Hi! I’m Philly, a huge animal lover with experience caring for a wide variety of pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters and other small animals. I currently care for 7 pets at home with my partner, so animals are a very big part of my everyday life! 🐾❤️ I have a qualification in dog walking and dog behaviour, as well as hands-on experience with animal rescue and rehabilitation. I rescued and rehabilitated 2 stray cats from Cyprus, who are now happy, settled members of my family alongside my other 4 cats. 🐱❤️ This experience taught me a lot about building trust with nervous animals, giving them the time and space they need, recognising their boundaries and helping them gradually feel safe and secure in a home environment. I also have extensive hands-on experience with dogs of different ages, personalities and needs. I have raised 3 puppies from around 8 weeks old, so I’m very familiar with the puppy stage and the patience and consistency it requires. I have experience with toilet training, establishing routines, basic commands, lead and walking practice, socialisation, play and all the usual puppy mischief! 🐶 Since I was 18, I have also cared for a very anxious dog at my family home who is both lead-reactive and dog-reactive. Because her reactivity stems from significant anxiety, I’ve gained a lot of practical experience understanding and safely managing reactive behaviour. I’m confident recognising potential triggers and early signs of stress, creating appropriate distance from other dogs, crossing roads or changing routes when necessary, using distraction and positive reinforcement, and remaining calm if a dog does react. I understand that reactive dogs aren’t “bad dogs” — they often need someone who understands their individual triggers, boundaries and what helps them feel safe. I’m therefore very happy to discuss walks and care for nervous, anxious or reactive dogs and follow the management techniques that work best for your individual dog. 🐕❤️ I understand that every pet has their own personality, routine and individual needs, and I’ll never assume that what works for one animal will work for another. I’m always happy to follow your usual routine and take the time to get to know your pet so they can feel as comfortable and settled with me as possible. I offer dog walking, pet sitting, home drop-in visits, feeding, playtime, companionship and general care for both dogs and cats, as well as other pets where suitable. Whether your dog needs an energetic walk, your cat needs some company while you’re away, or you simply need someone reliable to pop in for feeding, cuddles and attention, I’m happy to help. 🐾 I’m confident following individual feeding, walking and care routines and will always take the time to understand your pet’s behaviour, temperament and specific needs. I’m also happy to follow any particular instructions you have, whether that’s sticking to certain walking routes, avoiding particular triggers, feeding at specific times or adapting my approach for pets who are nervous or need a little extra patience and reassurance. Your pet’s safety and wellbeing will always be my priority. If I ever notice anything unusual or have any concerns while they’re in my care, I’ll contact you straight away, keep you fully informed and follow any instructions or emergency arrangements we’ve agreed beforehand. I know how important it is to feel reassured when somebody else is looking after your pet, so I always send photos and updates when I visit. 📸❤️ That way, you can see how they’re getting on and know they’re happy, safe and being well looked after. I have flexible availability across weekdays and weekends and can often accommodate different times and routines, subject to other bookings. Most importantly, I’ll always care for your pets with the same patience, kindness and attention I’d want for my own. 🐾❤️