Sonya M.
Sonya M.
Highlights
Pet care experience
Experienced dog lover
Hi, I’m Sonya—a lifelong dog lover offering a genuine home-from-home experience in the beautiful Forest of Dean. My home has direct access to the forest from the garden gate, along with plenty of secure outdoor space, giving dogs the opportunity to explore, sniff, play, and relax in a safe, natural environment. I have experience caring for dogs of all sizes, ages, and personalities, and I’m confident handling both small breeds and larger, more energetic dogs. Every dog is treated as an individual, and I always adapt their care to suit their routine, personality, and needs. Whether it’s feeding schedules, medication, favourite walking routes, or quiet time, I’ll do my best to keep their stay as familiar and stress-free as possible. Dogs staying with me become part of the family rather than staying in a kennel environment. They receive plenty of companionship, enrichment, exercise, and opportunities to rest, all in a calm, structured home where their wellbeing always comes first. From September, I’ll be studying for a degree in Animal Behaviour & Training, building on my passion for understanding canine behaviour, welfare, and positive training methods. I’m committed to continually developing my knowledge so I can provide the very best care for every dog I look after. I know how difficult it can be to leave your dog with someone else, so I’ll keep you updated with regular photos, videos, and messages, giving you complete peace of mind while you’re away.
Qualifications
Ratings and reviews
Sonya went above and beyond to ensure Bear was as comfortable as possible. Thank you so much
Great sitter!! Made sure I was constantly updated, would definitely recommend. Will be booking again. Thank you Sonya!
What a lovely time Skye had at Sonyas. Lots of outside play with her 3 lovely dogs. We picked up a very happy dog but tired from all of the play. So glad we found Sonya as Skye was well cared for and happy. We will definitely use her again. Jo and Skye.
Sonya is fantastic! She’s looked after my German Shepherd with such care, warmth, and attention. I highly recommend her as a responsible and loving dog sitter!
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
I’m fortunate to be at home full-time, which means dogs in my care receive plenty of attention, supervision, and companionship throughout the day. I live in a peaceful rural location with secure outdoor space where dogs can safely explore, play, and relax. Every day is built around the dogs’ needs, including walks, enrichment, feeding, rest, play, and one-to-one attention. I’m also happy to follow your dog’s usual routine as closely as possible, helping them feel settled, comfortable, and at home while you’re away.
Where your pet will stay
Home characteristics
Safety, trust & environment
Your dog’s safety, wellbeing, and happiness are always my highest priorities. Dogs stay in a calm, structured home alongside my own friendly, well-socialised dogs, where they receive plenty of companionship while still having space to relax if they need it. I supervise all interactions carefully and separate dogs whenever appropriate, such as during mealtimes, rest periods, or if a dog simply needs some quiet time. Owners are very welcome to bring their dog’s own bed, crate, blankets, or favourite toys to help them settle into a familiar routine. My home is surrounded by secure rural land, giving dogs plenty of opportunities for safe outdoor exercise, enrichment, sniffing, and exploration. Every dog is treated as an individual, and I’ll always follow any instructions regarding feeding, medication, exercise, training, or preferences to ensure they receive the highest standard of care.
Pets
A typical day
A typical day starts with a walk straight into the beautiful Forest of Dean from my back garden gate. Dogs can enjoy woodland adventures, sniffing, exploring, and plenty of mental stimulation before returning home for breakfast, rest, play, and enrichment. Throughout the day, I tailor activities to each dog’s age, fitness, and personality, whether they enjoy long walks, gentle strolls, playing with toys, practising training, or simply relaxing. Every dog receives lots of individual attention, affection, and care, so they leave happy, content, and looking forward to their next visit.