Pet Boarding Willingham

About: I first became a "dog Mum" 15 years ago to our Westie, Elland, who sadly we lost recently. I sadly was that annoying "Dog Mum" who had pictures of her on my desk and booked holiday for her birthday each year. I took voluntary redundancy nearly 6 years ago so have been fortunate to spend quality time at home with her and take her out and about on our own or with her other doggy friends. Unfortunately she lost her hearing about 3 years ago so learnt quickly how to communicate with her with some basic sign language. She also developed dry eye disease so I had to administer drops 5 times each day. Two of these were determined by time so I had to ensure I was available to give her these on time. The last 5 months of her life, her arthritis worsened so I bought a buggy to help her whilst out for daily walks/sniffs. I have also looked after family dogs whilst they have been on holiday and have accomodated raw feeding for one of family dogs. I live with my husband in a bungalow. He still works but is here in the evenings and at weekends. I work during examination periods at a local college but can accomodate pet sitting around this as dates are known well in advance. My contract with the college is ona casual basis so dog sitting will be my priority. We have used a local dog sitter who stayed in our home when we went on holiday. I therefore understand the importance of providing important information to the pet sitter when leaving the pet. When I first stopped working I volunteered for a local hospice helping support a family who used their services, by walking their dog on a weekly basis to give them some respite and also encourage the dog to socilise. I did this for 12 months. I also volunteered at Wood Green Animal Charity during Covid restrictions. Although I was there to help in the fundraising office, we often had dogs who weren't settling in kennels, come and sit with us in the office for the day. Some were quite withdrawn so I learnt how to slowly gain their trust. I am retired so home all day. My husband works full time but is home in the evenings and at weekends. I do some casual exam invigilating but I know dates for this in advance so will not take on any work if pet sitting is booked. I am happy to be led by the owners on when and what activity their dog (s) are used to so am pretty flexible. I have acess to my own car so can take the dog to any appointments if required. I have a fully fenced in garden (6ft) I live in a village with lots of access to quiet walks in the countryside if required, as well as walks within the village itself. I am happy to book out local secure dog fields if agreed with the owner but this will involve driving to nearby fields. As previously mentioned we live in a bungalow so no stairs. We are based in a quiet cul-de-sac so if your dog is reactive to traffic, should not be a problm here. I have space for a medium size crate if required.

“John is fantastic with my dog Otis, and I know Otis is happy with him. I can’t recommend him enough and will continue to book him for further stays. Linda S”

Linda S.

“Lola spent an amazing weekend with Nalu and Hannah. We really appreciated all the photos and updates throughout the day. Lola and Nalu had a great time together! I hope we can meet again!”

Joana A.

“Stella was an incredible sitter for our 3-year-old golden, Breck! She sent lots of photos, gave plenty of updates, and gave him so much attention and exercise. I could tell she and her partner loved looking after him and I will definitely be using them again when we travel. Highly recommend!”

Jenna and Ryan M.

“Rocio took great care of our dog during an overnight stay. She has a big backyard and plenty of toys to keep the dogs entertained. Our dog instantly took a liking to her and was very reluctant to come back home ?”

Archana R.

“Our little puppy Bailey was well cared for while my family were out of town. Zhong provided great updates along the way to let us know he was doing well. Thank you again for taking in Bailey!”

Trevor M.

“Moose had a wonderful stay with Lauren. He adored the whole family and was well looked after. We were regularly updated on how he was doing. Thank you!”

Anna A.

“Such a lovely couple. I have an elderly dog with complex health issues which requires a demanding routine with lots of medication. They were absolutely brilliant with her on her first trial sleep-over. She had a lovely time and didn’t seem to want to leave. I feel totally confident to book her if whilst I’m away on holiday.”

Sheila J.

“Terry was fantastic - took great care to make sure Ted had a good week with him, including asking questions beforehand about Ted’s likes & dislikes, and taking him on lots of great walks. Ted bonded really well with Terry, and it was good to know he was being so well cared for while I was away.”

Julia E.

“Thanks Tenyl for looking after Daisy, and thanks for the photos, looks liked she had a good stay.”

Craig S.

“Chelle was wonderful with my dog and very flexible with pick up and drop off times. She also sent regular updates, pictures and videos. This is the first time I worried my dog would rather stay there than come home! Highly recommended.”

Dom T.

About: I have cared for two dogs for 18 years of my life - a Jack Russel named Ralph and a Collie cross Lab named Martha. When I was 16, obtained a Level 3 qualification in Animal Management at Shuttleworth College. Here, I acquired husbandry skills for a wide range of animals such as reptiles and exotics to goats and wallabies. I graduated from the University of Lincoln this year with a first class with honours degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare. I cared for and trained several dogs through the university. I further worked full time at a Doggy Day Care for 4 months - walking all breeds and sizes!! Currently, I am studying MSc Clinical Animal Behaviour at Lincoln, with hopes of becoming an accredited clinical animal behaviourist. I am currently completing this Masters by attending lectures every Monday and Tuesday. I am looking to work between Wednesdays and Fridays as this best fits my study schedule. Within an owner’s home, I will follow all instructions provided, keeping their pets in a safe environment at all times and only using positive reinforcement techniques.

“Mariane and her family are truly amazing Doggysitters 🐶 Such warm, caring, and lovely people. Our dogs already start wagging their tails as soon as we enter her street because they’re so excited to go there 😊 Her little daughter is also incredibly sweet and gentle with the dogs. You can really feel how much love and care they give them. Highly recommended!”

Marie T.

“I recently entrusted Damarys with the care of my dog, Kiri, and I couldn't be more delighted with the experience. From the moment Damarys took on the responsibility, she went above and beyond to ensure Kiri felt right at home. Communication was amazing throughout the entire stay, as Damarys kept me updated with regular messages and adorable pictures/videos of Kiri. It was incredibly reassuring to know that my dog was not only in good hands but was also enjoying her own little holiday. Damarys took the time to understand Kiri's needs and preferences, ensuring she received personalised care and attention. She treated Kiri as if she were her own, making her feel loved and cherished throughout her stay. Thanks to Damarys's dedication and care, I returned to a happy and contented pet. I cannot recommend Damarys highly enough to anyone in need of a pet sitter who not only meets but exceeds expectations. If you're looking for someone who will treat your pet like family, look no further than Damarys.”

Hanna S.

“Alice was absolutely wonderful! She was very quick to respond to all messages, and even accepted our last minute boarding request. Our dog can be a little nervous and shy, but she warmed up to Alice very quickly. Alice also sent lots of photos and videos, which was very much appreciated.”

Chloe T.

About: Plenty of space in the house, toys, fenced in field next to the garden. I have had dogs since 2008 when I had my first Border Collie x and I now own a 9 month old German Shepherd cross who can either play or be kept separate. I am self-employed and sometime go away for work but usually am around the house/garden/farm so will be available to supervise pets at almost all hours I have a fenced field especially for exercise and dogs will be kept on leads when going from the house through the garden. Dogs can either be kept to their specified schedule or fit in with ours.

“Absolutely perfect, from the meet and greet to the professional yet warm nature of the communications. Derek has had THE Best time with Carmen and Luna, we’re already looking to book his next holiday! Thank you so so much for taking great care of our Boy.”

Samantha M.

“I felt really comfortable leaving Floki with Stephen and family, seemed like a home from home for Floki. He seemed to love it and got on well with their dog. I would be more than happy to ask Stephen to look after Floki again.”

Craig W.

“Tahiana looked after my dog Percy for 4 days and did a fabulous job! Great communication, and my dog loved his time at her place. Could not recommend more!”

Iris

“We are so happy we found Ralf to care for our Oskar while we were out of town! Ralf took Oskar and the other pups on daily walks and sent regular update messages and (awesome) photos. Oskar seemed to have really enjoyed his time in a home with Ralf and the other dogs and we we’re able to relax knowing he was taken care of. Stellar care, highly recommend.”

Melissa F.