“I think it’s just the love and companionship that you have for a dog or another animal,” she said.

Mrs Skane said pet sitting still gives her freedom to go away with her husband on holidays for an extended period of time.

“It’s not a full time commitment but you can get very attached to them and you don’t always want to give them back,” she said. 

Mrs Skane began pet sitting after a conversation with her friends. 

She believes that caring for animals has provided her with the motivation she needs to get out of the house to do exercise. 

“Sometimes you think oh it’s a bit too windy or a bit hot or cold,” she said. 

“But when you’ve got a dog you have to go out for a walk.” 

She said it is also beneficial for the animal as they still get one on one attention with a person when their owner goes away. 

Mrs Skane has been surrounded by animals all her life as she grew up on a farm where her family owned dogs. 

With her husband Mrs Skane has owned three dogs including two Cocker Spaniels who both lived long lives of 15 years. 

The dogs she has owned have become part of the family. 

Mrs Skane has also looked after animals in their home and will also do a few chores while there including picking up mail and watering the garden. 

She said that there is no cost involved as the animals are provided with their own food while the owner is away and their vet bills are also paid for. 

As Mrs Skane lives in a unit the dogs who come and stay with her have to be under nine kilograms. 

For more information email Sue Skane at bill.skane@internode.on.net