Ben B.
Ben B.
Highlights
Pet care experience
Experienced pet sitter/walker
I am highly experienced and competent in animal care, mainly dogs and cats. I have degree level education of animal behaviour and I have demonstrable success in providing a high level care of animals in my charge. I currently have a golden retriever who is 1 year old. I recently lost my beloved cat, Zebedee. I’m not ready for a new kitty just yet. Before I discovered Rover.com I have been informally caring for friends, family and acquaintances pets for free and for a fee by word of mouth. I have worked as an animal keeper in a zoo for a year during a BSc in Wildlife Conservation as a mature student, modules included Animal Behaviour and Anatomy & Physiology. I went to Guatemala post graduation to volunteer with ARCAS in their rescue, rehabilitate and release of wild animals, rescued predominantly from the illegal trade of wild animals. I limit what I can do so as not to risk the neglect of any animal in my care, eg if I have a dog boarding or daycare with me, I will only do a maximum of 2 home visits or 2 dog walks for other clients per day. Since working through Rover anything more is too overwhelming and not enjoyable for me. Also if I have a boarder I tend not to have a daycare and vice versa. I also only prefer to host 1 family at a time, which is normally 1 dog and I will, of course, accept multiple dogs from 1 family.
Cat care experience
Ben also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Qualifications
Ratings and reviews
Another great stay - thanks Ben!
Thank you Ben and Noah for providing fantastic dog care for our dog Rusty at short notice! Really accommodating and very close to Center Parcs
This was our first time using a dog sitter and would highly recommend Ben. We met up to ensure our dog hot on with his lovely retriever Noah and took them on a walk and they got like old friends. Ben sent us regular photos to let us know our dog was fine and how much he was enjoying himself. Thanks Ben
Checked in on our cats for a couple days, good communication and cats seemed very happy when we got back!
Another lovely stay with Ben & Noah 🐾 Thanks again ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Our dog loved his first over night stay with Ben & Noah. Ben sent us lots of photos and videos through out the day, putting our minds at rest seeing how happy he was. Bertie was playing lovely with Noah and had made himself right at home there. They went a lovely long walk together too. Bertie came home very tired as he’d had lots of fun. Would highly recommend Ben as a dog sitter.
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
The day starts with outside time, followed by breakfast at 08:00 and then some playtime. If walking is required then walking would be next, although, I’m flexible depending on the guest, my dog, Noah, likes a snoozy morning and I do chores, read, write and keep my eyes on the animals in my charge. If I have dog walking dates I would do up to 1 or 2 of those depending on needs of the dogs. I may have some drop in visits for cats but if I have boarding/daycare I like to be at home so tend not to overbook myself. I never leave the house for longer than 90 minutes, drop ins and walks usually take 30 - 45 minutes with travel. Lunch is at 1pm. More walking dates or freelance work can happen or if I have a doggy guest that requires post lunch walk then this would be next. I tend to take Noah to the forest for an hour between 2 and 4pm. Dinner is at 6pm. There may be an evening walk if required. I tend not to give treats unless instructed to by owners. Evening is gentle play with a wind down, I sometimes watch a film or settle with a book. Bedtime is around 10pm.
Where your pet will stay
Home characteristics
Safety, trust & environment
I have a secure fenced garden with lawn. There is a mortise lock gate and security cameras on the garden, driveway, front of the property and inside the house so I can check if I’m out which isn’t often, I pay a subscription to ring.com which stores recordings in the cloud - for everyone’s safety. I never overbook, my care is pet centred. There are no toxic plants or access to drains. There is no exposed wiring or electrical hazards. My house is wheelchair accessible although there is no downstairs toilet. There is potentially flexibility within my pricing depending on your individual needs and circumstances.
Pets
A typical day
I provide plenty of play, fetch and tug of war. I have enrichment in the form of different textured toys. I live on the edge of Sherwood Forest and once or twice a day I like to walk the dogs around the forest. Happy to provide a shampoo, rinse and dry plus grooming. I’m unable to provide haircuts or claw clipping. In the current heat Noah loves a cold shower in the garden or the mist setting on the hose. I am aware of the impact heat can have on dogs especially certain breeds. I provide plenty of ice and ensure things stay calm in extreme heat.
- Cats0 to 7 kg7 to 18 kg18 to 45 kgover 45 kgNon-neutered males accepted, spayed females onlyNo females in heatTakes only 1 client at a timeBen can host up to 3 pets per night
- I love to have an idea of your pets personality, likes, dislikes, things to avoid. Any particular dietary requirements and medications. Your dog’s temperament is useful to know to avoid any stress, this is normally ascertained at the meet and greet.