Pet Sitter in Vancouver, British Columbia

Hello, My name is Ellen and I am the sole proprietor and pet care provider for Urban Beast Pet Services, centred in the beautiful West End neighbourhood of Vancouver, BC. I became interested in the pet care business when I found myself at a turning point in my life. After much of my working life was spent in jobs that depleted me, I decided to take a leap of faith, and explore new career options that would align with my heart and my passions. Through this exploration, I discovered a very strong pull to work with animals in some significant way. They bring such peace and joy to me. I have always adored and connected strongly with animals, and through the incredibly rewarding process of caring for my own beloved and aging pets with serious chronic health conditions, I experienced a deepening connection with them. I have the utmost respect for these soulful creatures and am dedicated to providing an experience that eases their loneliness and anxiety in your absence, keeps them healthy and content, provides some pleasure and fun, and which gives you peace of mind. The pet sitting services that I provide are carried out in the home of the client, through visits to the home 1 - 3 times daily as required. For my dog walking clients, I provide private walks for one client\'s dog(s) at a time, though I am able to walk up to four dogs at one time for each client. I may expand to include an option for group walks for multiple clients down the road at some point. Urban Beast Pet Services does not offer boarding services nor daycare services. As a part of my commitment to continued growth and to improving the quality of life of animals, I am currently taking a Small Animal Massage course through the Northwest School of Animal Massage. This is the first of what I anticipate will be several courses that I will be taking. Animal massage is an emerging field in pet health care, responding to a growing awareness of the benefits to an animal\'s comfort, function and overall well-being, that can be gained through massage treatments. Animals suffer injuries, illnesses, and degenerative conditions such as arthritis just as we humans do, and can also benefit greatly from massage. I look forward to being certified by the end of October, 2015, and able to offer this service to my clients. I am a Certified Professional Dog Walker, trained at the International Academy of Canine Trainers. I am licensed, insured, bonded, and certified in Pet First Aid, and a member of Pet Sitters International. Please see my website at www.....com for more details. I look forward to hearing from you! I come to this career path with a Bachelor of Science degree in a healthcare profession (Occupational Therapy), which provides a strong background in understanding disease processes, physiology, much of which is similar in mammals. I am currently taking a course in Small Animal Massage, in which I am learning specifically about canine and feline behaviour, physiology and anatomy. I have many years experience caring for cats with complex medical issues including Diabetes, Chronic Kidney Disease, Cardiomyopathy, Chronic Pancreatitis, Arthritis, etc. From this experience I have developed an excellent knowledge base, and a strong skill set with the delivery medication such as insulin injections, blood glucose testing, delivery of sub-cutaneous fluids, giving oral meds including pills and liquids via syringe. I have had several dogs of my own throughout my life, and have completed a Professional Dog Walking Certification Course. I also have several regular clients for whom I conduct daily visits and dog walks. I have experience caring for small rodents such as guinea pigs, and am comfortable caring for birds and fish as well. I adore animals, and I actively advocate for their rights and welfare. I conduct myself with integrity, and am highly dependable. I regularly go the extra mile to help my clients. I am licensed, fully insured and bonded, certified in Pet First Aid, and I have a clean record and a current Criminal Records Check.