House Sitting Shawnigan Lake

About: Caring for animals has been a meaningful part of my life for many years, and I approach pet sitting with the same attentiveness and responsibility I would want for my own pets. I was a devoted dog owner for 14 years to my beloved beagle, caring for her through every stage of life — from daily exercise and enrichment to senior care and comfort. That experience shaped my understanding of how important patience, consistency, and emotional awareness are when looking after animals. I’m experienced with small dogs and cats and comfortable managing feeding routines, walks, playtime, administering basic care, and providing companionship so pets feel secure while their owners are away. I pay close attention to each pet’s personality and needs, whether they’re energetic and playful or more relaxed and independent. My goal is always to create a calm, safe environment where pets can stick to their routines and feel at ease. I’m reliable, detail-oriented, and communicative, and I treat every home with respect and care. I work primarily from home on my laptop, so my schedule is flexible and I’m generally present for much of the day. This allows me to maintain your pet’s usual feeding, medication, walking, playtime, and bedtime routines while providing regular companionship. I do leave the home for errands, appointments, personal activities, and occasionally other scheduled pet-care visits. Before accepting a booking, I’ll confirm how long your pet can comfortably be left alone to ensure their needs are compatible with my schedule. My days are typically calm and structured, making my care especially suitable for pets that enjoy a relaxed environment and consistent routine. While I’m happy to accommodate reasonable care requirements, pets needing continuous supervision or who cannot be left alone should be discussed before booking. I provide house sitting in your pet’s own home, where they can remain comfortable in familiar surroundings. I work from home, so I’m generally present and attentive throughout the day while still coming and going for errands and appointments. For overnight stays, I require a clean, sanitary, and reasonably tidy home with a comfortable sleeping space prepared before my arrival. This includes freshly laundered bed linens, clean towels, and access to a clean bathroom and functional kitchen. Essential utilities and appliances must be working, and doors, windows, fences, and gates must be secure. Housekeeping or preparing the home for my stay is not included in the pet-sitting service. Please disclose any household concerns, maintenance issues, indoor cameras, or areas that are off-limits before the booking. I also require an honest and complete description of each pet’s health, temperament, routines, training, and behaviour. Pets should be reasonably clean, and the home must be free from fleas, bedbugs, or other infestations. Any history of aggression, biting, resource guarding, escape behaviour, separation anxiety, or indoor accidents must be disclosed before I accept the booking. Clear care instructions, emergency contacts, adequate food and supplies, and current veterinary information must be provided. My goal is to give your pets calm, consistent care while treating your home responsibly and respectfully.

“Sarah was excellent with the dogs, sent us pictures while we were away. Kept the house clean and tidy. Would definitely recommend!”

ryan c.

About: I’ve loved and cared for dogs for most of my life and have many years of hands-on experience. I’m comfortable with energetic puppies, shy dogs, and senior pets who need a gentler pace. I pay close attention to routines, feeding instructions, medications, and each dog’s individual personality so they feel secure and relaxed. Whether it’s a walk, a drop-in visit, or overnight care, I treat every pet with the same patience and kindness I would want for my own. I am available to take care of pets all through the week and I find it enjoyable to take care of and walk dogs, if the dog is having fun I find it very rewarding. When in a client's home I treat it as my own, I try and maintain the schedule the pet is used to and make sure that they have a lot of hands on play and entertainment to keep them happy and active.

About: I’m Sandy — an animal-loving sitter with 30+ years of experience caring for dogs and cats. Pet sitting lets me combine my love of travel and animals while giving pets lots of love and their owners a completely worry-free vacation. I’ve spent decades involved in Pomeranian rescue, performed home checks for Little Paws Rescue, and most recently was a flight angel bringing two pups from Mexico to their forever homes. I’m especially good with seniors, shy animals, and pets who need a little extra patience and attention. I work part-time remotely, so your pets get plenty of company throughout the day. I’m a non-smoker with a peaceful, easygoing demeanor. I enjoy quiet hobbies like reading and yoga — which helps create a calm, relaxing environment for the pets I care for. I’m clean, respectful, and will look after your home as if it were my own. 🐾 Optional: I share my life with a gentle, well-socialized Pomeranian named Sable. She gets along well with both dogs and cats, and is fully housetrained, friendly, and easygoing. If you’re open for her to join me, she makes a sweet, low-maintenance companion — but she’s just as happy staying at home if you’d prefer a pet-free sit. References available. *Sable's reference: She was a therapy dog at the last dental office I worked at. She helped calm nervous patients, especially children. This speaks volumes about her character. I work from remotely part time. This gives me lots of flexibility to spend time with your pets and caring for you home while you are away. While you are away, I will treat your home and pets as if they were my own. My priority will be to keep your pets comfortable, happy, and on their normal routine while also making sure your home is safe and well cared for. Pet care will include: Feeding your pets according to their regular schedule and instructions. Providing fresh water every day. Giving medications or supplements as directed, if required. Making sure they receive their usual exercise, playtime, attention, and companionship. Keeping litter boxes, food areas, and other pet areas clean. Watching for any changes in their behaviour, appetite, or overall well-being and contacting you if I have any concerns. Sending you updates and photos so you know how your pets are doing while you're away. Home care will include: Keeping the home clean and tidy. Bringing in mail, packages, and newspapers. Taking garbage and recycling out as needed. Watering plants according to your instructions. Following any instructions for heating, lights, security systems, or other household routines. Making sure doors and windows are secure when I leave. Letting you know right away about any maintenance issues or unexpected problems. I will respect your home, privacy, and belongings and will do my best to leave everything in the same condition as when you left. Most importantly, I want you to be able to enjoy your time away knowing that your pets are safe, cared for, and receiving plenty of love and attention.

“Lori is a kind and considerate person who took care of my precious furry boys (dog and a cat) for a four days, in my own home. The boys were spoiled and happy and the house just was as I left it when I returned. I would absolutely have Lori back anytime I have a pet sitting need!”

J D.

“We had such a wonderful experience with Teresa J! She was incredibly accommodating and flexible, which made it possible for us to catch an earlier ferry. Throughout our pup’s stay, she sent us pictures and updates, and it was so nice seeing all the fun adventures they were having together. When we got home, everything was beyond our expectations, and most importantly, our pup was happy, relaxed, and clearly had an amazing time. We felt completely at ease knowing our pup was in such great hands. We would absolutely recommend her and hope to have her pet sit for us again in the future!”

Debra J.

About: Living on a hobby farm since a child, I always was in charge of my own chores including the horses, pigs, chickens, etc. I have had dogs my whole life, and hope to forever! I started house sitting/pet sitting around the age of 10 for parents, friends and family. I’ve been in charge of extremely sick animals, in need of extreme care at times. Along with animal births. Now at 27 I work from home, making me available all times of the day for my yorkie Biggie. I’m hoping I can be trusted relief for those in need. Working from home on my own schedule makes it extremely easy for me to work around potty breaks / feed schedules. I am available throughout the week and weekends. I have a yorkie in my own home who would be here to keep your pet company. We live above our horse barn where we typically go out at least once a day for a walk around the property or on the trail seeing as we don’t have a fenced yard to run around in, although we do live on 5+ acres. Our home is completely hard wood in case of any accidents. We have a potty space out our front door where Biggie goes for quick relief. House sitting: I am available dependant on your requests, we can discuss what is needed during your time away! Light house hold duties along with pet / farm sitting is something we can discuss. Just ask!

“Tiana was a great sitter, and I would definitely recommend her to others.  Her communication, availability, and flexibility as we made plans for her to stay at my house was SO kind, and for that alone I am so grateful!! But she did a great job taking care of my kitty, and I was happy to not have to worry about her while I was gone for multiple weeks. Tiana also went out of her way to be very respectful of my home while she was staying there. She clearly put thought and effort into making sure things were nice, clean, and set up for me when I arrived home. I can't tell you how good it felt to come home after a long trip to my space and cat being so well taken care of <3 I definitely want her to catsit again for me next time.”

Gillian L.

“Robin was great, especially with Toro (our senior dog) - he got a beach day and lots of snuggles. He was very happy and energetic when we got home. She also left us a beautiful drawing of all our animals - we're looking forward to her taking care of our kitties in August.”

Jarrett H.

“Sumiah was fantastic. She took care of our house, dog and cat and kept us worry-free during the entire duration. She was especially accommodating when we had flight delays and that's extremely appreciated. I couldn't recommend her more!”

Cory L.

“Selina was a very professional, mature, reliable sitter for our indoor cat Jelly Bean. We recieved some photos and excellent communications before, during and after her stay in our home. Our house was left very clean and our plants maintained well and we wouldn't hesitate to use her again!”

Lisaand B.

“I felt comfortable from the start!!!! My babies were taken care of really well.He left my place the way I left it.Would I recommend him YES!!!!!!!!!!”

Silvia P.

“Thank you Kathryn for your understanding today and helping fulfill the needs for Daisy. She clearly trusted you right away and your consistent communication allowed me to enjoy my day away :)”

Gurdeep D.

“Can't say enough amazing things about Michaella! Wish I could give her infinity star rating! She was so communicative from the start and was incredibly reliable and sweet. Our fur babies loved her so much, and she went above and beyond making sure our home was tidy when we came back from our weekend away. Would absolutely have her back!”

Sarah H.

“Jenn and Adam came to dog sit at our home for our 9 month old Pyrenees/Golden puppy, Daisy. This was our first test leaving her with someone other than family. They were very responsible and diligent in both caring for our dog and our home. They took Daisy on hikes, provided regular updates with pictures and made us feel so comfortable with leaving her for the weekend while we were out of town. Jenn and Adam looked after Daisy so well, we cannot thank them enough. We would highly recommend them!! Alison and Jeff”

Alison T.

“Coralie, provided excellent care and love for my dog waffles. Coralie did a couple of long hikes which he loves and they appeared to bond , to the point where he actually slept in her room, which is highly unusual for a Waffle. Coralie was very good at communicating and sending me updates. I would recommend her in a heartbeat. I am presently on a cruise so my daughter picked waffle up yesterday and was very impressed with Coralie as well and the house was immaculate. I cannot recommend Coralie enough!”

Muriel B.

About: I’m lucky to have two amazing dogs in my life, Luna ( a lady of a certain age! ) she belongs to my son and when she comes to me for her “holidays” we enjoy long, leisurely walks and/or a lovely swim in the ocean! And lots of cosy, curled up on the couch time. Then there’s Molly- who is a sweet golden retriever puppy belonging to my daughter. I spent a wonderful summer with Molly in tow, at just 10 weeks old, everything was new to her and delighted her. Although our walks were short, we went often and Molly made many friends in the neighbourhood! My daughter lives in the Okanagan Valley therefore, sadly I don’t get to spend nearly enough time with “our” Molly. Having said that, I do have lots of time to spend with your precious canine! I love walking and believe I would be a great companion for your dog when you can’t be there. I will strive to walk in different areas to provide visual interest to your dog and take the utmost care of him/ her at all times. I prefer on leash walks but am more than happy to play off leash games in your back yard. If your dog requires medication, I’m quite confident with that - recently Luna needed a course of injections and I was able to do that with no problems and obviously, I can feed your dog if required. At the moment I provide 2 kitties with regular overnight care and drop in visits. One of whom is diabetic & requires daily medication. I have lots of flexibility at the moment. I can offer week day and weekend service and am happy to tailor the length/ type of walk to suit your dog. I prefer to offer one on one care to deepen my bond with your dog. I am excellent housekeeper & live “lightly” in my clients homes.

“Leah was wonderful...kind to my shy rescue and resilient wuth the 2 different personalities. She sent pictures. The only reason I didnt give 5 out of 5 was rhat my shy rescue proved a little too stubborn about not going for walks and I wished Leah had asked more questions about that...but as this was our first housesit and spending time with these 2 big dogs. LEAH was awesome.”

Janie R.

“Jamie did a wonderful job with our rescue, Mizgin under challenging circumstances. We are very thankful for all the updates and communication Jamie provided. Her care for Mizgin was top notch!”

Karen E.

“Kirsten is clearly a very kind and compassionate human that cares a lot about animals. She was great with winning over our territorial and anxious chihuahua, Patches - he was cuddling with her within just a few hours of meeting her!”

Virginia V.