My Approach To Pet Care
Your pet is cared for as family, with the same affection and dedication I show my own.
Why Choose Me?
I'm currently training as a dog groomer and working towards my City & Guilds Level 2 qualification, this is something I'm incredibly passionate about and fully committed to long‑term. Alongside my grooming apprenticeship, I've started offering a small pet care service, which is something I've wanted to do for years. This isn't a big venture, it's simply a way for me to spend more time with animals, support local owners, and earn a bit of "pocket money" doing something I genuinely love.
Even though Ria's Pet Visits is new, my experience with animals isn't. I've spent years caring for rescues, anxious pets, older companions, and animals who need a little extra understanding. Every pet I've owned has been adopted from a shelter, and I've helped wildlife along the way too. Rescue work has taught me so much about trust, compassion, and meeting animals where they are.
I love staying up to date with new research and best‑practice care so I can give every animal, domestic or wild the understanding and respect they deserve. I'm Pet First Aid & CPR certified, fully insured, and DBS checked. For me, pet care is about trust, patience, and treating each animal as an individual. Every pet I look after is cared for with the same kindness and respect I give my own.
A Personal, Heart Led Service in Staverton, Trowbridge
I know there are other pet‑care services in Trowbridge, and I think it's great that local owners have options. What I provide is small, personal, and genuinely from the heart.
I take on a limited number of pets so I can give each one proper time, attention, and care. My approach is calm, patient, and built on understanding animals of all kinds, especially those who need a little extra reassurance.
If someone chooses me, it's because they want a carer who communicates clearly, respects their pet's routine, and treats their animals like family. For the people who feel that connection, I'm here with open arms.
Drop-In Visits
As a pet parent myself, I understand how stressful it can feel to leave your animals at home when you're away. That's why I'm committed to providing reliable, worry‑free care that extends beyond your animals to the safety and cleanliness of your home. I am always happy to arrange a meet & greet via video call, or in person before your booking. By taking the time to ask the right questions and understand each pet's needs, I ensure every animal is cared for to the highest standard.
My care goes far beyond feeding and cleaning litter boxes. I spend genuine, quality time with every animal, enjoying their company, playing with their favourite toys and offering gentle comfort and quiet companionship for those who prefer calm affection and cuddles.
Because every animal has their own personality and needs, I invest time in understanding them and creating a personalised care plan. To ensure you feel fully at ease while you're away, I also provide regular updates, photos, and videos so you can stay connected to your pet's wellbeing.
Specialised Cat Care
Cats are really where I'm at my best. I've spent years living with, rescuing, and caring for cats with all kinds of personalities, including my own two special needs cats. That hands on experience has made me very comfortable understanding their needs, behaviours, and quirks, and it's helped me become confident in building trust in a gentle, steady way.
While I still provide services for dogs and understand their behaviour and routines, cats are definitely my strongest area. If you're looking for someone who genuinely understands how cats think, feel, and communicate, I would say I'm a great choice for your pet sitting needs.
Dog Walking
Every dog walk is customised to match your dog's unique needs, whether they're a senior who prefers a gentle pace or a high energy dog who thrives on more active outings.
Before the first walk, I gather details about their routine, energy, and any behavioural considerations to ensure each outing is safe, structured, and appropriate. I make it a priority to understand any specific behaviours, such as reactivity or nervousness, so your dog feels secure and well supported. I don't offer group walks, which means your dog enjoys my full attention.
Some dogs don't have reliable recall, and others are still learning, that's absolutely fine. I work gently and patiently to build confidence, encourage engagement, and support positive recall habits during our walks. When appropriate, I can provide safe enjoyable exercise using a long line, allowing your dog plenty of freedom to explore while remaining secure at all times.
Small Animal Care Experience
Whether it's maintaining clean and enriching habitats, preparing fresh food, offering calm companionship, or supporting their daily routines.
I provide welfare focused care for a wide range of small animals, including birds, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits. With hands on experience and a commitment to staying up to date with the latest welfare guidance, I ensure every animal receives gentle, attentive, and species appropriate care. In the past I volunteered at River Bourne Community Farm, where I cared for a variety of birds and chickens, as well as rabbits and guinea pigs.
Senior Pet Care & Medications
Comfort and gentle interaction with older animals is very important to me, and I prioritise mental stimulation and enrichment over physical exercise to keep them happy and engaged.
I have experience administering oral and topical medications, as well as using inhalers. To ensure everything is given safely and correctly, I'll need the following information in advance: the medication name and dose, when it needs to be taken, how often, and the route of administration. Please also check that all medication is in date before your booking begins. I do not administer injectable medications, including insulin for diabetic animals.
Emergencies & Safety
Your pet's safety is always my top priority. I am fully insured and hold CPD‑accredited certifications in Pet First Aid and CPR. For complete peace of mind, I ask for a signed agreement that includes your vet's contact details. If anything should happen, owners will always be contacted so they're fully informed and involved in any decisions.
A genuine love for ALL animals
I have a deep affection for all species, including those that are often disliked or misunderstood. I believe every animal, no matter their size, reputation, or background deserves kindness, comfort, and a life free from pain. This is evident by the years I've rescued several lost or injured racing pigeons, cared for them, and helped them recover safely. Experiences like these have shaped my belief that every creature has value and should be treated with respect and compassion.
View My Certifications
About Me
From a young age, I always imagined a career involving animals even if I wasn't quite sure how that dream would eventually unfold.
I spent much of my childhood around all sorts of different animals, including my aunt's rescue dogs. I initially dreamed of becoming a dog trainer like my idol, Victoria Stilwell, who I admired after watching 'It's Me or the Dog' I would spend hours teaching the dogs tricks and taking them on long walks by the canal.
Later in life, I completed work experience at my local veterinary practice, where I developed an even deeper love for animals and their welfare. That experience shaped so much of who I am today and confirmed how passionate I am about caring for animals of all kinds.
Although it took me a little time to find my true calling, at 25 I am now an Apprentice Dog Groomer, working towards my Level 2 City & Guilds Dog Grooming qualification. I'm incredibly proud to be part of Amity Grooming Salon and deeply grateful to Amy for welcoming me as her apprentice.
While my love for dogs runs deep, I've always had a strong connection with cats. They've been part of my life for as long as I can remember, I currently have two rescue cats of my own.
I spent three years working as a care worker for the elderly. That role gave me valuable experience in providing companionship and support. Although I enjoyed the work, my true passion has always been caring for animals.
I've worked as a pet sitter through Rover.com and Cat in a Flat, but I've since chosen to develop my own platform so I can offer excellent pet care at a more affordable rate. Ria's Pet Visits allows me to spend my free time helping others care for their pets locally when I'm not working in the salon.
Rescue animals are especially important to me. I've been inspired by one of my favourite YouTubers, Girl With The Dogs, and in the future, I hope to offer free grooming sessions to those in need, whether that's animals from extreme neglect cases, pets belonging to low-income families, or cats and dogs in shelters experiencing their first grooming session.
Service Area:
Trowbridge/ Hilperton / Westbury / Dilton Marsh / Paxcroft / Southwick / North Bradley / West Ashton / Staverton / Holt / Bradford‑on‑Avon / Wingfield / Semington / Melksham
If you're just outside these areas, feel free to get in touch — depending on availability and travel time, I may still be able to help.