After moving to Melbourne 16 years ago with my beloved childhood cat, Bree, I found myself at a loss once she passed from old age. I was always the 'pet crazy' one in the family, happier lying down on the floor with the animals than hanging out with the humans. I started volunteering with our family dogs' veterinarian at the age of 16 and absolutely loved it.
People at parties always presented me with 'trolley problems' with animals vs people and I genuinely didn't know how to solve the problem (still don't).
A friend asked me back in 2018 if I'd like to sit her cat when she went away, and somehow, word spread and I am now away from home for about 80% of my year.
I have experience minding cats, dogs, plants, and houses, and can provide references. I can do the occasional dog sit, but tend not to take them on as I work 3-4 days a week at an office and don't want to leave them alone for a whole day.
I currently pay rent in a share house but am an introvert (and cleaner than my housemates, haha!) so I love to use the time sitting to have some time to myself and have the chance to love up a kitty or three.
I have done house cleaning work in the past so I'm very respectful of people's space, treating it as though it's my own, and sometimes I anxiety clean so you might come home to a scrubbed microwave or something similar. I'm pretty good with house plants, too, just don't let me near your Maidenhair fern.
Prefer long stays, but life happens, so short term and short notice is fine.
I service Brunswick, Brunswick East, Parkville, Preston, Thornbury, Northcote, Clifton Hill, Abbotsford, Collingwood, Fitzroy areas, Carlton, East Melbourne, Richmond, Alphington and the CBD only as I cycle to commute and work in the inner east.
Unfortunately, I can't accept bookings outside of these areas as I have chronic health conditions that can affect my mobilty, and since I move around with everything on my back while on my bicycle, this limits how far I can go.
I prefer one booking at a time, though I can do drop-ins if you're in the same suburb that I'm currently sitting in. I take private bookings via other avenues so try to update my calendar as fast as possible.
I tried to lower my rates but the site won't let you go lower than 25. If you're interested in a longer booking and the cost is putting you off, let me know and we'll work out a lower rate.
Please don't hesitate to get in touch!
Full refund if canceled before 12:00 p.m. 7 days before the booking, 50% refund afterward.
No refund is payable if the booking is canceled on or after the start date.
Note: All times are based on the sitter’s time zone
Doggy day care and Dog walks always have a flexible cancellation policy:
Full refund if canceled before 12:00 p.m. one day before the booking, 50% refund afterward.
No refund is payable if the booking is canceled on or after the start date.
This is our second time leaving our cat Apollo and our house in the capable hands of Tiana, and we cannot recommend her enough!
Apollo was so relaxed and well looked after, we received regular updates and photos throughout our trip and Tiana left everything spotless, her sheets and towels freshly laundered. Can't think of anything at all that could have been better. Thank you!
Tiana has looked after our elderly cat on a number of occasions. He requires medication twice a day and is quite set in his ways as a very senior cat.
This time Tiana looked after him, our lants and the house for a month while we were overseas.
communication was just enough so that we didnt worry and could enjoy our holiday. We came home to a spotless house, healthy, hay cat and plants - as well as fresh sheets on the bed.
I highly recommend Tiana, she's a great cat and house sitter. :)