Nicola

Im an experienced sitter/dog walker and a big animal lover - decades of experience over a lifetime and excited to invite furry friends into my life again. I will happily play with, run around with, and talk to your dogs and engage in stare downs, out sass, cuddle attack or play laser tag with your cat. Or just love on the elders and the nervous ones as they curl up with me.

I am in my 40s and lost my bestie some years ago after nursing her through cancer so I have space in my heart and home for new friends. She's the gorgeous red cloud kelpie/border collie/fox/muppet in a couple pics .... and she came on many adventures with me - from living aboard a Sea Shepherd ship, to being my co-pilot on a round trip from Melbourne to Broome to Perth and back... and I am happy I now have time for dog sitting again.

* please note this profile is more than 10 years old but inactive in recent years whilst working long hours and a period of poor health. I've done casual sitting for friends, colleagues and family in the interim. Previous reviews from both Melbourne and Perth are not visible but I can source references * 

My mum bred standard poodles and I’ve been around and cared for lots of dogs and cats all my life. I'm currently learning about and undergoing training for raising assistance dogs and I'm so excited at the meaningful support and quality of life assistance animals give to disabled people, and the potential of this area.

I’m not a dog or cat person, I'm both. I get on well with boisterous, playful animals, as well as nervous rescues who need to be approached with care. I will work with your preferences, take careful instructions, respect your home and your besties will get a lot more than a cursory bowl fill, and a lap around the block. Enrichment activities, documenting updates, play time, monitoring health needs, cuddles and walks.

I'm playing with video/photography skills on my phone, so you may get fun little stories and updates from me if that suits. 

I live by myself in a small flat in Hamilton Hill and any part time work is done at home so your animals get company and engagement 90% of the time.

I'm fine with most cats and dogs, apart from quite large/strong dogs - due to a back injury.

WALKING I want to walk more! With dog friends. I will preference close to home for regular gigs so I can cycle there. I live near Manning Park and a short drive to the dog beach. 

Dog beach and other off leash adventures can be negotiated once a level of recall, comfort and safety is established.

Both check ins and walks are covering up to an hour of my time, total - from mine to yours, and back. The surcharge is for travel outside my local area.

HOUSESITTING I’ve done plenty of house/plant/bird/dog/cat/kid sitting over the years. 

I am all good for daily walks and care tasks, but have an invisible disability so occasionally require some minor accommodations for health reasons. My preference for sits is relatively local, certainly for short ones. I will consider further afield for longer stints - and have done dogsitting occasionally down south and Broome. As I'm offering 24-7 care for your 4 legged friends, we'll need to check we are a match.

IMPORTANT*** I am immuno compromised, vaccinated and I wear an N95 mask. This will not impact clients, other than being helpful for families with vulnerable family. However if you do not respect my health needs, or masking, we might not be the best match.

BOARDING In future I may offer doggy daycare, or occasional sleepovers for regulars. As of late 2024, not currently.

OTHER INFORMATION

I am fine with giving medication, and have gone through various challenges, (nursed my dog through cancer) with pets. I take the responsibility and trust you place in me seriously. I ask you to fill in a brief online form with preferences, quirks and temperament, preferred commands/current training, diet, medical and emergency information. Look forward to meeting your furry mates!

PHOTOS - are of various dog and cat friends/clients over the years - I'm just not in them all - hope to update with new clients and cheesy selfies soon.