Hello,

My name is Dylan (or you can call me Dil) and I use they/them pronouns.

*Please note, my services are not exclusive to dog care, and I can look after a wide range of pets.

About me

I work 3 days a week for a young people's mental health charity as a counsellor. I am a vegan and massive animal lover (though I am comfortable feeding your pets whatever food they eat). Other things about me; I love nature, houseplants & gardening; I'm trans, queer, out and proud; and I'm currently getting into wildlife photography and foraging.

Motivation

I'm not currently in a position where I can have a dog in my life full time. I really, REALLY, love dogs. Having grown up around dogs, and having lived with dogs previously in my life, I miss having them around. It's important to me to spend time getting to know a dog for their own unique personality. I relish the process of building up trust, learning their communication and getting in sync with their needs. In particular I love the reciprocal nature of a relationship with dogs; I enjoy caring for them and meeting their needs while equally being provided with love, comfort and playfulness in return. 

Experience

I grew up with dogs and have had my own dogs later on in life. This includes staffies, Sasha who was a mixed breed but mostly Jack Russell, and most recently Mini the pug. 

Over the years I've also dog sat and walked my friends labradors, and have had a three year walking/sitting relationship with a wonderful sausage dog who I met on 'Borrow my doggie'. 

I’ve been offering my pet-sitting services through Pawshake for over two years now and have had the pleasure of caring for a variety of dog breeds, cats and other animals. In this time, I’ve found myself working predominantly with dogs who are complex, anxious, traumatised, reactive, misunderstood, struggle to be around other dogs and require a higher level of care.

I feel confident with all breeds of dog. Regardless of the breed I'd be wanting to speak to the human about their individual needs and preferences. In particular, if your dog is a rescue and/or has experienced trauma, I'd be wanting to learn their triggers, additional needs and what helps them to regulate so I can best look after them.

House & Practicalities 

I currently have no pets in my home. I live in a three-bed house with my housemate (who is also vegan and an animal lover). I have a large garden space which is properly enclosed and secure. I live in Levenshulme in South Manchester. I have a car and am happy to have dogs in the car. 

 Boundaries

I would always want to arrange a meet and greet before committing to a long-term arrangement. This would be to discuss the dog’s needs, for the dog to meet me, and to ensure that we are all a good fit for each other. 

The meet and greet can take place at my house, your house, or a neutral space (e.g. a park). It would be a maximum of an hour. If more time or additional meets are needed, this can be arranged and would be charged per hour.

Additional information

-  I have a full clean UK driving licence

-  I have an enhanced DBS check – Certificate number 1869904460

- Alongside the insurance offered via Pawshake, I have my own pet business insurance which covers all the services I offer

- I am trained in dog first aid, having completed a training course on 17/03/24 (please see attached certificate). I always have a dog first aid kit to hand.

Please note, my prices reflect the above, as well as the fact that most of the dogs I work with have complex needs and require one-on-one care.

I have a detailed breakdown of prices for all my available services, as these can’t all be listed on the app.

Thanks for reading my profile, please get in touch with any questions or for a wee chat :)