Alex S.
Nanaimo, BC
your dog will be treated with love
Pet care experience
I'm a full time graphic designer and I work at a local marketing agency. But when I'm not working on creative visuals, I'm a dedicated dog lover with a passion for looking after furry friends. At home, I share my space with a 15-year-old chihuahua named Julie, who's a pro at napping and snuggling on the couch. And then there's my 2-year-old mini pinscher Alfie, a ball of energy who's all about playtime and zoomies! Nestled in my sunny apartment with a balcony, I've got the perfect spot for sun-loving pups to sun tan. Even though I'm in a building, don't worry – I'm surrounded by lots green spaces like Bowen Park and your typical neighbour parks. If water's your pup's thing, Colliery Dam Park and the waterfront are also right around the corner. With a lifetime of doggy experience under my belt, from growing up with dogs and cats to years of dog walking and sitting, I've honed my skills to be a top-notch pet caregiver. I joined Rover back in 2018, which means I've given belly rubs and leashed up pups of all personalities and breeds. Since I relocated from Vancouver, I'm used to your typical city dog who is content by just unwinding at home, but I'm also equally familiar with rugged adventurers who don't mind a bit of dirt. We're definitely a walking crew here, so whether your pup wants a power walk or a leisurely stroll, I've got it covered. My senior pup, Julie, has taught me the ropes of puppy care and administering medications, both orally and topically. If your fur baby needs some special attention, please let me know at least 48 hours before drop-off if it had't already been communicated before. I get it – dogs love surprise vet visit, so I am willing to adjust as long as I have enough notice before hand. Keep in mind, though, that non-oral meds or extra last minute TLC come with an extra charge. Your peace of mind matters while you're away from your fur baby, so please let me know all the details and peculiarities about your pet. No tidbit is too small – it'll help me better care for your furry one while I also manage my own dogs. **A couple of things to note: If your dog's still working on their bathroom manners, or if they've got a talent for marking territory, we are not the best match. Also, if barking is their preferred language, my apartment's full of friendly neighbours who appreciate the quiet. A bit of conversation is fine, as my 2-year-old's got that skill down, as long as they understand when quiet time begins. And, just a heads up, any unexpected redecorating my place receives – say, if the couch becomes a chew toy or the walls suddenly get a new paint job – might mean an added charge, unless we've explicitly addressed it during our initial meeting or subsequent communications and we've come up with solutions or a work around it. Looking forward to meeting you and your furry friend!
Reviews
Alex was great taking care of Thor! We were really nervous about leaving our kitten behind while we went for a day trip for the first time but Alex made it so easy and kept us in the loop for the day sending us the cutest photos of Thor making friends with her pup! We also appreciated Alex accommodating the late night pick up after our trip! Overall, we are really pleased and definitely recommend Alex!
Alex was great and gave me many helpful updates!
I was so very nervous of leaving my “baby” with anyone. She is a very friendly well behaved girl however we are seldom separated. Alex was great with her. It was an added bonus that Alex had pups of her own for Noodle to play with. Noodle also got to meet a couple of cats! Cats are her favourite. Next time I need a sitter I will not hesitate to use Alex. Thanks for such amazing service and care.
I don’t like leaving my furbaby with anyone, she is my emotional support animal and we rarely are apart so when I leave her she is very anxious. However, Alex makes Bailey (my dog) feel safe and well loved! She is great about sending feedback and pictures to update and isn’t afraid to take her on long walks.
About Alex S.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Rest assured, my balcony is fully secured to prevent even the tiniest pets from slipping through. However, access to the balcony will only occur with your prior communication and approval, and any such interaction will be closely supervised. If your dog is crate trained, please bring their crate during drop-off, and I'll make sure they have a comfortable space. While I'm sure you trust your dog's off-leash abilities, I prefer a cautious approach. I don't feel comfortable allowing off-leash activities, even in dog parks, as behaviour can differ with different caregivers. For the well-being of all involved, if your dog displays reactivity towards others, we are not the best fit. This decision stems from my responsibility towards ensuring the harmony and safety of my own beloved doggos.
Home
Information Alex S. would like to know about your pet
I'm really looking forward to getting to know your pup on a personal level so that I can offer them the best care imaginable. What's their favourite toy or that special blanket they adore? Do they have any allergies or any medical matters I should be aware of? Are there things that make them a bit nervous – like thunder or loud motorcycles? Do they get separation anxiety, maybe breaking into a howl session? Don't hesitate to share even the tiniest details. It's these things that help me create the most comfortable and enjoyable experience for your furry friend!
A typical day
I'm surrounded by lots green spaces like Bowen Park and your typical neighbour parks. If water's your pup's thing, Colliery Dam Park and the waterfront are also right around the corner. There are some soccer fields where I could also take them to run and burn off some energy, as well as to fetch the ball or just suntan if they prefer.
Services
Alex can host
Alex can watch in your home
Availability
With my day job keeping me occupied in the office, my best bet for availability falls between Friday and Monday. It will all depend on your pup's character and care requirements. If your pet requires that extra bit of attention or has energy to spare, weekends or Fridays after 4pm – once I'm back home – would be a better match. In the case of longer bookings spanning multiple weeks or exceeding 4 days, my workplace is conveniently located a short distance from my place. This means I can swing by during lunch hours for those much-needed potty breaks.
About Alex S.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Rest assured, my balcony is fully secured to prevent even the tiniest pets from slipping through. However, access to the balcony will only occur with your prior communication and approval, and any such interaction will be closely supervised. If your dog is crate trained, please bring their crate during drop-off, and I'll make sure they have a comfortable space. While I'm sure you trust your dog's off-leash abilities, I prefer a cautious approach. I don't feel comfortable allowing off-leash activities, even in dog parks, as behaviour can differ with different caregivers. For the well-being of all involved, if your dog displays reactivity towards others, we are not the best fit. This decision stems from my responsibility towards ensuring the harmony and safety of my own beloved doggos.
Home
Information Alex S. would like to know about your pet
I'm really looking forward to getting to know your pup on a personal level so that I can offer them the best care imaginable. What's their favourite toy or that special blanket they adore? Do they have any allergies or any medical matters I should be aware of? Are there things that make them a bit nervous – like thunder or loud motorcycles? Do they get separation anxiety, maybe breaking into a howl session? Don't hesitate to share even the tiniest details. It's these things that help me create the most comfortable and enjoyable experience for your furry friend!
A typical day
I'm surrounded by lots green spaces like Bowen Park and your typical neighbour parks. If water's your pup's thing, Colliery Dam Park and the waterfront are also right around the corner. There are some soccer fields where I could also take them to run and burn off some energy, as well as to fetch the ball or just suntan if they prefer.
Location
Nanaimo, BC
Pets
Alex S.
Nanaimo, BC