Your pet gets company all day, and all the love I’d give my own ❤️

I work from home and set my own hours, so I can fit walks around your dog’s routine, stay with them all day on house sits, and say yes to last-minute bookings.

I'm new to Pawshake, but I've pet-sit professionally via other sites for many years, and I've been around animals my whole life. I grew up in a house full of cats and dogs. We raised puppies, nursed elderly pets, and welcomed rescues into our home, including some with medical and behavioural needs that took real time and patience to support.

That love has followed me around the world. I’ve volunteered at animal shelters from Costa Rica to Cambodia, and I once spent three months on a farm in Bolivia with 18 dogs who followed me everywhere I went. I got very little work done, but they were the most joyful three months of my life 🥰

Right now I can’t have pets where I live, and I miss them every day. Pet sitting is my way back to them. More walks, more fresh air, more time outdoors, and the company of animals again.

Every animal is different, so I go at their pace. Long, sniffy wanders for the nosy ones. Short, gentle loops for the oldies. A proper run in the park for the ones who need to burn off steam. 

I know how much trust it takes to hand over the lead, and how tough it can be to step out the door, whether for a busy workday, a weekend trip, or a long holiday. My goal is simple. I want your pet so happy, safe and spoiled that you can go about your day without a shred of guilt. I’ll send plenty of photos so you can see them happy without having to ask, and I’ll look after your home with the same care I’d give my own.

What other owners say:

I’m new here, but I’ve provided pet care services via other sites for many years. Here are a few words from past bookings.

Daisy, on her first time away from home: “Alexis was absolutely lovely from beginning to end... Thank you for looking after our girl as if she were your own. Daisy can't wait to have you back!”

Barney and Bilbo, a bouncy Lab and a poorly senior Dachshund: “Alexis was an absolute star looking after our big, energetic Labrador alongside our much older, poorly Dachshund... She took the time to understand everyone’s needs and made sure they were all happy and well taken care of.”

Milo, a nervous rescue: “Milo is a rescue pup and he’s incredibly nervous around new people so I was very doubtful that we’d find someone I’d feel comfortable leaving him with. But Alexis was so patient, gentle and understanding, and he warmed to her instantly. They were cuddling before the tea had finished brewing!”

How I can help:

I offer walks, daytime visits and house sits, and I’m happy to take last-minute bookings. Every visit fits around your pet’s needs and routine, so think of these as starting points.

A typical visit lasts an hour, with a 30-minute walk followed by play, dinner and a cuddle at home. Adventurous dogs can have a longer outing of 60 to 90 minutes, with a paddle if they love water, and I’ll rinse and towel them off before they come inside. Pets who’d rather stay in can have a cosy session of puzzle toys, gentle play and lap time.

Puppies need short walks, frequent toilet breaks and lots of patience. I’ll stick to your routine and keep up the training you’ve started, from sit and recall to loose-lead walking. I’ll also help them get used to new sights, sounds and people at a pace that suits them.

Some dogs need more than a walk to settle. For collies, spaniels and other busy brains, I mix in sniff walks, scent games, scatter feeding and short training sessions. They come home tired in body and mind, which means a calmer evening for you.

If your dog has IVDD or any other condition, I’ll follow your vet’s plan exactly. That can mean crate rest, short on-lead toilet trips, a support harness, lifting them on and off furniture, and keeping stairs and jumping off limits. Older dogs get the same gentle approach, with slower walks, extra rests and plenty of cuddles.

Shy and nervous pets can take all the time they need. I let them come to me, keep things quiet and predictable, and never push them before they’re ready.

Cats get care on their terms. I’ll feed them, refresh their water, clean the litter tray and check they’re eating and drinking as normal. Then it’s up to them. Some want a wand toy and a proper play session, some want a brush and a lap, and some just want me to sit quietly nearby until they decide I’m allowed to stay. I’ll keep to their routine, including any indoor and outdoor rules, and let you know how they’ve been with a photo or two.

I’m comfortable giving most medications, including tablets hidden in food, liquid medicine by syringe, eye and ear drops, creams, and supplements mixed into meals. 

If it helps, I can also clean up the garden or hoover pet hair off the sofa while I’m there.

Keeping your pet safe

I double-check leads and harnesses before every walk, and carry treats in case I need their attention fast. Your dog stays on the lead unless you tell me otherwise, and only in a secure space. I close inside doors and gates before opening the front door, so there’s no chance of a dash for freedom. Before I head out or settle in for the night, I put away anything they shouldn’t eat or chew. And I’ll take your vet’s details, emergency contacts and microchip number before we start.

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If you think we’d get on, send me a message about your pet and what you need. I’d love to set up a meet and greet so you, and they, can get to know me first.