Joanne

Joanne F.

Fully Vaccinated
Fenced garden
Identity Verification
Online Training
Police Check

Trustworthy, honest, mature sitter who works with YOUR needs

4 repeat guests
21 reviews
Accepts Repeat Weekly Bookings for:
Pet Day Care
Response rate: 100%
Last seen 1 day ago
About Joanne
Healthcare worker discounts!!

☆☆☆ Poison free property - no baits, slug or rodent applications etc used ☆☆☆

Internal and external cameras for sits welcomed!

When sitting I stay with your dog/s. I rarely go out. You are paying me for putting aside my time and sitting....so that's what you get!

Small pets, birds, guinea pigs and long sits are able to be negotiated in price x

About me...
Firstly thanks for looking at my profile!!
My name is Jo and I now offer my services through Mad Paws due to past client recommendations. Truthfully, this is a bit of a read.....Mad Paws suggest 2 paragraphs but that isn't happening! I believe in being upfront and transparent - both you and your pet deserve it and also so you don't waste time. I encourage EVERYONE to meet with at LEAST 2 sitters (pref 3) before deciding. I know its a hassle but you are essentially handing over your precious baby and you deserve to be 1000% comfortable with your choice.
This is an unregulated industry. PLEASE do your due diligence. Every man and his dog states they sit but its hard work! Cautious, watching every turn for unleashed dogs, actively keeping dog happy etc. It's not easy peasy and if anyone says it is...my personal opinion is to just look into them further...

Many of my owners travel internationally and I can't imagine how horrid it would be if you weren't completely assured!

I am a fit and healthy middle aged (ahem) Hospital Govt worker with police clearance renewed on 2/6/23. I am respectful, honest and professional.

Being from a farm I have owned and cared for everything from geese, chickens, ducks and peacocks to alpacas, horses, cattle and lizards (licenced). I've also owned sheep, birds and Maremma livestock guardian dogs. I have extensive knowledge and experience of animals and am confident in handling all animals and reptiles.

Location....
I am near some amazing parks and my property is fully fenced, security covered and crimsafe screened. I'm just up the road from Manning Park with Macfaull Park and Bibra Lake a short drive. I don't own any pets so there is NO risk of competition (new surroundings are already daunting enough for animals without the addition of other animals). All dogs are kept on lead and socialised under close supervision based upon instructions so don't think it's just me and pup...unless thats your direction. Even then I am cautious of your animals safety.

Treats....
I provide frozen carrots (soaked in bone broth), watermelon and blueberries in summer and roast sweet potato and apple in winter. And a poached egg for sunday breakfast as a final treat!!. Year round I also bake my own treats for dogs...my standard recipe is salt free tuna in springwater, pumpkin, tumeric, flaxseed seeds, wholemeal flower and xylitol free peanut butter. There is no cost to you but please advise if not permitted or allergies are in place.

Experience....
I have sat for farm dogs, lap dogs, beagles, dogs in training (fire and rescue), fear reactive (attack recipient), care dogs (for complex needs client with very strict directives) and those with anxiety.

What you get....
Each sit gets a daily report with usually 6-8 pictures to let you know how things are going and what adventures we went on that day. You also get a Garmin dumpscreen of our walk/hike so you know exactly where we ran or walked

I do housesit (location dependant). I prefer to follow your pups local walking routine as familiar smells and sounds equal contentment. I DO NOT give out your details, info or bring even one person over. Your home will be returned exceptionally clean and tidy and I'll happily water plants, take bins out, mow lawns etc as well. I'm not interested in furnishings, your pictures or decor etc ...I'm very private and don't want people at mine....which makes me probably a great option lol. If you have security I prefer a keypad code specific only to me, known to both of us as this allows a record of comings and goings. If you elect to have me host and we agree, feedback on suggested socialisation or noise exposure can be provided.

Necessities...
I do have rules. All sits must be registered (pref microchipped though I put a tag with my engraved details on them on), with vaccinations up to date. I will not allow the dogs I sit to be at risk of disease so please understand the need for this. I also don't allow dogs to sniff poo at parks (possible parvo, parasites etc).

Rates...
My fee is no frills - it includes walking, park and hiking adventures, washing etc and, if owner approved and dog has proven sociability and excellent recall - off lead beach visits. If you want I can do basic training (outcome dependant upon time with your fur baby). I'll also leave milk, bread and a few basics for long bookings on pet sits over 7 days - nothing worse than getting home to a house without milk or enough for a toastie or some scrambled eggs!

What can I offer you? Peace...peace that your animal is safe, secure and loved. I genuinely adore all animals and they pick up on that (again, look at other pet sitters to compare your dogs reaction). Dogs are incredibly intuitive and will decide who and where they feel comfortable. I'm not in this as a business, just to enjoy your furry mate and cocoon myself in my home (or yours) with lots of cuddles and play. It's great for me mentally and physically so it's a perfect arrangement for us both!

Note, my rate is for dogs who do not require additional needs. Additional care pets (ie aggresive, fearful, reactive) are an extra $10 per day or as negotiated. I don't judge...its expensive and I get that...but getting a dog back with heightened anxiety or aggression is so much worse than paying those extra bucks!

I understand there's loads of possible sitters you are looking at and some amazing bio's. Even with that, to be honest, you are going to probably fret. Even with a meet and greet, I get you are giving your baby to someone new and that's hard!! I mean REALLY hard! You don't know me (but I'm really nice). So, if you want 15 pictures a day and regular check ins, I don't care. I'm all about you and your furry or feathered friend!

Provided....
I have at the ready Kong Wobbler, balls, snuffle mat, durable phthalate free nuzzle ball, large dog bed, cushions, poo bags, ball thrower and blankies and towels. All balls, toys, towels, blankets, cushions etc are washed in Canasteen and bleach after each visit. I figured it is easier than owners lugging stuff to mine. It's a good idea to bring to stays though, something that reminds them of home like a toy etc if possible - and definately an old shirt of yours for sleeping with during the day. The smell helps them in strange environments. I do have toys however if you prefer, please bring your own.

If you have an anxious dog, please consider that it will likely be more settled in its own home so for that I, do recommend sitting vs hosting. Ultimately you know your animals comfort levels though.

Taking on the care and responsibility of someone's dog is HUGE!! Im opening my home and heart to you and sitting is soooooo much more than just a walk a day and ALOT of responsibility!! It can be really stressful at times, especially if dogs have anxiety or don't have good recall so it's absolutely necessary to advise me if this is the case. I can only be the best sitter if owners give me all the information ie any foibles. If it's not the perfect fit, I will decline bookings as I don't want to cause unnecessary stress to the animals or owners by getting a call from me about constant barking, chewing etc. It serves and helps no-one. I also love to receive owners notes, don't think you will look silly - more info the better!

As said before, on each job, dogs have a personal metal dog tag fitted which details stating I am with madpaws and my phone number.

Suitable numbers and sizes for hosting - 2 x small dogs or 1 x medium (think staffy, spaniel etc). I personally don't think I have the room for larger sizes unless the owners are ok with it and the dog is used to being in smaller settings . I'm not in a house and want to be transparent and upfront though walks occur both morning and night though if it is heavy with rain and strong winds we forego these. That is not often though.

Sitting - I can definately take on larger sizes and numbers here and am open to discussing. Preference for maximum - 2 small, 1 mid size and 1 small or 2 large (possibly a small on top but would depend on breeds).

So, thanks for reviewing my bio and feel free to touch base with me if you have any questions!

Oh - I have one fault....I can't let dogs sleep outside! It's inside (preferably on my bed!) or theirs. Anything else like hamsters etc also need to be given full comfort, I'm a wuss like that! I supply blankies for my bed too so all good there!

Breeds currently not accepted - Amstaffs, Pitbulls (or mixes of) Huskies, Malamutes, Rottweiler, Belgiam Mainois, Doberman, Akita, Great Dane, Saint Bernard.
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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
Joanne's Home
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Townhouse
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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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Strict
Full refund up to 14 days before the booking at 12pm. After which you will pay 50% of the booking.
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Accepts last-minute bookings
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Accepts long-term bookings
Reviews & Testimonials
21 reviews
Alix G.
Pet Sitting - Apr 22, 2024
Fairly certain Jo is an angel! Always home to a spotless house, better than we left it, and a happy pooch. Thanks as always Jo!
Tania S.
Pet Hosting - Apr 15, 2024
Thanks Jo for being the best pet sitter we have ever had. Your genuine care and love of Trixie was really appreciated 💜
Michelle T.
Pet Day Care - Mar 24, 2024
Jo is honestly the most amazing pet sitter ever! She gave them the same attention and love we give to our own dogs. She thoroughly exercised them and took them everywhere with her. She also baked them some treats and gave us a bag to take home. We are so lucky and appreciative to have come across Jo and we will be using her in the future when needed!
Isla M.
Pet Sitting - Feb 6, 2024
Jo was an amazing carer for our little French bulldog. She immediately had a connection with our dog, her love and joy shone through and he was extremely comfortable with her. She also left our house in a cleaner state than when we left!! We would have Jo care for our dog over and over again. She is the best !!! Thank you so much Jo!!
Service & Rates
Overnight Pet Services
Pet Hosting
At Sitter's Home
$ 64 / night
Pet Sitting
At Pet's Home
$ 64 / night
Daytime Pet Services
Pet Day Care
$ 45 / day
House Visiting
not offered
Dog Walking
not offered
Dog Grooming
not offered
Dog Training
not offered
Transport
Pick Up - Drop Off
$ 15 / journey
Emergency
Transport
Available