Hi, I’m Natasha! I’m 35 years old and grew up in Eastbourne, a lovely beachside village in Wellington. I am a passionate animal lover with a strong background in science. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology and Organic Chemistry, and I’ve completed Doctoral research focused on improving the fertility of endangered species using computational biology techniques. Currently, I work remotely as a computational biologist, tracking environmental pathogens.

In addition to my scientific work, I offer dog walking, pet sitting, puppy training, and babysitting services. Because I work remotely with flexible hours, I can often accommodate bookings at short notice. I am able to pet/house-sit anywhere in New Zealand.

Dog walking:

I am of excellent fitness and would love to take your dog on regular adventures. I typically walk or run with your dog for a minimum of 1 hour, often much longer, exploring local bush tracks, beaches, and parks.

I’m happy to meet you and your dog beforehand to ensure a great match. (Note: I prefer to avoid peak-hour travel where possible.)

House sitting:

I’ve cared for dogs, cats, and horses in clients’ homes across Canada (Whistler, Vancouver), Australia (Sydney), and New Zealand (Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown, Wanaka, Bannockburn) for stays ranging from 1 week to 3 months.

Your dog’s wellbeing is my top priority. I focus on:

- Daily interactive play and mental stimulation

- Minimum 1-hour walks (but more often than not, longer walks around 2-3 hours)

- Keeping your home spotless and well cared for.

- I don’t smoke or drink, and I bring my own cookware (knives, pans, etc.)

- Happy to help with watering plants, mowing lawns, or other small household tasks.

You’ll receive daily photo and video updates, so you can feel confident your dog is happy and in good hands.

Dog boarding:

I live in a beachfront home in Eastbourne near a dog-friendly beach, park and walking track - perfect for swims and forest walks. My home has large front and back yards (fully fenced, with shaded areas), and I’m home during the day to provide constant supervision and companionship in between walks.

Please note: I only offer boarding for dogs I’ve previously cared for (via walks or pet sitting in your home).

Before our Meet and Greet:

Please let me know if your dog has any behavioral concerns that I should be aware of ahead of time.

Additionally, it's important to share any health issues or veterinary care your dog has received in the past 12 months - including skin conditions, or the use of antibiotics or steroids. This information helps me provide the safest and most informed care possible.

For hygiene and comfort, please ensure your dog is freshly bathed using a fragrance-free, dog-safe shampoo, is free of any severe matting, and is up-to-date on flea and worm treatments prior to their stay. If your dog gets muddy or dirty while with me, I’ll be happy to give them a bath as needed!

My rate:

*** Temporary offer ***

depending on your dogs needs and location I am offering dog sits 2 weeks or longer as a free exchange.

I am also temporarily reducing my daily rate to $60 for shorter terms sits.

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My usual daily rate is usually $90 which includes 3 hours of dedicated care. This is typically made up of 2 hours of exercise and 1 hour to cover overnight supervision. That said, your pup will receive 24/7 love and attention while in my care. This includes: daily grooming, interactive play and training sessions, and of course, unlimited cuddles and companionship!

If any extra care is needed (e.g., emergency vet visits or special requirements beyond standard care), an additional fee of $30/hour will apply.

My daily rate for pet sitting/boarding is $120 per day over public holiday weekends, school holidays as well as throughout December/January inclusive of the Christmas/New Years break. This can be negotiated depending on the dates and duration.

My rate for any taxi services including pick ups / drop offs is $50 per hour to cover both my time and fuel.

Collections/Returns after 11am on the day of departure require an additional day fee.

If you’re looking for a reliable, experienced, and caring pet sitter, I’d love to meet you and your pup! Let me know if you have any questions or would like to schedule a meet and greet.