommend Sarah to anyone looking for a trustworthy and compassionate pet sitter.
Sarah helped us again with Mavi and Murphy and she was incredible. So patient, kind and understanding with the humans and pets equally. We were able to have a stress free outing because of her. So grateful!
Sarah is the absolute best! We gave her so many instructions for our house sitting request and she was accommodating of everything. She understood the dogs really well and really took great care of them. She is punctual, responsive, friendly, and easy to work it. We can’t say enough good things about her. Will highly recommend her to anything looking for a trusted sitter and I hope she’ll help us in the future.
About Sarah K.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I exclusively care for pets in their own homes, so your pets can remain in the most comfortable and familiar environment while you are away. I want them to have full access to their normal sights, scents, textures, sounds, routines, toys, comforts, and spaces, to minimize any anxiety they might have when you're away. Your pet's safety, happiness, and comfort are my top priorities. When caring for your pets in your home, I will provide all the love and attention you offer your companion animals, reinforce any training you're working on, and maintain the consistency you've worked hard to establish. I will always work to develop a genuine trust connection between myself and the pet(s) in my care - this is a top priority for me. I am immensely patient, I have knowledge of animal behaviorism and experience working with reactive or fractious animals, and I let your pet(s) (and your instructions) show me how to best keep them happy and content, while remaining in touch with you on a daily basis, so you never have to wonder or worry about how they are doing. Just as unfamiliar spaces can cause your pets undue stress, I know that being away from your pets can be equally stressful for you. In both cases, my priority is the same: to give you and your pets peace of mind, so you can rest well while you are away, and your pets can make a new, trusted friend who gives them the soothing, attentive care needed to help them remain calm and happy until you return.
Information Sarah K. would like to know about your pet
1. Name, Age, General Temperament 2. Breed/Animal Type 3. Size/Weight 4. What makes them feel safe and comfortable - whether it's a particular pillow, a blanket, a specific spot on the couch, an emotional support teddy bear, etc.? 5. Are they reactive to people, children, or other animals? Do they have separation anxiety, or - for dogs - any barking triggers? 6. What is their typical routine and what are their favourite activities? 7. Do they have any specific care needs or a medical history that requires specific attention or accommodation? Do they have allergies or a special diet? 8. Are there medical needs that require specific treatments or administration of medications? 9. Are they currently working on any kind of specific training or specific phrases or commands I should reinforce? 10. For dogs: What gear does your dog prefer when going out - a harness vs a collar, a happy hoodie (if desired), booties, etc. If you have another type of pet and they like going outside or wearing certain items, the same question applies. 11. Are they up-to-date with vaccines, flea and tick prevention, and similar preventative care, as applicable? 12. Is your veterinarian aware that you are going to be away, and have you made arrangements with them in the event that their services are needed (e.g., if they run out of medications or special food)? Do you have a valid credit card on file with your veterinarian?
A typical day
My first course of action is always the same: listening. I listen to you as you articulate your pet's needs, as well as your own standards and expectations. I also "listen" pets by observing and carefully monitoring their routines, behaviours, and preferences to see what makes them most content and satisfied. Ultimately, I prefer to let pets and their parents show me what they find most enriching and enjoyable, and creatively work with that in ways that are safe and that reinforce any training or routine you have worked hard to establish. If your pet is energetic and needs frequent exercise, my schedule allows me to support that for the duration of your time away. If your pet is more of a snuggly couch potato, I'm happy to do that all day, if it makes them happy. For cats or other pets, my method is similar. In my experience, "one size fits all" rarely works in pet sitting -- all pets have their own needs, preferences, and patterns, as do their families. I will always ask you about what makes your pets happy, I will let them show me what interests them at any given time, and I will keep up the normal activities that make them feel happy, safe, and well.
Sarah K.
Toronto, ON