Hi, I'm Fiona. I am a dog owner currently between dogs, since saying goodbye to our two Ridgebacks
Impy and Khyber, who passed within 3 months of each other at age 11, and 11 and a half.
I've been pet sitting for friends recently and thought I would offer my services to others here in Dunedin too.
I think our pets are happier in their own home when their owners have to go away, so in-house pet sitting is what I offer as a primary service. This can be full stay or a mix of staying over and checking in (for cats).
Mostly I do weekends or up to 5 day stays. Anything longer would be for established clients where I have a good rapport with the animals.
Weekend pet sitting: I will stay overnight and spend the majority of the time with your pet.
Weekdays: Because I work for myself I can be flexible with the hours I spend at your place, depending on the levels of company they are used to - particularly for dogs; I will arrange my workday to be working from your home, with absences of 2-3 hours maximum.
Pet sitting includes their typical walks for dogs and quality playtime for all pets as per their needs.
Ideally, I will be able to meet you and your pets and get a walk-through of routines etc at your place before I turn up to sit.
Dog walking:
length and pace of walk matched to your dog's abilities. Average times 30 minutes - 1 hour.
- I will walk your dogs on their normal routes or at their favourite local beach or park - always on the lead and if I feel confident they will be safe (e.g. if there are a high number of other dogs off-leash I may choose a different route).
Home Visits (1-2 per day):
I'll maintain your pets' routines as much as possible to help them feel as settled as possible. I can play with them or leave them be, whatever level of interaction they choose.
Time spent at your home / interacting with your pets: minimum of 1 hour per visit, longer if needed.
A typical drop-in for a dog could include a walk, then feeding, changing their water, then I'd spend an hour just chiiling with them - some quiet time checking emails while they settle down for a nap. A second visit may mean letting them out for a sniff around the garden, some play and pats, some company to break up the day.
Example client: 1. someone whose work keeps them away all day and they want someone calling in to break up the loneliness of the day. 2.
A dog owner who has 1-2 days a week where they start ealry or can't get home until later and wants to make sure the dog is not left confined/ alone longer than usual, and gets out for a play/walk at their usual time.
Fiona was fabulous house-sitting for my very set in his ways 9 year old Huntaway X whilst we were away for Waitangi weekend. The updates were really reassuring having not ever left him with someone he did not know before. I could tell he really enjoyed Fiona's company by the fact he was on his back getting tummy rubs in the photos because he is very wary and takes time to trust people. Fiona treated my home with respect and left it lovely and tidy. She even put out my wheelie bin that I forgot about. Really couldn't be happier with her service and would definitely use again. I recommend giving Fiona a try with your pet :)
Orion loves walking with Fiona and the photo updates are great ☺
Can supply referees from pet sitting assignments in 2020 on request.