Ciara

Kia ora! My name is Ciara ("keer-ah") and I am a reliable and enthusiastic post-graduate university student available for pet minding in the Christchurch area. I grew up on a lifestyle block outside of Christchurch, and had dogs, cats, pigs, chickens, sheep, aviary birds, rats, fish, and horses as childhood companions.

Having worked at a pet boarding kennels during my undergraduate years at university, I have extensive experience feeding, exercising, medicating, and washing dogs and cats. I was responsible for independent care of up to 25 dogs in a day, and was required to meet their needs for the duration of their stay (both day boarders and overnight).

Alongside this pet boarding work, I have house and pet-sat for multiple families in Christchurch. Responsibilities in these roles included walking dogs (both in local neighbourhoods and recreation areas), feeding pets (cats, dogs, and horses), keeping pets company during the day, putting animals to bed at night, and general household upkeep while living in owner's house.

I studied animal ecology, and worked as an ecologist for two years before returning to university to complete my PhD in ecology this year. Therefore, I also have professional qualifications in animal ethics and handling (abeit, in mostly wild animals!).

I have a very flexible schedule, so am happy to accommodate requests. I can be available for walking and general care during the day and evenings and some weekends. I can also work from home, which means I can mind your fur babies during the day!

When housesitting, I will treat your home with absolute respect and care, and am also happy to do general around-the-house tasks, such as plant watering, mail collection, and bins etc.

I look forward to discussing how I can help with your pet care needs :)

PAWTRAITS - I also do personalised "paw"traits of your pets for an additional price (example in final profile photo). Please message me on here or visit my Instagram page @artwithciara for more details on pet commissions :)