Cedar Park / Austin

Any pet(s) you currently own or have owned in the past (all types!).

I currently share my home with Little Richard (parakeet), Tuni (hedgehog), and Rose (ancient Red Heeler).  It is a diverse mix of pets, but everyone seems to do their part in keeping life exciting and making sure I get up at a reasonable time every day.

Your most memorable time with a pet you’ve owned or taken care of.

One of my most memorable experiences involved a pet rooster named Longshanks.  He was the first chicken I hatched in an incubator, so I imprinted on him from a hatchling.  It was hard to explain that this meant he didn’t quite understand the transition to the chicken coop when we got him some hens, and there were few nights I had to open the back door and let him roost over the shower for about a week every evening…  But he was a very calm and respectful gentleman.

Why you became a pet sitter/dog walker!

My background in fostering and working with local rescues prompted me to want to further my opportunities in helping my community.  With such a strong skillset taking care of animals, and a passion for making every animal feel comfortable and loved, pet sitting just seemed like the right place for me!

Why do you love working with animals & how long have you worked with them?

I have a LONG history of working with animals, since a very young age.  Animals provide a unique opportunity for me to constantly expand my knowledge.  No matter how many I’ve encountered, no two act alike, and I thoroughly enjoy getting to know them!

All different types of pets you’ve worked with.

Goats, llamas, chickens, dogs, cats, small exotic animals, birds, and reptiles.

 Austin / Cedar Park / Round Rock

Any pet(s) you currently own or have owned in the past (all types!).

I currently have 5 pets! I have an American Bully/Pit Bull mix named Thor he is almost 5 years old, I have a 3 year old purebred Siberian Husky named Loki, I have a Green Cheek Conure who is almost 11 months old, named Señor Puff Daddy, I have a Sulcata Tortoise named tiny he is about 4 months old and will live until he’s over 100 years old.  Last but not least I have an Axolotol named Axl, he’s about 6 months old and will live for 15 years.

Your most memorable time with a pet you’ve owned or taken care of.

The most memorable time I have had with my pets or any pet that I have taken care of is when I was about 4 years old I was at my grandma’s house and I dreamed of getting a dog and the next day my grandmother and I went to my dads house and sure enough he had gotten me my first ever dog Elvis he was an American bully. He was my best friend and my protector; so when I was 18 I got a tattoo in memory of him.

Why you became a pet sitter/dog walker!

I decided to become a dog walker/pet sitter because I just cannot get enough of animals! I have loved and lived and been with animals my whole life and I just constantly feel like I need to be a part of helping in taking care of them since they have been such a positive part of my whole life.

Why do you love working with animals & how long have you worked with them?

I love working with animals like I stated in my previous response because they have always been my calling in life. I have been around all types of animals my whole life but I have worked at an actual job with animals since July of 2019 at action pack dog center.  When I was 8 years old I started horseback riding lessons so I learned everything there is to know about taking care of horses, when I was 9 my grandmother bought me a horse and a goat and it was my responsibility to take care of them. I have always worked with dogs my family is very dog friendly. My mom always had cats and I’ve been around them and cared for them since I can remember.

All different types of pets you’ve worked with.

I have worked professionally with dogs since 2019. At my current job I work with any and every type,age and special needs dogs except wolf hybrids. I have experience with birds, Sulcata Tortoises,and Axolotls.

What you think your pet(s) would say about you!!

I think Thor my American bully would say I love you, can I eat again please? (Even though he’s already eaten), can I eat the birds food?, can I get on the couch? Etc. My other dog would talk like the dog from up he has plenty to say but not much meaning behind it for example he would say: Squirrel!, Bunny!,Dog!. Then he’d look at me and say oh! Hi mommy sorry I pulled you looking for a bunny when I was in fact a leaf!. My bird already has a lot to say he copies my laugh and says I love you, yes, good bird, shut up, bath time? Etc. My tortoise would just ask for more food and my axolotl would probably complain like a grumpy old man about noises and the lights being on.

Any pet(s) you currently own or have owned in the past (all types!).

She describes herself as “half-cat” and has had the pleasure of keeping (you can never own a cat) 4 cats, and 2 dogs over the course of her adult life.

Your most memorable time with a pet you’ve owned or taken care of.

The most challenging moment of her pet sitting career was arriving at a home with a missing cat. The cat had escaped through the garage the morning the family departed. After 2 days, a sleepless night, and endless searching, she finally found the missing kitty under a nearby neighbor’s car! It was a happy ending and testimony to Krista’s dedication to the care of animals.

Why you became a pet sitter/dog walker!

Krista Lea is a yogi and pet lover extraordinaire! She has been supplementing her yoga teacher career with pet sitting since 2014.  As pet sitting opportunities started building, she cultivated relationships with many dogs, from high-drive German Shepherds and Hungarian Vizslas to more relaxed Maltipoos and Mutts!

Why do you love working with animals & how long have you worked with them?

Krista began pet sitting for friends to stay connected with animals while living in an apartment and working full-time. Over time that passion turned into a profession.

All different types of pets you’ve worked with.

Along with an assortment of dogs & cats, she has also sat for chickens, rabbits, hamsters, fish, and the occasional gecko or hermit crab.

What you think your pet(s) would say about you!!

Her pets & pet clients would say that she is a kind soul and gives the best chin scratches and belly rubs!

I don’t have any pets at this time, they all crossed the Rainbow Bridge.  I had a mischievous Yorkie, named Greta and Niles which was rescued after he was hit by a car.  Gracie was my gray & white rescue dog,

What is the funniest or most memorable experience you’ve have with an animal?

The most memorable time would be the Yorkie (Greta) I owned, who was mischievous. I have a sister, who was visiting me. Greta kept getting in her suitcase and stealing her pantyhose. The dog would taunt my sister, with a wad of stockings in her mouth.

Why you became a pet sitter/dog walker!

I became a pet sitter, because I love animals and I connect with them easily.

Why do you love working with animals?

I love working with animals, especially since I don’t have any pets right now.

All different types of pets you’ve worked with.

I have taken care of dogs, cats, birds, rats and fish.

What you think your pet(s) would say about you!!

I think my pets would say that I am loving and gentle.

I grew up with a kitty named Sassy, who’s mama was a stray cat my neighbor took in when she gave birth under the porch. My sister and I bottle fed Sassy until she was old enough for us to adopt her! Over the years we also had gold fish, beta fish, a hamster, and a newt! I don’t currently own any pets, which frees up my availability to hang out with yours!

What is the funniest or most memorable experience you’ve have with an animal?

My most memorable time with a dog I’ve taken care of is a pair of pups (Rocket & Racecar!) I watched for almost 8 years in Chicago. They were the sweetest, most well behaved, well trained, hilarious, loving dogs! I miss them all the time. Luckily I took a bunch of photos and videos of them over the years before I moved to Austin to remember our time together.

Why you became a pet sitter/dog walker!

I became a dog walker because I love animals, I love being outside, and it’s a really fun way to earn a paycheck. Since I don’t have a dog of my own, it’s extra special for me to meet and spend time with yours. I started as a full time dog walker in downtown Chicago, walking pups from 10am-6pm five days a week. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t partially take the job for the amazing exercise benefits!

Why do you love working with animals?

I love working with animals because they are pure, innocent, honest creatures that have no ulterior motives- they just want to be shown care and affection and return it! It makes my heart happy to treat your animal with kindness because they deserve it for all they do for us!

All different types of pets you’ve worked with.

I’ve worked with dogs, cats, chinchillas, ferrets, hamsters, fish, and birds!

I currently own 3 small dogs. They are my best friends and I love love love them… a mini poodle named Evie, a mini Schnauzer named Gracie and a terrier mix named Geo. I have owned many dogs, cats, birds, fish and one horse.

What is the funniest or most memorable experience you’ve have with an animal?

I’ve had so many memorable experiences with my (and other people’s) pets. My own dogs really gave me so much love when going thru a particularly hard time. There was a time they were the only happy thing in my life and I will be forever grateful to them for that.

One experience that comes to mind at work is.. I cared for an older dog who was blind and could not move around well. I loved spending hours with him just petting him. I took him on walks where I just held him and walked outside. I helped him eat by holding the food on a spoon up to his mouth. I enjoyed every minute of spending time with that baby. Also, there is another dog I have had the privilege of continuing to see during the Corona pandemic. Not being able to get out much, seeing his sweet face makes me so happy. He is very special to me.

Why you became a pet sitter/dog walker!

​I wanted to work with pets because I absolutely adore them. I know how important they are to their owners

Why do you love working with animals?

I LOVE, actually getting paid to do something I love to do anyway. It is so fun to see all the different personalities in the animals. Also, it’s very fulfilling to me to know I’m giving good care to these babies when their moms and dads can’t be there. I know how I would hope someone would treat my babies. This job is so easy because I always fall in love with each one of them.

All different types of pets you’ve worked with.

I’ve worked with dogs (and puppies), cats (and kittens), birds, fish and rabbits. I adore all of them.

What you think your pet(s) would say about you!!

​What I think my own pets would say about me… “She gives us a lot of kisses!” and that I’m always smiling when I see them. They might say I sometimes give too much affection…but, seriously, is “too much” even possible?

Why do you love working with animals?

What is your ultimate goal in life?

I have two  sweet dogs, a male boxer and a female pit bull. Both are full of energy and love walks around the neighborhood.

What is the funniest or most memorable experience you’ve have with an animal?

The most inspiring moment I have had was when we brought home my boxer, Mack, as a puppy. He was so tiny, dependent, and full of curiosity. He has shown me how companionship and stability create the foundation of a joyful life.

Why do you love working with animals?

I love the genuine connection you have with animals. If they are treated with love and compassion, you will receive love and compassion. There are no strings attached.

What is your ultimate goal in life?

To find peace, fulfillment, and joy.

I have three cats; Mary, Martha and Lazarus. They are rescue kitties. They were born under a bush outside the business complex where I worked. There were four little kittens, but one was adopted by another person. I knew I could not adopt just one or two because that would leave one alone, so I decided to take all three. I have two females and one male, Mary, Martha and Lazarus. We have been a family for seven years this month.

What is the funniest or most memorable experience you’ve have with an animal?

When I was young my family had a duck named Flapper. We lived in a small town and everyone knew their neighbor’s pet. Flapper loved to take a several walks during the day and visit the different neighbors. She was not shy and often crossed the local streets. Our dog, Butch, kept a close watch on her and if she wandered to far or decided she should take a rest in the middle of the street, Butch would gentle take her by the wing and bring her home. Flapper would quack and fuss but Buch ignored her protest. Once they were safely in the yard, Butch would go back to his faithful watching to make sure Flapper did not get injured. Flapper lived to be fifteen years old.

Why do you love working with animals?

What I love the most about animals is that they are genuine. If they want to be touched, petted, cuddled, etc. they will let you know this and they will not accept no for an answer. They in turn know when we need comfort and are forth coming in with their attention.

What is your ultimate goal in life?

I am living the goal of my life. My two sons are grown with beautiful families of their own and successful in their chosen pathways. I can spend my time serving those most in need. This work I support by caring for one of my great loves, animals.

I have been a dog owner and dog lover my entire life! I grew up with 3 schnauzers, and since then I have had a black lab, a pug, and a couple of loveable rescue mutts. I currently have two rescue Pit mixes, and they are the loves of my life!  Their names are Luna and Ringo.  Luna is my beautiful, spoiled little princess and Ringo has more personality and energy than any pup I’ve ever known!

What is the funniest or most memorable experience you’ve have with an animal?

My husband and I moved from New York City to Austin a few years ago.  We drove 1800 miles with our two 70 lb pit mixes and a U-haul trailer attached to our tiny car.  Being raised in NYC, our pups were not used to riding in cars, and they refused to lie quietly in the backseat. They insisted on riding in my lap the entire trip while my husband drove.  That’s 140 lbs of panting, drooling Pitbulls in my lap for 2 days straight. In a tiny car. In the middle of summer.

Why do you love working with animals?

I find it extremely important to keep mind, body, and spirit in balance. However, society is constantly reminding us just how unbalanced and disconnected life can be. Working with animals helps to keep me grounded and re-establishes the healthy balance that we struggle maintain in our busy lives.  Their accepting and unconditional nature is truly a wonderful gift that I cherish daily.

What is your ultimate goal in life?

My dream is to someday own a home on a few acres of land, that my husband and I can turn into a doggy sanctuary.  There are too many wonderful dogs in shelters that deserve a chance at a great life.  I hope to be able to provide a happy forever home to as many dogs as I can manage!