Andrea

Hi there pet lovers! 

Need help taking care of your non-human family member while you are away? Well, look no further because I'M YOUR SITTER!

I've been around dogs my entire life. I grew up with a little West white terrier and have been surrounded by dogs ever since. During the pandemic, I decided to start volunteering for animal rescue centers. Since the pandemic, I have fostered over eight dogs from abusive backgrounds in the middle east and Asia. I provide them with a calm and safe space to decompress, get used to their surroundings, and welcome them to their new way of life. If you want, look up these rescue centers: FurBae and Loves at Last Dog Rescue. 

I live in a two-level townhome (with a balcony) in the middle of what seems like dog paradise. Everyone in my neighbourhood has a dog, and everyone in my complex has a dog (except me). I live with my partner, who is 31 and works in the film industry (so he's hardly around, just in case your doggy is scared of male figures, which sometimes dogs are). I am usually the dog sitter in my neighbourhood because I work from home, and my neighbours sometimes drop their dogs off with me. 

I have the opportunity/option of working from home and have the option to work from the office once a week in Metrotown- typically Wednesdays, but my boss lets me know in advance if I'm required to come in and can always coordinate with you. So, if you are looking for a sitter that can take care of your dog for a couple of days, I'm here for it! However, if you are wanting care for two weeks or more, please be aware that there might be a day of two where they would have to be left at home for no more than 5 hours due to me having to go into the office.

I make it a point to go on a pleasant walk every morning and after work (rain or shine). These walks are usually around an hour each. I also take a lunch break from work and can stroll around the neighbourhood. If your dog requires it, I also like to take dogs on a short walk right before bed to ensure they take care of business and not holding it in the entire night. With all this being said, that's a total of 4 walking opportunities a day (1 hour in the morning, 30min lunch break, 1 hour after work, 30mins before bed time)!!!

However, if your pet is used to sticking to a set schedule, I'd be more than happy to follow that as well. Pets can get a little disoriented when their humans aren't around, so I'll try to keep them as comfortable as possible by making them feel as if you never left and stick to their routine.

On top of physcial exercise, I also think it's important to keep pets mentally stimulated. With a lot of games and training, your pet will go back home with you tired and happy

The neighbourhood is very family-oriented, I live on a bike route, so it's very calm and quiet, except for the occasional dog that walks by. There are also a lot of parks around.

I don't feel comfortable visiting off-leash dog parks, especially if this is my first time caring for your dog, so we'd be avoiding those. But I have a 6-ft leash that I like to play fetch when the opportunity arises. I live close to the seawall, and Kitsilano Beach Park is a 10-minute walk from my place.

I know how to take care of the big or the small- I have experience with everything from german shepherds, to huskies, to small terriers and chihuahuas (all my pictures posted are of dogs I've taken care of). I can keep up with the most active pets and the most relaxed and laid back. I've also taken care of dogs that suffer from anxiety, haven't been house trained, are blind, and require oral medication.

I know how stressful it can be to find someone you can trust and love your pet the way you do while you are out of town. Rest assured, your family member will be safe with me. Let's help each other out: You are looking for someone you can trust who can take care of your pet, and I would be delighted to take care of them. :)

PS: as my pictures show, I also take care of cats!