House Sitting Portland

“Lilia was absolutely lovely and took amazing care of our Frenchie. He unfortunately came down with an infection the night before we went away for the weekend, so I was really anxious about leaving him while he was unwell. Thankfully, Lilia kept me updated throughout our trip, made sure he had all of his medication, and gave him lots of care and attention, which really put my mind at ease. We also came home to a spotless house, which was such a lovely bonus. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Lilia to anyone looking for a caring, reliable, and trustworthy pet sitter!”

Chantelle W.

“We've had Hannah & Aiden over for a couple of longer sittings with our 3 dogs, and will totally have them them over again. Our two older dogs can be very nervous of people but we always come home to relaxed dogs. Our puppy was delighted to see them arrive again. Some people are just naturally good with animals and have a calm confidence about them, and Hannah & Aiden both have this. No matter what your animal is I think they would just take it in their stride :)”

Merilyn M.

“Maria is a lovely lady and took really good care of my cat Touchy whilst we were away. She sent loads of videos and photos every day which was very reassuring. I would highly recommend Maria and wouldn’t hesitate to use her again in the future. Thank you so much for looking after my little girl ????xx”

Sandra 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.

“Ro was friendly, calm and confident with our 8 month old Cockapoo, Rudy. He listened and followed our instructions and when we came back home Rudy was happy and calm and our house well looked after. Will book again!”

Michelle H.

About: Hello! My name is Maddie. I am an 21 year old who has 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 I have another dog who is a staffy / bulldog. I 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. 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!

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

Steve J.

“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.

“Lisa-Ann took wonderful care of our Red Labrador, Rex, taking the time to get to know him and us beforehand. Our doggie enjoyed wonderful walks and fun whilst we were away for the week and was very relaxed in her company. Her experience and love of dogs is excellent, alongside her communication to us throughout. Highly recommend Lisa-Ann, who gave over and above. We hope another opportunity arises in the future for Rex to hang out with Lisa-Ann and her family again, thank you!”

Melissa B.

About: Hello, My name is Sarah, 40 years old and I'm available for house/ pet sitting in the Poole/Bournemouth/New Forest/ Southampton area! I am a huge animal lover and would love the opportunity to care for your animals and treat them with the love and respect they deserve. I have experience with dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, other small mammals, birds, spiders and reptiles- rabbits and bearded dragons being my favourite and the companion animals I currently care for in my own home! I am happy to feed, clean out, walk and of course play and pamper your furry/scaly/ feathered friends and send pictures if you like too! I am also clean, tidy, organised and will look after you home as if it was my own. I'm available for sitting, in the poole, Bournemouth, New Forest and Southampton area (I live in Poole but travel to Southampton regularly as I own a restaurant there). I can offer short term sitting or longer term if you need to work away, go on holiday or go travelling! Happy to water plants and keep an eye on anything that might need checking in your home. Other things are enjoy are travelling and wildlife, seeing animals in their natural environments as well as volunteering for animal charities when I have the time. I love cooking and baking too alongside cycling and swimming to balance all that out! I'm a trustworthy, reliable person and enjoy a quiet life. I look forward to helping you out with your house/pet sitting needs! I own a restaurant so am able to be flexible with what days and hours I work. I live in Poole and my business is in Southampton so I'm able to be flexible with where I house/pet sit. I can't offer to sit in my own home due to my own animals needs but am happy to sit in your home and provide the care they need.

“Mabel came and stayed in our house for a week, looking after our Collie, Sola. Her care was outstanding from beginning to end. She’s a natural dog lover and Sola was immediately at ease in her company. Mabel walked Sola twice a day, handled her medication, sent us regular updates and pictures, left the house clean and tidy and even carried out some essential garden maintenance - AMAZING! We would strongly recommend her services.”

Giles M.

About: I have always had dogs in my life and genuinely love spending time with them. I have experience caring for different breeds and sizes, including a Cocker Spaniel, Labrador, Border Collie, French Poodles and mixed-breed dogs. I had my own Cocker Spaniel, Jack, who was a very special part of my life. Since moving to Portland, I really miss having a dog around, so dog walking and pet care feels like the perfect way for me to spend time with dogs again while doing something I already love — walking! I am caring, patient, responsible and attentive to each dog's individual personality and routine. I understand that every dog is different, so I am happy to follow the owner's instructions regarding walks, feeding, routines and any particular preferences. Most importantly, I would look after your dog with the same care and affection I would want someone to give my own. 🐾 I work shifts, so my availability varies throughout the week, which actually gives me plenty of flexibility for both weekday and weekend walks. I love longer walks and I’m happy to arrange regular or occasional walks around my schedule. I’m also available for pet visits and pet sitting. Having both a car and a motorbike gives me the flexibility to travel around Portland and Weymouth depending on the weather and your pet’s needs. Just send me a message and we can find a time that works for you and your dog. I understand how important it is to trust the person looking after your dog. I will always follow your instructions and your dog's usual routine, including feeding, walking preferences and any special requirements. I’m patient and attentive, and I’ll take the time to get to know your dog and what makes them feel comfortable and safe. I’m also happy to send you photos and updates while they’re with me.

“Sofia is excellent - attentive and kind. Hamish (the dog) took to her and we left him in her care with him offering her his paw suggesting all was well. Feeding, etc was done as we asked. All good and we would be a returning customer if the need arises. Booking, organisation, etc all proceeded smoothly. Thank you.”

David W.

“I was a bit nervous about leaving my puppy, as I had only had him for a few days and had never used a dog-sitting service before. But Marta was absolutely amazing! She kept Niño safe, and made the whole experience stress-free for me. She was so kind and caring with him, genuinely interested in his routine, and very respectful of my preferences. She also provided regular updates, including pictures and videos, which reassured me that he was in great hands. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience—highly recommend Marta to anyone looking for a trustworthy and loving dog sitter!”

Justyna B.

“We booked Nicky to look after our 6 month old puppy and our cat for 5 days over Easter. We’d booked this holiday before we knew we were getting a puppy so felt nervous about leaving her for the first time and so young. She’s also a giant breed so we needed someone with experience. And we’d never left anyone to stay in our house before. Nicky was great - she came and met us before we confirmed the booking. And she came and walked our pup before the holiday - it really put our mind at rest, and that she was an experienced dog owner (of a large breed). She was happy to spend the time at our house with our puppy, playing with her and taking her on walks. The house was clean and tidy when we returned ? Her communication throughout was great. We couldn’t have asked for more and will be using Nicky again ?”

Abi S.

About: I'm a Psychology Undergrad at Cambridge Uni but a dog handler in my summer holidays! The one thing all my extended family and parent's friends knew about me as a child was my dog mad reputation. From toddlerhood, I would smile the biggest smiles when I got to meet a dog. My parents would make up for not getting me a dog by dog sitting our friend's dogs, often for weeks. A large brown lab called Denby was only rivaled by Kate, a golden King Charles Cavelier, in my affections, and both would greet me with wags that shook their whole body, accompanied with enthusiastic noises and licking, when their owners passed them over. On two week camps we would go on every year with a large friendgroup, I would always be found cuddling Tickles, another King Charles Cavelier but gorgeously tricoloured. Honestly my love affairs with dogs are endless! Every evening after we moved at 13, I played with the neighbour's border terriers, teaching them routines we performed together. I loved it so much I set up a dog training/walking/sitting business in my gap year by posting a film of my routines with them on local facebook sites, and got clients whose dogs I've already been handling professinally. I've been training a Bichon Frise called Rolo every week, who now knows how to sit, come when called and high five me, and dog sitting an adorable King Charles Cavelier puppy Freddie as well as a wolf-like German Shepherd/Malinois cross called Hugo. My clients love me and have already written me glowing reviews for my second video on Facebook, but I'll only pick illustrative quotes from their reviews here, as you can read them in full on the Review section of my page: As Freddie's mum says I "took notes as I was telling her about his routines which really impressed me" and "sent me frequent photos and videos while she was looking after him which was really thoughtful and helpful" - I do this with all my clients and it's my pleasure to. As she also says, I'm "very knowledgeable about dogs" and "even demonstrated to us how to get him to do certain things" - I'll happily give bonus dog training during the sit if you tip me £5! If you go with me, your dog will be smothered in love and you'll feel so safe leaving them in my hands. My promise 🤗 because its my pleasure 😄 Cambridge Uni has short, 8 week terms - the rest of the time I'm on holiday (Christmas, Easter and a 3 month Summer break!) and would love to dogsit! As Freddie's owner who I puppysat for said in a review she wrote me for my Facebook dog ad, I "took notes as I was telling her about his routines which really impressed me" and "sent me frequent photos and videos while she was looking after him which was really thoughtful and helpful" - I do this with all my clients and it's my pleasure to. As she also says, I'm "very knowledgeable about dogs" and "even demonstrated to us how to get him to do certain things" - I'll happily give bonus dog training during the sit if you tip me £5! Just let me know what you want and you know it's going to happen 😊. My promise because its my pleasure 😊.

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.

About: Having grown up with dogs, cats and horses. I am a huge animal lover. I have pet sat and dog walked from a very young age. At the age of 16 I trained a disobedient male Labrador called Buddy, the family told me I changed their life. I have a way with animals, I love cuddles, walks and playing. I am always happy to assist with looking after pets other than dogs and cats too. No pet is too much for me and with me, they’ll be guaranteed to be spoiled with love. I usually work away on superyachts but I have come home to take a break and possibly find a change of career. Animals have always been the centre of my world and I am hoping this can go further. I will follow all instructions given to keep your pet as safe as possible! I am also happy for pets to stay upstairs with me if this is what they’re used too or shut downstairs if that’s your preference.

About: Let me take care of your beloved animals while you cant. I've retired from my role in the police and civil service and am now starting my new career in petcare. Enhanced DBS checked and canine first aid trained. Animals are an essential part of my life and I couldn't see myself with out them for long. From an early age I have owned my own pets and worked in petcare. I've looked after birds, tropical fish, cats and dogs to ferrets, rats, mice, spiders and scorpions! My first paid jobs were in an Aquarium shop and then a Pet shop. I've cared for animals throughout all stage of their life. I've hand reared birds and raised both puppies and kittens and even cared for my dog through pregnancy and having her litter of puppies. I have been there holding them as they make their journey out of this world and into the next. I feel it is an honour to be part of the lives of the animals I care for and I take the responsibility of pet care very seriously. I've had experience with rescue dogs, mixed breed and pure breed dogs and understand that each animal comes with its own unique personality and care requirements. I currently own Hungarian Vizsla's and have a strong understanding of these high energy breeds. My previous Cavalier King Charles spaniels suffered with a heart condition and I'm experienced in delivering medications as required. Our previous rescue dog required significant behavioural training and protective equipment. I've had experience in using a variety of petcare equipment including muzzles, harnesses, crates, booties, comfort jackets, post surgical collars and more. Although it has been a while since I owned my own cats, I raised my two from kittens that were no larger than the palm of my hand. I currently have a tropical Aquarium and gold fish pond and understand the requirements for the care of these animals. If you believe I would be a good fit to look after your pet, please dont hesitate to get in touch. You can be reassured that I am doing this as my full time role, so when I am looking after your pets and home I will be able to give it my full attention and your pets will not have to compete with other priorities. A night sit is equivalent to 24 hours, for example 12pm on the first day till 12pm on the following. If you require earlier starts or later finishes, a day charge would be payable addition to the overnight rate. Day sits or drop in's may be available in the local area (Wareham, Sandford, Swanage, Studland, Corfe Castle), but overnight and longer sits will take precedence. Day sits will be charged at an hourly rate and if driving to the location is required a fuel surchage will also be payable. For further information please see the rates section of the profile or dont hesitate to get in contact. How your pets are cared for will be based on the information you provide and being set in their own homes means you can stick to their normal routines and activities. A typical day would involve a walk, play, socialisation if your pet likes that and exploring the local area. For puppies and young dogs I can provide some basic training, I have only completed basic training in this field, but have alot of experience having raised 5 dogs from puppies. I want to ensure your dog is safe at all times, so I would be lead walking in public or using a long line for a little extra freedom. The more information you can give me about your pets the better I will be able to look after them exactly how you'd like, so we would discuss this in greater depth if you choose me to look after your pets. I will happily provide photos and updates regularly to your preferred contact method. The more I get to know your pet the more activities we will be able to do together, for example I have taken a pet I was looking after away in the motorhome to the new forest with our own dogs and friends as well. They had a wonderful time on their first camping trip. We could go for a drive on a day trip out, pub outings or walks in the Country parks etc. All activities would be agreed with you prior to undertaking. I would look after your home with the utmost respect and follow all the rules of the house regarding pet sleeping arrangements, security and alarm procedures, keeping keys and codes safe and secure and respectful behaviour for your neighbours. I would clean up after myself and poo pick the garden as necessary, but please note I do not provide a house or garden cleaning service. I would require a clean bedroom to sleep in, a bathroom to use, access to cooking and food preparation areas. I would bring my own food, but would require the basic staple foods like tea coffee oils pantry items to be available for use. For longer sits I would require wifi access as well.

“Wonderful sitter. Great contact and professionalism but also so friendly giving all the confidence you need when leaving fur babies overnight! Highly recommend”

Rachel A.