Rachael Smith

Description

Hello, I’m Rachael.

I’ve had animals in my life for as long as I can remember, which is now over 30 (cough) years. My dad was a dog trainer, and a very good one. He had a habit of bringing home “problem dogs” whose only other option was to be put down, usually unannounced and much to Mum’s dismay. Every one of them was either rehomed or loved so much they stayed with us for good. Growing up like that taught me how to read an animal, earn its trust and stay calm when things get a bit chaotic.

Since then I’ve had my own dogs, cats, horses, rabbits and birds, most of them rescues. I’ve spent twenty years in animal rescue, fostering and rehoming in the UK and abroad, volunteered with Riding for the Disabled, worked part time on dairy farms and in stables, and retrained ex-racehorses (two of them were mine).

For the past five years I’ve been house sitting part time, and I’ve now completed around 45 residential sits across the UK, Germany, Malaysia and the UAE, caring for dogs, cats, small animals, horses, chickens, livestock, birds and reptiles.

What makes my sits different

I only take sits I can do properly. I turn down sits where I couldn’t give your animals the time, attention and affection they’re used to. If I say yes, it’s because I can do it well.
Your animals and home are treated as my own. I learn the routines, the quirks, the favourite toys and the right spot behind the ear. Your pets are fussed over and loved while you’re away, and your home is kept as carefully as if I lived there.
Your animals are rarely alone. I work from home as an education consultant and university lecturer, so on a typical day I’m in the house apart from exercise and a food shop.
I’m comfortable with the animals other sitters turn down. Nervous rescues, elderly pets on medication, and reactive dogs, as long as I’m told about any issues upfront and there’s no real risk to my safety.
Horses and livestock are no problem. Turnout, rugging, mucking out, feeding and checking stock are all routine for me.
Long and remote sits suit me. There’s no maximum stay, I have my own car, and a farmhouse at the end of a track is fine as long as there’s wifi.

Full house and pet sitting, in your home

I come and live in your home while you’re away, so your animals keep their own surroundings, routines and favourite spots on the sofa, and your house stays occupied. I don’t take animals into my own home. Many owners on Bark ask for that, and I turn down a lot of otherwise perfect matches because of it, so I’d rather be clear from the start.

I can give medication, dress minor wounds and speak to your vet on your behalf. I’m fit and strong, so big dogs (and the small ones who think they’re big) are no problem. I just ask that any needs are explained before the sit. I like surprises, but not that kind.

Your home gets the same care as your animals: plants, garden, post, bins, and keeping the place looking lived in. I’m handy around the house and garden, and I’ll leave it as I found it.

Away from animals, I love reading, cooking, long-distance hiking, riding and being outdoors in any weather, which suits a rural sit very well.

How it works

Outside London: minimum 4 nights, no maximum
London: from 1 night
For sits of 10 days or more, I’ll visit beforehand to meet you and your animals where the distance allows. Otherwise we’ll have a video call.
Regular updates and photos while you’re away
Each sit is priced individually, based on length of stay, travel distance, the number of animals and the care involved

Profile Q&A answers

Why should clients choose you?
Around 45 residential sits, a lifetime with animals of every shape and size, and a working pattern that keeps me at home with your pets for most of the day.

What do you enjoy most about the work?
Getting to know each animal’s personality. The aloof cat who decides on day three that you’ll do. The dog who knows exactly when walk time is. And handing back a calm, happy household at the end.

Do you take animals into your own home?
No. I offer full live-in house and pet sitting, so your animals stay at home with their routines unchanged and your house is looked after too.

How do you price your services?
Each sit is quoted individually, based on length of stay, travel distance, the number of animals and the care they need. Send me your dates, your location and a short description of your animals and home, and I’ll come back with a quote.

Do you have references?
Yes, from sits in the UK and overseas, available on request.