Catherine

Hi. I'm Catherine. I have loved animals for as long as I can remember, I have studied and worked with animals since leaving school. I have several animal related qualifications up to degree level and experience with many different species. I had cats and a guinea pig when I was at school.My husband and I currently have a 3 year old male (castrated) Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Louis is a highly socialised dog, who is friendly and loving.

I started my career working in a cattery as a Saturday Assistant and soon moved onto caring for the dogs too. I continued this whilst I was studying for my National Diploma in Animal Care. After gaining my degree (Animal Conservation Science) I worked with laboratory mice for 7 years and in 2016 I had several months working with many different rodent species. I gained valuable experience with mice, rats, degu, hamsters and gerbils there. I have pet sat in my own home, looking after dogs whilst their owners were on holiday, some returning for a second or third visit. I have also worked at a kennels (daycare and overnight stays) feeding and walking dogs, cleaning out their kennels and making sure they have a happy time.

I hope to use all this experience and knowledge to give your pet a safe, healthy and happy time whilst you are away from them. I enjoy pet sitting and hope to spend quality time taking care of your animals. I love animals and find they give you a positive and proactive view of life. They are a great comfort and source of joy to many people including myself. I would like to think that whilst you are enjoying your holiday or working hard to provide for your animals I can give them a fun, happy and enjoyable time.

I am available for puppy visits, cat care and small animal care. I can look after your beloved pet/s whilst you are away, giving you no reason to worry.

Whilst your dog is young it will require extra toilet trips and attention. I can provide this whilst you are at work / away from the house for the day. Puppies can be let out in your garden to go to the toilet and play, if you don't have a garden I can take them (on lead) outside your home. I can (on request) bring my dog to play with them if you wish, as socialisation is essential for a young puppy. I can also continue basic training with them if you wish, I am not qualified but have trained my own dog and so know the basics.

I can also visit your cat in its own environment; making sure it is fed, its water bowl is full and fresh, its litter tray is clean and it has a bit of a fuss and cuddle before leave. I can bring in your post, put out or bring in your bins, water your plants and generally make your house looked lived in whilst you are away.

I will happily take care of small animals such as hamsters, gerbils, mice, rats and degu. They will get fresh water, food and a clean cage (full clean if needed, spot cleaning can be carried out if you are only away a couple of days). They will also get a visual health check each time I visit making sure they are happy and healthy. If you wish I can give your small animal some supervised play time outside of their cage. I can make your house looked lived in whilst you are away; watering plants, taking bins in & out and bringing in your post.

Please provide me with any information on your pets that may be useful, specifically temperament and individual care needs.

Every animal that is in my care will be loved and cared for as if it were my own. ALL DOGS,CATS and RABBITS MUST BE UP-TO-DATE with VACCINATIONS. ALL DOGS are now LEGALLY REQUIRED to be MICROCHIPPED.I would prefer cats to be microchipped but this is not essential as long as they have an ID tag.