Tom K.
Evanston, IL
30 years of experience w dogs/cats
Pet care experience
I have over 30 years of experience with dogs and cats, both my own pets and those of others. I've been sitting for several dogs of one friend when he travels for over 25 years -- in fact, since he moved to Seattle ten years ago, he still prefers to fly me (and sometimes my family) out to take care of his house and two Samoyeds and two cats. They've been here to visit us and our dog Mira, too. I'm an almost lifelong Evanston resident, and currently live here with my wife and 19-year-old daughter. We have a six-year-old Plott hound named Mira, a beagle/chihuahua mix named Minnie, and an alarmingly independent-minded cat named Maude (the “M” thing was an accident). I worked at a pet store through high school and after, so I'm familiar with other animals as well. I'm also a self-employed graphic designer/web developer, so I can be flexible with my hours and can generally work from anywhere with wifi. I have some experience with feline subcutaneous injections, but haven't performed injections on dogs. I've also administered hundreds of pills to dogs and cats, both the easy way (wrapped in something tasty) and the harder way (not wrapped in something tasty).
Reviews
Had a lovely time having Tom walk our Greyhound. Tom was responsive to our specific dog's needs, communicative, and very respectful; Allie our dog listened to him and seemed at ease too. I was also impressed with how prepared Tom was with treats, bags, and gear to make sure Allie was covered. I was very comfortable having Tom walk our dog and look forward to working with him further.
Tom is a phenomenal dog whisperer. He is a pleasure to communicate with and our dogs adore him. Thankfully he can manage the nightmare that is our dogs when he first arrives. Aggressive barking. Hiding. Etc. Tom has an excellent attitude, a fabulous sense of humor and he’s just an outstanding representative of Rover.
Tom is amazing. He exceeded all expectations and made our Rover experience perfect, seamless, amazing. Tom is responsible, communicative, loving toward dogs (and cats) and just a great guy. We can hardly wait to go out of town again just so that our pets get Tom time. We thought about extending our trip because Tom was doing such a good job living at our house with our pets.
Tom is a very caring and considerate sitter!
About Tom K.
Communication
Skills
Information Tom K. would like to know about your pet
I'm fine with pretty much any size or shape of dog -- I'm not unwilling to walk or sit a dog up to my own weight (about 200 lbs.) as long as he or she isn't too aggressive or playful. In short, I just don't want to lose a dog I'm supposed to be responsible for to a squirrel or a bunny. Does your dog like (or hate) the car? I'm glad to pop him or her into the car and take them somewhere new, but only if it won't be traumatic or strange for them. My dog isn't a big car dog, though she'll tolerate it -- if yours loves to flap his or her tongue out a car window, I'm very comfortable taking them for a spin. I would also like to know the little things. If your pet likes a particular treat or a particular order of games, or does certain things when he or she is happy, sad, anxious, or whatever else, I'll want to know that so I can respond to it in the best way I can. At risk of being a little indelicate, I also would want to know his or her bathroom habits as well as the general state of his or her stomach. For example, if your pet is prone to vomiting, urinating, defecating, overeating, or undereating when he or she gets very excited or anxious, I will want to a) try to avoid the problem, and b) know whether such behavior is par for the course or something that is unusual enough that I should get you or a vet involved immediately. Finally, I would like to know how assertive/aggressive your dog or cat is if I need to administer medication. My dog is very soft-mouthed, as have (mostly) been the other dogs I've cared for who required pills or serums. I'm not unwilling to get in there and get assertive, but of course I want to do as little as is necessary to administer medications -- both for my fingers and for your pet's experience with me. I want to be someone they're excited to see when I arrive, not the Mean Pill Guy (unless that's my primary job). In general, I haven't yet been told too much information about a cat or dog. I'm very glad to roll with things and establish my own relationship with your animals, but if there's anything they like that will get me in as a VIP with them, I'd love to know that. They'll be happier, you'll be happier, and I'll be happier.
A typical day
I'm great with walks and a bit of wrestling if the dog enjoys it, and am glad to bring my laptop and simply be present if your dog(s) and/or cat(s) would enjoy some longer stretches of company.
Services
Tom can watch in your home
About Tom K.
Communication
Skills
Information Tom K. would like to know about your pet
I'm fine with pretty much any size or shape of dog -- I'm not unwilling to walk or sit a dog up to my own weight (about 200 lbs.) as long as he or she isn't too aggressive or playful. In short, I just don't want to lose a dog I'm supposed to be responsible for to a squirrel or a bunny. Does your dog like (or hate) the car? I'm glad to pop him or her into the car and take them somewhere new, but only if it won't be traumatic or strange for them. My dog isn't a big car dog, though she'll tolerate it -- if yours loves to flap his or her tongue out a car window, I'm very comfortable taking them for a spin. I would also like to know the little things. If your pet likes a particular treat or a particular order of games, or does certain things when he or she is happy, sad, anxious, or whatever else, I'll want to know that so I can respond to it in the best way I can. At risk of being a little indelicate, I also would want to know his or her bathroom habits as well as the general state of his or her stomach. For example, if your pet is prone to vomiting, urinating, defecating, overeating, or undereating when he or she gets very excited or anxious, I will want to a) try to avoid the problem, and b) know whether such behavior is par for the course or something that is unusual enough that I should get you or a vet involved immediately. Finally, I would like to know how assertive/aggressive your dog or cat is if I need to administer medication. My dog is very soft-mouthed, as have (mostly) been the other dogs I've cared for who required pills or serums. I'm not unwilling to get in there and get assertive, but of course I want to do as little as is necessary to administer medications -- both for my fingers and for your pet's experience with me. I want to be someone they're excited to see when I arrive, not the Mean Pill Guy (unless that's my primary job). In general, I haven't yet been told too much information about a cat or dog. I'm very glad to roll with things and establish my own relationship with your animals, but if there's anything they like that will get me in as a VIP with them, I'd love to know that. They'll be happier, you'll be happier, and I'll be happier.
A typical day
I'm great with walks and a bit of wrestling if the dog enjoys it, and am glad to bring my laptop and simply be present if your dog(s) and/or cat(s) would enjoy some longer stretches of company.
Location
Evanston, IL
Pets
Tom K.
Evanston, IL