I came across a poor review of a pet sitter with a similar name and thought "No way.. Karen was great!" Digging up her business info confirmed it wasn't she, and revealed she didn't have a presence on Yelp!
So, just to share, I've used Austin's Pet Sitter (Karen's) services twice, and each time felt I'd left my home and pets in experienced and responsible hands. If you're considering an alternative to boarding your pets, I highly recommend Karen. She does free orientation, so you get the additional feeling of security from having personally shown her your alarm, your pet carriers in case of emergency, where the keys for the gates are, etc. and from having introduced her to your pet(s) before you left. Her rates are entirely reasonable, so she's in demand and will be the first to tell you to book early for holidays.
Last, I am pretty sure she will hold your key securely after you get back if you feel you may later need her on short notice (not something to do at peak times I presume). So if your lifestyle leaves you susceptible to sudden, unexpected departures (poker cheat? CIA assassin?), you need a pet sitter who knows your home and your pets and is ready to step in with little notice.
Service areas include Central, North, Northeast and Northwest Austin. read more