James

James M.

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Online Training
Administering medication
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Superman for your pets. VIP Dog walking service.

1 repeat guest
10 reviews
Response rate: 100%
Last seen 8 months ago
About James
My name is James and I'm here to help you with a true VIP pet service. I offer a fun and professional service for walking, visiting or hosting. I have spent many years raising animals and working at shelters as a volunteer, specialising in larger stronger dogs and grumpy cats, both in general care and social/behavioural rehabilitation. Its not just about heling the pet, it is about helping the owner. The services I offer are house visits to help you out, a place for your pet to stay when you are away and regular dog walking. You are more than welcome to join me on the walks, I am always up for good conversation. I will also never turn down coffee and a chat. If your dog is shy and needs socialization or a play date friend, Odin has been trained to be a good one. I can also offer good advise and tips to help you out. At the end of the day, I want to help you and your pet have a better relationship, ease some stress and have fun getting exercise. I own a great Puppy named Odin, he loves to make new friends and will be a great mate to any dogs staying with us.

While enthusiasm, price and availability are great, one side to working with animals most overlook is the experience, maturity and ability to deal with dangerous or emergency situations. Having spent many years volunteering in Dog Shelters and in my careers, I have had to deal with many, some bad, some good, but always striving to deal with problems head on in a calm and professional manner.

In 2017 I found myself in the right place at the right time in a Dog park. I had taken a regular clients old Lab for his bi weekly dog park play time when a normal night turned into chaos. A young inexperienced lady was walking her client's Dog, unknown to her and the client, their "blue staffy" was actually 1 year old a heavily muscled staffy X bred for fighting. I took one look and knew there would be trouble, but before I could say anything she had released the dog into the park without first seeing how it behaved toward the other dogs through the fence (something you should always do when introducing a Dog to a new pack environment). Her dog went straight for a large mastiff belonging to a teenage boy and bit onto its face. While everyone in the park was freaking out, I jumped into action, lifted the the boys dog in one hand and held off the aggressive staffy with my legs, while yelling at people to get back so I could lift the dog over the fence to safety. The boy unfortunately due to emotional distress put his hand in between the fighting dogs in an attempt to protect his best friend and lost the end of his finger (never do this). I administered first aid to the kid, calmed the situation, called the ambulance and police... I tell this story not to boost myself, but to make you aware that experience is very important when it comes to choosing who you want to take care of your family pet. Also that if you take your dog to a park, make sure to assess how it behaves to the other dogs there. If you dog attacks anyone, you are liable for any legal damages. Also it is just common sense to be safe. Education is key.

There are also very positive experiences. I have stated that I specialise with large dogs who have anxiety. Many people with good hearts adopt a dog to give it a good home and a second chance, while admirable, they often over look the dog's past and previous traumas. They aren't always equipped to deal with it. I had a client, her name was Rosie (a very strong HeelerxPitbull) and I worked with her for 2 days a week over a period of 6 months. She was an absolute sweetheart and very gentle, but reacted to canine aggression very defensively. Her anxiety on a lead was so bad, I couldnt get her to walk down a street without her crying and stopping to see if there was another dog or person around every corner waiting to attack her. She had very little exposure to positive experiences with other dogs, that often her first reaction was to wrestle and dominate them if they showed her any aggression, rather than to ignore and walk on. It took time, but eventually I helped her realise that walking was a fun experience and other dogs could be fun too. If a Dog growled at her, she was to sit there and be patient. I eventually convinced her owner to let me take her to a Dog park, the owner feared she would fight other dogs, but I assured her she wouldnt. I took her and after some hesitation, she spent the next 3 hours having the time of her life. Unfortunately, Rosie died a week later. She got out of her yard and ran onto a road. The story had a sad ending, but this was a dog that had been returned 5 times to a shelter and was on death row. A single mum gave her a chance and in that 6 months she for the first time had a real life, thanks to a whole lot of guidance and love.

I have a regular client and friend, she is a lovely senior lady who first contacted me to help her walk her son's large energetic and strong Louisiana Leopard Dog (Cataloua Cur), while she walked her Cavalier, as her son often wet overseas for work. She needed someone to help ease her anxiety and keep her company, scared her son's large dog would break lead and run off somewhere, or pull her over and risk injury. We started off going on what is now our usual 1 hour trek and became fast friends, always great conversation and lunch waiting for me. I helped her build her confidence as a dog owner and her control over the larger dog, to teach her to be the alpha and to teach him that he needed to listen to his Nanna. A year later we still see eachother for the occasional coffee and go for walks, seeing her confidence walking the dogs and deal with their behaviour a pleasant improvement. They are both wonderful Dogs and always eager to see me.

Dog walking for me isn't just about taking over when you cannot walk your dog, it is about helping people with needs specific to them. Hire the right person for the job, the person you think will be best suited to yours and your pet's needs. Someone you eases your mind and makes you smile for a job well done. The service should not be forever, but if you are happy with your experience, feel free to spread the word and tell your friends about me.

Conditions of Service.

* You are paying for my time and experience, know that you will get that and more. This is reflected in my prices.
* I offer special discounts for seniors and the disabled when they have an ongoing booking or require special needs.
* All daycare and stay over nights include a walk in the final price, they will be well cared for and given plenty of attention. Whereas a Kennel will just house them in a cage and let them out for a short time for exercise.
* I do not take adult dogs with severe social/seperation anxiety (constantly cry) or who are not house trained as adults for stay overs at my home, as this is often a nightmare, it can be damaging and very stressful to the dog. They are better off having a daily house visit and walk in their own territory. Puppies are the exception. I also have to think about the safety of myself, my own dog and my property.
* Dogs must have a clean history, good nature and free from destructive or aggressive tendencies. Ideally a dog happy to just chill and enjoying his holiday.
* Dogs must be up to date with their vaccinations and be in good condition upon arrival. No fleas, ticks or filthy coats will be accepted.
* Happy to bath the dog if needed at extra cost.
* Extra fees may be incurred due to public holidays or special requirements. This is a job after all and time and a half applies.
* There will be a charge for travel outside my local area, to cover costs. Generally $5 per 10km one way or at my request.
* Be aware, booking through madpaws incurs the walker/sitter a 15% cut from their earnings, which goes to madpaws. They are also charging you a $3 booking fee on top of my service fee. Nothing is free. Take this into consideration please when looking at prices. I am happy to negotiate and discuss other options.
* I generally suggest booking a consultation/walk to meetup before finalizing any long term bookings. This allows me to assess if it will be a good fit.
* Owners must be honest about their pet and provide all details requested for safety reasons. In the end, you are liable for everything you pet does and we want to avoid a bad experience.
* Owners are responsible for any food, medications, bedding and items required to look after their pet. This will make you dog feel more at home.
* Owners must agree to terms of service.
* My cancellation policy is now strict due to abuse of this, my time is valuable and not to be wasted. Just like yours.
* I have the right to refuse service or suggest an alternative option when I believe circumstances warrant it or it is in the best interests of your pet. In the end, I want you to have the best service possible and walk away happy with it.

Thank you for taking the time to read everything and considering my services. I want you to make a well informed decision and be confident with your choice. May have felt like reading an essay, but in the end, you will get what you pay for.
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Children at home
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Owns pets
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Police Check
Pets Accepted
Small Dog
Medium Dog
Large Dog
Giant Dog
Puppy
Cat
Bird
Rabbit /
Guinea Pig
James's Home
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Type: House
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Small backyard
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Fenced backyard
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Household
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Pets sleep indoors
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Pets sleep outdoors
Policy
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Cancellation: Strict
A full refund will be offered to Pet Owners if they cancel up until 14 days before the booking at 12 noon. After which Pet Owners will be charged 50% of the total booking value.
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Accepts last-minute bookings
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Accepts long-term bookings
Reviews & Testimonials
10 reviews
Clare C.
Dog Walking - Jan 12, 2019
James was great. Quick to respond to messages, gave me an update after the walk and very flexible. Highly recommend!
Peter C.
Dog Walking - Jan 4, 2019
James is great with my dog Okie awesome dog walker I would recommend
Alexandra R.
Dog Walking - Dec 21, 2018
James is one of the most genuine, kindhearted people I’ve ever met. Would absolutely trust him with my dog again.
Rebecca H.
Dog Walking - Jan 2, 2018
I've hired James to walk my dog Rosie and I now think she loves him more than she loves me. He was so good with her. Will definitely use him again.
Service & Rates
Overnight Pet Services
Pet Hosting
At Sitter's Home
$ 51 / night
Pet Sitting
At Pet's Home
not offered
Daytime Pet Services
Pet Day Care
$ 51 / day
House Visiting
$ 23 / visit
Dog Walking
$ 21 / walk
Dog Grooming
not offered
Dog Training
not offered
Transport
Pick Up - Drop Off
$ 5 / journey
Emergency
Transport
Available