Pet Sitting Services in Christchurch and North Canterbury – The Dog Nanny
The Dog Nanny with Yindi and Bango
What It’s Really Like to Be The Dog Nanny
What Does a Dog Nanny Do?
The Dog Nanny provides Professional Pet Sitting Services in Christchurch and North Canterbury, specialising in anxious, senior, and sensitive dogs. The role goes far beyond feeding and walking — it includes behaviour awareness, home care, emotional support, and maintaining pets’ routines so they feel safe while their owners are away.
Being The Dog Nanny – isn’t the carefree lifestyle you see on house‑sitting websites. It’s not a free holiday, a place to stay, or a chance to cuddle cute pets all day.
It’s real work — meaningful, messy, physical, and deeply rewarding. I facilaitate in the ease of owners/ families being able to go away for their holiday without the worry and with peace of mind. I take the time to develop a relationship way before the date of departure! Each party works together to acheive our goal. I do this in an ethical, cultural, social and holistic way.
It’s About Commitment
My job is to care for pets the way a family member would. That means:
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Keeping bedding, bowls, and living spaces clean
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Picking up poop, vomit, and anything else they leave behind
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Washing, brushing, feeding, and medicating
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Creating safe play times and supervising every moment
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Supporting anxious or senior dogs with calm, consistent routines
I learn each dog’s personality: who loves belly rubs, who prefers space, who gets nervous in the wind, and who needs coaxing to eat their meals calmly. I’m not just a caretaker — I’m their temporary person, their safe place.
I know which one likes belly rubs and which one prefers a quiet corner and with Cats how different they are to dogs and that it takes a bit of time so they they trust me avoiding mistrust to keep them safe!
Why I Do This Work
I do it because I know I’m helping. I keep pets happy, not stressed. I maintain their well‑being just as I did when I was a child nanny — with structure, warmth, and reliability.
When owners return and their pets greet them with joy instead of anxiety, I know I’ve done my job well.
The Unexpected Moments
Some moments stay with me:
A reactive senior dog learning to walk well on his lead
A nervous cat sitting on my lap!
The joy on the senior dog when I take her down the drive to smell the dog smell trails!
These are the quiet victories that make this work feel like a calling.
The Dog Nanny – Pet Sitting Services in Christchurch and North Canterbury. Vist www.facebook.com/thedognannychch for reviews.
