Norman H.
Ottawa, ON
Dog and cat loving academic doctor
Pet care experience
I’m a mature and responsible PhD graduate who just LOVES the companionship of cats and dogs. Working as a freelance writer means I have a very flexible schedule that gives me plenty of time for dog walking and house visits. I’m also able to house sit for longer periods since all I need for work is my laptop. I have looked after cats and dogs (plus fish, hamsters, rabbits and birds) all my life — mostly my own pets but also sitting for friends and family. I am rarely happier than when spending time out exploring the neighborhood with a canine companion or chilling out with a purring cat on my lap. I am also very creative and enjoy coming up with new ways to keep our furry friends entertained. In fact, I have a bit of an animal whispering, ‘Doctor Doolittle’ reputation because I chat with animals more than I do with humans! Even the most nervous and jumpy of animals relax when they pick up on my quietly calm, yet assertive, nature. Or maybe it’s the dulcet tones of my Scottish accent? My wife and I currently have two cats called Skye and Peat Moss named after my home back in Scotland. I look forward to meeting and getting to know your own precious wee beasties!
Reviews
Reggie and I are so grateful for Norman's care!
We hired Norman to house sit for us and take care of our dog and two cats for a week, and he was excellent. Norman was easy to communicate with and friendly, he took excellent care of our pets and provided regular updates, and left our place clean and organized when he left. As he works remotely he was able to spend lots of time with our pets and we felt very comfortable having him here and knowing he was present and keeping an eye on things. I highly recommend him and will definitely look to book him again if we need a housesitter and pet care.
Norman was great! He got along well with my old cranky dog, and was communicative and accommodating.
I engaged Norman to live in my home and take care of my cat while I was on vacation, and I couldn’t be happier with how well it worked out! I was very nervous about leaving her as she has some medical issues, and Norman made me feel so confident she would be in good hands, starting at our introductory visit. Daily photos and text updates allowed me to see her doing many of her favourite things, which again allowed me to not worry about her health and missing me. Norman has such a gentle, thoughtful approach, which was the perfect fit for my low key little love bug of a kitty (and keeping me calm too!) He left my home so neat and tidy too, which was just an extra bonus to the attention he paid to my cat. I am so grateful to have been able to book him for my recent vacation - I could enjoy it without stressing about leaving her. Thank you Norman!
About Norman H.
Communication
Skills
Information Norman H. would like to know about your pet
I'd like to know all about your pets age and personality so I know how to interact and play with them. Also any medical issues and/or health quirks so I can take extra special care of them.
A typical day
While indoors, I love to come up with imaginative ways to keep your pet (and myself) entertained and exercised. Outdoors we will go on hikes, explore the sights, sounds and smells of the neighborhood and perhaps find a nice park to romp around in. I am a keen jogger so could even take your dog for a run if they would enjoy that. For frail or elderly animals, we will just take it easy — lots of TLC and fun conversation.
Services
Norman can watch in your home
About Norman H.
Communication
Skills
Information Norman H. would like to know about your pet
I'd like to know all about your pets age and personality so I know how to interact and play with them. Also any medical issues and/or health quirks so I can take extra special care of them.
A typical day
While indoors, I love to come up with imaginative ways to keep your pet (and myself) entertained and exercised. Outdoors we will go on hikes, explore the sights, sounds and smells of the neighborhood and perhaps find a nice park to romp around in. I am a keen jogger so could even take your dog for a run if they would enjoy that. For frail or elderly animals, we will just take it easy — lots of TLC and fun conversation.
Location
Ottawa, ON
Pets
Norman H.
Ottawa, ON