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Mongoose Pet Services

As a pet owner, I know that having peace of mind that your beloved companion is well cared for is invaluable. Spending time with animals is an absolute joy for me, and I feel honoured to be trusted to look after your pets.

Please get in touch to arrange a free, no-obligation introductory visit.

"You really go above the call of duty and it's all much appreciated .... thanks [for] your experience, reliability and kindness."

"Emma is the pet sitter your cat would choose!"

Emma and Tikki (her first senior rescue cat)

About me

Hello! I'm Emma from Ely, Cambridgeshire, and I've been passionate about animals for my whole life. I grew up with dogs, guinea pigs and hamsters, and as an adult have been owned by a succession of rescue cats. I especially love to take in senior kitties so that they can spend their twilight years in comfort, being adored and cosseted as cats should be.

Having worked as a librarian and academic researcher for over two decades, I became a professional pet-sitter in 2021. Since then I've had the privilege of caring for cats, dogs, rabbits, rats, guinea pigs, gerbils, canaries, and even a leopard gecko!

Cats

As a rescue cat parent, I know how important it is to feel your kitty is happy, comfortable and safe while you're away on holiday or on business. Once- or twice-daily home visits for feeding, play, cuddles and fuss mean that your pet can stay contentedly in their own home and get all the care and attention they need.

A visit usually lasts between 25 and 35 minutes, and at each one I will:

  • provide fresh food and water in clean bowls

  • give medication if required

  • clear out or change litter trays

  • brush your cats if you (and they!) wish

  • offer lots of play time, company and cuddles


I'll keep an eye on your cat's health, wellbeing and behaviours, and will send you updates and photos with every visit.

Other services:

I'm happy to water houseplants, bring in your post, open and close curtains and put out the bins, free of charge.
Please note that there is a small extra charge for watering outside plants, garden beds and veg patches (£2 per time).

Pricing:

Standard home visit (25-35 minutes, for up to 5 animals): £10 per visit
Extended visit (for more than 5 animals, or to provide care and company for older, very sociable, or unwell cats): £15 per hour

Dogs

I grew up with dogs and was a volunteer with the Cinnamon Trust for five years. Since then, I've worked with dogs of every shape and size from German Shepherds to Chihuahuas and everything in between! I particularly enjoy getting to know shy, anxious or reactive dogs, and love helping them to build their confidence in people and the world.

If you need to go in to the office or want to take a day trip, I can come and visit your dog in your home for garden time, feeding, play and fuss. A visit usually lasts between 15 and 30 minutes, and includes:

  • garden time for a comfort break and runaround

  • water change

  • feeding if needed

  • plenty of cuddles, reassurance and fuss


I'll send you an update and photos during the visit, and will take the time to get to know your dog so that I can tell you how they're doing. I'm also happy to close curtains or blinds and switch on lights to help with your home security.

Pricing:

£10.00 per visit

Small furries

Size is no measure of how important your pet is, nor the joy they bring to your life! I'm happy to take care of guinea pigs, rabbits, gerbils, fancy rats and other small furries, and give them the same loving care I offer to cats and dogs. Once- or twice-daily home visits for feeding, play, company and enrichment offer a flexible alternative to boarding your pets away from home, and mean that they can stay in their own familiar environment while you're away.

Visits usually last between 20 and 30 minutes, and at each one I will:

  • provide fresh food and water in clean bowls

  • give medication if needed

  • clear out or change cages, hutches or enclosures

  • free-range your pets in a safe environment, following your instructions

  • offer play time, enrichment and petting if desired!


I'll keep an eye on your pets' health, wellbeing and behaviours, and will send you updates and photos with every visit.

Other services:

I'm happy to water houseplants, bring in your post, open and close curtains and put out the bins, free of charge.
Please note that there is a small extra charge for watering outside plants, garden beds and veg patches (£2 per time).

Pricing:

Standard home visit (20-30 minutes, for up to 5 animals): £10.00
Extended visit (for more than 5 animals): £15.00

Birds, fish & reptiles

From tails to scales ... and feathers and fins!

Since starting Mongoose Pet Services I've had the privilege of learning how to care for a range of wonderful animal companions, including canaries; a Senegal parrot; a leopard gecko; and various types of aquarium and pond fish. I'm very much a beginner in the area of exotic pet care, but am really interested in learning more. Please contact me for a chat about your needs!

A standard visit usually lasts between 15 and 30 minutes. I can also offer briefer drop-in visits of up to 15 minutes, for example to feed your fish. Each time I visit, I will carry out your specific instructions on feeding, habitat management, enrichment and interaction. I'll ask you for a symptoms watchlist for the main diseases that your pet is susceptible to, and for any physical or behavioural signs that might indicate discomfort or illness. As with all types of pet, I'll send you updates and photos every time I visit.

Other services:

I'm happy to water houseplants, bring in your post, open and close curtains and put out the bins, free of charge.
Please note that there is a small extra charge for watering outside plants, garden beds and veg patches (£2 per time).

Pricing:

Drop-in visit (up to 15 minutes): £7.50
Standard home visit (15-30 minutes): £10.00

Houseplants

Because plants are company too

Like many others I discovered the joy of houseplants during the COVID-19 pandemic, and now when I plan a holiday the welfare of my "green babies" is second only to that of my cat! Even if you have no pets in your home, I'm very happy to come and care for your plants while you're away. You choose the number of visits, and at each one I will

  • water (and feed, if necessary) according to your schedule and instructions

  • dust or wipe down leaves if needed

  • turn pots to ensure even access to light

  • rotate plants to different sites in your home, if need be.


I'll add your plants to my own plant care app to make sure I have access to expert information about each type and its requirements. And just as I do for animal companions, I'll send you an update and photos of your plants every time I visit.

Other services:

I'm happy to bring in your post, open and close curtains and put out the bins, free of charge
Please note that there is a small extra charge for watering outside plants, garden beds and veg patches (£2 per time)

Pricing:

£7.50 per visit