Shona A.
Niagara Falls, ON
Shona A. has Star Sitter status
The Star Sitter program highlights responsive sitters who deliver highly rated care and have a history of listing accurate availability and preferences, making it easier for pet parents to find the best care for their pets.
Pet sitting/walking services!
Pet care experience
My name is Shonagh and I live in Niagara Falls, Ontario with my Argentino Dogo, Nyko (my own dog has plenty care at home, so don't worry... he will never go neglected while I'm out and about with your pets!) I am offering to either come walk your dog when needed or drop in to look after them when you need it! I've always been an animal lover; I've been around them my entire life (many shapes, sizes, breeds and types.) I have plenty of experience caring for dogs; my father has been a breeder since I was a young girl which allowed me to help with and constantly walk puppies. This created a life long affection for animals. I understand how to be attentive and diligent with the care, responsibility and mindfulness that all creatures deserve. Most of my life revolves around caring for and showering animals with attention and love so essentially, I've had plenty of years to develop an understanding on how to communicate and bond with them! It's allowed me the good judgment, patience and keenness required to suit distinctive needs of diverse personalities. For years, I've been a go-to source for many who need somebody to walk or sit their furry comrades. So relax, now you can feel at ease knowing your treasured sidekick is in capable hands; whether you're at work, sick, on vacation or wherever it is you may need to be! I am very flexible! I have also had the approach of 'do unto other pets as you'd have done unto yours' approach to pet care - so once I'm acquainted with their individual requirements/needs/specifics, they get the 5 star treatment I would give my own! So give me a shout, tell me about yourselves (I'll include some examples on where to get started below!) and let me become your best friend's new friend! You and your pet’s unique history. Any of your pet’s unique behaviors. Your pet’s regular routine and schedule for walks, play, and feeding. Any health conditions your pet has. Any of your pet’s triggers (other dogs, joggers, children, cats, etc) and how to handle those encounters. Your expectations for the stay (visit length, walking times, arrivals and departures, house rules). How you have trained your dog/what commands you use
Reviews
Shona is so lovely, kind, and friendly, but best of all, is so good with my boys! She genuinely and deeply cares for animals....it is so evident in how she interacts with my dogs and how she talks about other dogs she's cared for. She is so thorough with her care and wants your dogs to be perfectly comfortable. Your dogs will be in perfect hands with Shona, I highly recommend her!
Shona and Amber were very comfortable with each other at our meet and greet. It was a relief to know that Amber would have Shona dropping in for visits while we were away. Shona showed her lots of love and attention during her visits which Amber enjoyed and purred up a storm . Thanks Shona for taking good care of her.
Shona is amazing she is always at the house on time and if she isn’t she will send a message to let me know she is running late.. my dogs love her, even the one that is scared of everything. I would highly recommend Shona.
Jack, is my 50lb lab. When I set up my meet and greet with Shona, I let her know Jack was a fearful dog. When they first met he met her with some loud barks and all. However, Shona came prepared (as I learned she always does). She arrived with a bag full of treats and patiently earned Jack's trust over time. Despite his initial reaction, she was still eager to walk him. Now, Jack and Shona are great buddies. He eagerly anticipates her arrival and appreciates the total care she provides. Shona consistently goes above and beyond, often bringing extra items for their walks. She's also incredibly flexible with scheduling; accommodating different times of the day. Shona always ensures Jack has access to water during their outings and when he's left at home. She maintains respect for our living space, especially maneuvering around my roommates. With her extensive experience, Shona consistently delivers excellent service every walk. I highly recommend Shona for her dedication and outstanding care, Jack isn't a dog for everyone and we're glad it's worked out well for him.
About Shona A.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Whatever directions you give me is what I will provide (okay and let's face it, and then some haha. For example, I often make sure I leave extra and ample time between bookings to give some extra lovings if if that's what they want haha. I'm pretty sure you wouldn't find anybody who provides this service who didn't get into this because they didn't simply love being around pets, after all 😆 we are all here for the same reason, we are passionate about animals!) Essentially,I am here for YOUR/YOUR ANIMALS needs. I'm very intuitive and versed in listening to various communication methods. Ultimately, they tell us so much.. we just have to know how to listen to their language ☺️ At the end of the day, no are the same. What they enjoy/prefer, their boundaries, their routine, their pace/comfort levels and personalities all differ and it's my job to know how and when to adjust my body language and how to care for them in both the way that sets them up for success and gives you peace of mind. For safety - thankfully in the decade or so I've been doing this I have never ran into any emergencies, it's still important to have an action plan anyhow - I make a point to carry my own pet first aid kit (or "doggie bag" if you will 😂) and water/bowl, paw balm, treats (owner permitting, of course) and poop bags (if I'm being honest though, I'm at the point in life where I always have poop bags attached to me no matter where I am or what I'm wearing haha. Some people keep change in their pockets, dog walkers keep poop bags..) Some things I include in my doggie bags are items such as: Travel card containing emergency quick instructions (though I have completed courses and stay up to date it's still a good thing to keep in there, I've also taken courses on and have experience in breaking up dog fights and situations such as how to keep safe and defuse in the event an off-leash dog is charging at you) for CPR, respiratory distress, making a diy emergency muzzle etc Small travel tube of Pet safe sunscreen Tweezers (good for removing ticks or even splinters or large pieces of glass) Adhesive tape (not regular tape you use to wrap packages – the medical kind! Think "vetwrap") Different sizes of gauze to wrap wounds + cotton pads antiseptic wipes, hypochlorous acid pet wound spray or Antibiotic ointment (polysporin since Neosporin isn't as safe for pets because it contains neomycin) Styptic powder (to apply to small wounds that continue bleeding, like a torn or quicked toenail) Gauze to wrap wounds, Small scissors with a blunt end Oral syringe (to flush out wounds or give medicine) Disposable gloves, single serve cleansing towelettes Travel leash for backup in case theirs tears/snaps Oral syringe (to flush out wounds or give medicine) Disposable gloves Single serve cleansing towelettes Etc
Information Shona A. would like to know about your pet
I have no breed or size preferences, I respect and love all types! Be sure to include details such as: Are they sociable with humans and/or other dogs?Is there anything your dog should avoid on a walk (other dogs, children)? Let your me know if there are any triggers (child, dog, cat, squirrel, bike, skateboard, etc) and what to expect when your dog encounters one of these. Does your pet have medical issues or a medication or supplement schedule? Will I be providing food during my visit? If so, What’s the feeding routine? Show me your dog’s specific food, and provide extra in case you are delayed. To prevent food aggression, let me know if it’s best to feed them away from other dogs. Is your pet allowed to have treats or toys outside of what you provide? Inform me if your dog has dietary restrictions. Does your pet have any specific commands they know and follow i should be aware of? For example what are their commands for come, stay, etc? Remember, the more I know about your dog and how to communicate with them, the happier and safer the visit will be. Do you have a cat or other small pets? What are their care needs? To summarize, just let me know any info on personality, preferences and allowances so i can best accommodate them make feel safe.
A typical day
Your dog and I will walk around town, allowing them get out any pent up energy they may have bottled up! We can wander various neighbourhoods to provide the mental stimulation they need. Adventures through parks and trails can give them a whiff of all of the smells the outside world has to offer! I also have a lot of experience with seniors, adults and puppies; therefore, hyperactive or calm, old or young, trained or in training; I can be adaptable to whatever needs are specific to your dog. I can also: Care for your dog in your home while you are away and ensure they receive proper care (feeding, walking, any medication that may be needed) Assure that your home remains maintained/clean while they are in my care Go for runs Bathe your dog Play with them Show them a great time Care for any non-canine animals (cats, birds, reptiles etc) you may also have Mix things up to keep things exciting for them for repeat clients (maybe even go for a swim, I have a 15m long leash for swimming to give both freedom and security, if they fancy it! Who wants to smell the same old smells on the same old trees each walk! Am I right, pups?) and get the paw print seal of approval from your pet Essentially, whatever routine suits your specific needs and your pups requirements/preferences as the individual they are, I'm all-embracing! For all the feline parents out, they jist remains the same and kitties get just as much dedication/love/thoroughness! I love all animals and I'm experienced with all sorts, sizes and types - whether they woof or meow ❤️
Services
Shona can watch in your home
Availability
All day everyday for me revolves around pet care! Outside of my job (though let's face it, I can hardly call it a job because every minute I get with all these wonderful creatures could never just be considered "work..." Ultimately, they give us a lot more than we give them!) the rest of my time centers around keeping my own boy happy, cared for, safe and loved. Our pets become both our best friends AND our children, y'know? As a result, there's nothing more rewarding to me than giving back to animals - there a few things as beautiful and pure as those bonds. PS, feel free to have me "on call" if you ever need last minute care, I'm almost always around because I live 99.9% of my existence in servitude of my canine and feline lieges (heck, I'd argue that for the most part, the only time I'm not surrounding myself with furry companions is when I'm out shopping for them hahaha)
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About Shona A.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Whatever directions you give me is what I will provide (okay and let's face it, and then some haha. For example, I often make sure I leave extra and ample time between bookings to give some extra lovings if if that's what they want haha. I'm pretty sure you wouldn't find anybody who provides this service who didn't get into this because they didn't simply love being around pets, after all 😆 we are all here for the same reason, we are passionate about animals!) Essentially,I am here for YOUR/YOUR ANIMALS needs. I'm very intuitive and versed in listening to various communication methods. Ultimately, they tell us so much.. we just have to know how to listen to their language ☺️ At the end of the day, no are the same. What they enjoy/prefer, their boundaries, their routine, their pace/comfort levels and personalities all differ and it's my job to know how and when to adjust my body language and how to care for them in both the way that sets them up for success and gives you peace of mind. For safety - thankfully in the decade or so I've been doing this I have never ran into any emergencies, it's still important to have an action plan anyhow - I make a point to carry my own pet first aid kit (or "doggie bag" if you will 😂) and water/bowl, paw balm, treats (owner permitting, of course) and poop bags (if I'm being honest though, I'm at the point in life where I always have poop bags attached to me no matter where I am or what I'm wearing haha. Some people keep change in their pockets, dog walkers keep poop bags..) Some things I include in my doggie bags are items such as: Travel card containing emergency quick instructions (though I have completed courses and stay up to date it's still a good thing to keep in there, I've also taken courses on and have experience in breaking up dog fights and situations such as how to keep safe and defuse in the event an off-leash dog is charging at you) for CPR, respiratory distress, making a diy emergency muzzle etc Small travel tube of Pet safe sunscreen Tweezers (good for removing ticks or even splinters or large pieces of glass) Adhesive tape (not regular tape you use to wrap packages – the medical kind! Think "vetwrap") Different sizes of gauze to wrap wounds + cotton pads antiseptic wipes, hypochlorous acid pet wound spray or Antibiotic ointment (polysporin since Neosporin isn't as safe for pets because it contains neomycin) Styptic powder (to apply to small wounds that continue bleeding, like a torn or quicked toenail) Gauze to wrap wounds, Small scissors with a blunt end Oral syringe (to flush out wounds or give medicine) Disposable gloves, single serve cleansing towelettes Travel leash for backup in case theirs tears/snaps Oral syringe (to flush out wounds or give medicine) Disposable gloves Single serve cleansing towelettes Etc
Information Shona A. would like to know about your pet
I have no breed or size preferences, I respect and love all types! Be sure to include details such as: Are they sociable with humans and/or other dogs?Is there anything your dog should avoid on a walk (other dogs, children)? Let your me know if there are any triggers (child, dog, cat, squirrel, bike, skateboard, etc) and what to expect when your dog encounters one of these. Does your pet have medical issues or a medication or supplement schedule? Will I be providing food during my visit? If so, What’s the feeding routine? Show me your dog’s specific food, and provide extra in case you are delayed. To prevent food aggression, let me know if it’s best to feed them away from other dogs. Is your pet allowed to have treats or toys outside of what you provide? Inform me if your dog has dietary restrictions. Does your pet have any specific commands they know and follow i should be aware of? For example what are their commands for come, stay, etc? Remember, the more I know about your dog and how to communicate with them, the happier and safer the visit will be. Do you have a cat or other small pets? What are their care needs? To summarize, just let me know any info on personality, preferences and allowances so i can best accommodate them make feel safe.
A typical day
Your dog and I will walk around town, allowing them get out any pent up energy they may have bottled up! We can wander various neighbourhoods to provide the mental stimulation they need. Adventures through parks and trails can give them a whiff of all of the smells the outside world has to offer! I also have a lot of experience with seniors, adults and puppies; therefore, hyperactive or calm, old or young, trained or in training; I can be adaptable to whatever needs are specific to your dog. I can also: Care for your dog in your home while you are away and ensure they receive proper care (feeding, walking, any medication that may be needed) Assure that your home remains maintained/clean while they are in my care Go for runs Bathe your dog Play with them Show them a great time Care for any non-canine animals (cats, birds, reptiles etc) you may also have Mix things up to keep things exciting for them for repeat clients (maybe even go for a swim, I have a 15m long leash for swimming to give both freedom and security, if they fancy it! Who wants to smell the same old smells on the same old trees each walk! Am I right, pups?) and get the paw print seal of approval from your pet Essentially, whatever routine suits your specific needs and your pups requirements/preferences as the individual they are, I'm all-embracing! For all the feline parents out, they jist remains the same and kitties get just as much dedication/love/thoroughness! I love all animals and I'm experienced with all sorts, sizes and types - whether they woof or meow ❤️
Location
Niagara Falls, ON
Pets
Shona A.
Niagara Falls, ON