Duane O.
Dog socialiser and keen walker
Pet care experience
I grew up with dogs before moving to the UK from America approximately 15 years ago. Shortly after moving to London I began volunteering as a dog socialiser at the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home for several years. In recent years I have become a keen pet sitter / house sitter as a way to stay connected to furry animals. My career is in technology, although currently I'm stepping away from the daily grind and enjoying a bit of a mid-career break, which gives me more time to focus on spending time with animals. While doing house sittings with dogs, it is likely that my partner Nick will be joining me for some or all of the sit. If I'm doing house sitting with cats, it is possible Nick may come around for a short visit, but as he is fairly allergic to cats I would be doing the majority of the house sitting on my own.
Reviews
Duane was brilliant. He looked after our dog Penny at really short notice which we really appreciated. He gave us plenty of updates and we came home to a very happy pup!
Duane is great with Cocoa,and so willing at short notice to save the day yet again.Cocoa loves him. She has great fun with hindrance is punctual,reliable and a great guy.A natural with dogs!!.Hire him ,you won’t be disappointed!!!.
Duane is amazing, so good with my dog!!.Cocoa loves him.So amazing he could look after her at short notice.Really grateful!!!
Duane was a life saver, at short notice, to look after Cocoa.Cocoa loves him to pieces!!! Duane is fantastic with Cocoa, and genuinely loves dogs.A lovely man.
About Duane O.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have done over 35 pet sits over the last several years on various platforms. Each has resulted in a 5* review and several that have become recurring sits after I have built up a relationship with the pets and owners. I'm always keen to take the guidance of the owners to understand the level of activity and attention that their individual pets may need. Some cats simply want to be fed and ignored, while some active puppies wish to be constantly entertained. I'm able to adjust up or down based on the pet's needs.
Home
Information Duane O. would like to know about your pet
I'm always keen to know what is considered the length of a 'typical walk' for a dog, and also 'how long is too long of a walk.' It's useful to know what triggers a dog might have while on a walk as well.
A typical day
While spending time with cats I have learnt that you should take their lead to determine what they would like to do. If they wish to chase a laser pointer or just sit and be petted I'm happy to oblige. If they wish to ignore me and go about their day, I promise not to be offended. While I'm also happy to take the dog's lead, if a dog loves a good park walk I'm happy to spend hours walking through parks and fields with them. Spending time with a dog on a picnic rug in a park, or at an outdoor cafe or pub beer garden is my ideal of a perfect day.
Services
Duane can host
Duane can watch in your home
Availability
I'm taking a year or two away from work so currently unencumbered by any of those daily stresses. If I'm dog walking or house sitting, I'll be able to give your pets as much attention as they may wish to have.
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |||
5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 |
19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 |
26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
About Duane O.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have done over 35 pet sits over the last several years on various platforms. Each has resulted in a 5* review and several that have become recurring sits after I have built up a relationship with the pets and owners. I'm always keen to take the guidance of the owners to understand the level of activity and attention that their individual pets may need. Some cats simply want to be fed and ignored, while some active puppies wish to be constantly entertained. I'm able to adjust up or down based on the pet's needs.
Home
Information Duane O. would like to know about your pet
I'm always keen to know what is considered the length of a 'typical walk' for a dog, and also 'how long is too long of a walk.' It's useful to know what triggers a dog might have while on a walk as well.
A typical day
While spending time with cats I have learnt that you should take their lead to determine what they would like to do. If they wish to chase a laser pointer or just sit and be petted I'm happy to oblige. If they wish to ignore me and go about their day, I promise not to be offended. While I'm also happy to take the dog's lead, if a dog loves a good park walk I'm happy to spend hours walking through parks and fields with them. Spending time with a dog on a picnic rug in a park, or at an outdoor cafe or pub beer garden is my ideal of a perfect day.
Location
, United Kingdom
