Stephanie M.
Stephanie M.
Highlights
Pet care experience
Dog Cuddler and nature lover
I lived in Bolivia for 7 years and have been in Ottawa for 6 years. In Bolivia, I had a lot of experience with street dogs/rescue dogs and cats. I wanted to adopt them all. I learned that all animals deserve the best care and are only looking for a friendly caregiver. Love and attention are so important. I did adopt a senior dog who became blind. She taught me so much about adapting to your circumstances and how much love and patience can improve their well being and make them live longer. I have dog and house sitting experience with Jack Russels to Rottweilers. I have also loved and cared for cats. I grew up with a small dog for 16 amazing years. What sets me apart is that I only host one dog at a time, meaning your pet will receive my dedicated care, comfort, and a peaceful environment without the stress of a multi-dog household.
Qualifications
Ratings and reviews
Stephanie was amazing with Pablo! She was so attentive and took care of managing his anxiety with distractions like toys and treats. She took lots of photos, was easy to reach, very accommodating for schedule changes, and asked a lot of questions to ensure she could give him the best experience. Thanks again, Stephanie!!
Stephanie was great with Chickpea as always!
We love Stephanie!! She always takes such good care of Hazel. I appreciate that Stephanie really cares about Hazel’s wellbeing, she takes extra steps to make sure she is safe and comfortable. And Hazel loves going there and gets so excited to spend the day with her. So grateful we found her!!
Stephanie always send so many photos wonderful photos and updates and was very accommodating when I had to change the pick up/drop off time.
I had a great experience with Stephanie. My dog has a chronic health condition and she was very understanding and took notes in a notebook about his health needs. Very communicative and friendly! ☺️
Stephanie was great with Tuxedo. She planned a meet and greet beforehand so Tux could get used to her home with me there and could be comfortable being left there when I dropped him off. She made sure to have all the necessary information which made me feel comfortable leaving her with him. When he was staying with her she sent lots of updates and photos, and she played with him lots. He was happy boy when I came to pick him up after the weekend.
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
I work remotely from home full-time during the week, so pet care fits seamlessly into my daily routine. Because I am home, your dog will have constant company and won't be left alone for long stretches. I maintain an accurate, up-to-date calendar so you always know my availability. My schedule allows for a great rhythm of activity and downtime. I break up my workday with a quick morning walk, a midday stroll, a late afternoon walk, and an evening outing, alongside plenty of quick breaks for couch cuddles and indoor play. Because I do have focused working blocks and meetings throughout the day, my home is ideal for dogs who are content to nap at my feet, enjoy a chew toy, or happily amuse themselves while I'm on the computer.
Where your pet will stay
Home characteristics
Safety, trust & environment
Safety and peace of mind are my top priorities. My apartment is a calm, secure, and entirely dog-friendly environment. Because I work from home full-time, your dog is under my direct supervision throughout the day and they are never left alone. When we are out for walks, I always keep dogs securely on-leash and remain highly alert to our surroundings, avoiding unpredictable interactions when possible. I also believe that communication builds trust. I love sending owners daily photo updates and quick text check-ins so you can see exactly how content and relaxed your dog is.
A typical day
A typical day with me is a balanced mix of fresh air and quiet relaxation. Every 4–6 hours, we head out for a relaxed walk around the neighbourhood, giving your dog plenty of time to sniff, explore, and stretch their legs. Between walks, while I work, the atmosphere indoors is calm and quiet. During my breaks, we’ll play with toys in the apartment or head to a nearby dog park if your dog enjoys it. The rest of the day is filled with companionable downtime and plenty of cozy couch cuddles. My ultimate goal is to provide a low-stress, comforting "home away from home" where your dog feels entirely safe and content.
- Cats0 to 15 lbs16 to 40 lbs41 to 100 lbsDogs over 1 year oldTakes only 1 client at a timeStephanie can host up to 1 pet per night
- To ensure your dog has the best possible stay, I strictly care for only one dog at a time. To make sure my apartment and routine are the perfect match for your pet, please note the following: Age & Training: I accept dogs aged 3 and older who are fully house-trained and comfortable in an apartment setting. Temperament: My home is ideal for low-to-moderate energy dogs who can happily snooze or enjoy a chew toy while I am in remote meetings, rather than dogs with severe separation anxiety or continuous barking. Summer & Fall Weekend Bookings: During the warmer months, I often spend weekends at my cottage. If you are booking a weekend stay during this time, it’s a wonderful nature getaway for your pup! For these specific trips, your dog must be good on long car rides, have good recall (no escape artists), won't chase wildlife, and be friendly with other dogs and people. Before we book, please let me know about your dog's unique quirks, their walking habits (do they pull?), and if they have any reactivity to noises or other dogs.