My name is Jo, and I’m 32. I’ve always been an animal lover, but dogs have a particularly special place in my heart. I love their loyalty, companionship and unique personalities.

Animals have been part of my life for many years. My family had our Border Collie, Badger, from 2004 until 2018, and I loved having him in my life for 14 years. I later had my cat Snowflake from 2019 until she passed away in 2024. Ten days later, I adopted my current cat, Chloe, from the SPCA, and she is now very much part of the family.

Alongside caring for my own pets, I have plenty of hands-on experience caring for other people's animals. When I was in high school, I looked after a friend's two Border Collies and two cats on their family farm for two weeks while the family was away. I really enjoyed the experience and formed a lovely bond with their dogs.

I've also cared for my brother and sister-in-law's dog when she was a puppy, before she started doggy daycare, and looked after my uncle and aunty's two dogs for a week over summer, including walking them twice a day.

More recently, I house-sat for a family with a Bernese Mountain Dog, two cats and two rabbits. Their dog was very timid, so I gave her space and allowed her to approach and interact with me when she felt comfortable rather than forcing attention. I believe it's important to respect each animal's individual personality, boundaries and needs.

I've also had experience remaining calm when a dog in my care experienced a seizure. I had been told beforehand that this could happen, so I stayed nearby, spoke to him gently and gave him space until the seizure had passed. Experiences like this have taught me the importance of staying observant and calm around animals, particularly when they're frightened, unwell or behaving differently from usual.

I’m happy to take your dog for walks of up to an hour and make sure they get plenty of exercise, attention and companionship. As a tertiary student who spends quite a bit of the day sitting and studying, I enjoy getting outside for a good walk too!

📅 MY AVAILABILITY

During semester (until late November 2026):

Monday: Available from approximately 1pm
Tuesday: Available from approximately 2pm
Wednesday: Available from approximately 4pm
Thursday: Available from approximately 3pm
Friday–Sunday: Fully available

🌞 SUMMER AVAILABILITY — FULL-TIME

From late November 2026 until I return to study in February 2027, I’m available full-time for dog walking, home visits and house sitting, including throughout the Christmas and summer holiday period.

I’m unable to offer pet boarding in my own home, as my home is also Chloe’s territory, and I want her to feel comfortable and secure. However, I’m very happy to care for dogs and other pets in their own homes, where they can remain in familiar surroundings.

I understand how much trust is involved in leaving both your pets and your home in somebody else's care. I aim to be patient, observant and respectful of each animal's individual temperament. Whether your pet is outgoing and affectionate or needs a little more time and space to feel comfortable, I'll let them interact with me at their own pace and treat them with the same kindness and care I would want for my own. 🐾