I've had pets all of my life. And brothers with somewhat more exotic pets. Cats, dogs, ferrets, iguanas, birds, fish, gerbils, hamsters, etc. I was a built in pet sitter from the start.
Cats and dogs are an ongoing love affair for me. I've fostered both. I foster pregnant cats for a local shelter. I've apprenticed at a dog training school in Ottawa and I've learned a lot about dog behaviour and how to explain it to my clients.
I'm also certified in Pet First Aid through Walks 'n Wags. In fact I'm certified to teach their Pet First Aid course. I would like to see many more people aware of how to deal with a pet emergency. They're family members, right? Education is always a good first step.
I am a member in good standing of Pet Sitters International. This gives me access to many more pet sitters with answers to those questions that I don't immediately have the answer to.
I live just outside of Kemptville with my husband, a three dog pack (lab, flatcoat retriever, and shepherd mix) and the 10 cats that have adopted us over the years. There are often fosters around as well.
Purrs and Paws has been officially in operation for about three years now. If I'm not on the road walking dogs, I can usually be found with my pack at my feet and cats in my lap working on making my business better. I love my job!