Hi there!

I'm Sophie, and I currently work at a dog rescue kennel in Waltham Abbey. I'm looking to take on some extra work on my days off, doing dog walking and pet sitting, while gaining more experience working with animals in a home environment. Working in rescue has given me experience with dogs from all sorts of backgrounds, including those who may need a little extra time, patience, understanding and confidence-building. I'd love to put what I've learnt into practice and help owners feel confident that their pets are in safe, caring hands.

I've grown up around a wide range of animals and have gained plenty of hands-on experience through volunteering, practical work and studying my BSc in Animal Science. I'm also currently studying for my MSc in Animal Welfare and Conservation at Writtle, further developing my knowledge of animal behaviour, welfare and care.

As well as dogs, I have lots of experience with cats, rabbits, small animals, reptiles and other exotic pets. I have quite the little zoo at home myself, which is also why I'm unable to bring any dogs home from work! I'm often the first person my friends and family turn to for anything animal-related, whether it's advice on diet, behaviour, general care or knowing when it's time for a trip to the vets. While I'm not a veterinary professional, my experience and studies have given me a good understanding of animal health and welfare, and I always know when it's best to seek veterinary advice.

When it comes to dog walking, I can tailor each walk to suit your dog's individual needs, taking into consideration their age, breed, energy levels, fitness, confidence and personality. Whether your dog enjoys a leisurely sniff-filled stroll, a longer, more active walk or needs a slower pace with plenty of encouragement, I'll make sure their walk is enjoyable, safe and suited to them. I'm happy to work with dogs who may be nervous, shy, easily overwhelmed or need a little extra patience, and I understand the importance of building trust at their own pace. I regularly walk dogs for anywhere between 30 minutes and 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on their individual needs.

For pet sitting, I can offer care in the comfort of your own home, helping your pets stick to their usual routines and keeping disruption to a minimum while you're away or busy. This can include feeding, providing fresh water, cleaning litter trays and enclosures, administering routine medication where appropriate, grooming, playtime, enrichment, companionship and, of course, plenty of fuss! I'm comfortable caring for a variety of species, so whether you have dogs, cats, rabbits or smaller and more unusual pets, I'd be happy to discuss their individual requirements. I understand how important it is to have someone you trust looking after your animals, and I'll treat every pet as if they were my own.

I'm very reliable, responsible and passionate about animal welfare, and I always aim to provide care that puts the animal's needs first. I'm also happy to provide regular updates and photos, so you can have peace of mind knowing how your pets are getting on while you're away.

Being able to offer local dog walking and pet sitting would be a dream, especially as it would give me the opportunity to explore and appreciate all the lovely walks around Colchester that I rarely get to enjoy! Working with animals is something I genuinely love, and getting out and about with dogs on my days off is also a lovely way to unwind alongside my studies.

If you're looking for someone caring, patient, experienced and genuinely enthusiastic about animals to help with your pets, I'd love to hear from you! 🐾