About Kate
Photo Credit: Alysha Linnell
Our animals are more than 'just' pets;
they are cherished members of our families. As a result, we tend to worry about their happiness and well being in our absence. Whether we’re heading out for work or for play, we want to be confident that our pets are in comforting, caring and capable hands. That’s where I and Fresh Air Pet Services come in!
Are you planning a vacation or day trip? Do you work long hours and need someone to check in on your furry family? Avoid the stress of kennels or a strange, new environment–I provide private care of your loved ones in their own home. Maybe you simply seek an extra hand to ensure that your pet is getting enough exercise. I’m here to help you provide the loving attention, mental stimulation and regular exercise your pet requires to be healthy and happy.
My Personalized Care For Your Special Pet
As a proud parent of three pets with three distinct identities, I recognize that your pet is also a unique individual with his or her own personality and preferences. That’s why I offer personalized pet care that takes into account your pet’s own needs and wishes. Does your dog need lots of attention and extra TLC? Is your small pet more independent, preferring to be left on their own? I am eager to get to know your pet(s) and learn about their particular interests and inclinations. You can be assured that your animals are treated with the tailored care and attention they crave and deserve.
Leaving your pets in someone else’s hands can be stressful for both you and your pet–but it doesn’t have to be. As someone who has been caring for animals for most of my life–from cleaning chicken coops and grooming horses to rearing cats and dogs–I am sensitive to your pet’s specific needs, and I attend to them with respect, compassion and understanding. I am especially attuned to signals of discomfort and distress. Numerous clients have expressed relief that their normally spooked pet is comforted by my calm presence and grows relaxed in my company.
As social creatures, I believe our pets crave meaningful interaction and need to be mentally, physically and emotionally engaged–just as we do. Worried your kitty isn’t getting enough affection? Want to make sure your pup gets out in the fresh air to stretch his legs? In our initial consult, we can thoroughly discuss the needs your pet has and the expectations you have for their care. I am also happy to take your dog out for a ‘test run’ to get better acquainted.
Cats can also become quite lonely when their parents are away. Even as solitary animals, domesticated pets grow accustomed to having their 'pack' around them too. Checking in on cats, even just for 20 minutes helps. I strive to engage them in mentally-stimulating play during our visits.
I am certified in pet CPR and first aid
I am certified in Pet First Aid & CPR though Pet Tech's intensive PetSaver program. This means means that, if our contract allows, I am able administer first aid/CPR to your pet in the event of an emergency. I will also have the name of the vet/clinic of your preference. Your pet’s safety will always remain my top priority!
Communication and Ease
I Take Time to Stay in Touch, because Your peace of mind matters to me!
My mission is to help you enjoy your time away from your pets, free of guilt or worry. That’s why I believe it’s important to keep you, the parent, as involved in your pet’s care as possible when they are in my attentive hands. I use specialized, pet sitting software by Time to Pet, which allows us to have a private, ongoing discussion about your animal(s) via computer and mobile app. Through ourpreviously agreed-upon number of updates, you can count on me to keep in you in the loop about how your pet is faring while you’re away.
Through Time to Pet, you can also leave me alerts, feeding instructions and emergency contacts. Does your pet have an injury and need special care during my visit? Make sure you provide detailed pet health notes so I can keep an extra eye out for unusual behaviors and symptoms. You can also quickly update household information on Time to Pet, such as if you are expecting a package for which I should be on the look out or whether something is being repaired at the house that requires a different process than previously discussed.
Your peace of mind matters to me!
I am insured and bonded through Business Insurers of the Carolinas.
Your peace of mind matters to me! I am insured and bonded through Business Insurers of the Carolinas. Fresh Air Pet Services is also proud to be a member of Pet Sitters International, the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters
While I do not offer off-leash outings or visits to dog parks–for your pet’s safety and health, as well as mine–I am more than happy to romp about with your dog and provide more intense exercise through my weekend trek services.
A Spotlight on My Specialties
As a Greyhound foster and volunteer for the past five years, I specialize in Greyhound care. I am familiar with the full behavioral assessments given to greys to help determine the best fit for home placement. I also make recommendations as to whether the dog is safe to be placed among cats/small animals. Additionally, I have provided first aid for prior injuries, including daily paw soaks, keeping wraps clean and giving medication.
During our first meeting, I also take the time to address any questions and special requests you may have with regard to your pet’s feeding, medication or environment. As the sole proprietor of Fresh Air Pet Services, you can rest easy knowing that I’m the only one with access your home while I tend to your pet’s care.
Testimonials
"Some people are what you can call "pet whisperer's" Kate falls into this category. Trust is more important than anything when it comes to your pets and honestly there are not any other people outside my own family I would trust more than Kate. In fact I would trust her even more but don't tell my family that (: If you want trust, safety and reliability she is your gal. In fact my only fear with Kate is that my dogs might fall so in love with her while I'm away they'll not want me back when I get home.
100% would recommend !"
~Brian J.
"Kate has watched our pups on many occasions, outside of her new company. We were able to thoroughly enjoy our time away from home, knowing that our pets were in the best hands possible, besides ours, of course. LOL We totally trust her with our beloved pets. Please know that your pet will be truly cared for and a bond will be formed. She truly loves these furry family members of ours. If you are in need for such a service, please keep Kate in mind."
~Tony B.
"Kate has an aura that animals trust & feel safe with.
Our Baby was the protector of humans, dogs & cats at our house, she would assess new people with extreme caution but she took to Kate within minutes. Our 4 dogs and 3 cats are always happy to see Kate."
~Meg K.
"Kate has been taking care of my pups for the past few years and has provided amazing care for them as if they were her own! She has pet sat for me and has walked both my dogs. Her passion and care for the animals is truly genuine and comes through the moment you meet her. I trust very few people to take care of my babies, Kate is the best!"
~Lorena S.
"Kate has been a foster parent for several Greyhounds through Greyhound Options, Inc., and each one was well-cared for and very much loved while in her care. I recommend her highly for any pet service you may need!"
~Claire S.
"I would trust Kate 100% with my pets. She has an amazing love for animals and I would not hesitate to hire her."
~Donna B.
"Your furry family member couldn't be in better hands! Conscientious, caring attention for your special pet."
~Jack T.
"Kate is so great with animals, so compassionate and reliable, hire her!"
~Taneka M.