Trusted House Sitting

From a few days to a few weeks, we have you covered.

Improved Mental and Physical Wellbeing

No stress, no risk of confrontations and reduced risk of seperation anxiety. Sitting keeps your pets in the comfort of their home with familiar walks, treats, scents and calm places.

Experienced Sitter

With a range of experience I provide reliable and trustworthy care for your home and pets.

While kennels and boarding facilities can be convenient, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks they might pose, particularly in terms of stress and its lasting effects on your dog.

One of the biggest advantages of having a live-in pet sitter is the significant reduction in stress for your dog. Dogs thrive in familiar environments, and staying in their own home eliminates the anxiety that often accompanies being placed in a kennel or boarding facility. In an unfamiliar setting, dogs can experience elevated levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, which can have various negative effects, both short-term and long-term.

Stress and Cortisol Levels in Dogs

Dogs are sensitive creatures, and changes in their environment can cause significant stress. When placed in a kennel or boarding facility, even the most well-adjusted dogs can experience anxiety. This stress often leads to an increase in cortisol, a hormone commonly referred to as the "stress hormone." Elevated cortisol levels can have several short-term effects, such as changes in behaviour, appetite, and sleep patterns.

However, what’s more concerning is the potential for long-term effects. Prolonged stress can impact a dog’s immune system, making them more susceptible to illness. It may also affect their overall behaviour, leading to increased anxiety even after returning home. While not every dog will experience severe stress in a kennel environment, it's crucial for owners to be aware of the possibility, especially if their dog is already prone to anxiety or has never been boarded before.

Physical Confrontations and Safety Concerns

Another risk to consider in kennel and boarding environments is the potential for physical confrontations between dogs. Even in well-supervised facilities, dogs can sometimes become overwhelmed or frightened, leading to conflicts. These confrontations can result in physical injuries, ranging from minor scrapes to more serious wounds. Furthermore, the stress of being in an unfamiliar environment with other dogs can exacerbate aggressive tendencies in some animals, increasing the likelihood of such incidents.

Conclusion

A live-in pet sitter not only provides excellent, personalised care for your pets but also keeps an eye on your home, adding an extra layer of security, and the ability to carry out various tasks such as; watering house plants, receiving mail, letting trades people into the property. These benefits are particularly appealing for those who travel frequently or for extended periods.

Reference: Rooney, N. J., Gaines, S. A., & Bradshaw, J. W. S. (2007). Behavioural and cortisol responses of dogs (Canis familiaris) to kennelling: Investigating mitigation of stress by prior habituation. Physiology & Behaviour, 92(5), 847-854.

Reference: Beerda, B., Schilder, M. B. H., van Hooff, J. A. R. A. M., & de Vries, H. W. (1999). Chronic stress in dogs subjected to social and spatial restriction. II. Hormonal and immunological responses. Physiology & Behaviour, 66(2), 243-254.

Reference: Casey, R. A., et al. (2014). Separation-related behavior in domestic dogs: A literature review. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 9(5), 261-271.

Reference: McMillan, F. D. (2017). Mental health and well-being in animals. CABI Publishing.

Ben looked after our dog, at our house for 3 weeks, when we went on holiday. On our return the house was clean, and the dog was healthy, and happy. Would highly recommend Ben.

Adrian - Taunton

★★★★★

I would have no hesitation in recommending Ben for house and dog sitting. Ben has now house and dog sat twice for us. He is very reliable and looked after our two dogs very well, taking them for regular walks. He clearly loves dogs and he left the house and the dogs beautifully clean. He was great reporting back with updates and lots of videos and pictures.

★★★★★

Nicola - Bath