Jessica W.
Jessica W.
Highlights
Pet care experience
Great Dixter gardener & walker
Hello, I am Jess and I’m a gardener currently living on the Great Dixter estate while completing a year-long horticultural scholarship. I’ve spent the last few years working in gardening, community growing and farm environments, so I’m happiest outdoors and very comfortable around animals. I’m active, practical and reliable, and love a proper walk in all weathers – so dogs who enjoy getting out and exploring are very welcome! I drive, so I’m happy to take dogs further afield for countryside and woodland walks, or even trips to the coast and beach where appropriate and agreed with you. Alongside my scholarship, I’m available for dog walking, drop-ins and house sitting, particularly during evenings and weekends, with some flexibility. As a gardener, I’m also very happy to water plants and keep an eye on the garden while you’re away. I know how important it is to trust someone with your pet and your home. I’m respectful, tidy and conscientious, will follow your pet’s usual routines carefully, and am always happy to send photos and updates while they’re in my care. I’m calm, reliable and genuinely love spending time outdoors with animals — whether that’s a gentle walk for an older dog or an energetic play session for a younger one. I always take the time to get to know each pet’s personality and routine, ensuring they feel safe, happy and cared for. If you’re looking for a trustworthy local carer who treats every pet as if they were their own, I’d love to help. With experience caring for a 5-year-old Labrador with cancer, I’m comfortable handling medication, managing special diets, and providing a calm, supportive environment for dogs with unique health concerns. My focus is always on your pet’s comfort and well-being, ensuring peace of mind while you're away.
Qualifications
Ratings and reviews
Jessica was great. Chopper had a great time! Would definitely recommend.
Jessica has looked after our labrador Hettie on a number of times now, providing her with lots of stimulating play, long walks, love and affection. More recently, she provided a full house sitting service while we took our first holiday abroad in nearly six years! Hettie's every need was taken care of and we were provided with regular pup dates, photos and videos, which gave us peace of mind during our time away. Hettie was truly spoilt rotten. I would highly recommend Jessica to anyone.
Jessica has looked after our dogs for years, they’re always so pleased to spend a few days with her and so disappointed to come back to us. Jess is so sweet and gentle with them but knows when they are absolutely not to be trusted. Unlike the dogs, we trust Jess completely and have total peace of mind when they’re with her. You and your pets will love her!
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
I’m currently based on the Great Dixter estate while completing a horticultural scholarship. My work is practical and outdoors-based, and I have flexibility around evenings, weekends and days off for walks, drop-ins and house sitting. I drive, so I’m also able to travel locally and can discuss what works best for your pet’s usual routine.
Where your pet will stay
Home characteristics
Safety, trust & environment
I’m reliable, practical and respectful of both your pet and your home. I’ll always follow the routines and instructions you give me, including feeding, walks, medication, access to the house and any particular rules your pet is used to. I’ve worked in gardens, farms and community settings where being responsible, observant and safety-conscious is an important part of the job. I’m also very happy to send regular photos and updates while you’re away. In a pet owner’s home, I follow your specific instructions closely, keeping your dog in their regular environment where they feel most at ease. I stay vigilant about locking doors, monitoring their surroundings, and maintaining a safe, structured routine. Your dog’s safety and well-being are always my top priorities.
A typical day
It really depends on the dog! I love being outdoors, so for an active dog that could mean a good countryside walk, exploring local footpaths or, with your permission, hopping in the car for a longer walk in the woods or at the coast. For older or quieter dogs, I’m equally happy taking things slowly, sticking to familiar routes and spending time keeping them company at home. I’d always tailor the day to their age, temperament, fitness and normal routine rather than assuming every dog wants a huge walk.
- 0 to 7 kg7 to 18 kg18 to 45 kgDogs over 1 year oldSpayed and neutered dogs onlyNo females in heatCrate-trained dogs onlyTakes only 1 client at a timeJessica can host up to 2 pets per night
- I’d love to know about your pet’s personality and normal routine, what they enjoy (and what they don’t!), their usual exercise, feeding and any medical needs. For dogs, it’s particularly helpful to know how they are around other dogs, livestock, wildlife and new people; whether they can travel comfortably in a car; their recall and lead requirements; and anything that might make them anxious or reactive. The more I know about them beforehand, the more I can make their time with me feel familiar, safe and enjoyable.