House Sitting Forest of Dean

About: 🧡 Meet and greets with new clients 🧡 Detailed updates of what we get up to incl photos / videos 🧡 Years of experience in detailed pet care 🧡 Extra loving I’ve been around animals all my life, growing up with cats, working Border Collies and family farm dogs. I currently have three cats and a Malinois x German Shepherd puppy, so I’m comfortable caring for a wide range of personalities, from quiet and independent pets to energetic dogs who need plenty of physical and mental stimulation. I have experience walking and caring for working and high-energy breeds, and I’m happy to provide longer walks, play, enrichment and basic training in line with the routines and commands you already use. I’m comfortable with larger and stronger dogs, while also being honest about what I can safely manage. If I ever felt a dog’s needs were beyond my experience or ability, I would always be upfront rather than put your pet, another animal or myself at risk. Safety is a priority during every walk. I take care around roads, livestock, wildlife and unfamiliar dogs, particularly when walking in the Forest of Dean. I’ll follow your instructions regarding leads, harnesses and long lines, and I won’t let your dog off lead unless we have discussed and agreed to it beforehand. For drop-in visits, I can provide the everyday care your pets need while you’re away, including feeding, fresh water, toilet breaks, litter trays, play, company and basic grooming. I’m also comfortable caring for multiple pets and households with both cats and dogs. For pet and house sitting, I’ll do my best to keep your pets’ usual routine consistent. I understand that being away from their owners can be unsettling for some animals, so I’m happy to follow their normal feeding times, walks, bedtime routines and other familiar habits. I also have experience caring for senior and special-needs cats and dogs. I understand that they may need a slower pace, extra attention or adjustments to their usual care, and I’m happy to follow detailed instructions while keeping an eye out for changes in behaviour, appetite, mobility or general wellbeing. Alongside cats and dogs, I’ve worked with horses, sheep and cattle. This has helped me develop a calm, observant approach and become comfortable reading animal body language and responding to different situations. Every pet is different, so I never assume that the same approach will work for everyone. Before caring for your pet, I’d like to learn about their personality, routine, triggers, behaviour, medical or mobility needs and anything else you feel is important. While you’re away, I’m also happy to send regular photos and updates, so you can feel reassured that your pets are safe, settled and being well cared for 🐾 I’m currently taking a gap year from university, so I have a very flexible schedule and can dedicate plenty of time to pet care throughout the week. I’m generally available during the day, evenings and weekends, and I’m happy to work around your pet’s normal routine wherever possible rather than expecting them to fit around a strict schedule of mine. For dog walks and drop-in visits, I’m often able to accept same-day and last-minute bookings, so please feel free to message me even if it’s short notice! Whether you’ve been called into work, plans have changed or your dog just needs an extra walk, I’ll always let you know if I can help. For pet and house sitting, a little more notice is helpful, but I can often accommodate bookings with only a few days’ notice depending on my existing commitments. I’m also happy to discuss longer stays and regular/repeating bookings. My flexibility also means I can usually work around specific feeding times, medication or care routines, puppies needing more frequent toilet breaks, senior pets who need checking on more regularly, or dogs who benefit from walks at quieter times of the day. I’ll always be clear about my availability before accepting a booking. I’d rather be upfront if I can’t give your pet the time they need than overbook myself and provide a lower standard of care. If you’re unsure whether I can fit around the times you need, just send me a message. Even for last-minute bookings, I’m always happy to see what I can do 🐾 Your pet’s safety and comfort will always come before trying to make them do something they’re unsure about. I’m a big believer in letting animals get to know me at their own pace, especially nervous, shy or rescue pets. I won’t force interaction and I’m completely happy sitting quietly and letting them decide when they’re ready to say hello. Before a booking, I like to know as much as possible about your pet and their normal environment. Please tell me about any quirks, triggers, escape attempts, reactivity, resource guarding or other behaviours I should be aware of. I’m not going to judge you or your pet for them! Knowing beforehand just means I can keep everyone safer and avoid putting them into situations they might struggle with. I’m careful with doors, windows, gates and other possible escape routes, particularly with cats and dogs who are known for making a run for freedom the second a door opens. I’ll also follow whatever rules you already have around things like crates, separate rooms, feeding pets apart or keeping certain animals away from each other. When I’m staying or dropping in at your home, I understand that you’re trusting me with your home as well as your animals. I’ll treat your space respectfully, keep things secure when I leave and follow any instructions you give me about keys, alarms, gates or areas of the house. If something doesn’t seem right with your pet, I won’t ignore it. I’ll contact you and keep you informed, and before longer bookings I’m happy to have emergency details such as your usual vet and an alternative contact so there’s a clear plan if something unexpected happens. I’m also happy to do a meet & greet beforehand, particularly for house sitting, nervous animals, larger dogs or more complicated routines. It gives your pets a chance to meet me while you’re still there and gives us time to go through everything properly rather than trying to figure it out on the day. Ultimately, I’d rather ask you an extra question than make an assumption with someone else’s pet. You know them best, and I’ll always take what you tell me seriously. My aim is pretty simple: when you come home, your pets are safe and settled, your home is how you left it and you haven’t spent your entire time away wondering what on earth is happening back home 🐾

“Annie looked after our house, black lab Bandit and kitty Freddie for 3 nights. Annie was great with Bandit and he was super relaxed and happy with her. We hadn't left Bandit before but after an initial meet and greet I didn't have any worries about leaving Bandit with Annie; she's obviously a natural and you can tell she loves animals. We wouldn't hesitate to book Annie again if we go away and I'm sure Bandit and Freddie would love to see her again. Thanks Annie 😊”

Georgina T.

“Matt was absolutely brilliant with our 8 year old Staffordshire Bull Terrier. He looked after Lola for 5 days whilst we were away and I couldn’t recommend his services any more. We had a meet and greet beforehand which instantly put us at ease, with the questions Matt was asking. Matt sent though regular updates with photos to show what Lola had been getting up to and how much she’d decided to sleep! These were great to receive whilst we were the other side of the Atlantic! I have to agree with a previous comment on Matt’s profile; we now think we’re Lola’s second favourite humans! Matt left the house in a spotless condition and you genuinely couldn’t even tell anyone had been there. Thanks again Matt!”

Alex H.

“Very happy with Bethan and the dogs seemed very well cared for. Happy with the arrangements.”

Steve J S.

About: Hello! My name is Steph and I am a huge animal lover. I currently work for Dogs Trust as a Behaviour Coach. I work a mix of at home and in centre with community behaviour appointments. I'm a registered and approved Dog Trainer and an Animal Training Instructor by the Animal Behaviour and Traning Council 🐶. Currently undergoing my Animal Behaviour Technician qualification with the ABTC. 
I am also currently undertaking my masters in Clinical Animal Behaviour at the University of Edinburgh and plan to start my dissertation in September 2026. I hope to explore veterinary handling and consent based techniques, a topic I'm super passionate about! 🔥
I have experience at a veterinary referral hospital and can give medication and injections I have had lots of experience with a wide range of animals, including dogs, cats, chickens, small furries and zoo animals. My own fur babies include two house bunnies, Fawn and Fox aged 8, my rescue cat Bo (Bones) aged 4 and Sunny my CKCS aged 8 🐶. My favourite breed of dogs are bull breeds and love curling up with my babies after a long day! 
 In my current job, I help dogs trust and community dogs with behaviour and training support. I offer 1-2-1 sessions in person and virtually and have experience with a variety of behaviour issues, including dog reactivity, aggression, resource guarding, handling and veterinary issues. As such, I am fully aware that every animal has distinctive needs and am more than happy to cater on an individual basis. My services include: 
*Overnight Pet Sitting* Happy to cater Pet sitting to individual client needs and this can be discussed. More than happy to help with looking after your pet in your home with litter/cage changing, watering, feeding, grooming and playtime! I can also administer medication and injections as needed. 
*Other* Frequent pet updates via text or in app. I am aware and understanding of pets which may have behavioural difficulties and am happy to cater to specific needs, e.g. muzzles, keeping away from other animals etc.
If you would like to check my availability and arrange a free consultation, then please get in touch! I currently work in a hybrid role where I am lucky enough to work from Salisbury rehome centre and from home. I am happy to work with clients to find the best match of timings. I am unable to look after pets in my own home, all services are in the owners home. This is to ensure pets feel secure and happy while you are away.

“We are so pleased we have found Tom. He is friendly, easy going and a great communicator and clearly loves dogs too. He is very reliable and punctual and has an easy, calm manner about him that really suits Flash and Fawn. We all look forward to Tom coming regularly. Thanks Tom!”

linda h.

“Elsa sent some lovely photos of my dogs while I was away and they were all very happy. The house was clean and tidy when I came back. I was very happy with the care given by Elsa and will definitely book her again.”

Kay M.

About: Hi there, my name is Liam and I’m a huge animal lover. I’m currently based in Bulford and live with my partner, our cat Bo, and three little Netherland Dwarf rabbits, Fawn and Fox and Lenny. I’ve had all kinds of pets in my life other than the few I live with now. as a child I grew up with a loveable Boxer named Jake, and a Shih-Tzu named Ted. During university, I had two hamsters named Bruce and Robin who were very cheeky and kept me company during my Marketing degree. When I returned from university, I had several fish and a cat, Neo. Neo is almost seven and despite moving out, I do help cat sit him when his owner needs a rest. 

 Having a few dogs, small furries and cats has given me lots of experience, alongside the many people I have already helped. I have a calm and collected personality which helps with pets of any temperament, I can be patient and caring with timid cats or play with your energetic pets.



“Evi was absolutely amazing with the dogs. She is clearly a person who has a natural way with animals and her ability to tune in to the dogs and what they needed and how to make them feel at ease was great. She sent me photos everyday of the dogs and how many walks they went on and her attention to detail and noticing what they needed was really top notch. I felt the dogs where in very good hands and I will definately be booking her again.”

Jewels W.

“Hannah was great and Tony took to her straight away! Very communicative, sent lots of photos and updates and asked anything she wasn't sure of. Tony was very happy when I returned and I could tell he had been well looked after! I would definitely recommend Hannah and wouldn't hesitate to book again!”

Emily W.

About: 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. 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. 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.

About: I’m based in the Forest of Dean and love making the most of the beautiful local woodland and countryside for walks. I’m also fortunate to have dog-friendly fields directly opposite my home, which are ideal for exercise, play and enrichment. I genuinely love dogs and would care for yours with the same patience, kindness and attention I would give my own. I’ve grown up around dogs and have always had a natural affinity with them. I have hands-on experience with a wide range of breeds, sizes and temperaments, including Cocker Spaniels, Springer Spaniels, Labradors, Bullmastiffs and Cane Corsos. I’m therefore very comfortable and confident around large and giant breeds as well as smaller dogs. I’ve also had both male and female working Springer Spaniels, so I’m very familiar with energetic, intelligent dogs who need plenty of physical exercise, mental stimulation and attention. I understand that every dog has their own personality and needs, and I’m happy to follow their usual routine, whether that involves long woodland walks, playtime in the fields, feeding, enrichment, reinforcing their usual training or simply plenty of company and affection. I also have experience caring for dogs with ongoing health needs. One of my own Springer Spaniels experienced seizures and gastrointestinal problems, so I’m familiar with monitoring a dog’s wellbeing, following specific care routines and giving regular medication as directed. I understand how important consistency, observation and good communication with owners are when looking after a dog with additional needs. Above all, dogs have always been a huge part of my life, and I want owners to feel completely comfortable knowing their dog is being cared for by someone who genuinely enjoys spending time with them and will get to know their individual routine, personality and preferences. I currently work part-time, and I live with my retired mum, so there is usually someone at home all day to keep your dog company. I also occasionally care for my sister’s Bullmastiff cross while she works, so having another dog as part of our daily routine is very familiar to us. Living in the Forest of Dean means we’re surrounded by fantastic places to walk. There are dog-friendly fields directly opposite my home, as well as plenty of woodland trails and lakes and ponds nearby for dogs who enjoy a swim. I’m happy to adapt exercise to your dog’s usual routine, whether they prefer gentle walks, longer adventures or plenty of play and enrichment. I’ve previously trained my own working dogs, so if your dog is already familiar with dummies, retrieving or whistle commands, I’d be very happy to continue this with them too. I have a fully enclosed garden with direct access from our family kitchen-diner, where I spend most of my time when I’m at home. Dogs are welcome throughout the downstairs of the house and can settle wherever they feel most comfortable. I occasionally care for my sister’s Bullmastiff cross, who is an exceptionally gentle and sociable dog and is very accustomed to being around other dogs. Despite confident with her temperament, I would always make sure introductions are appropriate if they were to meet. I want dogs staying with me to feel as comfortable and settled as possible, so I’m happy to follow their normal feeding, walking, sleeping, medication and training routines. I’m also experienced with energetic and working breeds and understand the importance of both physical exercise and mental stimulation.

About: I have experience with most animals and lots of dogs as I lived a small farm for 10 years! Would do all handy work and care for all the animals. I am currently a student athlete at UC Berkeley and would be happy to walk anytime! Let me know so we can set up a time! At home I would be up at 6 to feed all the dogs and other animals and walk them around the property. Check waters all the time and feed/walk in the evenings as well once I got home!

About: Experienced in pet and house sitting, always receiving positive feedback from owners. Treating each animal with the respect they deserve, and importantly ensuring every owners mind is at ease whilst away from their very important companions! I am also a pet and equine photographer. I’m currently working part time, aswell as managing my own art and photography business from home. This allows for a lot of flexibility in my schedule. All safety requirements are handled professionally, and your home environment will remain secure during any home visit services. I can appreciate any uncertainty when booking for the first time - which is why I can provide many references on request! I value professionalism just as much as high-standard pet care. All pets are unique and individual and will be treated with high regard, ensuring all individual needs and routines are prioritised.

“Emily was fantastic! I came home to a clean house with a very happy cat! I could tell he had been really well looked after and Emily was amazing at sending images and videos over everyday! She replied really quickly as well every time I messaged and was fantastic all around! Would absolutely recommend to anyone!”

Benjamin D.

“Holly got stuck straight in with our big Spanish Water Dog. She’s great with dogs and I had zero worries when in her care. I even got cute photo updates and my doggo was happy to greet her again the next day. Highly recommend”

Chelsea K.

“Stephanie was fantastic leading up to the sit and visited numerous times to ensure our pup was familiar with her and they built a good relationship from these visits. She was very thorough with care details and clearly wanted to make sure she was caring for our dog in the right way. During the stay, she sent lots of updates and photos of walks and activities and it was lovely to see how much fun they were having together. On arriving home, our house looked untouched and the dog very well cared for! We will definitely be booking Stephanie again!!”

Rebecca D.

“Fantastic, reassuring and kind. Our cockapoo Mylo doesn’t get left and Becky was amazing with him. We also got a couple of pics showing him nice and settled and having cuddles. Would be super confident to leave Mylo with Becky again after a long time of not leaving him alone. Thank you so much Becky.”

Emma S.

About: Hi! My name is Dan, and I’m a passionate and reliable dog lover offering personalized dog walking, daycare, and boarding services. With years of hands-on experience caring for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments, I understand that every pup is unique and deserves loving, attentive care—whether it's a fun walk, a cozy overnight stay, or daily check-ins while you're away. Safety, comfort, and tail wags are my top priorities, and I treat every dog like part of my own family. I'm here to give you peace of mind and your dog a happy, stress-free experience! Pet care is a natural and fulfilling part of my daily and weekly routine. Although I work full time, I have a flexible schedule and the ability to work from home several days a week, which allows me to dedicate quality time to the pets I care for. Whether it’s fitting in walks during lunch breaks, early morning drop-ins, or evening playtime and overnight stays, I’m able to plan my day around the needs of each dog. My flexible hours mean I can provide consistent, attentive care—even on short notice—while ensuring pets feel safe, loved, and well looked after. Whether I’m caring for pets in my home or in a pet owner’s home, I prioritize creating a calm, safe, and loving environment that helps each animal feel comfortable and secure. In my home, pets enjoy a clean, pet-friendly space with plenty of room to play, relax, and receive one-on-one attention, along with regular walks and a consistent routine. When caring for pets in their own home, I stick closely to their usual schedule, feeding routines, and comfort habits to minimize stress and maintain their sense of normalcy. I always make sure to keep open communication with pet parents, providing regular updates, photos, and peace of mind while they’re away.

About: I have grown up with dogs all of my life and have one myself. I’ve always enjoyed playing with them and getting to know them. I currently work shifts as a Health Care Assistant at Royal Preston Hospital but I am free on my days off. I can be flexible. I look after my Standard Poodle Florence who I take for a walk twice a day and play with her in the garden on my days off.