Hi, I’m Cari! I’m based in Partick and live with my partner in our cosy one-bedroom tenement flat. We are both huge dog lovers, and dogs have always brought so much happiness to my life.

Although I’m new to professional pet sitting, I’m definitely not new to caring for dogs. I regularly spend time with and have helped care for dogs belonging to my family and friends, including my cousin’s dog Hudson, my friend’s dog Lucy and my auntie’s dachshund Fergus. They really are part of the family to me, and being around them is one of the things that encouraged me to start doing this.

I don’t currently have a pet of my own. With my current full-time job, I’ve never felt it would be fair to bring home a dog when I couldn’t give them all the time and attention they deserve. However, I’ll soon be moving into a role with remote working, which will give me much more time at home.

Pet sitting feels like a lovely way for me to spend that extra time doing something I genuinely enjoy, meet lots of little personalities and gain even more experience caring for dogs before hopefully having my own fur baby one day.

A home away from home

If your dog stays with me, I want my home to feel like their home too.

There are no dog-free areas in our flat. They’re welcome to curl up on the sofa with us, follow me around the house and get comfortable wherever they feel happiest. If your dog normally sleeps beside you or likes being close at night, they’re welcome in our bedroom too.

I want to keep their routine as familiar as possible rather than suddenly introducing lots of new rules just because they're staying somewhere different.

Most importantly, I only intend to care for one dog at a time, unless two dogs come from the same household.

This means your dog gets my full attention and isn't placed into an unfamiliar environment with several other dogs. I really want to build a bond with every dog I care for and give them plenty of individual attention, affection and reassurance.

I have no pets of my own at home, so visiting dogs won't have to share their space with a resident animal either.

Walks & adventures

We're in a brilliant location for dogs. Victoria Park is only around a five-minute walk from my home, and Kelvingrove Park is around 15 minutes away, so there are plenty of opportunities for proper walks and exploring.

My standard walk would be at least one hour, rather than a quick trip around the block. Of course, your dog's needs always come first. Puppies, senior dogs and dogs with different mobility or exercise requirements can have shorter or gentler walks according to your instructions.

I'll always follow your guidance regarding leads, other dogs, preferred routes and anything your dog particularly enjoys or needs to avoid.

Boarding & doggy day care

When your dog is booked with me for boarding or daycare, I will be with them throughout their stay. I won't accept a booking and then leave your dog alone while I go out for the day.

We'll have time for walks, play, toilet breaks, cuddles, relaxing at home and plenty of company.

Our flat is one bedroom, so it isn't a huge house, but it's cosy and dogs are welcome throughout it. We also have access to a shared enclosed tenement garden which is generally very quiet, although walks and trips to our nearby parks would be my preference for outdoor time.

Home visits

I'm also happy to care for your dog in their own home if that's where they feel most comfortable.

Rather than putting a strict one-size-fits-all time on home visits, I'm happy to discuss what your dog actually needs. This can include feeding, fresh water, toilet breaks, play, walks, cuddles and simply spending some time keeping them company.

The dogs I'm happy to care for

I'm most comfortable caring for small and medium-sized dogs, including puppies and senior dogs.

I also understand that not every dog wants constant attention. If your dog is shy, quiet or needs their own space while they settle in, that's absolutely fine. I'll let them approach things at their own pace rather than forcing interaction.

I do have experience being around much bigger dogs too — my mum has a very big Saint Bernard/Poodle mix who has happily spent time in our home! Because of the size of our flat, however, I would consider larger dogs individually to make sure my home and the care I can provide are genuinely suitable for them.

I'm currently offering dog care only rather than cat care.

Availability

I'm currently available every Saturday and Sunday, as well as weekday evenings after 5pm.

As I transition into my new role with remote working, I'll also have greater flexibility and more time at home, and I'll keep my availability updated accordingly.

I know trusting someone new with your dog — and particularly allowing them to stay in somebody else's home — can be a big decision. I'm always happy to hear all about their personality, routine, favourite things, funny habits and anything that helps them feel safe and settled.

I'd love to become someone your dog recognises and gets excited to see again, rather than simply being a different sitter each time.