Pet Sitter in East Belfast?

alisara

Just as title says, does anyone know of a person in the South-East Belfast area who looks after dogs/puppies?

I have a 10 week old pup and I am looking for someone trustworthy to play with/let out my pup for an hour or two for 2/3 days per week. I have looked on gumtree but I am a wee bit unsure, and those that have got back to me live miles away or have yet to reply.

Cooper18

How will you know they're trustworthy? Are you talking about giving a stranger access to your property? Perhaps contact your local vet or dogs home and maybe they can hook you up with someone more "official"?

alisara

Thanks Cooper, I am a bit concerned just regarding leaving pup at home 2/3 days per week (I was due to work mornings only now been changed). I do not want anyone in my home, but I worry about leaving a young pup alone for up to 7 hours. I have been leaving her alone at the moment for shopping etc over the holidays and she has been fine, with toys, food & water, puppy pads and radio etc but it was only for 3 hours tops.

I just do not know what else to do and don't want a stranger in my home at all.

Cooper18

Not being funny here, but do you have any elderly, trusted, neighbours?! I know a few old folks (not in your area) who would love to play with a puppy for a few hours, take her out for a walk - without the commitment of actually owning her!

You really shouldn't leave her alone for so long as she needs socialising and company, so definitely right to try to find a solution. Could you drop her off with someone on your way to work even?

alisara

I am stuck! I would ask my neighbours they have all met her, but everyone will be at work when I am at work. Now looking at websites as there are a few that seem trustworthy (expensive though) that have people who are checked with references, who can call in to see the pup for an hour or so to feed play etc.

All was ok when I could work mornings but now with the full days all this fuss. Childcare when I needed it was much easier to find!

flyer64

"childcare when I needed it" - sounds like you might have a teenager you could be taking advantage of! You might have to pay a hefty bribe but better than a puppy left on her own for so long!

alisara

I have a teenager BUT she is out of the house (when school starts anyway) from 8-3.30, and does a couple of after school clubs. So still leaves pup alone for 7 hrs. I would be out for 3 days from 7.30-4pm. I sound so irresponsible, but I got the pup as I thought I would be working mornings only and I am so attached to her now I am trying everything!

flyer64

I'm sure other folk might flame you half to death but I'm quite sure you didn't get this puppy with the intention of leaving her half the day. So your circumstances have changed, now you need to try to find a solution - which is what you're trying to do! Sounds pretty responsible to me, if a little unfortunate.

I had a similar situation a while back with my neighbour and his dog - we all took turns to help out. We had a couple of night-shifters who would be at home during the day, and an elderly man who took his turn, then I picked things up in the evening and weekends. It wasn't ideal but our little community raised that dog! made great friends with the neighbours as a result!

suki1964

Have you been around to all the local vets?

Most have notice boards with adverts and there are often doggy day cares advertised. Or sometimes a vet nurse will offer to pet sit for a while.

You are correct you can not leave pup home alone. Our first pup we were lucky that neighbours helped the first few weeks but soon as he was old enough for walkies we had to employ a dog walker

Willyk

Thread here:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4015451=

alisara

Thank you all and for the thread link. I have contacted a couple of places and hopefully they will get back to me.