Hey! I'm Sophie, I come from Switzerland, and I speak english, french, spanish and I understand dutch!
I have lived in Leiden for 3 years now, I graduated from my bachelor in Psychology at Leiden University and I am currently doing my Master in Rotterdam but I still live in Leiden. I enjoy walking around in the parks along the canals, I am a sportive and active person. Also I like to have some relaxing time. My schedule is flexible, and I mostly study from home so I have time but do have certain obligations for classes.
I am a big animal lover, and vegetarian! Although, I was never able to have a dog when I was younger as my parents worked and didn't want a dog to be at home the whole day, I have experience in taking care of dogs and cats. I also had a cat when I was younger. but had to give him away because we moved. Thankfully, my best friend owns 2 dogs: a Beauceron (Lula) and a Border Collie (Gaucho) so I always love to see them when I go home and take care of them when I lived in Switzerland (you can see them in the pictures!)
Unfortunately, as a student, the costs of having a pet would be too high for me, yet I do miss some animal company.I already have quite a lot of experience dog sitting and walking - from small Chihuahua to Great Danes.
I have taken care of cats and usually go 2-3 times to visit a cat, clean the litter, and spend 20-30 minutes playing or/and cuddling.
For dogs, I took them in my house but also visited the home if that is better for you and the dog, I usually would go for around 3/4 walks a day (sometimes more and sometimes less, it depends on the dog and their needs of course). The walks are usually around 30 minutes but I commonly do a long 1h walk once a day at least (or more), it really depends if your dog is very active and needs to run a lot. The mornings always start with a walk (around 9h). I can also go on a run with your dog as I am an active person. If you are comfortable I also like to stay for longer and study at your house while I can give cuddles, play with your dog or cat, that way it's a win-win! i am happy to be with your pet and he or she is happy that I am keeping them company in their environment or mine :)
I have experience with administering medication (orally) to both dogs and cats, my best friends dog had health issues and I gave the medicine hidden in some food or treat. As well, given my background in psychology, I know how to train animals and have experience in training cats and dogs as well for basic commands, walking (not pulling). I sometimes use treats depending how well your dog knows the commands, I don't overfeed treats but I give them regularly! Let me know if you want me to train him/her! Also let me know of their dietary requirements, usual routine so I can try to follow it as well!
I now live in an apartment by myself, it is on one floor and have a small balcony, so your dog only has to walk a few stairs to get to my apartment. I am a clean person and make sure to keep it! Given the carpeted floor, if your dog stays at my home provide for their sleeping bed so it is more hygienic. If she or he cannot walk up I can carry her/him up the stairs. Depending on the size of your dog and if she or he is comfortable with other dogs, I would board maximum 2 dogs at the same time. I prefer this way so that I can give your dog the most attention and to avoid conflicts between dogs who don't know each other. I would usually not allow pets in my bed but they can be in my bedroom and I usually keep my bedroom door open. I would allow your dog to come on my sofa depending on your rules as well.
I would love to give cuddles, care, and love to animal!
Sophie looked after our two dogs when we were away for two weeks. Our dogs loved Sophie and they were happy when they returned home. We would recommend her!
Sophie is a great pet sitter, reliable and our dogs were very happy with her