Hi, I’m Maria, originally from Portugal and currently an international student living in Utrecht. Portuguese is my native language, and I also speak English fluently. I’ve been surrounded by animals for as long as I can remember, growing up on a farm in Portugal where I had daily contact with all kinds of animals, including dogs, sheep, and rabbits. This early experience taught me not only how to care for animals, but also how to understand their different personalities, needs, and behaviours in a calm and responsible way.

At home in Portugal, I have a dog named Ginja, who is now 12 years old. She has been part of my life since I was a child, and taking care of her has given me years of hands-on experience, including senior dog care, daily routines, medication awareness when needed, and providing gentle companionship. Here in the Netherlands, my boyfriend has two cats and a dog, and I regularly take care of them when his family is away on holiday, so I’m also confident with both feline and canine routines in a real household environment.

My services are flexible and always adapted to your pet’s needs. I can offer dog walking, feeding visits, litter box cleaning, bathing if needed, and general home visits where I spend time with your pet to keep them company and ensure they feel safe and comfortable. I also have experience following specific routines, so if your pet is in training or has established habits, I will make sure to follow your instructions carefully to maintain consistency.

I am also attentive to different personalities and behaviours, whether your pet is shy, energetic, anxious, or very social, I adapt my approach to make sure they feel secure and understood. In case of emergencies, I stay calm and act responsibly, prioritising the pet’s safety and immediately contacting the owner and, if necessary, a vet according to your instructions.

During each visit, I can keep owners updated with messages and photos so you always know how your pet is doing. I believe communication is very important for peace of mind while you are away.

As I live in student housing, I cannot host animals in my own home, but I am fully available to travel to you. My schedule depends on my university timetable, but I am flexible and happy to coordinate times that work for both of us. I am mainly looking for clients in or near Utrecht, especially around Science Park, where I currently live.