Nishan Z.
Nishan Z.
Highlights
Pet care experience
Velcro dog stepmom, 1st aid trainer
I’m an educator and PhD student in urban planning at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, currently based beside High Park. I have experience with pets of all sizes and personalities from velcro to independent, including as a stepmom to an energetic harlequin Great Dane puppy. I love to learn about the science of dog behaviour including behavioral conditioning. Most importantly: I LOVE to play with your pets and meet all their enrichment needs! I’m certified in pet first aid through St. John Ambulance and as a Wilderness First Responder through the National Outdoor Leadership School. I’ve also spent the past five years training community members in emergency first aid. Fun fact: I was involved in martial arts for a decade and recently took up amateur powerlifting, so I’m often comfortable managing larger dogs on a leash when needed! I have lived with both cats and rabbits as a pet auntie for four years, and have professionally taken care of cats as well. I’m also comfortable with using multiple strategies to give oral medication when needed. For pets who need me to not be away from the house for more than 2 hours at a time, let’s discuss if you require constant care services! I’m happy to send you my pet client intake form, and set up a meet and greet to learn more about your pet’s routine to see whether I’m a good fit. *For last-minute requests, please read below:* Life happens, and I am happy to accommodate requests to take care of your pet when possible! Please know that my calendar may not reflect my current availability for bookings under 48 hours. I do charge a fee or higher rate for last-minute bookings within 48 hours. Please be aware when submitting a request.
Cat care experience
Nishan also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Qualifications
Safety, trust & environment
All walks will be 1v1. For walks, I bring waste bags, water, a collapsible bowl, pet-safe wipes, no approved treats if you use them, and a small first aid kit. I do not do off-leash walks or greetings with unfamiliar dogs unless we have discussed it clearly beforehand. I bring a backup slip lead, and prefer to not use retractable leashes or prong collars.
Ratings and reviews
Nishan has been absolutely wonderful with our pets. It is clear she has an understanding of animal behaviours and cues and a love for them as well. Our somewhat-anxious dog was immediately calm in her presence at our meet & greet and Nishan has taken extra care to get to know her and make her comfortable. We look forward to continuing working with her.:)
Nishan took wonderful care of my cat, Prairie! She made sure Prairie was well fed, spent time playing with her, and kept me updated throughout each visit with photos. I felt such peace of mind while I was away as it was clear that my cat was happy and well cared for. Highly recommend!
Nishan was wonderful! Asked great questions in preparation, professional, quick to respond, and most importantly treated my dog like family!
Nishan was really amazing with hiuse sitting our cat Baba. She kept us updated with frequent pictures like we asked, and treated our place very respectfully. Would recommend her easily, and she was very communicative leading up to and during the meet and greet!
Nishan is such an amazing person.she responded right away and it was a last min call and i really appreciate her coming and helping. She really took good care of my dogs the pictures are awsome it says it all and i will definitely be booking her again 💓
Nishan was a very reliable pet-sitter when I was on vacation. She was courteous and professional the entire time, and ensured my cat was well-cared for (fed, played with, litter clean), while sending frequent updates on my cat's well-being. She was also very responsive to my checking in. Would highly recommend Nishan for pet care.
Calendar and availability
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ||||||
2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 |
23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 |
30 | 31 |
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ||||||
2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 |
23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 |
30 | 31 |
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
27 | 28 | 29 | 30 |
Schedule
For house sitting, I can work from your home as long as there is reliable Wi-Fi and a reasonable place to sit with my laptop. For drop-ins, I can usually come by up to three times a day, depending on location and timing. Because I live beside High Park, I’m well placed for longer park outings when appropriate or quieter routes for dogs who prefer less stimulation.