Anna-Lena

Hello! 

First a bit about me and my intentions: I've been a lifelong animal enthusiast, growing up surrounded by our own adopted dogs and extending my love to pet-sit for neighbors' cats, bunnies, hamsters, and more. Now living abroad in Brussels, I miss the companionship of animals and am eager to channel my passion into helping others with their furry companions.

Throughout my life, I've cared for a variety of pets, from our family dogs to house-sitting adventures across Europe. From a sweet elderly cat in Germany to three dogs and over ten outdoor cats in the Italian countryside, each experience has reinforced my love for animals and inspired me to pursue pet care here in Brussels.

Currently, I share my apartment with two small pond fish, saved from abandonment a year ago. While they're cute and curious, I'm eagerly anticipating the opportunity to go for long walks and spend time primarily with dogs, though I'm open to caring for other animals too.

Now onto the logistics: I offer pet sitting at my house or at your house as well as daily check-ins and dog walking. I am happy to stay at your house to look after your furry friend (I have plenty of house-sitting experience from the past few years). Alternatively, I welcome your pet into my 1-bedroom apartment, which I share with my partner. He also has years of experience caring for his own and other animals and is excited to have a visitor stay with us. Our apartment is comprised of one main floor, containing our desks, kitchen, bathrooms, dining table, coffee table, couch, space to do some yoga, and my fish tank. Upstairs, we have our bed and storage. The stairs to the bed would be more difficult for a dog (than a human) to climb, so it would be suitable for your pet to sleep downstairs, if they are staying the night. If your dog has separation anxiety, I am also happy to sleep downstairs with them on our spare mattress! 

As a master's student, currently writing my thesis and attending classes twice a week, I spend a lot of time working from home on my laptop. I always make sure to squeeze in a daily walk (or two), though! I would be happy to have a companion in this routine. My classes are Wednesday evenings (3 hours), Thursday mornings (2 hours), and every other Tuesday (2 hours). So, those are the only times when I am not available at home. However, my partner is more than happy to also occupy your pet while I am briefly in class if this situation arises and I can easily give you more information about him and his experience if you would like. I am also happy to come to your home to check in with your pet throughout the day and would be happiest with 1 or 2 check-ins per day, depending on how far away you live. 

I live right next to Tenbosch park which is a beautiful setting for a shorter walk. Alternatively, I love to go walking in Bois de la Cambre, a short 12-minute walk from my flat. Here I can walk your dog for an extended period of time. Even though it is common in Bois de la Cambre for dogs to run off leash, I prefer to walk dogs on leash, as all of my dogs growing up were kept on a leash when in public. But I am happy to discuss on a case-by-case basis! For off leash opportunities, I am also located around the corner from Buchholtzpark, which is a completely fenced dog park. 

I can board two dogs at once. The walks I offer can range anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, whatever is suitable for your pet (10 euro/hour rate). For instance, for senior dogs suffering with some pain, I would be happy to take them for 30 minutes around Tenbosch park at a slower pace. For more athletic, younger dogs, I love to walk briskly for up to two hours in Bois de la Cambre. On days when I do not have class (Monday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday) I can offer up to three shorter (less than 1 hour) or two longer (1+ hours) walks per day. On days when I have class (Wednesday, Thursday, and sometimes Tuesdays), I offer two short walks or one longer one. 

I am prepared to administer medication to pets. My experience is only with giving pills to cats and dogs (e.g., wrapped in a piece of cheese). If your pet is in need of other forms of medication, I am happy to discuss it and inform myself on the administration. I do not offer grooming. I do not have a lot of experience in training dogs (other than basic commands such as sit, stay, come, lie down), but I am happy to learn!