Please Note: during the current Coronavirus pandemic, if any pet owners who have booked me need to cancel their plans for that reason, I am happy to provide a full refund.
I am a retiree who is also a writer, which means I can pick up my laptop and go anywhere, or fit in home visits and dog walking, as and when required.
I have been an animal lover since I was old enough to recognise the unique loveability of furry, four-legged friends who
bring such delight into our lives.
I have owned some very special dogs and cats over the years and remember them all with love.
Currently, my husband and I have two dogs of our own, Toby a Border Terrier and Danni an Irish Setter.
As my husband is also retired, he is willing to take on the mantle of dog-carer for our dogs at home if I'm away or out minding other pets.
As our two dogs are far too spoiled to share the attention with any other four-legged boarders, the service I offer would be in your own home.
As a long term pet owner, I understand only too well the wrench
it can be to have to leave your pets when you're away from home.
It's difficult to relax and have a totally enjoyable holiday when you're anxious about your pets' welfare. The great advantage of hiring a pet sitter is that they can remain in their familiar surroundings and continue to enjoy the comforts of their customary snoozing and playing spaces. Dogs and cats are very much creatures of habit and it's much easier for them if their routines (eating, sleeping, walking, etc.) aren't changed. This is especially the case for dogs and cats who may be facing age-related or other health challenges.
Coming home to a happy, relaxed and secure pet makes having a pet sitter such a worthwhile alternative.
I can stay in your home while you're away, or make home visits once or twice a day (or more frequently if preferred) to feed and exercise your pets. My animal caring credentials come from long years of experience rather than formal training, but I am very attuned to animals and their needs, possible problems, etc. so would give yours my undivided and devoted attention. In addition, over the years I've taken my own dogs to many training courses and classes, (most recently with my dog Toby who is still a youngster and has needed firm guidance with some aspects of his behaviour!).
As a result, I'm very familiar with current thinking and approaches to dog training and handling.
I love walking and walking with dogs is twice the fun, so that would be a service I'm also very happy to provide.
Around the house, I am fastidious and thorough about keeping everything clean and neat, and would care for your home and belongings (as well as the fur babies) as if they were my own.
I am also very happy to care for your garden in terms of chores such as watering, caring for potplants etc. For your added peace of mind and security, I confirm that
I am the holder of an up to date Police Check Certificate.
Also I have the advantage of matury and understanding of both people's and animals' needs.
I love to live a quiet life and would, therefore, relish the opportunity to spend time caring for your pets and home.
We highly recommend Anne. We received lovely messages every day with updates on our 3 fur-babies. Anne did a fantastic job of looking after our home, walking our dogs and watering the plants. It was piece-of-mind knowing Anne was spending all day/night with our babies. Matt and I will definitely engage Anne's service again, thank you Anne!!
Anne was fantastic with our dogs. She kept us updated every day with a short txt and a photo of our boys. Great communication which really set our minds at ease and meant we could relax on our short break over Easter. Highly recommend Anne...I know we will be calling on he again in the future. Thank you so much Anne, you are an absolute treasure.
As above. Also very patient and super-indulgent. I am reliable, trustworthy and conscientious and am very willing to communicate frequently on your pets' wellbeing, with photos, WhatsApp, Skype or other means that suit you.
If you are requesting home visits for your pets, I prefer to do at a minimum one home visit per day. Especially in extreme weather, I don't feel happy about knowing your pets are left alone for any longer period than that. Even with the best laid plans, water bowls and food dispensers can tip over or not function properly and if it was my pet, I'd like to know they were being checked on a daily basis. Could you please take this into consideration when arranging a booking.I would plan to spend at least half an hour with your pets, including feeding, providing fresh water, letting them outside for exercise if appropriate,, playing with them and providing companionship, administering medication if required, cleaning up after your pets, including changing litter in litter trays, disposing of dog waste appropriately etc..