How Being a Pet Carer Changed My Life

When I became a pet carer, I was in a difficult place mentally and financially, I had credit card debts which really played on my mind and pulled me down. My mental health was struggling, the debt I had felt overwhelming, and I was searching for something that could give me stability without draining what little energy I had left. What I didn’t realise at the time was that this job would quietly transform my life.

At first, it was just about turning up — feeding cats, walking dogs, sticking to routines. But very quickly, those routines started helping me too. Animals have a way of pulling you into the present moment. A dog doesn’t care about yesterday’s worries, and a cat only asks for calm and consistency. Being needed in that simple, honest way gave me a sense of purpose I’d been missing.

Spending so much time outdoors became one of the biggest changes and something I now crave every day. Daily walks meant fresh air, movement, and time away from screens and constant noise at my busy home care business. I began to notice the seasons, the quiet streets, the familiar paths. Walking dogs gave my mind space to slow down, and with that came clarity and calm. What once felt like effort slowly became something I looked forward to. Over time the walks became my time to make plans and think up ideas for my businesses, what to do next, some of my best plans have been formed whilst wandering around the woods with someones dogs!

As my routine improved, so did my health. I was moving more, sleeping better, and feeling stronger — both physically and mentally. My confidence grew as I realised I was dependable, trusted, and good at what I do. That sense of achievement made a huge difference to my self-esteem. So much so I decided to do some pet care qualifications and gained a distinction in Canine Care, Behaviour and Welfare aswell as the essential animal first aid.

The financial impact mattered too. Having steady wages allowed me to start paying off those debts that had once felt impossible to face. Each payment reduced not just what I owed, but also the constant stress that came with it. Financial stability gave me breathing room to focus on healing and rebuilding.

Above all, it was the cats and dogs themselves who kept me going. On days when motivation was low, they were the reason I showed up. A wagging tail, a gentle purr, a quiet moment of connection — those small things carried me through more than I ever expected.

Being a pet carer hasn’t just been a job. It’s helped me improve my mental health, rebuild my physical wellbeing, and reconnect with the outdoors and with myself. The animals I care for will never know how much they’ve helped me — but every walk, every visit, every moment of trust has played a part in getting me to where I am today.

Sometimes healing doesn’t come all at once. Sometimes it arrives on four legs, waiting patiently at the door.

Thank you to everyone who has trusted me with their pets - you have helped me as much as I have helped you xx