Experienced sitter looking for new furry friends

About this sitter

Originally from Italy, I now split my time between the UK and Sweden. I have recently finished my PhD in England and I currently work in academia. I work in the environmental field, which fuels my passion for nature and sustainable living.
Beyond academia, I also work as a writer for a conservation magazine and volunteer for a few animal rights nonprofits, supporting them with research and advocacy.

My job is fully remote, which gives me the flexibility and privilege of travelling - which I love!

I recently lost my beloved English setter, Odin, who was my dearest companion. Though he no longer walks alongside me, his memory continues to inspire my love and care for animals.

I have done plenty of pet sittings over the years. I have volunteered in dog shelters and animal sanctuaries since I was 15yo. I gained lots of experience while travelling during my gap year, volunteering on a number of farms via Wwoof and Workaway in the US, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Scotland, England and Ireland. I have worked with llamas, cows, goats, pigs, horses, donkeys, dogs and cats. However, I feel more confident with dogs, cats and equines.

* IMPORTANT*

DOGS
I am not comfortable using any form of aversive training technique that uses positive punishment and/or negative reinforcement, and I am against aversive training tools such as prong collars and e-collars. So if you are using any of the above and expect me to do the same while I am with your dog, please do NOT contact me.
On the other hand, if you use force-free training techniques or are interested in learning about it, I may just be the right person for your dog!

CATS
I have extensive experience with cats of all temperaments and personalities. I focus on understanding feline behaviour and body language, providing enrichment, and creating a safe, comfortable environment. Whether your cat is shy, curious, or playful, I ensure interactions are respectful, patient, and tailored to their needs.

EQUINES: I have good knowledge of horse care and management, especially hoof care and common hoof problems. I use positive reinforcement to train horses and have worked with equine experts who use positive reinforcement, managed habituation, systematic desensitisation and counter-conditioning.
I am passionate about understanding animal behaviour and applying this knowledge to improve animal welfare. I am interested in force-free and fear-free ways to motivate horses, and to better communicate with them.
I believe that safety, comfort, freedom, friends and food are pre-requisites to ethical training, and not things that the horse should ever be expected to work to earn.

Force-free training is the most up-to-date, science-based training approach. I use force-free methods with ALL pets, without using fear or force. So rest assured that your pets will always be treated with love and respect - when I interact with animals, all I seek is connection and trust.

Why they want to house sit

Currently working remotely and looking to help fellow pet-mamas and dads with their four-legs. Having been a dog mom myself, I understand how important it is to find someone trustworthy and caring to look after your furry family members.

House and pet sitting provides a perfect balance of intensive writing and relaxation by caring for pets, plants, and a home. It’s rewarding to know I’m helping both the pets and their humans feel safe and supported.

Their experience

I have over fifteen years of experience house and pet sitting.
I am passionate about animal behaviour and welfare, and have completed a number of online and in-person courses, including "Animal Behaviour and Welfare" at the University of Edinburgh and "Dog Emotion and Cognition" at Duke University. I also hold a First Aid for Animals and Pets certification.

I have extensive farm experience, having volunteered at animal sanctuaries for many years. Most recently, I spent three months at My Lovely Horse Rescue in Co.Kildare, Ireland, helping the team manage one of their farms and caring for the many horses, donkeys, sheep, goats, pigs and chickens that the charity has in its care. Daily tasks included: feeding, mucking out stables or paddocks, helping to move animals to different areas, providing enrichment and toys for the animals, field management such as fence fixing; various yard management tasks to keep the place organised, and, of course, spending quality time with the animals, providing attention and companionship (grooming, exercising, training, documenting the process of certain animals with videos and photographs, etc).

House and pet sitting has always been mutually beneficial: it allows me to focus on my research and writing while providing attentive, loving care to pets and homes.

References available upon request. Please do ask!

What can they bring to the assignment

I bring genuine and authentic care for your pets and homes. My goal is twofold: 1) to care for your pet(s) so that they do not miss you as much, and 2) to leave your home spotless, so that when you return you will not even notice you were gone.

I do not smoke and I am vegan, reflecting my respect for animals and the environment. You can trust that your pets and home will be treated with the utmost care and attention.