Rafael D.
Rafael D.
Highlights
Pet care experience
Friend to all creatures (including Tarantulas!)
I've been around dogs longer than I can remember, but my official experience started at Bleakholt doing the volunteer dog walking before eventually dogsitting. My expertise of canines lies mainly in senior dog care and bigger breeds, but does not exclude younger or smaller dogs. I can administer oral medication, and apply lots of affection to those who want it. I have a fenced in back garden for those dogs able to stay with me, I absolutely love dogs and look forward to meeting your furbabies! All new dogs will require one night of boarding before staying for longer than three days.(Please ensure you have filled out the summary and added a picture of your furbabies before contacting me, thank you!)
Cat care experience
Rafael also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Qualifications
Ratings and reviews
Rafael provided excellent care for my very timid cat during a recent holiday. Despite initial hesitation about leaving my cat with a stranger, Rafael's frequent updates and gentle approach completely eased any anxiety. I highly recommend.
Rafael did a great job of caring for Peppa again - so much so, when I came to collect Peppa she turned around on the path and tried to go back inside! Thanks again :)
Rafael was fantastic. We had a meeting before we booked our stay for her to meet our dogs. She arrived on time even with awful traffic in the area and had great communication throughout the stay. The dogs were very happy! Would definitely book again ☺️ x
Rafael was great. Agreed to do a meet and greet beforehand, where she asked about Peppa's needs, and sent me lots of pictures and updates throughout. I've already booked in a second visit. Thank you very much.
Lovely people, Great communication and madge comes back happy - can’t ask for anything more.
Raf was absolutely fantastic with our two cats. She bonded with Miso almost immediately, while Suki was a little more cautious at first. Raf was so patient and never pushed her, and by the end of the first week she’d completely won Suki’s trust, which says a lot! Raf was originally booked for two separate house sits with a gap in between, but we had an unexpected emergency and couldn’t get home when planned. Despite already having a busy schedule, she went above and beyond by fitting in drop-in visits to make sure our girls were looked after until we made it home. We’re incredibly grateful for everything Raf did and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her. Knowing our cats were so well cared for gave us one less thing to worry about during a very stressful time. Thank you, Raf!
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
If visiting your home, I'd need the times to work around school hours (unless of course it's the holidays), which would be after 8-9.15am for the morning, and 2.40-4pm for the afternoon. Anywhere between those times would work wonderfully during the week. If your dog is able to stay in my own home, the times don't apply.
Where your pet will stay
Home characteristics
Safety, trust & environment
I have to be picky about which dogs are able to stay in my own home because I have two young children (2 year old and 7 year old). I do have a fenced back garden where they can go for space/to do their business, and if allowed I may take them to the local cafe for a puppychino. (This is a cream drink with dog biscuits mixed in.) If they can tolerate children but not for too long I can seperate them to the back of the house (a small room, the kitchen, and constant access to the outside fenced back garden.) There's always someone in the kitchen so your furbaby wouldn't be alone! As for if I'm visiting your home, I'm more than happy to follow any instructions you leave out. Whether your dog comes to mine or I go to yours, please do tell me about any quirks, fears, what they like and what they don't so everyone has a happy time. In February I completed a dog first aid course, and have a canine first aid kit on hand just in case!
Pets
A typical day
We can play fetch in the park, go for lots of walks and do some tricks with treats I have in my house as a reward (or if you prefer you can provide the treats if diet is an issue.)
- 0 to 7 kg7 to 18 kg18 to 45 kgover 45 kgSpayed and neutered dogs onlyNo females in heatTakes only 1 client at a timeRafael can host up to 2 pets per night
- Please absolutely let me know if your furbaby has any special requirements or medical needs, this will ensure we have the best time together. Additionally, please tell me if there's anywhere they don't like to be touched / if they have any fears or quirks and how best to calm them in that situation.