Pet and House Sitting in Finchley, Calm, Personal Care While You’re Away
Leaving your pets behind can be stressful, especially for dogs or cats who don’t settle well in kennels or with unfamiliar routines. That’s why I offer in-home pet sitting and house sitting in Finchley, so your animals can stay in their own environment while you’re away.
I’m Del Chambers, the face behind Finchley Dog Walker. Since 2011 (my website went live in 2012), I’ve cared for pets who need a calm, consistent approach, including nervous, elderly, or rescue animals. Whether it’s sticking to mealtime routines, providing one-to-one company, or keeping your home secure and lived-in, I’ll treat your pets and property with the same care I give my own.
Why Choose In-Home Pet Sitting in Finchley?
In-home pet sitting is ideal for dogs, cats, and small pets who feel most secure in their own environment. Here’s why so many local clients choose this service:
1. Familiar Surroundings
Your pet stays where they feel safest — at home. Familiar sights, sounds, and routines help reduce anxiety, especially for rescue dogs or animals who find change stressful.
2. Consistent Routine
Meals, walks, playtime, and bedtime all happen on your pet’s usual schedule. That consistency helps them feel calm and cared for while you’re away.
3. No Travel or Kennel Stress
There’s no need to transport your pet or leave them in a noisy, unfamiliar setting. They avoid contact with other animals and stay relaxed in a space they already know.
4. Added Home Security
Alongside caring for your pets, I’ll keep an eye on your home — managing alarms, handling bins, watering plants, and helping give your property that “lived-in” look while you’re away.
5. Hassle-Free for You
When you return, there’s no pick-up or extra travel — your pets are already home, happy to greet you.
What’s Included in Our Pet and House Sitting Services?
When you choose Finchley Dog Walker for pet sitting, you get much more than basic care. Here’s what you can expect:
- Pet Care includes mealtime routines, medication administration (if needed), playtime, exercise, and plenty of love and attention.
- Home Security: With a background in the security industry, I have experience with a wide range of alarm systems and security locks. I’ll ensure your home stays safe and secure.
- Household Tasks:
- Setting alarms and ensuring security measures are followed.
- Emptying bins and putting wheelie bins out on collection days.
- Opening and closing curtains and blinds for a lived-in look.
- Turning on and off lights, TVs, or radios as needed.
- Emergency Management: I can handle unexpected situations, such as burst pipes or other household emergencies.
Preparing for Pet Sitting: The Discovery Meeting
Before you book, we must meet for a discovery meeting. This allows us to get to know each other and ensures your pets feel comfortable with me before you leave. During this meeting, we’ll:
- Discuss Your Pets’ Routines: Feeding times, walks, playtime, and sleeping arrangements.
- Review Security Arrangements: Alarm systems, keys, and locking procedures.
- Confirm Emergency Contacts: Your vet, trusted tradespeople, and any other key contacts in case of emergencies.
- Go Over Checklists: I’ll send you a Pet-Sitting Checklist and Homeowners’ Checklist to ensure everything is prepared for your time away.
Food and Medication Requirements
If your pet requires medication, rest assured, I have extensive experience administering:
- Ear and eye drops.
- Pills and tablets.
- Changing dressings.
- Diabetes care, including insulin injections.
Please ensure there is enough food and medication to last the duration of your time away, and that clear instructions are provided for administering any treatments.
Pet Sitting Rates and Availability
To keep things simple, I charge a flat 24-hour rate of £60 per day rather than a nightly rate. If I can leave your home before 10:00 AM on the last day, a 50% discount will apply.
Important Notes:
- I must be able to leave your home for up to three hours per day (no more than twice daily) to continue with my regular dog-walking commitments.
- If your dog cannot be left alone for this time, please let me know in advance. For full-time pet sitting (where I cannot leave the home), an additional charge of £60 per day will apply, bringing the total to £120 per day.
Why Choose Finchley Dog Walker for Pet Sitting?
- Trusted and Insured: Finchley Dog Walker is fully insured with Protectivity. Del also has an enhanced DBS check via the Scout Association, giving you complete peace of mind.
- First Aid Certified: I’ve completed a practical pet first aid course with Rachel Bean, ensuring I’m prepared for emergencies.
- Experienced and Caring: With years of experience and a true passion for animals, I’ll provide your pets with the highest level of care.
- Professional and Reliable: From handling alarms to managing household emergencies, I’ll ensure everything runs smoothly in your absence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does in-home pet sitting work?
I stay overnight in your home and care for your pets in their usual environment. I follow their regular feeding, walking, and bedtime routines to help them feel settled while you’re away.
What animals do you offer pet sitting for?
I offer pet sitting for dogs, cats, rabbits, and small pets. I tailor the care to their individual needs and routines, including medication if needed.
Do you offer house sitting without pets?
My priority is pet care, but I may offer house sitting if you’re a returning client. I’ll still take care of the usual tasks like bins, post, plant watering, and basic security.
Is your service suitable for nervous or rescue dogs?
Yes — I have over 30 years’ experience with rescue and nervous dogs. I understand how to keep routines calm and stress-free, and I never use group care or pack walking.
What areas do you cover?
I offer pet and house sitting in Finchley, East Finchley, Muswell Hill, Whetstone, and nearby areas. If you’re unsure, feel free to ask — I’m always happy to help.
Simply get in touch to arrange a chat. If we’re a good fit, I’ll send over the booking form and a link to the Welcome Pack, so you know exactly what to expect.
Book Early – We Fill Up Fast!
Pet sitting is a popular service, and availability can fill up quickly, especially during peak holiday times. Please book as far in advance as possible to secure your dates. – You can see our diary at the bottom of the page
📞 Contact Derek “Del” Chambers today to discuss your pet and house-sitting needs. Let me provide you with personal pet care you can trust. This allows you to relax and enjoy your time away, knowing your pets and home are safe.
Other services, including Cat sitting in the Finchley and Muswell Hill Areas, are available. If you have any questions, please get in touch with us via phone or WhatsApp.
Please also read the following related house-sitting articles
Pet Sitting Checklist
A homeowner’s checklist~
When is the best time to book a pet and home sitter?
6 reasons to hire a house sitter
Not sure what happens next? My Welcome Pack walks you through the whole process.