Animals have been my closest friends since I was a child. I spent years 'saving' and caring for any creature in distress or that had been abandoned!

Over the years this translated into caring for friends' pets when they went away. This usually involved checking in on them daily (sometimes twice a day) to make sure that they were accounted for and safe, and that they had food and clean water of course! Its a good thing that I would go alone as I would talk to them while I was there too!

For now, I am offering pet-sitting in the pets own home. To me, it's important to keep to regular routines - feeding times; walks and sleeping routines. Normally, to put a pet owner's mind at ease, I try to send updates on their pet, including any antics and raising any concerns I have (if any).

Because I am hoping to improve my own fitness, I am also offering dog-walking. Before heading out of a property with any pet, I always make sure that the pet is on a leash. This is to ensure that the pet can't venture to far, allowing me to make sure it is safe at all times.  Once I am confident that the pet will respond to my calls and that the environment is safe, I may let them off leash (if the owner has permitted off-leash activity). Like any responsible pet owner, I know how important it is to clean up after a pet so I always have poop bags on me! Hydration is also important so if I know we will be going far, I try to carry a collapsible bowl too!  

I know all too well how costly vet fees are so I do my best to avoid uneccesary risks. If your pet already requires meds, I have learnt a few tricks to get the medicine to go down, thanks to my very own stubborn, "pill-spitting" Lab! This is usually followed with a treat! I respect that some pets may have specific dietary requirements in order for them to stay healthy and would never knowingly go against this - it is important to know what is and isn't allowed for pets.  I do try to cover off schedules and expectations prior to commencing taking care of pets. This of course includes vet details for emergencies.

In the past, I have looked after rabbits, chickens, fish, sheep, a goat, cats and dogs. Not so long ago I volunteered at a small lion sanctuary, looking after 12 lions and 1 tiger. I even got the opportunity to offer Reiki to two very anxious and upset lions! Shortly after that I got to keep an eye on an old male Vervet monkey - he would come to collect food from us each day and we would have to make sure that the others didn't take it off him! I don't usually feed wild animals but it was clear that this old man would die if we did not intervene. He would stop by each day and wait patiently on the window sill for a slice of bread or fruit! 

My goal is to make your pet's 'staycation' as stress-free as possible. I love using gentle techniques like Reiki and flower essences too to help them feel safe and loved while you’re away. I don't just look after pets; I connect with them, ensuring they feel right at home even when you can't be there.