I need to know dietary and medical needs so that I can make sure to tend to them. Their usual routine so that I can do my best to stick to or complement it. When feeding and walking times are? How much they eat and what? How far they like to be walked and what their usual routes are? What their favourite toys and treats are and where I can find them? I need to be provided with all of their general paraphernalia! Collars, leads, poo bags, whistles, treats, food, water bowls, brushes... If we are to go swimming then it's useful to know where the hose or washing place is along with doggy towels for afterwards! Or even just for a muddy day so that I can make sure they don't get pawprints all over the house after our walk. I also need to know any specific command words or gestures you tend to use so that me and your animals can communicate as well as possible. It's best being introduced by you to them so that they know that I am a friend. And having a little hello session beforehand so that you can see that we get on. And do let me know if they have any social issues so that I can pre-emptively avoid any potential problems. If there are dog sizes, colours, sexes, breeds that they do not get along well with. Or specific individuals. Times when they need to be on their lead. Some animals simply hate cars and deal poorly with roads. That sort of thing. Any obsessions, fears, general behavioural quirks I should be aware of so that I can make sure to counteract them, ideally before the scenarios arise. In general the more detail you provide me with, the better I will be able to care for your animal. I can never know too much! And I am often willing to be flexible and adapt things to suit them. Just ask and let me know.

Typically I adapt my routine to suit that of the animals but also work it in with mine. So when I get up in the morning that is when I let them out for a bathroom break, as I would just before bed. Standardly I feed them their breakfast and dinner whilst I eat mine. But each animal's feeding habits are unique so I will always cater to that. I tend to go for a short morning walk, then a longer walk and play session in the late afternoon. But this can be flipped around according to the routine they are used to. I always like to know what toys, treats and routes they enjoy the most beforehand to make them as happy as I can. Their joy is always contagious! I am more than happy to go on longer walks through woodland, along beaches or for river swims. As well as lots of play time in the park. Whether they prefer fetch, tug of war or simply want to roll around and bask in the Sun.