Animal Care Experience

(Dogs, cats, kittens, rabbits & birds)

My love for animals began early. Growing up, my neighborhood best friend and I spent our childhood rescuing and caring for animals of all kinds — injured birds we rehabilitated and released, indoor and outdoor rabbits we lovingly raised (including hand-feeding orphaned newborns), and multiple litters of kittens from a local street cat. We found safe homes whenever possible, conducted adoption interviews as kiddies with neighbouring families, and worked with humane organizations and pet stores when needed.

As a teen and adult, I walked neighbours' dogs (despite not having one of my own - thanks mom & dad lol) and later house-sat for friends and pet owners, caring for their animals and homes on occasion.

Foster Volunteer Experience

(Ottawa Humane Society – Dogs & Cats)

For the past few years, I’ve volunteered as a foster parent with the Ottawa Humane Society (OHS), caring for dogs, puppies, cats, pregnant cats, and kittens for periods ranging from 2 - 8 weeks.

One of my most formative experiences was fostering eight dogs at once — seven energetic four-week-old puppies and their mother. When the mother developed mastitis and required emergency surgery, I managed her post-op care while carefully coordinating supervised bonding sessions with each puppy multiple times daily to protect her recovery and stitches. After that experience, caring for one dog feels wonderfully manageable 😊

I also fostered a pregnant cat who welcomed me to assist her during the live birth and early care of her five kittens for approx. 8 weeks, alongside several other unique and rewarding foster situations. I have also administrated medications and provided specialized care as needed by following strict instructions from OHS for animals requiring extra attention. I have learned though... that I am not good (yet) with orphan kittens + needles to ensure their fluids - sworry.

Why I Do This (OHS & Pawshake)

Volunteering and caring for animals (and all living things) has always been close to my heart. From animal care to children mentorship to building homes with Habitat for Humanity among other volunteer experiences that has nourished my soul over the years.

After the world paused from COVID, I was encouraged to return to animal-focused volunteering from a friend. Additionally, while on a Habitat Global Village build in Brazil, a fellow volunteer introduced me to Pawshake — and it felt like a natural extension of what I already love doing to incorporate into my life periodically when the timing and fit is right.

This is not a side hustle or career for me — I care for animals because I genuinely enjoy their company, personalities, learning from them, and the joy of providing a calm, loving atmosphere for short term periods. I travel often...hence why I do not have a pet of my own.

Through OHS, I've also taken additional training:

- Shy/Fearful & House Soiling Feline

- Orphan Kittens

- Don't Blame the Cat

- Don't Blame the Dog

My Home & Environment

I live in a peaceful two-floor townhome condo filled with bright south facing sunlight and greenery inside and out — a calm, serene retreat for your animal. There is a spacious, quiet, shared community backyard with a 3x sided fence. I currently have no pets. Additional information:

• Close to parks, soccer field, and a forest path

• Three-sided fenced flower garden backyard (shared but rarely used) that is well kept with trees and shade. One side is open with no fence for access

• Second bedroom with a human bed for the animal and plenty of sun with access to a balcony if desired during warmer months

• Dog bed in living room near a gas fireplace

• A “pet-friendly” couch prepared just for them

Outdoor activity is balanced with rest, depending on your dog’s needs, desires, and energy level. You simply tell me as a 5am wake-up call is no problem!

What You Can Expect

• Only one animal at a time (unless from the same household)

• Personalized, attentive one-on-one care

• Dog Boarding: 3-5 +\- walks daily (mix of long & short walks) unless more or less desired

• Calm companionship and plenty of affection

I truly enjoy getting to know each animal’s unique personality and creating a relaxed trusting bond.

My Daily Schedule & Time Spent at Home

Mon–Wed & Friday:

• Office days (away from home) w/ flexible hours

• Home for a 45min. lunch break check-in, walk, and companionship

• I am away approx. 9:00-12:00. Home 12:05-12:55. Home by 17:00

Thursday:

• WFH most mornings, so the animal is with me until I leave before 1:00pm. Back by 17:00pm

Weekdays:

• Short periods (approx. 3-4hrs) where your dog will be alone with potential full house access

• Optional gated 2nd bedroom if preferred and pending behaviour (e.g. unexpected chewing upon arrival)

Evenings & Weekends:

• Fully home and present - except to possibly step out occasionally if req'd (e.g. groceries)

Ideally, I like to spend 30-60 minutes min. with a dog in particular (after a morning drop-off) to settle in together, set up any items from the pet owner (e.g. dog bed, food set up), review any instructions and observe behaviour before heading to work.

Expectations for Dogs

Dogs must be:

• House-trained

• Comfortable being alone for short periods 3-4hrs

• Non-destructive (unless otherwise discussed)

You’re welcome to bring your dog’s bed, blanket, food, written care instructions, emergency contacts, toys, or any comfort items with your scent.

Quality Over Quantity

I choose to only care for one animal at a time to ensure thoughtful, individualized attention and create a deeper bond throughout their stay. So, if you choose to select me again your animal is in a very familiar, loving, and comfortable back-up home. Exceptions are made only for multiple animals from the same household. Your animal can expect a warm welcome, personalized care, and a truly comfortable stay.

I am attentive to individual needs. For example, if your pet is unsettled at night, as I've experienced in the past, I'll make sure they feel safe and supported, whether that means nearby companionship or adjusting sleeping arrangements for added comfort (e.g.. where we both sleep on a couch in the family room or by my bedside for added close proximity comfort).