Animals have been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up in a family surrounded by animals. We had dogs, cats, rabbits, and even ducks and chickens, so caring for them has always felt completely natural to me.

I also have experience caring for rescued animals, including animals that had been through very difficult situations. This taught me early on that trust and affection cannot be rushed. One rescue dog I cared for, for example, was very wary of people at first. She would sit with her back to me and keep her distance. Little by little, once she realised she was safe, she developed her own funny way of asking for affection: she would slowly wiggle backwards towards me, bottom first, until she was close enough for scratches and cuddles. Experiences like this have taught me to pay attention to the small ways animals communicate and to let them build trust at their own pace.

I offer dog and cat boarding in my home, as well as dog and cat sitting in your home.

I am based in Gouda. My home is spacious and pet-friendly, with a large living room, a garden and a spare room, which I normally use as an office but which can also provide a quiet, separate space for a pet if needed. I do not have any pets of my own, so your dog or cat can stay in a calm environment without having to adjust to resident animals.

I live on a quiet street and there is a park nearby, which is ideal for regular dog walks. For an average healthy adult dog, I am happy to provide walks of around one hour several times a day, but this is always adapted to your dog. Age, health, mobility, energy level and personality all matter. A puppy, an older dog or a dog with health issues may need shorter or more frequent walks, while a very active dog may need more exercise and stimulation.

My work gives me a good degree of flexibility, so I can adapt my schedule to your pet’s normal routine rather than expecting them to adapt to mine.

For house sitting and longer stays, I am also flexible when it comes to location. Although I am based in Gouda, I am happy to travel to Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, Utrecht and other locations, depending on the booking, so please feel free to get in touch even if you are not based nearby.

During a stay, I am happy to follow your pet’s usual feeding times, walks, playtime, rest periods and any particular habits or preferences. For pets staying in their own home, I can provide feeding, walks, playtime, company, litter-box care and general supervision.

I am also comfortable administering basic medication, provided we discuss this in advance and you give me clear instructions.

Most importantly, I understand that every animal is different. Some immediately want cuddles and attention, while others may need time and space before they feel comfortable with someone new.

I am also happy to send regular photos and updates while you are away, so you can relax knowing your pet is safe, comfortable and receiving plenty of attention and care.