Reviews
When we first moved to the area, we needed a pet sitter but didn't know where to go for references. We found Jen Kolk's flyer in our neighborhood and called her immediately. Jen provided references which we called and all said the same thing - Jen is a caring pet sitter that can be trusted.
After having Jen pet sit for us a number of times, we trust Jen, and not just with our pets, but our home. We don't allow just anyone in our home - I don't even like the landlord to come over when we're not here. But we have no worries about Jen taking care of our pets while we're out of town. Having Jen here to keep our pets company for a little while really keeps them calm. Best of all, Jen is very flexible - we had to leave town with short notice and she was able to accommodate our needs
We have an older cat. Jen has no problems administering pills and we know that she is very capable to handle medical issues. It was a very big perk knowing that Jen is a vet tech. While we're gone, we trust that if anything comes up with our old cat, she would recognize and be able to handle the situation.
Most of all, Jen is a genuinely nice person and we enjoy working with someone who we like! It is obvious that she cares about animals and that she enjoys taking care of animals. We especially like the personal touch of getting pictures texted to us of our family pet while we're out of town. We know they're in good hands!
Jen Kolk is a fantastic pet sitter and we can't recommend her enough!
-Gina F.
Jen started walking our two dogs shortly after we got Stella (as a puppy). We had had a few people take care of them before we found Jen, and no one came close to the attention to detail Jen provides. Jen has been terrific about adjusting (often at the last minute) to our fluctuating schedules, and always leaves updates after each walk so we know how the girls have been doing. We are especially grateful for Jen's veterinary experience as once we had a dog+chocolate issue, and Jen helped talk me through what I needed to do. In addition, during one of her visits, Jen took the time to inspect a small wound on one of our dogs, which we weren't sure how to deal with. Jen was able to clip her hair very short around the spot, so we could easily treat and monitor the healing. That was something I would never have been able to do myself. Jen also notices and lets us know if either dog is acting a little "off", so we can make sure everything is ok when we get home. The bottom line though, is that Jen loves our girls, and they love her.
-Katie M.
I got Jen's number from her flyer and I was really nervous, not having any idea who she was, and I needed to ask her to help in an emergency; in a pinch I needed someone to walk my post-surgery dog for just two weeks. When Jen showed up at my door, I knew I made the right decision to call her. She is so friendly and you can immediately see her love for animals. She gave great references and I would definitely recommend her if you're looking for a caring dog walker.
-Chris D.
Jennifer is a wonderful sitter and friend to our two cats. She is very kind and I trust her completely after leaving her in charge of them and our home several times. She always goes above and beyond with messages and photos, plus picks up the mail and anything else needed when we are gone. She spends time with the cats because she cares. I know they are safe and happy when she is taking care of them which makes me safe and happy. I highly recommend her for any pet-related work.
-Annie S.
I have rarely used petsitters or dog-walkers in the past, because I'm so paranoid and nervous about having anyone else take care of my pets. But I no longer worry every time I have to leave, thanks to Jen. She has been organized, professional, and dependable, and I appreciate that she has been willing to accomodate my irregular and ever-changing schedule. I know that Jen loves my little guys as much as I do!
-Lisa H.
Jen Kolk is a profoundly awesome pet care-taker! Like many folks, I've always considered my pets to be members of my family, and Jen clearly understands that relationship. She is totally reliable, extremely easy to communicate with, very fair with her fees, and generous with her time and effort. Jen is a natural at connecting with animals, and additionally her background as a vet tech means I feel 100% safe leaving my cat Mr. Sliver behind when I travel, knowing that he's in the best of hands. She will send updates (texts/photos) and is always quick to respond if you need to hear that your pet is doing well. Along with pet care, she'll help out with things for keeping your house looking "lived in" when you're away, without extra charge. Mr. Sliver is calm and content each time I've come back from a trip, and I sometimes wonder if I should pay Jen to come by when I'm home because I think he might miss her! Jen really is the best pet sitter I've come across, and I can't recommend her enough!
-Kaia W.
I travel frequently for work, and sometimes unexpectedly. I know I can count on Jen to check in on my boys and give them the love and attention they need when I am not around.
-Kelly M.
Jen has been a huge comfort to me when I have to go out of town and leave my three cats. One of my cats has needed a lot of special medical care, which she handled perfectly. She picked him up from the vet, got him started on medications and fluids, and gave him those medications regularly. She even made sure I knew what to do with the medications when I got back in town and gave me a detailed record of what she'd already done. It's been such a relief knowing that she would know (and has known!) what to do in an emergency. I would never leave my kitties with someone I wasn't sure was prepared to handle unexpected events, so I'm extremely glad I found Jen. She's also great under normal circumstances: I get photo updates of happy kitties, she communicates well, and she's very reliable. I recommend her to anyone!
-Rachelle Y.
For the past 7 years, Jen has been caring for our two dogs and two cats whenever we need pet sitting while on vacation or mid-day dog walking if the workday is going to be too long. We are two veterinarians and have high standards of care for our critters...and Jen meets or surpasses every one of our standards. She is trustworthy and has never missed a visit. She is very observant of changes in our pets and has excellent judgement. On one occasion, she noted that one of our dogs became slightly wobbly when walking, contacted us immediately, and drove 15 miles to bring our dog into the veterinary clinic. As a veterinary technician, she has great skills for administering medications and treatments. She has given one of our cats insulin injections. Best of all, she doles out the love to our pets, sending text messages and photos to us when we are away and missing everyone. She takes the dogs on long walks and spends time with the cats. Everyone in the house loves Jen!
-Gia K.
I have known Jen for 8 years. My wife and I are veterinarians and we have to travel frequently for work. We have four animals who mean the world to us, and we have trusted Jen for the last 7 years to take care of our home and animals while we are away. During this time, Jen has always been extremely easy to communciate with, a pleasure to work with, and honest in all regards. She is dependable and meticulous in the care of our pets and home. We trust her judgement in caring for our pets' rather complicated medical needs, and she has always performed these duties above and beyond our expectations.
-Will R.
Jen took care of my cat Amber several times over the years, and she's taken care of my new cats as well. She has always been scrupulous about feeding, administering medications, and letting me know how they're doing. In fact, she noticed a health issue with Amber before I ever did, and (fortunately) encouraged me to take him into the vet. I appreciate her professionalism and her veterinary background, but most of all, I know how deeply she cares about animals. I strongly recommend her for your pets!
-Jeff O.