House Sitting Dorchester

“Cath was amazing, very caring & kept me up to date everyday with photos & messages to say how rocco was. Rocco is a very anxious dog but he settled very quickly with Cath. Would definitely recommend & will use her again for our next holiday 😀”

Vicki S.

“Joan was amazing with Beau, provided regular updates and photos. So I could enjoy my holiday, without worrying about him. He was so happy and relaxed when I got home. I would recommend her to anyone”

Kate L.

“Ro filled us with confidence from the moment we met him, he was calm around the dogs which was lovely to see. I had no concerns leaving them with him and they were happy and relaxed when we returned. I would wholeheartedly recommend Ro as a dog sitter.”

Rupert & Lizzie

“William was very good at updating me when plans changed. Holly was very happy and relaxed in William and his partners care”

Steve J.

“We were quite nervous to use this service as this was the first time we would leave our dogs with an stranger and in our house but Georgina has been great and very trustworthy!! She provided constant updates on them and send us some lovely pictures. She also kept an eye on our house and ensured everything was in perfect conditions. Thank you!!!”

Ayelen V.

About: I was brought up in a home that helped look after rescues dogs, we have always had our own dogs, labs specifically but we have also taken in stray cats and got them healthy again. I absolutely adore animals (probably more so than humans!) I am currently on a hiatus from my usual work and want to try this opportunity not only to provide excellent service but to also bond with pets and it's a great way for a mental health break. I am not doing this for the money but I truly believe in the mental benefit of working with animals. I am hardworking, laid back but fair person, I recently was diagnosed with autism and looking after your furry pets it's a keen interest of mine, I believe that all animals can be bonded with and I strive to achieve that bond with all animals I am lucky enough to meet. No task is a bother to me and I am one for a strict and regimented routine however I can easily adapt to whatever your pets needs are. I am planning to work part-time but I can work longer hours if needed, I just need a bit of pre warning. I am currently not working apart from volunteering at a few farm sites on Wednesdays. I am a trustworthy person, I am currently living in temporary accommodation which unfortunately means I cannot house animals, however I have no problem with caring while in a pet owners home. I am a very tidy, clean and active person, my sole dedication would be to your animals, making sure they get the love they need as well as keeping your home tidy, safe and clean

“I had complete faith in Amelia looking after Jess and our home! She is extremely competent and reliable and I would definitely recommend her :)”

Charlotte M.

“Nadine is a wonderful sitter. She is very kind, caring, trustworthy and attentive. Our 4 dogs love her and she didn't worry that there were so many! Would 100% rebook”

Grace C.

“What an amazing sitter! We came back to a very happy, handsome (clean and trimmed ) chap . Our house, garden and greenhouses were looked after brilliantly too . Everyday we had an update with pictures, which is reassuring when you have an old dog. We really can’t thank you enough and without hesitation…A BRILLIANT DOG / HOUSE SITTER . Thank you”

Kate G.

About: Reliable and conscientious, caring and pro-active with 20 years experience in dog walking and dog sitting for friends and family. Based in Dorchester, Dorset. Access to a private garden and a multitude of walking routes, green spaces and bridleways, ideal for dog walks in the countryside, year round. Dependable and attentive = available to help with dog walking, boarding or general pet care. I provide daily feeding, walks and playtime, and take care of grooming and health needs on a weekly basis. Located in Poundbury, Dorchester, with access to a private fenced garden and a wide variety of walking routes, green spaces, and bridleways—perfect for countryside dog walks all year round. The household has no other pets.

About: I have 6 years of experience training my own dog at home. I love dogs, they are my favourite animals in the world and one day I hope to own a dog sanctuary where I can rescue countless dogs across the country and the world. This is the start of my journey towards that. I believe that a happy dog is a well-managed dog. My approach is Force-Free and focuses on Positive Reinforcement to build a bond of trust and mutual respect. Here are the 8 core pillars I use to ensure every walk or visit is a high-quality learning experience: • The "Continuous to Variable" Method: I use treats to "bank" good behavior. For new skills, I reward every success; once mastered, I switch to random "jackpot" rewards to keep your dog focused and motivated without needing a bribe every time. • The Three D’s of Mastery: I help dogs bulletproof their commands by gradually increasing Distance from the dog, the Duration of the task, and the level of Distraction in the environment. • The "Be a Tree" Policy: I never allow a dog to pull. If the lead goes taut, I stop completely until it slackens, teaching them that a loose lead is the only way to move forward. • Tiered Reward Systems: I use "Standard" kibble for easy tasks and "High-Value" treats (like chicken or cheese) for emergency recall or high-distraction situations. • Short, High-Intensity Bursts: Dogs learn best in 5–10 minute sessions. I keep training short and always finish on a "win" to keep their confidence and engagement high. • Positive Reinforcement Only: I focus entirely on rewarding desired behaviors. I never use aversive equipment like choke chains or prong collars. • The "Watch Me" Check-In: I train dogs to respond to a "Watch" cue, allowing me to regain their attention immediately if a squirrel or another dog appears nearby. • Capturing Calmness: Beyond active commands, I reward "Settle" behaviors. If a dog chooses to relax while we wait at a crossing, they receive a calm reward to reinforce a relaxed default state. I balance a professional part-time role in Dorchester with a disciplined morning routine of market analysis, which I typically conclude by 11:00 AM. This structure allows me to dedicate the vast majority of my day to taking dogs on high-energy adventures through the Dorset countryside. While my professional shifts can vary, I am consistently available all day Monday, Tuesday, and Sunday. I pride myself on reliability and clear communication, ensuring your dog's routine is never disrupted. My long-term goal is to transition into full-time animal care, so I treat every walk as a commitment to building a lasting bond with your pet. I ensure that every pet has their own dedicated personal space, including their own bed, food, and water to maintain an stress-free environment. Your dog will have easy access to a secure, fully fenced garden for play and relaxation. During our outings, I strictly limit my groups to a maximum of 4 dogs at any one time. I believe that maintaining total control is the key to a safe and enjoyable walk in the Dorset countryside. For dogs that are less social or require more focused attention, I also offer specialized solo walks. To provide a truly comprehensive service, I can also incorporate basic training during our walks and offer grooming services, such as baths and brushing, to keep your pet looking and feeling their best. I will eventually get the license to have dogs at my property if you would prefer that as well.

About: I have several years of experience caring for pets of all shapes and sizes, from looking after family and friends’ beloved companions to providing recurring house-sitting and pet care for a variety of clients. I’m comfortable with a wide range of dog breeds, temperaments, and sizes, and I take pride in offering calm, attentive care tailored to each pet’s needs. I’m also experienced in administering medication and have cared for older dogs, including those managing conditions like diabetes. Whether it’s playtime, walks, or extra cuddles, I make sure every pet feels safe, loved, and well looked after. I work as a freelance creative and so I have lots of time where I am working remote and can be around for plenty of long walks and cuddles for your pets! I love caring for pets in the owners home. Taking care of the pets at their own home makes them so much more comfortable and allows me to easily fit into their existing schedules and routines.

“We had Sophie look after our dog for the first time just for a day, and we are so happy we found her!! Our dog has separation anxiety but he seemed happy and content from the pictures she sent us. We will definitely use Sophie again, and wouldn't hesitate to recommend her. We'll happily take our dog everywhere with us, but thank you Sophie for giving us a little bit of freedom to make plans where he can't come!”

Simon H.

“Amber looked after our 2.5 year old Cockapoo for us in our home whilst we went away for a week. Amber was polite, and knowledgeable, she was respectful towards our home and left it immaculate upon our return. Amber sent regular updates on her adventures with Hadley, and we know he had a great week with her. We would highly recommend Amber, and thank her for looking after both our dog, and our home.”

Susanne F.

About: Both my husband and I grew up caring for animals and we live on a small farm in Sydney Australia. We absolutely adore animals and have not yet met an animal that we couldn't look after (except for snakes because my husbands terrified lol). My husband works remotely so he will be able to take care of your pets and is able to rework his day to best suit your pets schedules. Pets have always been a critical part of our lives and we understand it is critical to ensure they have the best care while you are away. My husband and are from Australia and don't yet have a home of our own. We always take the most care of an owners home while they enjoy their holiday and understand that, as well as pet care, house care is an important part of our role. We regularly clean and maintain the house and make sure your home is cared for and clean and ready for when you come back.

“Nina looked after our french bulldog Bella in our own home for the weekend (Friday-Sunday) whilst my family & I went to a family wedding. Beforehand, Nina gladly came over to meet Bella, finding out everything she needed to know in order to look after her well. This included checking Bella's routine, diet, habits etc. We knew that Nina would be popping in throughout the weekend but we feel that she went above and beyond. As we felt Bella did not need overnight visits, Nina came first thing in the morning to let her out etc and stayed for every visit at least 2-3 hours - visiting throughout the day for extended periods, before settling her for bed. Nina also sent us regular photos and videos which reassured us that Bella was being well cared for. In addition, Nina helped to train Bella which was definitely an added bonus. We 100% trusted Nina & could not have found a better dog sitter. We would absolutely recommend Nina to anyone requiring a pet sitter. Thank you so much for taking care of our family dog so well x”

Melanie K.

About: With over 20 years of hands-on experience caring for dogs, cats, and a wide variety of animals, I bring a lifelong dedication to animal welfare and wellbeing. I spent 10 years living and working on a farm with boarding kennels, where I was deeply involved in the daily care, feeding, exercise, and monitoring of animals in both home and professional settings. My passion for animals has been a constant throughout my life, reflected not only in my work but also in always having my own cats and dogs. I am confident, compassionate, and attentive to the individual needs of each animal, ensuring they feel safe, comfortable, and well cared for at all times. Pet care fits naturally into my daily routine because I am around all day, which allows me to make sure pets always have access to fresh food and water. I regularly provide walks, playtime, and attention to keep them active and happy, while also monitoring their overall wellbeing. If medication is needed, I can administer it on schedule, and I am comfortable maintaining any training routines to encourage good behavior and consistency. Overall, I make pet care a priority by ensuring pets are safe, comfortable, exercised, and well cared for throughout the day. I provide a safe, trustworthy, and caring environment where pets can feel comfortable and secure while in my care. I have a good-sized fenced garden for outdoor time and exercise, with woods just behind my home as well as plenty of nearby fields and coastal walks that are perfect for dogs who enjoy exploring and staying active. I understand how important it is for owners to feel confident leaving their pets with someone reliable, and I always aim to give pets the same attention and care they would receive at home. I am also happy to come to your home if preferred, helping pets stay relaxed in a familiar environment and maintain their normal routine.

About: Hello! My name is Maddie. I am 19 and have a genuine love for animals. I grew up surrounded by various animals, such as dogs, cats, hamsters, bunnies, guinea pigs and fish. I have grown up and trained my pup, who is a collie / springer and now have another dog who is a staffy / bulldog, and have always had an open heart to every animal. No job is too big or too small. I am always motivated for a challenge. I have taken care of my dogs since a young age. Taking them on walks, playing games of ball, feeding them well and of course never forgetting lots of cuddles. Currently I am studying a uni course at Weymouth college, whilst working. However, I would like to start dog sitting to get more experience with animals, to have a good opportunity to go into the army as a dog handler. I will make time for your pets, just like mine. If they are shy / nervous / excited / outgoing , they will all be treated with the same patience and love. I am currently at uni two days a week and working 35 hours a week 3/4 days, however I’m still left with around 2/3 days and 2 evenings free to spend with puppers. I have a fenced off, big garden and two dogs that love to play and would get on well with your dog. I can easily make room for crates if needed and live next to a beautiful field and cliffs which are great for walks!

“Sarah was amazing - ran with unintentional chaos like a pro, spoilt Bernie rotten and generally treated both of us like members of her family. Just the support system I needed and a great communicator. I'm pretty sure Bernie was deeply disappointed that she wasn't a permanent addition.”

Jennifer D.

About: I raised my 5 year old cocker spaniel, who loves ditch-the-bowl training. I'm a freelance outdoor instructor offering stimulating, long winter walks with new scents to enrich happy dogs. My two dogs enjoy morning and evening walks. With the garden always open, I provide 1-2 long weekday walks and adventurous weekend outings away from Sherborne. My garden is fenced, so they cannot escape. My two dogs will keep your dog company who are both very friendly and are used to other dogs staying. If they were to travel in the van I have seat belt clips, clips and a crate in the rear. I have a crate if your dog needs it's own space in the house too (Rusty sleeps under the stairs and Indi can sleep in our bedroom, so your dog can either sleep in the kitchen or living room). If you needed me to stay at your house, then I don't have to bring my dogs as my partner also works from home. We love dogs! We don't have children so they get a lot of fuss. I tend to use kibble/treats on their first walk with a retractable lead, to get a sense of recall and connection with the dog.