When I first signed up to Rover, it wasn’t with a grand plan to build a business. Honestly, I was just looking for a bit of extra exercise, an excuse to spend time with animals, and the odd weekend away from the usual routine. A few evening walks here, an overnight stay there—it felt like a nice side hustle that gave me the joy of being around pets while helping out people in my community.

What I didn’t expect was how quickly things would take off.

With no advertising, no glossy branding, and no clever strategy, my inbox started filling up. Word of mouth spread faster than I could keep up with. it was a genuine gap in the market. People didn’t just need someone to feed the cat or walk the dog. They wanted someone they could trust to look after their pets (and often their homes) with the same care they would themselves.

And so, the seed of Birddog Catwalk was planted.

I realised I couldn’t meet the demand alone, and more importantly, I didn’t want to. The idea grew into creating a service that was more than “just another pet sitter.” Birddog Catwalk would bring together a small, trusted team—people who genuinely love animals, who understand the responsibility of caring for them, and who share my values of reliability, honesty, and a down-to-earth approach.

But there’s another layer that matters to me too: sustainability. From compostable poo bags to partnering with local ethical suppliers for treats, Birddog Catwalk is committed to treading lightly on the planet while we look after your pets. It’s a small step, but every small step adds up, and I want our work to reflect the kind of world we’d like our children (and our pets!) to inherit.

What began as one woman and her weekend side gig has now become a fully-fledged business covering Wiltshire and the Cotswolds. Whether it’s overnight sits, long daytime visits, or the simple joy of a walk in the fields, Birddog Catwalk is here to give you peace of mind and give your pets the love, attention, and companionship they deserve.

Looking back, it still amazes me that a few casual Rover bookings snowballed into all of this. But that’s the beauty of listening to what people need. When you find a way to solve a real problem for others—and you do it with care and heart—it’s incredible how quickly doors open.

So here we are: Birddog Catwalk officially on the scene. We’re excited to meet new pets, support more families, and grow into the trusted, sustainable pet-care service we know this community has been looking for.

If you’d like to find out more—or book a sit or a walk—get in touch today. Let’s get your pets walking in style with Birddog Catwalk.