Petra R.
Petra R.
Highlights
Pet care experience
East Van animal wrangler
I've had cats since I can remember. As an adult, I've always had at least two cats at the same time. For the past decade, I've done regular dog-watching and house-sitting for friends, sometimes for several days or weeks at a time, bringing my own animals along when it made sense. I'm comfortable with medical needs — giving oral and other medications, and reading the early signs of distress before they become a problem. At home, I live with a reactive dog and two cats of my own, so pet care is simply part of my everyday life. Training my dog through her reactivity has taught me more about canine body language and calm handling than anything else could. As a freelancer, my schedule is flexible enough for one-day or even same-day bookings. I'm an active person — happy to walk in the neighborhood, hit the trails, or go running with your dog.
Cat care experience
Petra also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Qualifications
Pets
Safety, trust & environment
I'm experienced with animals who have medical needs, including administering medication and recognizing early signs of distress. I'm also comfortable with reactive dogs — I live with one myself and have spent years working on her confidence and comfort. Routines and calm, positive handling are how I work. In your home, I keep things tidy and secure — litter boxes cleaned, waste picked up, feeding and medication schedules followed exactly as you leave them, so your pet's routine stays as familiar and stress-free as possible. I've also served as strata council president for 12 years, so I have a sharp eye for anything that needs attention around a home — you can trust your space is looked after, not just your pet.
Ratings and reviews
Petra came to our rescue at the last minute, and did a great job looking after our energetic one year old husky for the evening. Petra was skilled at providing enrichment and outlets for our dog’s energy, as well as helping our pup to settle and calm. She was responsive and sent wonderful updates. Our dog looked happy and calm when we returned home. I would definitely reach out to Petra again! :)
Petra was great — asked a lot of questions beforehand, was right on time for pickup, and sent lots of photos. Quilla was happy tired after the trail walk. I’d book her again. Highly recommend!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Petra is the most reliable, genuinely caring dog walker I have worked with. She is consistently punctual, but what truly sets her apart is that she takes the time to understand each dog's individual temperament and how they will do in a pack. She is particularly skilled with reactive dogs, and brings the same thoughtful attention to every animal in her care. She takes her walks seriously — forest trails, mountain adventures, real outdoor experiences. My dog is always excited to see her, which tells you everything you need to know. If you want someone who will treat your dog as an individual and show up without fail, Petra is exceptional.
Petra is a true dog whisperer, she is amazing with dogs and has cared for two of our dogs many many times over the last 10 years. Our dogs absolutely loved her and would get so excited when we would say “ wanna go for a walk with Petra?“ Any dog owner would be lucky to have Petra walking/ caring for their dog. As an active trail runner, Petra knows all the north shore trails- and which trails are best for which dogs. Her love of animals and nature make her the perfect caregiver/ dog walker.
I’ve known Petra for almost 3 years and our dogs walk and play together very often in the neighborhood. From all the people I see in dog parks often, Petra is always the most determined and dedicated to training and mental wellbeing of her dog and of others. Its always impressive to see her skills as someone who naturally can understand dogs quite well. She has helped my dog Peebs many times with random behaviour issues, fears and training commands. Highly recommended Petra walking your dog! If I’m ever in a pickle I know I can always count on her to check in on my dog for me :)
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
I'm a freelancer working from home, so my schedule is highly flexible — I can often accommodate one-day or same-day requests. Weekdays and weekends alike.