Finding someone you can trust to care for your pet isn’t always easy.
You’ve probably seen dozens of posts online from people offering dog walking, cat sitting or pet care “on the side”. Some might be lovely, but many aren’t qualified, insured, or experienced. And in a world where anyone can set up a pet care page in minutes, how do you know who’s truly reliable?
That’s why I’m proud to say:
🎉 I’m now a verified member of Yappily — the UK’s trusted directory of ethical pet professionals.
It’s not just a badge. It’s a promise.
If you’ve ever felt unsure about who to trust with your pet, this blog is for you. I’ll walk you through:
- What Yappily is
- Why it matters
- What I had to do to become approved
- And how it all benefits you and your pet
Let’s get into it.
What is Yappily?
Yappily is an independent UK directory that helps you find trusted, welfare-first pet professionals.
They only approve people who meet strict criteria, including:
- Kind, science-based methods
- Pet first aid training
- Clear policies and contracts
- Insurance
- And a genuine focus on pet welfare over profit
Real people review each profile, not just algorithms or payment forms.
You can browse the Yappily directory to find:
- Dog walkers
- House sitting services
- Pet sitters
- Dog trainers
- Groomers
- And more
👉 You can see my profile here: Finchley Dog Walker – Yappily Directory
Why Did I Join Yappily?
I’ve offered one-to-one dog walks and pet care in Finchley and Muswell Hill since 2011. I work with all kinds of animals, including awkward but awesome rescue dogs who need a little extra time and patience.
But I’ve seen first-hand how confusing the pet care world can be. Anyone can call themselves a dog walker or sitter, even with no experience.
I joined Yappily because I wanted to be part of something better:
- A directory where only vetted dog walkers are accepted
- A place where pet owners know they’re choosing kindness, not shortcuts
- A community that matches the way I already work — slow, gentle, and welfare-led
What Does “Vetted Dog Walker” Actually Mean?
To become Yappily-approved, I had to show:
- Full details of my services
- Proof of insurance
- Proof of DBS
- First aid qualifications
- Details of courses and qualifications
- Real customer reviews
- Examples of how I support animal welfare every day
It wasn’t a tick-box form. It took time — and that’s the point.
Many directories list anyone who pays. Yappily don’t. They check every listing personally.
So when you see someone listed as a trusted dog walker on Yappily, you know they’ve been appropriately reviewed and agreed to their code of ethics.
What Makes My Walks and Pet Care Different?
I don’t offer group walks. I don’t use vans or crates. I don’t rush from house to house trying to squeeze in more bookings.
Instead, I focus on:
- One household at a time
- Walks led by your dog’s pace and needs
- Enrichment, sniffing, and brain work
- Quiet routes and familiar places
- House sitting for pets who are happiest at home
This is especially important for:
- Senior pets
- Rescues
- Dogs in training
- Nervous animals
- Cats and small animals who don’t cope well with change
Being a vetted dog walker through Yappily confirms what I’ve been doing all along — putting pets first
Why House Sitting Matters Just as Much
I often get asked about boarding or pet hotels. But for many pets, that setup doesn’t suit them.
That’s why I offer house sitting and drop-in visits for dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs. I come to your home, where your pet feels safe and settled.
This avoids:
- Disrupting their routine
- Mixing with unfamiliar animals
- Stress from travel or new smells
- Potential exposure to illnesses
If you’re going away and need a sitter, the Yappily directory makes it easy to find someone who offers care that’s kind, calm, and properly insured.
How Does This Help You?
Choosing a member of Yappily gives you peace of mind.
Here’s what you get when you book a Yappily-approved service like mine:
- Proper insurance
- Written policies
- One-to-one care
- Clear communication
- No hidden fees
- Gentle, science-based handling
- Up-to-date training
I’m open about how I work. I won’t take on pets I can’t support properly, and I always explain my approach up front.
Because you deserve honesty — and so does your pet.
A Quick Note on Safety
Every week, I hear stories about untrained walkers losing dogs in parks, or pets being left alone too long by gig-economy sitters.
Choosing a trusted dog walker from the Yappily directory helps you avoid this risk.
The Dogs Trust, RSPCA and Kennel Club all stress the importance of checking credentials before booking any pet care.
Here’s what they recommend:
- Ask for insurance and first aid
- Check reviews from real people
- Look for written terms and a meet-and-greet
- Avoid cash-in-hand or vague promises
With Yappily, this checking is done for you. And you can still reach out, ask questions, and decide if we’re the right match.
Still Not Sure? Ask These Questions
If you’re choosing between sitters or walkers, try asking:
- Will you be the only person handling my pet?
- How many pets do you care for at once?
- What happens in an emergency?
- Are you insured?
- Do you offer a written agreement?
If the answers are unclear or feel rushed, trust your gut.
FAQ
What is a member of Yappily?
A member of Yappily is a verified, welfare-focused pet care provider who has passed Yappily’s application and review process. Real people check listings and are not automatically accepted.
How do I find a vetted dog walker?
Visit yappily.co.uk and search your area. Look for walkers with complete profiles, detailed services, and real reviews from pet owners.
Should I use a sitter instead of a kennel?
Yes, especially if your pet prefers home comforts or gets stressed in new environments. Sitters offer one-to-one care in familiar surroundings, which many pets find more relaxing.
Why It Matters
Whether you need a dog walker, sitter, or drop-in visits for your cat or guinea pig, you deserve care that’s honest, gentle, and reliable.
Being part of the Yappily directory isn’t just a badge — it’s a commitment to doing things properly.
If you’ve ever felt unsure about who to trust, this is your sign to stop scrolling and start asking questions. Ask about insurance. Ask about training. Ask about what your pet will actually experience.
And if you want someone who walks the walk (literally), you know where to find me.
📍 Ready to Book?
You can:
- View my Yappily profile here: Finchley Dog Walker – Yappily Directory
- Read more tips on finchleydogwalker.co.uk
- Or drop me a message for a free, no-pressure chat
Because your pet deserves more than just a quick walk or a feed-and-go, they deserve care, connection, and someone who truly sees them.
Other posts you may be interested in