Jessika

Me: I'm Jessika, 32, been in London for around 5 years. I love helping tutors have peace of mind when going away on holidays, while I take good care of their furry friends.

My house: I live in a 1-bedroom flat with my dog  - a little Brazilian rescue, mixed breed, around 4kg. She's extremely friendly and loves getting cuddles and playing tug. I don't have access to a garden but there is a park less than 2min from mine, where I take Meg for a short walk every morning (around 10min), and Hampstead Heath is only 20min away, so we usually go for a long walk (around 1h30) over the weekend (when the British weather allows, of course). This means that I'm only able to board dogs that are fully house-trained and okay around other dogs. If you have small dogs (up to 8kg) I can board up to 2, but if your dog is bigger than that I am only able to board one at a time, and I cannot board any dogs over 25kg unfortunately.

My routine: I have a flexible hybrid work scheme, so decide how often and when to go to the office. This means I can work from home when boarding dogs, meaning I will not be away for more than one hour at a time (just enough time for me to go to the gym or run to the shop). If necessary, 24/7 supervision can be arranged.

What I can offer: I’m happy to administer oral medication to pets and clean wounds/scars if they are not usually reactive about it. I usually clean their paws after coming back from a walk, especially if it’s raining or muddy outside, and if your pup stays with me for more than a week I’m happy to give them a bath.

Dog walks and check-ins: If you leave within 30min (public transport) from Archway station, I can offer up to two dog walks or check-ins per day, but anywhere further than that will limit to one per day. 

House sitting: Ideally, I would bring my dog Meg with me, but alternative arrangements can be discussed if necessary.

My previous experience with dogs: I got my first dog when I was 14yo, after pestering my parents for a few years. Luli was a miniature schnauzer and she lived a happy life with me and my family for a little over 10 years, despite her grumpiness and dislike for most human beings outside of the family. She had a recurring skin condition which I treated as instructed by the vet, and she had to go into surgery four times over the course of her life (kidney stones, a condition very common among schnauzers), and I was her sole caretaker during recovery all times, administrating oral medication and cleaning the incision. After losing Luli, I continued taking care of friends' dogs for a couple of years – partly to help them when needed, partly to scratch that “I miss having a dog around” itch. That was until 5 years ago when I got a text from my sister-in-law saying someone found puppies behind a dumpster near hers but the mum was nowhere to be found. Meg was the last one there and I adopted her that same day - the best decision of my life.