Hi there! I'm Saira. I am a 34 year old Masters student currently studying Conservation and Biodiversity at University of Leeds. Prior to that I completed a BSc in Animal Science in York. I'm something of a late starter in terms of higher education but I never really knew what I wanted to do when I was younger (and to be honest, I'm still not entirely sure, but as long as animals, nature or wildlife is involved then i'll be over the moon). I have recently gone part time on my MSc and so I have a large chunk of time available which I'd like to take advantage of and gain some new experiences in new places and with new furry friends. I am a fully insured pet sitter with Petplan Sanctuary for further peace of mind for both myself and prospective pet owners. I have just this year moved into my own little cottage in Holmfirth, with my two new cats: Cora and Bert. I sadly lost my beautiful little girl cat, Phoebe, suddenly at Christmas, so Cora and Bert are my new rescues. I’ve always been surrounded by animals at home, including dogs, cats, budgies, fish, hamsters, stick insects and katydids! My parents are nature-mad and they've definitely instilled that in me! My two favourite things are animals and adventures so I thought why not combine the two. I would love to housesit, dog walk, cat sit, as I absolutely adore animals and am yet to find a species that I don't like (no spider fear here!) I have been lucky enough to have travelled a fair bit and I am always drawn to animals wherever I go. I definitely walk around with my eyes open and seem to be aware of the surrounding nature which so many other people blatantly miss. I also tend to end up buying cat or dog food when away and feeding the local strays. I don't drink or smoke so nights can be quite strange when I'm away somewhere and as such I tend to gravitate towards animals, be it feeding strays, watching bats, or going bug hunting. Whilst travelling in Myanmar in 2016 I caught Dengue fever and although I eventually recovered, as a direct result of it I was diagnosed with ME/CFS and spent the next 2 years largely housebound and using a wheelchair. I have battled through 2 extremely difficult years and now have regained some of my health. Though my health is not yet consistently recovered enough to go back into work, I petsit as and when I am able. This is to help me to re-enter the adult world of being independent and having a routine, and it makes me feel as though I am a part of and contribute towards society again. With regard to petsitting, being able to just potter around, explore gently, and have a furry face to snuggle up with on the sofa would be perfect. I love to garden so would happily take care of your plants or garden as well as your pets, I love to go out walking so walking a dog(s) is no problem (although I will struggle with strong dogs or dogs which require a lot of walking) and just generally enjoy a calmer pace of life in a real home. I neither drink nor smoke, am meticulously tidy, and am extremely capable and level-headed in any unforeseen circumstances. I have a wealth of experience petsitting in the pets home via TrustedHousesitters. Regular customers include owners from Thurgoland (Rottweilers), Knaresborough (Labrador and cat) and Whitby (Labrador’s and Jack Russell). I have also travelled as far as Tenerife and Mallorca to cat sit. I presently dog walk 3x week for my little mate, Louie (he’s a one-eyed wonder dog). I may from time-to-time ask if a friend is able to join me on housesits - if this does happen I will be sure to make you well aware before booking a date.