Nicky S.
Nicky S.
Highlights
Pet care experience
Council Licenced-Pets-Horses-Farms
Hello! I hold a North Devon Council Animal Welfare/Home-Boarding Licence (AWL0112), awarded Gold Standard. A licence is a legal requirement for boarding and daycare. Using an unlicensed home-boarder will invalidate your dog’s insurance and the sitter is breaking the law. My husband and I both adore animals. We offer a loving, home-from-home environment, where dogs stay in our house with us, enjoying normal home life, cuddles on the sofa, routines, and plenty of adventures. I usually only take 1 family at a time, but can take 2 if your dog loves other dogs, so your pet/s will have our full attention. 💛 £15 OFF if you are a first-time Rover user – use code NICKYM97818 🏷️ Discounts for longer stays (3+ days). I have years of professional experience with animals. We live in a quiet village with private access to fields, woods, and acres of beautiful farmland, plus 24 hr access to a secure dog-walking field in our village, ideal for dogs that can’t be off-lead. We’re both DBS checked, I’m fully insured, and registered with pet-sitting agencies. My aim is simple: for you to fully relax while you’re away, knowing your pet is safe, legal, happy, and having fun. I’ll send you daily photos and videos so you can see what we’re up to! I’m fully flexible and can fit around your wishes and your pet’s routine. I help with home-boarding, drop-ins, house sitting, weddings, funerals, holidays, emergency hospital stays, or even a day at the beach or shopping. I’ve worked with animals my whole life - from horses, dogs, farm animals & livestock, exotics to wildlife parks (even tigers!), birds of prey, and stunt & film horses. I have experience with and also fostered reactive and rescue dogs, and have professional experience with fearful and anxious animals. Home-boarding note: dogs must be fully vaccinated and recently flea-treated before their stay or trial night (a trial night is required for a 3-night+ stay in our home). House sitting: I actually love it! Certain pets (such as elderly, deaf or visually impaired dogs) are at ease in their own home and routine - and I love exploring new areas! I can collect post or deliveries, water plants and keep an eye on things while you are away, giving you the security that your home is not empty. My husband is sometimes free to join me on house sits, with prior approval of course. He also loves dogs, walking and the outdoors. Rover charges a service fee on bookings. They deduct 15% from the sitter’s fee, and customers also pay a separate service fee. This covers Rover’s insurance, secure payments, and 24/7 emergency support. NB: (fuel charges to apply depending on location 0.45/mile). Thank you - please feel free to get in touch with any questions.
Cat care experience
Nicky also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Qualifications
Ratings and reviews
Right from the day we made the booking and had a pre-sit meeting, Nicky was very approachable and helpful. Maxi loved Nicky from the get go. On the day of the 12 hour sit (while we attended our son’s wedding) they became firm friends very quickly. This was born out by the many photos and little videos sent to us throughout the day, which showed us Maxi was relaxed and in safe hands. He was a very happy boy on our return and was definitely smiling 😁 Maxi says he would be more than happy to book Nicky again! 🐾 Thank you Nicky 💖
We found Nicky delightful. She was very friendly and chatty, and took great care of our dog Brandi and our home. She gave us lots of updates of Brandi’s wellbeing and it was obvious that Brandi enjoyed being with her. Would recommend her.
Nicky was amazing with the dogs, very caring and always kept us up to date with lots of photos and messages. We would gladly recommend her to anyone looking for a dog/dogs sitter. Can't thank Nicky enough.
Nicky was amazing with our dogs, one of whom we were really worried about leaving because of his nervousness. She took the time to come round and go for a walk with them to learn all their routines. Once we were away, for a week, Nicky kept us updated with plenty of messages, photos and videos. The real surprise was when we got home. Not only was our house impeccably tidy, but the dogs were possibly even more relaxed than when we left. It is clear Nicky really has a gift for looking after dogs, especially nervous ones, brilliantly. Thank you!
Nicky was perfect. Our dog isn’t used to staying with new people but as soon as we arrived at Nicky’s she made him so welcome that he felt at home and we were completely reassured. Nicky kept us updated throughout the day with photos and news so (us) two rather indulgent owners could relax and enjoy a wedding. We were delighted with Nicky and wouldn’t hesitate to use her again.
Nicky was lovely and Pidge had a great time at her house. Nicky also sent me lots of pictures and videos, which was great!
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
I live in a rural location: 5 minutes from Exmoor. And 20 minutes from the sea, and coastal paths etc, extensive woodland, forests and streams nearby - so have abundant free space to exercise!
Where your pet will stay
Home characteristics
Safety, trust & environment
Our cottage is 500 years old. It’s been thoroughly inspected and vetted by North Devon Council. We have a secure yard and garden. The back door is usually open in the summer so your dog can come and go as it pleases.
A typical day
We’ll be exploring fields, walking the coastal path, sniffing and playing in woods, splashing in streams, lying in the garden, or chasing sticks and balls. And then plenty of cuddles and love in between.
Prices include all fees.