House Sitting Scottish Borders

“What a great house/petsitter . Our dogs and cat have been well looked after and the house left immaculately. Can only recommend Kevinjohn . A conscientious gentleman who is extremely trustworthy. Lots of photos and updates . Highly recommend this kind gentleman”

Ian M.

“Lucy was fantastic when she looked after my dog Columbo. She was great at communication, friendly and punctual. Columbo loved hanging out with her!”

Elizabeth D.

About: I have around 3 years of experience caring for dogs and I truly enjoy spending time with them. I currently work as a bank worker in a dog day care setting, helping with collections and drop-offs around Edinburgh and supporting daily exploratory walks. This has given me experience with different dogs, routines and behaviours, as well as understanding the importance of keeping dogs safe and well managed. I also regularly walk dogs for neighbours and family in Peebles simply because I love being outdoors with them. At home, dogs are treated as part of the family. I have 5 children who also love animals, so visiting dogs receive plenty of care, attention and kindness. I also have a secure garden where dogs can have safe outdoor time, alongside their walks and enrichment. I live close to Hay Lodge Park, the River Tweed and lovely woodland and riverside walks, which are perfect for dogs who enjoy sniffing, exploring and being outside. I am very active and happy to offer long walks, but I always adapt exercise depending on each dog’s age, health, confidence and normal routine. I prefer to care for 1 or 2 dogs at a time so I can give them proper attention and make sure they feel relaxed and safe. I have completed the IMDT Professional Day Care and Boarding qualification, which supports my understanding of dog welfare, behaviour and safe handling. I currently work part‑time from home, which gives me good flexibility to care for dogs during the week. I am available for walks, home visits and daycare, and I can also offer boarding. My daily routine already includes time outdoors, so I enjoy taking dogs on regular walks, whether this is a calm one-hour walk or a longer exploratory walk depending on the dog’s needs. I am happy to adapt my schedule to suit each dog, especially if they require specific routines for feeding, rest or exercise. I normally keep owners informed by sending regular updates and photos of our daily activities, so they can see how their dog is doing and feel reassured. I provide a safe environment where dogs are treated as part of the family. I usually care for one or two dogs at a time so I can give them my full attention and make sure they feel comfortable. In my home, dogs have access to indoor & outdoor spaces to rest and relax, as well as regular time for walks and enrichment. I always prioritise safety, using leads, harnesses or controlled environments where appropriate, and adapting activities to each dog’s age, health and personality.

“Naomi looked after our dogs and house so well. She came before the sit to do a meet and greet, and the dogs were very comfortable around her. Naomi followed their routine and provided enrichment for them, she sent daily updates and photos. The dogs were calm and relaxed when we arrived home, always a good sign! And the house was spotless - we can highly recommend Naomi and will be booking her again before long!”

Isabel V.

About: I have had many years experience with cats and dogs of all ages and varieties of health and behaviour issues. I am currently retired and looking to spend time being a cat or dog nanny whether it’s daycare, drop in visits or house sitting. I love going on walks along the beach and around the lakes, often stopping for a coffee which I would love to bring another companion along. I currently have a small shihpoo called Isla, she’s super friendly and loves having friends to join us on our adventures. I also provide lots of updates and photos of there adventures with me and will tailer care to best suit there needs. Looking forward to hearing from you soon. I’m a retired active lady who is happy to provide love, care and attention to your family pets. I have the time to give them the attention they need and deserve. I am currently looking to care for pets in your home. I am used to following strict medication and dietary requirements necessary to keep them safe and well. I provide all the love and care that they need and follow each owner’s wishes for their personal care.

About: I am a sign language user and bikepacker with a love of dogs and cats. I have a mixed chocolate Labrador dog named Molly back home in Edinburgh, who is very lovable with a huge personality. I also had a cat called Socks who used to love coming on walks with me and the dog through the park and up the Braid Hills. Over the past year since I started providing my services on Rover I have looked after a cat for a family on holiday, a spaniel puppy for a couple, my neighbour's two labrador dogs Zephyr and Pyrrha for a month house-sitting while my neighbour was away on holiday. And more recently house-sitting three British Bulldogs. My father is also a local dog-walker so sometimes I join him on walks with the pack. So I have experience house-sitting at someone else's place. I am flexible when it comes to short-term or long-term arrangements, with different breeds and range of ages from puppy to elderly. I also have experience and the ability to handle larger dogs like Irish Wolfhounds, such as during my bike-packing adventures through Ireland where I met an Irish Wolfhound named Sétanta and walked him. I find that animals are naturally drawn to me and feel easy going with me. I am very observant of dogs' body language, and I wear a hearing aid so I am able to hear if that's the case. I am a bikepacker currently at home, not travelling at the moment. As I move to a different location, if I am travelling, I usually update where I am as I normally stay in an area for 3-7 days. I provide pet care as a way to make some extra income while I travel. Very flexible with the duration of time staying at a pet owner's house. Possibly long-term of multiple months, with daily pet care (multiple walks, exercise, treats, wash/baths). Dogs and cats are naturally drawn to me and almost always approach me in public. I am very laidback and easygoing but I can be firm when needed to be. Capable of handling large dogs such as Irish Wolfhounds, as i have experience walking them. I am 6ft4 and strong enough to keep Irish Wolfhounds heeled. Since I am deaf, I am very observant. Though I do wear hearing aids and am able to hear dog and cat sounds (barks, whining, meowing etc), I rely more on my visual skills, so this enables me to develop a good rapport with the animals I care for. I am very attentive to the needs of pets in my care, and I will ensure they look to me for guidance.

About: I love all dogs - big and small! I grew up with dogs - a German short haired pointer and an Italian Spinone, as well as lots of other lovely dogs in my extended family too. I now have a three year old cocker spaniel called Juno. She is well trained and very sociable with all dogs and she loves to have other dogs to stay! I’m happy to work on any training needs your dog has while staying with me. I work from home 2 or 3 days a week. I tend to take Juno for one longer (1+ hours) walk per day as well as a couple of short trips to the park. I can adjust this depending on your dog - longer/more adventurous for energetic dogs and shorter/more gentle walks for older or slower dogs. We love to go down to Portobello, round Arthur’s Seat and up to Blackford Hill. I live on my own and have a 2 year old cocker spaniel. She is very friendly and gets on with all dogs - but also knows when to leave dogs that don’t want to play with her! I will only ever take one dog at a time so it will only ever be the two dogs together. I have a secure shared garden with grass lawn and surrounding stone wall. In the house, your dog can make itself at home. I have dog beds in both rooms and they are also welcome to be on the sofa/armchairs. I’ve got lots of dog toys and chews. My flat is on the third floor so may not be suitable for older dogs with mobility/joint issues.

“Julia took amazing care of our 10 week old puppy. She was also very flexible and responded to my last minute request. Our puppy was relaxed and sound asleep when we got home. Julia also took very good care of our house and left everything spotless. I would absolutely recommend her to others, she is very friendly and responsible :) Thank you so much!”

Bianka H.

“Rachel and Josh were the perfect sitters for our nervous older dog. Trustworthy and friendly people who clearly lovely animals. They made time to meet Selia beforehand and reassure me that she was in good hands. Communication was perfect and we received lovely updates whilst we were away. Selia was clearly very comfortable in their company. They left the house very clean and tidy and went out of their way to make Selia feel settled amd confident in the house and on walks. Highly recommend and will hope to book again. Thanks !”

pauline m.

About: I am at my happiest around animals and somehow they can tell! I would treat your animals as my own and you could leave them in my hands without a care in the world, knowing I would put their needs first. I have always had cats in the past but now have an adorable collie! I also have experience walking friends and family's dogs, as well as a lot of experience working in animal rescues. I love walking so long walks are of no problem at all!I am close to beautiful opne spaces! I also have house-sitting experience and can be relied upon to look after your home as well as your pets. I can travel to you if necessary. As a teacher, I am DBS checked and can provide references to vouch for my reliability, flexibility and love of animals. I have plenty of time, my days are busy walking my dog and volunteering at the local animal rescue. We walk in the woods and by the river for lots of playtime and also, at a small extra cost, can take your dog to a local agility centre, especially if recall is an issue, so your dog has plenty of safe playtime! I have a fenced, secure garden and a lot of space in the house itself, with plenty of toys which Rosie is happy to share!

About: I look after friends and family’s pets whenever necessary, and have been a part of Rover for a wee while now. I have experience with different breeds/sizes and love time spent with animals! I’m currently working part time and my hours are very flexible week by week! I live right next to the pentlands so plenty walks and outdoor time. I have a fenced garden at the back, with decking, and a front garden space. I have one young female spaniel called Rosie who is friendly (although likes to make a fair noise when first meeting new friends).

About: I have 15 years of experience looking after my own dogs. I understand doggy language and will do the best to care to your dogs needs. Happy to go for long walks or a nice relax together indoors. Becoming a sitter as I miss having my furry friend around. Happy to cater to all your special requirements and keep your dog as much in their routine and habits as possible! I currently work Monday- Friday 9-5 and I am available over the weekends. May have weekdays available during annual leave. Happy to fit in at short notice if I am free. I live in a flat but there is open green space outside that your pet can use, parks and loch nearby. I will be in the room with your dog making sure they are safe!

About: I have experience with dogs and cats of all ages from puppies and kittens to senior pets. I am a qualified veterinary surgeon on a break before starting work in September. Happy to take pets with medical needs e.g. diabetic freestyle libres, medications etc I already pet sit a friends dog on an ad-hoc basis and have done for over a year. I get out and about and have plenty of places to walk dogs near me. I'm currently off work as I am taking a break before starting work as a vet in September time. Can flex routine to suit pet's individual needs. I have a fenced garden and lots of space for walks etc nearby. Plenty of pet accessible space in the house and they could even have their own room to sleep in if they preferred.

“Tess and Sean were lovely. It was our first time leaving our recently adopted dog home while we were away for the day and were very nervous about it, but Tess was great and our doggie was very settled when we got home. Communication was clear and timely. We will not hesitate to book Tess and Sean again to look after him.”

Jamie S.

“Elaine stepped in at short notice to look after Frida in our home. She and Frida became firm friends, communication excellent, Elaine sent daily updates and photos and kept in touch so we knew all was well.”

Kerry W.

About: I had various small animals growing up (guinea pigs, gerbils, hamsters, goldfish and stick insects!) who I loved and cared for. I now live with my sister who has a 6 year old Wiggy called Jelly, who I call my niece♥️ I have done many house/pet sits over the years for family and friends, as well as for people I have met through work. I’m comfortable with all dog breeds and cats too, as well as any other animals you may have. I work 9-5 Monday-Friday, and am able to work from home for part of the week (or most of, if necessary). On weekends I can be at home with pets full time. I live with my sister and her dog so I permanently have a dog in my home who I help look after. I have also spent weeks at a time house sitting/pet sitting in the past for different friends and family, and people I have met through work. Whatever your animal needs in terms of routine, I am flexible and can adjust to whatever works for you.

About: The opportunity to offer love and care for a pet feels like a real privilege. Getting to know them, showing them affection, care and fun is a big part of house and pet sitting/pet care for us. We are patient, responsible and kind, and understand the need that pet owners have to share a bond with their sitters. We love to gain new experiences and memories through looking after your pet - feels like a win win to us! We understand the trust that someone places upon us to look after their pet and where applicable their home - and we take on any house/pet sits, dog walking with that in the front of our mind. (We have public liability insurance and an Animal Boarding Licence (ref 546253) from City of Edinburgh Council.) Hi - We're based in Edinburgh - and both work part time freelance (and as digital nomads to suit our pet sitting and pet caring adventures!) so we're able to be flexible as needed. Active house swappers for the last 20 years we are passionate about new experiences and getting the most out of life and pet sitting/dog care has become a great part of our lifestyles. We have been active pet sitters for the last 4 years - and bring with us lots of great reviews! If you are interested in us for house sitting arrangements, we've been involved in house sits for 20+ year (though both pet sitting and home exchange platforms). (We have public liability insurance and an Animal Boarding Licence (ref 546253) from City of Edinburgh Council.) We have a fully fenced off garden area and wooden floors in all downstairs living areas. For overnight pet sits we ask the pet owner to bring a favourite pet bed, food bowl with them to help your pet relax and feel 'at home'. We take dogs on a wide variety of walks direct from our home, with the Pentland Hills just five minutes walk away.

About:

“Sylva was reliable and responsive to my messages. Shs sent plenty of updates and shared photos throughout the day. Would recommend to anyone who needs a dog sitter. Thank you, Sylva!”

Josh