Natalie C.
Natalie C.
Highlights
Pet care experience
Home-from-home care 🐾
Animals have always been a big part of my life, and I know how important it is to find someone you genuinely trust to care for your dog. I offer a personal, home-from-home approach to dog care in Harpenden, with a maximum of 2 dogs staying with me at any one time. This means I can give each dog plenty of individual attention, affection, exercise and downtime, rather than providing a large group or kennel-style environment. I’m happy to provide doggy day care, overnight stays, regular or occasional walks and drop-in visits, adapting each day around your dog’s normal routine, personality and energy levels. Whether they love a good walk and lots of play, prefer a quieter day with plenty of company, or simply need someone dependable while you're out, I want them to feel comfortable and settled. I’m confident and comfortable around animals and understand that every dog is different. I’ll take the time to understand their routine, feeding, walking habits, likes and dislikes and any little quirks that make them who they are. As a dog owner myself, I also know how reassuring updates can be when you're away from your pet. I’m very happy to send photos and messages so you can see how they're getting on. My aim is simple, to offer the kind of care I would want for my own dog: personal, reliable and relaxed, with plenty of attention and a genuine home environment.
Qualifications
Ratings and reviews
Natalie is a very kind and caring person who loves all animals having owned rabbits, dogs and horses. I have no hesitation in recommending her to your organisation as someone who has great patience and, having worked for myself in the past, she is someone who gets on extremely well with not only her colleagues but all members of the public.
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
I work flexibly from home, so pet care fits naturally into my day and dogs are not routinely left alone for long periods. I have my own Vizsla, Peanut, so daily walks and plenty of outdoor time are already part of our routine. I have access to over 350 acres of private land, which gives me lots of flexibility with walks. We can enjoy longer countryside walks, shorter outings or quieter routes away from other dogs depending on your dog's age, energy levels and individual needs. I keep the number of dogs I care for small, so I can adapt the day rather than expecting every dog to fit into the same routine.
Where your pet will stay
Home characteristics
Safety, trust & environment
My priority is making your dog feel safe, settled and comfortable in our home. Peanut is a friendly resident Vizsla, and I like to arrange a meet beforehand so we can make sure the dogs are comfortable together and I can learn about your dog's personality and routine. Before their first stay, we'll discuss everything I need to know, including feeding, medication if applicable, sleeping arrangements, lead and recall requirements, behaviour around other dogs and anything that might make them anxious or unsettled. I'm an experienced animal owner of dogs, so I'm very comfortable reading behaviour and adjusting how I handle an animal rather than assuming every dog is the same. I'll follow your instructions carefully and keep you updated while you're away, including photos, so you can see that your dog is happy and settled.
Pets
A typical day
Every dog is different, so I’ll adapt the day to suit their normal routine, age and energy levels. There’ll be plenty of company, playtime and opportunities to relax, alongside walks tailored to what they enjoy. I have access to over 350 acres of private countryside, so there are lots of lovely routes to explore, including quieter areas for dogs who prefer more space. At home, dogs are treated as part of the family, with plenty of attention and time to settle and snooze after their adventures.