Becky

Hi, my name's Becky and I like to think of myself as an animal lover. I've had cats since I was born and when I'm living at home, enjoy spending time with my very fluffy cat Jack. He is the black and white cat in my pictures! Having spent my whole life around cats, looking after them when my family are away and house/catsitting for my brother recently, I know exactly what is required to keep a cat happy (normally food, brushing or a good chin scratch). I've formed friendships with neighbourhood cats at university, cat cafe cats and even a cat that came into the reception of my gym a few times. 

However, it's not just cats. I've owned gerbils, guinea pigs and fish and am happy to learn about any other lovely pets that form part of your family. I've also helped look after a friend's tortoise and chickens and a Pawshake customer's snake before, so I'm used to unusual pets as well! 

Since I was young I developed a deep love for dogs and have looked after a housemate's family dog (an adorable cockerpoo puppy) for a night, house and dog-sat for my boyfriend's family border collie and used to take a friend's neighbour's dog for walks anytime I visited. I would like to one day have a dog of my own, but since I don't yet have a house of my own, I thought Pawshake was the perfect opportunity to use my love of animals to help others. 

My situation and availability: I am mostly available in the mornings and evenings and at weekends. I do work 9-5 Mon-Thurs in an office and work from home on Fridays, as well as odd shifts at a bar occasionally at weekends, so if housesitting, it's worth noting that I may be out of the house for 8 hours at a time. 

What I can offer: Given I have a cat at my family home, I unfortunately cannot host any other animals, though I am very happy to walk dogs, visit and care for your pets whilst you're busy or away or even housesit if necessary. I can groom, feed, cuddle, play with, exercise/walk and help to train your pets as needed. I've administered medication to guinea pigs before and flea-treated cats, but if given instructions I am happy to learn to administer any medications your pets may need. I also have a car so can drive to wherever I'm needed. 

For home visits: I can stay as long as needed depending on what you require, though typically 30 mins to 45 mins is enough. I can also water plants (I'm a big plant lover myself!), take in mail and packages and any other small tasks you need me to do. 

For dog walking: I can do one-off walks for up to an hour either in your local area or my own. I will research any local parks near you and will follow your requirements regarding whether your dog can be let off lead or not. My car is not fitted out specifically for dogs so if you would like me to drive your dog to a specific park, you will need to provide any blankets or equipment for car travel. Unfortunately I'm not available for regular dog walking at this time.

For housesitting: I may go out during the day for up to 8hrs but am happy to stay overnight and stay in the house when I'm not working. I can stay for as long as you need, within my availability. Obviously I would take measures such as closing curtains/blinds, locking all doors and windows and if desired, leave a light on whilst I'm out for security. I would not let others enter your property unless you have specifically asked for this. 

If you have any questions, I'd be happy to answer them :)