5.0

Pet care experience I’ve always been an animal person and have spent years around both dogs and cats. I also have a background in canine behavior, so I’m very comfortable reading a dog’s body language and understanding that every animal has a different personality and different needs. I’m equally happy with the energetic ones who want walks, games and plenty of attention, and the quieter pets who would rather curl up nearby and have some company. I’m patient with shy or nervous animals and prefer to let them get comfortable with me at their own pace rather than forcing interaction. I know how important it is to have someone you genuinely trust looking after your pets. When they’re with me, I treat them as I would my own and try to keep their normal routine as unchanged as possible. I’m also a cat owner myself, so I understand that cats very much have their own rules! Whether yours wants constant attention or would prefer to observe me suspiciously from across the room for the first day, I’m perfectly happy either way. About me / Availability My schedule gives me a good amount of flexibility, which means I can spend real time with the pets I’m caring for rather than simply rushing in and out. When I’m house sitting, I’m happy to plan my day around your pet’s normal routine; walks, feeding times, playtime, potty breaks and, of course, plenty of attention. I’m available for overnight stays as well as shorter visits and drop-ins. Most importantly, I want you to be able to go away without worrying about what’s happening at home. I’m reliable, communicative and happy to send photos and little updates while you’re gone. Safety, trust & your home I take both pet safety and the responsibility of being in someone else’s home seriously. Before you leave, I like to know your pet’s normal routine, feeding instructions, walking habits and any little quirks I should be aware of. I’ll follow your instructions rather than changing what your pet is already comfortable with. I’m careful with doors, gates, harnesses and leashes, particularly with pets who are expert escape artists! I also won’t let a dog off leash unless we’ve specifically discussed it and it’s somewhere secure. I’m respectful of your home and your rules too, whether that means no pets on the furniture, certain rooms being off limits, crating at particular times or following a specific feeding schedule. And yes, I’ll send photos. Probably quite a few. 😊 What I’d like to know about your pet The more you tell me, the better I can make things feel normal for your pet while you’re away. I’d love to know their usual feeding and walking schedule, favorite toys and games, where they like to sleep, and anything that tends to make them nervous or excited. Please also tell me about any medications, allergies, dietary restrictions or health needs, as well as how they usually behave around other dogs, cats, children and new people. And definitely tell me the random stuff too, the strange bedtime ritual, the particular spot on the couch that apparently belongs exclusively to them, the toy they refuse to sleep without, or the fact that they’ll stare at me until I understand exactly what they want. Those little details are often the most useful. During the stay I try to make my visits feel less like having a “pet sitter” and more like your pet getting to continue their normal life while you’re away. For dogs, that might mean walks, sniffing time, playing fetch or tug, hanging out together and plenty of affection. If you have a high-energy dog, I’m very comfortable giving them more exercise and stimulation rather than expecting them to be happy with a five-minute walk around the block. With cats, I usually let them decide how quickly they want to become friends. Some are on my lap within five minutes; others need a little time. I’m happy with both. We can play, hang out, watch birds through the window, or simply coexist peacefully until they decide I’m acceptable. Throughout the stay I’ll keep feeding, walks, litter boxes, potty breaks and any other routines on schedule. I’ll also keep you updated so you know everyone is happy and your home is being looked after.