Directly recruiting a dog sitter / walker?

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CheshireFox

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Has anyone had any experience of directly recruiting a dog sitter / walker, rather than using an agency or dog walking firm?

My girl is getting on now, very arthritic, needs regular meds, doesn't walk far, can be grumpy with other dogs, etc... etc...

It's more about just being with her (at my own house) whilst I'm away, and doing lots of things in a very specific way in order to keep her happy and mobile. She has lots of very complex needs, and I don't think a 'standard' house/pet sitter/dog walker approach is going to work for her. It also might be just for a day one week, a couple the next, none the next etc...

Therefore I was thinking of recruiting a sort of 'dog nanny' myself, who would be self-employed on a casual basis, maybe with a guaranteed number of hours a week and flexibility over and above that. I was thinking of placing adverts locally and on indeed.co.uk and other job sites.

I don't know if this will work, or is even a sensible approach.

Anyone got any experience of doing something similar?
 
I do home boarding and dog walking. It's my business and not affiliated with any other agency/company. I advertise locally on local fb pages via my own fb page and also get recommendations through word of mouth. There are lots of us out there, including pet sitters, who are self employed.

So check out your local shops for pet sitters/walkers who may advertise there, but also on your local fb pages - ask on there too for any recommendations. Anyone you employ should be insured, so do check that out before 'employing' someone.
 
Thanks Amy, there are quite a few around here too - but most don't really fit the bill.

I find the majority are lovely but very focused on standard services - walk dog for 1 hour, pop in and feed dog and let out for 15 mins etc... Or they want to take her out with 4 exuberant labradors for an hour, which would cripple her for weeks. If I say I'd like them to come and take her for a potter down the lane, give her her tablets, and then sit with her for a couple of hours, they look at me like I'm mad. Most seem to only be interested in uber-regular straight walking of young and active dogs - I can understand this if that's what makes the business model works, but it doesn't work for me.

I'd really like to find someone who isn't necessarily running a dog walking / sitting business, but has a lot of equivalent dog experience. I can imagine it's the sort of thing a freelance writer, researcher or even postgrad student might be suited to, as they'd be able to work happily from my house whilst also earning extra money.

The insurance point is a good one - I'll have to look into it and see if there's anything I can put in place to cover it. She has public liability etc via her pet insurance, but I don't know what other elements would be necessary.
 
Hi, I have just had a home/dog sitter whilst we were on holiday and she was fab! I have a 9 year old Rottie dog and a 14 month old Bull Terrier who had broken her leg 2 weeks before we went and was also having her first season! She's not the easiest dog even when not confined to barracks but YG managed really well. Billy had sedate walks as he felt able and the house and garden were beautifully looked after. YG is based in Shropshire but travels widely. She is currently doing a smallholding sit in Wales. She is in her 60's (I think!), very knowledgeable about all sorts of critters and I have already provisionally booked her for 2 stays next year as I'm thrilled to have found someone so suitable. Her website is www.assistyg.co.uk
 
Thanks for the recommendation - she does look good, and whilst she's too far from me for brief requirements she could be a great option for overnight requirements.

Much appreciated!
 
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