Kia ora

I'm Sarah. I'm 33 years old, from the UK and I have just finished caring for a German Shepherd, Husky and American Bulldog cross who I looked after full-time for seven months. When we first met, he constantly mouthed, jumped up, had very little recall and barked incessantly for attention. By the end of our time together, he only mouthed occasionally when over-stimulated, no longer jumped up, had greatly improved recall and had learned patience and calmness. By creating a consistent routine, providing plenty of exercise, mental stimulation and positive reinforcement, I watched his behaviour transform.

Alongside this, I volunteered at an SPCA centre where I worked with anxious and under-socialised dogs, helping them build trust, practising basic training and taking them on walks to give them enrichment and a break from the shelter environment.

I grew up with two beautiful Labradors. One was the calmest gentleman who wouldn't say boo to a goose, while the other—very fittingly named Zebedee—was full of energy and always kept us on our toes. I adored them both.

Being around dogs has always felt natural to me. They make a house a home. Although my current lifestyle doesn't allow me to have a dog of my own, caring for dogs and seeing the progress they can make has inspired me to build my dog-walking and pet-sitting business.

Whether your dog loves long adventures, leisurely strolls, playtime, or simply having someone they can trust, I'll always put their needs first. Together, we'll explore the beautiful trails around Lake Hāwea, and if your dog enjoys bigger adventures, we can venture further afield to explore the surrounding mountains. I always follow DOC regulations and choose walks that are safe, suitable, and tailored to your dog's age, fitness, and personality.

As well as dog-sitting, I cared for two rescue cats at the same property. Having grown up with dogs, I initially found cats much harder to read, but they quickly won me over. One of the cats was a mother who, after having countless litters, was finally spayed. She was understandably frightened of people and needed time, patience and a calm environment while she recovered. I let her set the pace, respected her boundaries and allowed trust to develop naturally. Over time she became noticeably more relaxed around me, and seeing her confidence grow was incredibly rewarding. She's now living her best life.

I understand that every animal is different, and I'm committed to making sure they feel safe, happy and well looked after while you're away.

- What I can offer -

Walk your dog for as long they need - 30 mins to 1.5 hours

Visit your pet for as long as they need - 30 mins or longer

Stayover at your home for as long as your pet needs - 1 night or longer

Administer oral medication

Care for more than one animal at a time

Pick up & drop off

Afternoon walks (though please don't hesitate to get in touch if you would like to arrange a morning walk as I can change my work schedule)

- What I can't offer -

Pet-sitting at my home

Paying for vet bills. I will notify you immediately if I think your pet needs medical care whilst in my care.

Please note I am not a professional dog trainer. I have experience in training and a passion for making sure our pets are getting the care they deserve.