Hello, pawrents, 

I am Sonny, and I am your trustworthy pet Kahu (guardian).

About me

I am a research student and a pawrent to a clever, beautiful, headstrong furball, whom I love very much. The Hawaiian word Kahu resonated with me in how I describe or view my relationship with my dog. I do not treat my dog as a possession but as a dependent to whom I am their guardian. And that's how I would treat your pets when you entrust me to pet care for them.

Why petsitting

As a pawrent myself, I understand the conundrum that pawrents often have to face when they need a pet carer they can trust, and, of course, because I appreciate and love dogs.

Experience background and guardianship style

I understand basic training and implement positive reinforcement and healthy boundaries. I will not hesitate to say a kind yet firm no when required, and I encourage self-control for my dog, exercise some agencies, and safety first - (i.e. encourage loose lead walking, being astute on-leash greetings and off-leash dog parks). I am a big advocate for ongoing positive reinforcement training.

In terms of dog caring experience, apart from my own fur bubba, I was a registered Seeing Eye Dog puppy carer. At my previous residence, I regularly pet-cared for a neighbour's dog (short stays to a month) and made home visits to feed their cat during the holiday season. 

Area Servicing

Locally (within a 3 km walking distance or so).

For services - per one dog, per each service

Each service is around 30 minutes for 1 (one) dog. Particularly for home visits, I am happy to discuss what you and your pet's need and work out what can be prioritised to fit into that time.

It would be great to have the following from you, as applicable to the service:

• A brief explanation of your dog - characters, quirks, such as not liking their paws touched and their particular routine to settle and any previous trauma, as well as triggers.
• Favourite walking routes that your dogs prefer and also routes that need avoiding or watch out for.
• Safe access and exit to and from your home.
• Dog meals enough for the duration of the home visit engagements, as well as access to safe drinking water, dish cleaning items (scourer and soap), dog toys, and brush.
• Dog leash and harness and walking treats.

Service exclusions such as, but not limited to:

• Unfortunately, I recently discovered that my cat allergy has worsened, so I will not be able to offer home services (or walk - maybe for some) for cats.
• Special care: Please kindly note if your dog requires special medical treatment, at this point, I am unable to offer my service.
• Provision of supplies and equipment.
• Professional grooming.
• Training.

Surcharge applies for more than one pet and other variations of service. Happy to discuss variability and suitability.

Prerequisite

• Dogs to have up-to-date vaccinations, microchips and council registration, flea and worm treatments, and de-sexed.
• Veterinarian and emergency vet contact details (required for a home visit) and any vet fee pre-arrangement.
• Emergency local contact details (required for a home visit if away).

I would be happy to have an introductory in-person chat to see if your pet is okay with me being their kahu.