Small Dog
Medium Dog
Large Dog
Giant Dog
Puppy
Cat
Bird
Rabbit / Guinea Pig
Lara D.
Vet Medicine Student, Nurse and Passionate Animal Lover in Barangaroo
5 repeat guests
Response rate: 100%
Last seen 5 months ago
About Lara
Hi, welcome to my Mad Paws Pet Sitting profile!
MY NAME IS LARA AND I'M STUDYING VETERINARY MEDICINE.
I am a passionate animal lover who grew up on a farm in the country. I am now studying to become a vet at Sydney Uni, living on campus in Camperdown.
I love animals, which is why I am studying to become a vet. Beyond that, I am a very caring and nurturing person with a lot of insight into how to take care of various animals to ensure they are well looked after.
I have been surrounded by all sorts of pets all my life - mostly dogs and horses, however I have also owned cats, rabbits and guinea pigs and have a lot of knowledge about how to look after them, and how to deal with their behavioural differences. Back in my country home of Moree, where my parents still live, I have a beautiful Jack Russell called Poppy, a welfare dog called Scruffy who is a bit of a mixed breed, and a very loveable Blue Healer called Butch. We also have six horses, lots of chickens and even more cows!
WHAT MADE ME DECIDE TO BECOME A PET SITTER WITH MAD PAWS?
My vet uni degree is quite demanding and so I find it difficult to get work that can fit around my hours that is also something I enjoy. I've always loved animals and pets, and think the experience of Pet Sitting a variety of animals will be really good for me later in life when I'm a practising veterinarian. It's also something really enjoyable to do whenever there's the opportunity! It's just such a great opportunity to get out and do something a bit different and have fun whilst earning a bit of money.
WHAT IS MY EARLIEST EXPERIENCE CARING FOR AN ANIMAL?
My earliest experience caring for an animal would be when I was a child looking after my pet dogs at my family's house. We had a Maltese Terrier that I was able to look after all the time because she was obsessed with me and we would do everything together. Thanks to this bond, I was trusted to take care of her from the age of 8!
WHAT IS MY FAVOURITE KIND OF ANIMAL TO PET SIT AND WHY?
My favourite kind of animal to pet sit would be a dog, because I find that they are fun, playful, and a massive stress reliever. Plus, they're the only animal I find that actually remembers you when you see them again, which is really special and makes looking after them so much easier! I've also grown up with dogs my whole life so feel like I am quite experienced to handle a wide range of them.
HOW DO I BOND WITH YOUR PET WHEN I'M CARING FOR THEM FOR THE FIRST TIME?
I bond with the pets by being near them a lot, getting them accustomed to my presence, and getting them used to me caring for them. I usually achieve this by patting them and sitting next to them, but also paying attention to their body language and being respectful of any boundaries. I think it's so important to really listen to what the animal is telling you through their body language. It's this knowledge that allows us to create a bond with them and gain their trust and respect.
HERE IS A BRIEF RUNDOWN OF MY ROUTINE WHEN I'M PET SITTING A PET I'VE CARED FOR IN THE PAST.
I have looked after a wide variety of animals, with a wide range of behavioural traits and quirks that have required me to adjust my routine depending on how the animal has perceived me. However, when I first arrive, I'll always spend a bit of time with them to get them used to me, whether I'm new to them or not, and also to make sure they're getting lots of attention and don't feel like they're being neglected. If they need to go for a walk I'll usually take them when they seem a bit more energetic, as I'd prefer to take them then rather than when they're comfortable and asleep. Then if the Owner has asked me, I'll feed them, train them, and do anything else they need. After this, I'll have a relax with them for the rest of the time and give them lots of love. From then on I just see how the pet is feeling in regards to what else would satisfy their needs.
Thank you for visiting my profile! I'd be happy to answer any questions you have and I'm really flexible when fulfilling any requirements you may have for your pet. I can't wait to hear from you soon.
Lara.
MY NAME IS LARA AND I'M STUDYING VETERINARY MEDICINE.
I am a passionate animal lover who grew up on a farm in the country. I am now studying to become a vet at Sydney Uni, living on campus in Camperdown.
I love animals, which is why I am studying to become a vet. Beyond that, I am a very caring and nurturing person with a lot of insight into how to take care of various animals to ensure they are well looked after.
I have been surrounded by all sorts of pets all my life - mostly dogs and horses, however I have also owned cats, rabbits and guinea pigs and have a lot of knowledge about how to look after them, and how to deal with their behavioural differences. Back in my country home of Moree, where my parents still live, I have a beautiful Jack Russell called Poppy, a welfare dog called Scruffy who is a bit of a mixed breed, and a very loveable Blue Healer called Butch. We also have six horses, lots of chickens and even more cows!
WHAT MADE ME DECIDE TO BECOME A PET SITTER WITH MAD PAWS?
My vet uni degree is quite demanding and so I find it difficult to get work that can fit around my hours that is also something I enjoy. I've always loved animals and pets, and think the experience of Pet Sitting a variety of animals will be really good for me later in life when I'm a practising veterinarian. It's also something really enjoyable to do whenever there's the opportunity! It's just such a great opportunity to get out and do something a bit different and have fun whilst earning a bit of money.
WHAT IS MY EARLIEST EXPERIENCE CARING FOR AN ANIMAL?
My earliest experience caring for an animal would be when I was a child looking after my pet dogs at my family's house. We had a Maltese Terrier that I was able to look after all the time because she was obsessed with me and we would do everything together. Thanks to this bond, I was trusted to take care of her from the age of 8!
WHAT IS MY FAVOURITE KIND OF ANIMAL TO PET SIT AND WHY?
My favourite kind of animal to pet sit would be a dog, because I find that they are fun, playful, and a massive stress reliever. Plus, they're the only animal I find that actually remembers you when you see them again, which is really special and makes looking after them so much easier! I've also grown up with dogs my whole life so feel like I am quite experienced to handle a wide range of them.
HOW DO I BOND WITH YOUR PET WHEN I'M CARING FOR THEM FOR THE FIRST TIME?
I bond with the pets by being near them a lot, getting them accustomed to my presence, and getting them used to me caring for them. I usually achieve this by patting them and sitting next to them, but also paying attention to their body language and being respectful of any boundaries. I think it's so important to really listen to what the animal is telling you through their body language. It's this knowledge that allows us to create a bond with them and gain their trust and respect.
HERE IS A BRIEF RUNDOWN OF MY ROUTINE WHEN I'M PET SITTING A PET I'VE CARED FOR IN THE PAST.
I have looked after a wide variety of animals, with a wide range of behavioural traits and quirks that have required me to adjust my routine depending on how the animal has perceived me. However, when I first arrive, I'll always spend a bit of time with them to get them used to me, whether I'm new to them or not, and also to make sure they're getting lots of attention and don't feel like they're being neglected. If they need to go for a walk I'll usually take them when they seem a bit more energetic, as I'd prefer to take them then rather than when they're comfortable and asleep. Then if the Owner has asked me, I'll feed them, train them, and do anything else they need. After this, I'll have a relax with them for the rest of the time and give them lots of love. From then on I just see how the pet is feeling in regards to what else would satisfy their needs.
Thank you for visiting my profile! I'd be happy to answer any questions you have and I'm really flexible when fulfilling any requirements you may have for your pet. I can't wait to hear from you soon.
Lara.
Children at home
Owns pets
Police Check
First Aid Certificate
Pets Accepted
Lara's Home
Apartment
No outdoor area
Fenced backyard
Household
Pets sleep indoors
Pets sleep outdoors
Policy
Flexible
Full refund up to 1 day before the booking at 12pm. After which you will pay 50% of the booking.
Accepts last-minute bookings
Accepts long-term bookings
Reviews & Testimonials
kirsty w.
House Visiting - Oct 27, 2019
Highly recommend
Simone B.
House Visiting - Jun 10, 2019
Thank you for taking Betty.
Susan B.
House Visiting - May 28, 2019
Lara did a wonderful job and looked after my boys with loving care, they loved her and enjoyed seeing her every day I will certainly use her again on my next trip away I can’t praise her enough so thank u again
Arnika L.
House Visiting - May 11, 2019
Lara was fantastic, from the moment we first got in touch she filled us with confidence. We received daily photos and updates and were always happy knowing that our cat was well cared for. Cannot recommend her highly enough.
Service & Rates
Overnight Pet Services
Pet Hosting
At Sitter's Home
not offered
Pet Sitting
At Pet's Home
not offered
Daytime Pet Services
Pet Day Care
not offered
House Visiting
$ 17 / visit
Dog Walking
$ 17 / walk
Dog Grooming
not offered
Dog Training
not offered
Transport
Pick Up - Drop Off
$ 10 / journey
Emergency
Transport
Transport
Available