Denise

Doctor Doolittle

Ottawa
29 times favorited
30 recurring guests
Lives with 2 cats
Usually responds within one hour
3w ago
Last activity
<1h
Response time
One home visit a day
One home visit a day
Min. 30-minute visits in your home
28 CAD
/day
All services and rates

Unavailable

Denise is currently only accepting bookings from existing clients.

About Denise

Aug 2023 UPDATE - in addition to my regular work, my calendar is full with pet visits on the books plus date requests that I have already committed to. My sincere apologies for my limited availability in the coming weeks and months. (*Please note that I am not available for any bookings late November and late December due to family commitments *).

I hope that you, your family and pets are doing well these days and I trust you are looking forward to visiting with family and friends, or planning that next get-away.

ABOUT ME: I am originally from Nova Scotia, and have lived in Ottawa for the past 30 years. My family has always called me "Doctor Doolittle" because of my lifelong dedication and love of animals. I have the biggest heart for animals - whether it's a cat, dog, bunny rabbit, bird.......(the list goes on and on). I am in love from the get-go. I am the person who will step up to rescue an animal in distress or take in a stray cat in the harsh winter. There's lots of activity in my backyard - I have been feeding the squirrels, chipmunks, birds, rabbits and other wildlife forever! While putting this profile together, I was going through my photos and noticed that the majority of my photo albums are of animals! I have always had pets - a fish tank, many cats and a family dog. I have taken a few winter cat strays to the Ottawa Humane Society to give them life's necessities and help them find forever homes - and a number of my past/current pets have been adopted from the Ottawa Humane Society as well.

MY CAT: My cherished cat is a petite, gentle female Himalayan named Taddie (17 yrs). Her photo is on my page. She is deservingly spoiled, well-loved, and lives a glamorous life watching the birds and squirrels in the yard from my sunroom and napping in glorious comfort (oh, what a life!). She is a healthy and happy cat. She loves cuddles, belly rubs, a good brushing and endless attention. And now, she's a techno-cat: she is hooked on watching TV: bird, squirrel and chipmunk videos on YouTube and the fish tank on the Aquarium channel!

SCHEDULE: I have a flexible work schedule and have plenty of free time (days, evenings, weekends and holidays) to take care of your animals, so if you don't see availability for your dates on my Pawshake calendar, please get in touch anyways as I may still be available for one visit per day, depending on my main work schedule and the flexibility of your visit requirements.

SPECIAL CARE: I have dealt with a wide variety of pet healthcare issues (ie. administering oral medications and eye drops, using pet inhalers; along with skin socks, neck cones and timid/anti-social behaviours). Past experience includes working at an animal kennel for cats, dogs, birds and rabbits, which also included dog walking, cleaning cat litter boxes and (non-professional) pet grooming.

VISITS: Because of my work schedule, I cannot commit to two visits per day. My "one home visit per day" includes providing fresh water, wet/dry food replenish (as per your instructions), litter boxes cleaned, administering any required medications. Of course, I will make sure your pets are happy and relaxed with plenty of playtime, grooming and belly rubs, too.

RATES: All service rates noted on my page are subject to increase, based on your specific needs, medications, number of pets, your location, driving time, gas prices (!) and any visit length requirements. My dog walking services are limited to spring, summer and fall only. I do not offer pet boarding services, as my cat would not be pleased! :)

NEXT STEPS: Once you have made an enquiry/request with me, I will respond with a message regarding my availability. If available, let's arrange a meet and greet at your home to go over your pets' needs. After a successful meeting (and before your trip), you will need to go back online to make the booking and I will then confirm. I will also need to pick up a house key, lock box access or home security code before your trip. While you are away, I will send you daily messages and photos to keep you informed of your pets' activities and well-being.

KEYS: if you don't have a key-code entry, you may wish to purchase a lock box (Amazon: $18) and place it securely on your property. Before heading out of town, you can place the key inside the box and provide me with the access code. Another option is to provide a spare key that I can safely store in my key management system for your future bookings. These are recommended arrangements, instead of key pick-up and drop-off visits before and after each trip, which can be very time-consuming.

PET CARE: I truly know what it's like to be away from your pets - you worry about them and hope they are not stressed or lonely in your absence. I will do my utmost to make sure your pets are well looked after, relaxed, purring and content. I am honest, trustworthy and have a big heart for animals. Please get in touch with me today - I look forward to meeting you and your cherished furry family members very soon! Stay safe and healthy. All the best.

Denise's services

At your home

One home visit a day
One home visit a day
Book a pet sitter to stop by your home to feed and play with your pet
28 CAD
/day

Denise also offers

Grooming

Cancellation policy: Flexible

Full refund if canceled before 12:00 p.m. one day before the booking, 50% refund afterward.

No refund is payable if the booking is canceled on or after the start date.

Note: All times are based on the sitter’s time zone

Reviews

starstarstarstarstar
Communication
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Conscientious
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Profile accuracy
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Treatment of animals
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Value
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Home Visits
David, 2023-09-02

Denise is simply awesome! She loves animals, and does a fantastic job. I trust her 100% in my home. Highest recommendation!

starstarstarstarstar
Home Visits
Michele, 2023-08-07

Denise, I really appreciate your conscientiousness and care for Bella and Luna when we’re away - I always know they’re in good hands.

Thank you so much!

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Availability

Denise's Pets

Tahdig
Cat
Maximus (the Late Great)
Cat

Skills

Specific Skills

I speak English
+20 years of experience

I live in the Hunt Club area, Ottawa South.

I am honest and trustworthy.

Pet bonding - cat purring - belly rubbing - ear scratching specialist.

Flexible availability (days, evenings, weekends, holidays).

A lifetime of pet care ownership/experience.

Lots of experience with pet grooming, health care issues (administering medications, etc.).

Ottawa Humane Society's First Aid for Pets Certificate.

Work experience at an animal kennel (dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, rabbits).

Clear Criminal Record.

Former Real Estate Professional (honest, responsible, home security).

You can travel with peace of mind, knowing that I am taking care of your cherished pets.

Can Administer

Oral medications
First aid and CPR for pets

Experience with

Rescuing pets
Behavioural problems

Stats

Email
Verified
Denise

Denise

Doctor Doolittle

Ottawa
One home visit a day
One home visit a day
Min. 30-minute visits in your home
28 CAD
/day
All services and rates

Unavailable

Denise is currently only accepting bookings from existing clients.

Cancellation policy: Flexible

Full refund if canceled before 12:00 p.m. one day before the booking, 50% refund afterward.

No refund is payable if the booking is canceled on or after the start date.

Note: All times are based on the sitter’s time zone

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