Hi, I’m Jay — a Wellington-based dog mum with a real soft spot for small dogs, gentle personalities, and pups who need a calm, kind person around them.

I have my own little dog, Chalu, who has taught me a lot about patience, routine, reassurance and reading a dog’s mood. I understand that leaving your dog with someone else can feel like a big deal, especially if they are shy, anxious, older or simply used to their own comforts. My aim is to make them feel safe, settled and cared for — not overwhelmed.

I offer dog boarding in my family home, mainly for small to medium dogs who are friendly and comfortable in a home-style environment.

My home has a fully fenced garden, giving dogs a secure outdoor space for toilet breaks, sniffing around and gentle play. Outdoor time will be supervised, and I’ll follow your dog’s normal routine as closely as possible.

Dogs staying overnight will sleep inside the house in a comfortable space. I’m happy to follow the sleeping routine they are accustomed to at home, including using their own bed or crate if you provide one.

I work from home, so dogs staying with me generally have plenty of company during the day. On occasions when I need to go out, dogs may be left alone for up to 3 hours, provided they are comfortable being left for that length of time. I’m also happy to discuss this at our meet-and-greet if your dog needs more constant company.

A typical walk will be around 30 minutes, once or twice a day depending on your dog’s age, energy level and usual routine. I’m happy to adjust the length and pace for older dogs or dogs who prefer shorter, gentler walks.

Before boarding, I prefer an initial meet-and-greet so your dog and Chalu can be introduced gradually and calmly. Introductions to the rest of the family will also be gentle and unhurried, giving your dog plenty of time and space to settle in.

I can follow your dog’s usual feeding instructions, walk preferences, toilet routine and simple medication reminders, as well as all those little quirks that help them feel at home.

I’m best suited to dogs who enjoy calm, individual care rather than a high-energy pack-style environment. Very large dogs, aggressive dogs or dogs with complex medical needs may not suit my setup.

Most importantly, I’ll treat your dog with the same care, respect and patience I would want for my own.