Social Paws

We are absolutely thrilled how well our pet sitting service is going! 💖

This is something we offered 11 years ago, and recently brought back.

But it's not just 'pet sitting' we specilialise with anxious/rescue pets or more unusual pets. And those with additional needs.

There is some availability still this year for pet visits so please get in touch 🙏

[email protected]

It's an absolute honour 🎖 to be trusted with your animal family 💖

From curious cats, to leaping lizards, to anxious dogs, and excitable birds.

Pet sitting isn't just sitting: it's a commitment, a promise, to keep your loved ones safe.

Now taking bookings for 2027!

Availability 2026

July: full
August: full
September: full
October: visits available
November: visits available
December: visits available

{Do contact just in case I become available in 2026 for longer sitting!}

Availability 2027

Sitting available, selected weekends or longer stays in the comfort of your own home.

Plus visits for those who need a pop in which is more that a pop in!

Contact: [email protected]

Something shocked me the other day and I need to get it off my chest 🙏

I saw several comments about pet sitters on a local community group. Some of these comments were concerning and really made me feel like we are not appreciated in the work we do:

Someone referred to it not being a professional service, just cuddling cats all day.

Others undermined professionals because of their reasonable prices, saying no one will pay that to look after a cat!

Many just said let my friend's daughter down the road help.

💖💖💖

When it comes to a breathing, living animal, whether it be a cat, rabbit, bird or dog they all deserve a 10 star service.

What if they become ill?

What if they need medication?

What if the dog is anxious?

What if the cat doesn't come in for their evening dinner?

What if they have a specific diet and needs?

What if someone tried to break into the house?

💖💖💖

It is completely irresponsible to do any form of professional service and see it as a hobby, with no insurance and little experience.

Don't get me wrong I started young, but I put all the appropriate insurance and paper work in place.

I really don't understand when people think especially that a cat has little need for professional care, yes in comparison to some dogs their needs may be different but in my opinion a cat's welfare and safety is just as important!

Please, please support professional Pet Carers. I've been doing this more than 24 years, and these comments still make me sad 😔

Thanks for reading,
Helen

More than a quick feed and go or a walk in the park 💖

Did you know we provide a trusted pet sitting service from the comfort of your home.

Last week Helen has the pleasure of caring for two anxious dogs and next week she'll be looking after her feline friends.

This service provides safety, reassurance and Helen is always keen to keep you updated!

Some cat visit slots available this summer, pet sitting filling up quickly for next year!

Contact: [email protected]

'A family business, where kindness speaks volumes'

Sweet memories with Ferdie: just look at that bed 💖

Just a reminder: we are fully booked for July for pet sitting and cat visits. We still have some availability and odd days so do get in touch:

[email protected]

Up too close and personal! ⚠️

I've noticed that sometimes I dislike it when strangers approach me head on, a bit like some of our more nervous/anxious dogs 🐶

I often will look at my phone, walk off at an angle, but most of the time I'm able to give enough space to let us simply pass each other 🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️

Now let's take an anxious or frustrated dog...

Now add the lead, a dog running at them, no escape. The pressure builds up and rather than moving away the dog feels in its best interests to bark or lunge. The human equivalent to "GO AWAY". This often proves more effective, so gets repeated ✔

So today I'm going to discuss these type of meetings and how you can help your dog 🐾

Dogs on lead

Why should we expect our dogs to be friendly and want to approach other dogs on lead? Especially when we ourselves, can relate to this kind of situation in the human world?

Like dogs humans in general (but not always remember) enjoy each other's company - a bit like us humans meeting a friend. Perhaps we have a drink in the pub, perhaps a game of tennis or even a group walk in the park. However these are usually in situations that are polite and acceptable, often with people we are familiar with. After all we wouldn't just plonk ourselves next to a stranger in the pub (well most of us wouldn't!) Or suddenly join a group of people walking, uninvited.

Inappropriate meetings

When dogs meet on lead they are often unintentionally forced or persuaded into an inappropriate meeting. Often they will meet head on, unable to perform the polite greeting in the dog world - circling and sniffing each other's bum (the human equivalent to a hand shake). The lead can often get entangled, both dogs are unable to read each other's body language and the owner often tightens the lead (restricting the freedom of movement even further).

Choice

Having the choice, well mannered dogs would try to avoid any head on meetings – instead they might approach each other at a slight arc, all the time watching each other’s body language and being considerate to the other dog's needs.

Saying hello to every dog?

Therefore we shouldn't feel the need to get our dogs to say hello to every dog. In fact I always avoid head on meetings or narrow pathways doing a banana shape around the other dog. However if I am able to assess the situation well, there is lots of space and providing the dogs are happy to do so I will occasionally allow on lead interactions.

Dog meets on lead

As a rule of thumb I let the dog meet 1 in 3 dogs on lead for only a few seconds (only if they want to and in the case of anxious dogs distance is always preffered, building up confidence with parallel walking). But on lead dog meets, I must stress, is only providing both dogs and owner are happy to do so and the situation is appropriate and dogs are comfortable to do so. Most of the time I find it is much easier to teach the dog to ignore other dogs whilst on lead and instead, focus on myself or the environment around them or do some parallel walking instead. By doing so I'm reducing any unnecessary confrontation on lead.

Helping your dog

Here's how to help build safe interactions and experiences and coping with the 'up too close and personal':

🐕 Dog friends/helper/stooge dogs to build confidence - appropriate to the needs of your dog. I prefer small groups, or even 121.

🐕 Practice some parallel walking on lead with a buddy dog/helper dog.

🐕 Distance is great, especially with anxious dogs. I find places with mostly online dogs and practice parallel walking from a distance.

🐕 I often will stick to the edge of a quieter field, the centre feels like 'no Man's land' and often a place for the more off lead dogs.

🐕 I make sure I can see all exits and have a safe route to leave where possible.

🐕 I practice the 'emergency u-turn, turning around and throwing treats in the path of the incoming dog.

🐕 I avoid busy parks, busy walking times and often find the old industrial estate useful!

🐕 I recommend awareness leads (check out My Anxious Dog UK)

As always be guided by your dog's body language. If in doubt always avoid a on lead meet and remember just because your dog is friendly it doesn't mean the other dog is too!

Thanks for reading,
Helen Motteram

Just over a week away 💖🥳🙏

Many of you know that aswell as a full-time job supporting your animal family I do rescue work.

It would mean the world to me if I won. I'll be facing an expert judge panel.

Wish me luck!

I have a confession to make

I've not always 'the best' Pet Guardian, I'm not 'the best' behaviourist, I have made mistakes.

But like you, I try my best, even when things don't always go to plan!

Like you I always strive to be my very best, with all my feathered and fur family. But we all have our limitations and that's ok.

So I'm here, not to judge, but to keep your animal family safe.

Whether that's providing a trusted pet care service when you are away.

Or helping you build your confidence with your anxious dog.

Sometimes we all need a helping hand 💖

Thanks for reading,
Helen

A huge good luck to everyone running the London Marathon today!

Especially the dog friendly Moosh Coffee Co.

A purrfect week sitting!

Last week I spent a whole week with 3 cats, 1 dog and a reptile.

They were the best companions and we enjoyed snuggles, walks and lots of attention.

I've got lots more bookings for cat visits coming up but my longer pet sits reduce from April to June as I have my own sanctuary to run.

But day sits and shorter sits are welcome and come October I'll be doing longer stays again.

Absolutely the best job in the world!

Contact: [email protected]