Hazel’s Friendly Feline Care

MY BACKGROUND


Hi! My name is Hazel, I am 28 years old and I am passionate about animal care and welfare. Animals have been my passion for as long as I can remember. As soon as I left school, I knew I wanted to follow that passion and began studying animal care. 
I dedicated 6 years of studying to my passion which gave me various qualifications and experience. To begin with, I achieved a Level 3 Extended National Diploma in Animal Management. This covered modules such as Animal First Aid, Animal Husbandry, Animal Biology, Animal Business, Zoo experience and various other subjects. I gained a large amount of hands-on, practical experience with a wide variety of animals during this time, from companion animals, to zoo animals, and exotics (reptiles, birds etc.). 


I then went on to complete a Bachelors of Science in Animal Behaviour and Training. This allowed me to complete a more in-depth focus surrounding animal behaviour, psychology and training. Behaviour and Training is my speciality.

Finally, I continued my studies and went on to begin a year of Masters of Science in Animal Behaviour and Training which is currently on hold. I am planning on possibly changing my subject to a wildlife and conservation based Masters.
 I am currently studying a level 5 diploma in feline behaviour and psychology too.

PET SITTING EXPERIENCE


I have been pet sitting for almost 6 years now. This has given me a variety of experience. I have pet sat the following animals:
- Cats
- Dogs
- Rats
- Rabbits
- Guinea Pigs
- Fish
- Parrots
- Snakes
I am trained in diabetic cats and have experience giving insulin injections and medication. I also have experience giving various other sorts of oral medications, eye drops, ear drops for cats, dogs and guinea pigs. I am more than happy to administer medication required for other animals too. I have pet sat animals of a variety of ages, sizes and behavioural temperaments. I am comfortable and happy to discuss all sorts.
Also including house sitting, taking care of the house. Cleanliness, alarm setting etc.


FURTHER EXPERIENCE


For almost 8 years now, I have worked full-time in a very well known animal rescue centre; working with cats. After varied roles in the animal industry, including line management, I currently work full-time as a Feline Specialist Lecturer, teaching other rescues all over the world on feline behaviour and welfare. Through my career, I have developed plenty of in depth experience surrounding behaviour, husbandry and medication administration. Working in this industry has also given more opportunities to become a kitten foster carer, I have hand-reared and fostered many kittens which has involved feeding every 2 hours and out of hours emergency vet visits - generally lots of focus, attention and care! I have husbandry and behavioural experience with livestock, reptiles/exotics and zoo animals too.


I previously volunteered for a rescue which involved fostering animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs and gerbils. I have also had to hand rear kittens, puppies and guinea pigs.
I am in the early stages of setting up a behavioural and training business so I do have experience with difficult animals.


MY OWN PETS


I was raised in a family of animal lovers so I have always been around animals. We are absolutely cat crazy in my home! My first word was even the name of my first cat! Animals I have owned are: 
- Cats (I currently own 2 cats)
 - Guinea Pigs
 - Rabbits
 - Ferrets - Gerbils
 - Horses

WHAT SERVICES DO I OFFER?

- Single PM/double AM/PM daytime visits: Single PM visit up to 1 hour, double visit two up 30 min visits. (Time depends on animal’s interest after basic duties are complete). These visits can include, feeding, cleaning, attention/play, medication, basic grooming etc.

- Overnight stays (work dependent, may not be able to offer 24hr care in some cases if annual leave is not available).

• As an extra service, I also offer behavioural advice. I am a fully qualified cat behaviourist, currently working towards my accreditation.