Experienced Pet Carer 🥇

Special Needs & Anxious Pets Welcome

Hi! My name is Sophie. I offer experience, love, and sensitivity to details for your pets to have the best time as possible with me 🐾🤍

I have worked as a pet sitter for 8 years and have a lifetime of experience with animals, thus I consider myself a skilled caretaker and trustworthy sitter. I am particularly keen on taking care of anxious pets and pets with special needs, with whom I have loads of experience (e.g rescued, anxious, hyperactive, disabled, senior). I am comfortable with delicate animals as well as massive protective dogs.

I am 30 and work/study as a doctoral researcher at Leiden University and have lived in The Hague since July 2020. I have a very flexible schedule and would like to put my free time at use while taking care of animals. I mostly work from home.

🏡 at my home (pet boarding): I offer a stress-free haven for your pets, where they can play, snuggle and relax in a quiet environment. see the full description below.

🏠 at your home (house sitting): I can stay for long periods of time if you need someone to take care of your pets, plants, and house as if you were there.

Don’t hesitate to ask me any questions or references.

See you soon!

Sophie

👩🏻 about me

I am originally from Brussels and speak fluently English, French, and Spanish. In my work, I conduct research on global affairs, international security, and European politics. I also teach BA courses at the university and provide consultancy services. In my free time, I love travelling, practicing yoga, and learning about our beautiful planet.

🐕🐈🦮🐩 my experience

I grew up in the Belgian countryside in a home that always revolved around pets (cats and dogs). I have always been an animal lover since my youngest age, I also had many small pets that I loved to take care of, like rodents and fish. I regularly sit pets for friends away for holidays, as well as through online services such as Pawshake. My experience ranges from daily visits for food and care to weeks of house sitting, in many different countries (Belgium, Spain, UK, Netherlands).

I feel confident with dogs, cats, and pets of any kind (rabbits, birds, reptiles ...). While you are away, I will make sure to give your pets the love and care they deserve, while being mindful of any preferences you communicate.

I have lots of experience with anxious and protective dogs, which I feel very comfortable with. My former dog, an american staffordshire, had behavioural issues which led me to become confident with dogs of any size, strength, and sociability.

I pay extra attention to details and will make sure they feel as comforted as possible during your absence. I would love to cuddle, go on walks, or play with them - promise I'll send loads of pictures!

🏠 about my home [see pictures in gallery]

I live in a 90m2 appartment with a small terrace located right across a very large park: Zuiderpark. I live on the second floor (stairs) and it is usually very quiet. I have a large living room, a guest room, and a separate office, with plenty of comfy spaces to cuddle and play.

🌳 nearby

The largest park of The Hague (Zuiderpark) is around the corner and this is where I go for walks with dogs. There are many different areas, busy and less busy, as well as many options for off-leash time. There are open areas, forest-like areas, water features, and gardens. It's a really beautiful park and I love it! There is also a pet clinic 50m from my house, in case of emergency.

🧸 equipment

I have water and food bowls at home if needed, but I always recommend using material that your pet is used to. At my home, pets can come on the sofa and occasionally cuddle on the bed. I have toys specifically for guest dogs and cats, balls, throws, towels, as well as a reserve of poop bags. I recommend that you bring your pet's own bed and favourite toys, with something that smells familiar (like a blanket or a t-shirt you wore) so that they immediately feel at home. I have space for a crate if needed.

🏡 at your house (house-sitting service)

I can take care of plants, daily cleaning, and all pets in the house, for an afternoon or an entire vacation (my longest stay was 3 weeks). I have vast experience as a home-swapper and know how to care for others' belongings and respect privacy.

I will follow the schedule you communicate to me and send you daily updates. If you live further than 15 min cycling from me, I charge a travel fee.

🤍 special needs

I'm experienced with pets with special needs, such as disabilities, heart conditions, or anxiety and fear. I've taken care of rescued dogs and cats. I am well versed in training techniques and know how to handle separation anxiety, difficult socialisation, and really any behavioural needs your pet may have. Just let me know.

If your animal household includes more than 3 pets, pets larger than 40kg, or pets under 1 year old (e.g. a puppy or kitten), I charge an extra fee.

⭐️ about my habits

I am notoriously clean and organised. At your home or mine, this will always be a key feature. I love going on walks and forming trusting relationships with dogs through my experience with training. Should you leave your dog with me, rest assured that they will spend plenty of time outside everyday!

⌚️ about my schedule

My job allows me to work from home (or anywhere else) and organise my own schedule as I see fit, which gives me a lot of freedom and flexibility. Don't hesitate to tell me what your pet's usual schedule is like so that I can accommodate as much as possible.

🚲 transport

I move around with a bicycle, therefore I only accept house-sitting requests and pick-up within a 15-min radius from my home. I can make exceptions for an extra charge.

📝 pet information

The details I usually ask my clients about their pet are: (1) what does a typical day looks like for them?, (2) is there anything that your pet gets triggered or excited by?, (3) what are your key commands and walking habits?, (4) does your pet have any allergies or intolerances?, (5) is your pet social with other pets and humans?, (6) what do you usually do to settle your pet when they get anxious?, (7) what makes your pet the most happy?

💬 updates

We will agree on an update routine that suits your needs and wishes. Typically, I send a text update with a picture or video every day. Some of my clients say that their favourite pictures of their pets come from my camera!