Hi! My name is Mariam and I’m a medical student from Georgia, currently doing my master's at University of Antwerp. I’ve been living in Belgium for the past two years and am still (unsuccessfully) trying to get used to the weather here!

I would be more than happy to provide pet visits, feeding, playtime, walks and lots of love and attention while you are away. I have 2 beautiful cats - Aki and Toru (they are sisters!) back in my country so I am very comfortable with cats and friendly dogs and I always try to make pets feel safe and relaxed around me. I have been a sitter multiple times for my friends and family who were travelling a lot (including taking care of my aunt's 9 cats at a time!)

Over the years, I have had to deal with different emergencies with my own pets, including my cat breaking her leg, swallowing something she shouldn’t have or bringing home a surprise “guest” (like a bat!). In situations like these, I never gave in to panic, provided the immediate care I could, comforted and reassured my pets and made sure they received professional help as soon as possible.

When it comes to shy or anxious pets, I believe patience is the most important thing. I never force interaction and prefer to slowly gain their trust by respecting their space, learning their personality and creating a calm and comfortable environment.

For dog walks, I usually enjoy walks of around 1-2 hours, or sometimes more, depending on the dog’s energy level and needs. 

I live in Antwerp 2610, so ideally, I would love to find pet care opportunities nearby, but I am also open to considering other locations. I am happy to discuss each pet’s specific needs, routines and any special requirements beforehand to make sure they feel comfortable and well cared for. As a student, I am actively looking for a job, so my schedule is quite flexible during July and August. From September, when the academic year starts, I will still be available but mainly for part-time pet care. 

I know how important it is to trust someone with your pet, so if you would like to talk and get to know each other first, please feel free to contact me! I would be happy to meet your furry family member and give them the care and attention they deserve!