Rachel

Hello! I am a twenty-two-year-old experienced pet carer currently on a year out from studying a Biology degree course at Glasgow University. I am currently available for dog walking, cat or dog sitting and boarding, and care for any other household pets. With the dog boarding I can only look after certain dogs as my flat isn't the biggest!

I have always loved animals and have never been without a pet, but lately, I can't commit to having one of my own, so this is the perfect option for me. I am conscientious and look after any animal with love and care.

I have worked in a Cattery and Kennels which included feeding, cleaning up after, grooming and walking the animals. In my time doing this I dealt with upward of both 40 cats and dogs - so I met pets with all kinds of personalities, those who were perfectly happy being around strangers and those who were distressed, so I learnt how to help with this. I walked dogs of many breeds, sizes and ages. A few examples of the dogs I've encountered include Chihuahua's, a clumsy Siberian Husky who had extra toes on each foot, a Basset Hound, Staffordshire Bull Terrier's, a Golden Retriever, Labrador's, a Cockapoo, a St. Bernard, Cane Corso, Bulldog's, a Schnauzer and several German Shepard's - one of which had just undergone an amputation of one of his back legs after being in a car accident.

As a result of this, I know I am capable of walking dogs of different strengths, energy levels, and health requirements. Although having said this, all the bigger/stronger breeds I have walked have either been injured like the amputee, elderly, or extremely well behaved on walks. I would say I'm definitely not strong enough to walk a strong dog breed that pulls a lot on walks, or isn't good around other dogs, as I would hate to be in a situation where a dog tries to pull away or get to another dog and not be strong enough to stop them!

I have boarded cats and dogs (again of a whole range of breeds) for several years, so I have plenty of experience in settling animals and understanding their needs. Many of the dogs I have looked after have been rescue dogs with histories of neglect and abuse. In addition to this I regularly walk my neighbour's dogs; one of which is a young pup, and the other an elderly diabetic dog.

I have a keen interest in reptiles and I am always happy to learn more about any new breeds I have not yet encountered. I've had numerous pets over the years, including cats, snakes, many, many hamsters, guinea pigs, tropical fish and even several types of invertebrate! I'm a lover of all animals and understand how important it is to be able to find a trustworthy carer to look after your pet, who genuinely cares about the welfare of animals. My cats were two beautiful Bengals, with very different personalities, who I sadly lost a few years back. Currently my only pet is Vincent, a corn snake, and I regularly look after my friends tortoise, so I am knowledgeable on the specialised requirements these animals have.