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 and worked with humane organizations when needed.

As a teen and young adult, I regularly walked neighbors’ dogs (despite not having one of my own) and later house-sat for friends and pet owners, caring for their dogs, cats, and homes on countless occasions.

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, 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 to protect her recovery. After that experience, caring for one dog feels wonderfully manageable 😊

I’ve also fostered a pregnant cat and assisted her during the live birth and early care of her five kittens for approx. 8 weeks, alongside several other unique and rewarding foster situations while also administrating medications and specialized care as needed.

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 building homes with Habitat for Humanity. After the pause brought on by COVID, I was encouraged to return to animal-focused volunteering. Later, 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.

This is not a side hustle or career for me — I care for animals because I genuinely enjoy their company, their personalities, and the joy of providing a calm, loving atmosphere.

My Home & Environment

I live in a quiet, peaceful two-floor townhome condo filled with sunlight and greenery — a calm, serene retreat for your animal. I currently have no pets.

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

• One-sided shared fenced backyard (rarely used)

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

• Large dog bed in the 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.

What You Can Expect

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

• Personalized, attentive 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.

Schedule & Time at Home

Mon–Wed & Friday:

• Office days with flexible hours

• Home for a 50 min. lunch break for a check-in, walk, and companionship

Thursday:

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

Weekdays:

• Short periods (approx. 3 hours) 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 should be:

• House-trained

• Comfortable being alone for short periods

• 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, 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).