Based in Noordhoek, Southern Suburbs

Must love
Dogs.

Trusted dog walking & pet sitting from Tessa. Because your best friend deserves it.

"Above and beyond" — Lara H.
Tessa with a happy Weimaraner dog
Must Love Dogs logo
Tessa, 35
Certified & insured
Pet first

Hi, I'm Tessa.

Mature. Reliable. Pet-obsessed.

Must Love Dogs logo

I'm a 35-year-old with a passion for animals and years of hands-on experience. Whether you're heading to work, off on holiday, or just need an extra hand — I'm here to keep your pet safe, happy, fed, and well cared for.

From energetic pups to golden oldies, I tailor every walk or visit to your pet's personality and needs. For cats I provide gentle, attentive care — feeding, fresh water, clean litter trays, and affection or playtime for those that want it.

Certified in Animal First Aid
Certified in Animal 101 Communication
Certified in Dog Obedience Training
Environmental Science degree
TEARS Animal Rescue Volunteer & Foster
Valid police clearance
Pet First Aid Kit always on hand

The details

Service details at a glance.

Distance willing to travel

5–40km

Accepted pet types

Dogs, cats, rabbits, mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, reptiles, fish, birds

Accepted pet size

All sizes

Level of adult supervision

Unsupervised for no more than 3 hours

Potty breaks per day

Full access outside

Walks per day

2

Emergency transport

Yes

GPS tracking location

Available on request

What I do

Tailored care, tail-wagging results.

Dog Walking

Daily walks tailored to your dog's pace, age and personality.

Pet Sitting

In-home sits so your pet stays comfy in their own space.

Drop-In Visits

Quick pet check-ins for feeding, fresh water and play.

Basic Training

Reinforcement of obedience, house training and good habits.

Dog Grooming

Gentle brushing, baths and tidy-ups for a happy, fresh pup.

Vet Drop-offs & Visits

Transport to vet checkups and in-clinic support when you can't be there.

Pet Medication Administration

Reliable, on-schedule dosing — tablets, drops and more.

Wedding Chaperoning

Care and coordination so your pet is part of your special day.

New service

Puppy & Kitten Care

From potty training and routine reinforcement to socialisation and playtime, we'll help keep your puppy or kitten happy, safe, and on track while you're away.

New service

Senior Pet Care

Giving your elderly pets the extra patience, comfort, and personalised care they need while you're away, so they can stay relaxed and happy in the place they know best.

Affordable rates

Simple pricing.

Ask about special rates for multiple pets, long stays, and regular weekly walks.

Single Walk

R180/ 30–45 min
  • On or off leash walks
  • Beach walks
  • Park walks
  • Mountain walks

Drop-In Visit

R180/ per visit
  • Updates & photos
  • Fresh water & feeding
  • Loads of love

Day of Sitting

R250/ per day
  • Updates & photos
  • Fresh water & feeding
  • Loads of love
Most booked

Overnight Stay

R380/ per night
  • Updates & photos
  • Fresh water & feeding
  • Loads of love

Our promise

Care guidelines.

The standards I hold myself to in every home and with every pet.

Respect for the Home

Every home left as found — or better. Tidy at all times.

House Rules

No smoking. No parties. Visitors only with prior check-in.

Pet Care

Dogs never alone more than 3 hours. Fresh water and love, always.

Toxic Foods Avoided

Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, avocado, caffeine, xylitol, macadamia nuts, cooked bones.

Safety & Security

All doors and windows locked. No strangers allowed inside.

Communication

Regular updates and photos. Any issue reported immediately.

References

Kind words from pet parents.

"Tessa looked after our home and our new puppy, Ruby Tuesday, for two weeks. She has a natural love and understanding of animals, and Ruby absolutely adored her from the moment they met. Tessa took Ruby on two walks every day, helped reinforce her house training, and gave her plenty of love, attention, and playtime while we were away. We received regular updates and photos, which gave us complete peace of mind knowing Ruby was happy and well cared for and our home was spotless when we returned!"
Lara Humby·Ruby Tuesday's human
"From the moment I met her during a pre-sit visit, I just knew Tessa was perfect. Tessa is kind, gentle, compassionate and completely reliable. From the start, she asked how many updates, photos / videos we would like each day, which gave us such peace of mind. Bertie & Sam were clearly loved and wonderfully cared for, and we returned to a spotless, tidy home. I would recommend Tessa without hesitation to anyone looking for someone trustworthy and caring to look after their pets and home."
Jeanne Austin·Bertie & Sam's human

Meet the team

Our vetted sitters.

We've grown — and we can't keep up with demand! So we've brought some amazing, vetted sitters onto the team. Every sitter is hand-picked, reference-checked and trained to the same Must Love Dogs standard you already know and trust.

Tia

Tia

Sitter · Noordhoek & Hout Bay

Hiya, I'm Tia! Born and bred in Northern Ireland, I've been obsessed with animals for as long as I can remember. If there was a dog, cat or even a snake needing attention, chances are I was right there trying to make friends with it!

I spent 2 years working with Mary Puppins Doggy Day Care in Hout Bay, where I had the pleasure of looking after dogs of all shapes, sizes and personalities — from energetic ball-chasers to professional sofa loungers. It gave me invaluable experience, and what started as a job quickly grew my family by four paws… twice.

I understand how important it is to find someone you trust with your pets, because I know firsthand that they're not just animals — they're family. Whether your dog loves long walks, endless games of fetch, or simply curling up for a cuddle, I'll make sure they feel safe, happy and loved while you're away. I work from home, so your fur babies will always have companionship when they need it most.

Vetted & reference-checked
Jess

Jess

Sitter. Fish Hoek.

Hi, I'm Jess! Devoted cat mom, biiiig stretch enthusiast, and passionate conservationist. Like many animal lovers, I was determined to become a vet and even harassed veterinary schools in my tween years with emails decorated in little paw prints. As I got older, however, I became more interested in conservation and ocean life, leading me to study Marine and Applied Biology, complete my honours degree in Biological Sciences at the University of Cape Town, and then pursue a Master's in Zoology at the University of Pretoria.

I started pet sitting during my undergraduate studies and have since gained almost 10 years of experience caring for a variety of fur babies — including chickens and fish! I've also accepted that I'll probably always have at least 1000 photos on my phone of pets that aren't my own.

As someone who's always had pets, I understand how important they are to us, and how stressful it can be to leave them in someone else's care. That's why my main goal as a pet sitter is to ensure you have complete peace of mind and can trust that your pets will be cared for with the same love, attention, and respect that I give my own. I look forward to meeting you and your beloved animals!

Vetted & reference-checked
Emma

Emma

Sitter. Constantia. Cape Town

Hi, I'm Emma! I'm 21 years old and currently in my final year of a BA in International Studies at Stellenbosch University. I grew up in Cape Town between Constantia and my grandparents' farm, where I developed a lifelong love for animals, nature, and spending time outdoors.

I've been around animals for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I competed in showjumping and spent countless hours caring for horses, which taught me patience, responsibility, and the importance of understanding each animal's unique personality. This experience has given me the confidence to care for pets of all ages, breeds, and temperaments.

Alongside my love for animals, I've worked as an au pair for wonderful families in both Cape Town and Germany. These experiences helped me become adaptable, dependable, and attentive while building strong, trusting relationships with the families I worked with.

When I'm not studying, you'll usually find me hiking, swimming, horse riding, or enjoying the outdoors. I genuinely love spending time with animals, and I understand how important it is to know they're in caring and trustworthy hands while you're away.

I treat every pet as if they were my own, making sure they receive plenty of love, attention, exercise, and companionship so you can have complete peace of mind while you're away. I look forward to meeting you and your furry family members!

Vetted & reference-checked
Caria

Caria

Sitter · Noordhoek

Hi, my name is Caria, and I'm so excited to be joining Tessa's Pet Sitting Team. I'm a caring, responsible, and animal-loving pet sitter with years of hands-on experience looking after pets and homes. Since 2023, I've been providing trusted house-sitting and pet-sitting services, caring for a variety of animals and ensuring they feel safe, comfortable, and loved while their owners are away.

My passion for animals extends beyond pet sitting. I volunteer at a horse stable in Noordhoek, where I assist with the daily care of horses — including feeding, grooming, and exercising them. I also provide private horse-riding lessons, helping young riders build confidence and develop a strong bond with their horses through patience, encouragement, and positive training methods.

When I'm not caring for pets, I enjoy hiking, swimming, painting, horse riding, and cooking. I'm also passionate about creating natural skincare and household products using essential oils and natural ingredients.

With my calm nature, genuine love for animals, and dedication to providing exceptional care, I'm committed to ensuring every pet feels happy, secure, and well cared for while their owners are away.

Vetted & reference-checked
Ray

Ray

Sitter · Kommetjie & Deep South

Hi, I'm Ray! I'm a 20-year-old Kommetjie local and a student at the University of Cape Town, where I'm studying towards a BA in History and English Literature.

Animals have always been a huge part of my life, and I genuinely love caring for pets of all ages and personalities. Whether it's energetic puppies, playful kittens, or senior pets who need a little extra patience, medication, or gentle care, I make sure every animal feels safe, loved, and comfortable while their owners are away.

When I'm not studying, you'll usually find me outdoors. I'm passionate about conservation and regularly volunteer in my community, helping organise beach clean-ups and environmental projects around Kommetjie and the Deep South. I also love reading, embroidery, sewing, crochet, hiking and running. Friends and family describe me as warm, organised, reliable and easy-going, and I take pride in treating every home and pet with the same care and respect I would my own.

I can't wait to meet you and your furry family!

Vetted & reference-checked
Cooper

Cooper

Sitter · Noordhoek. Kommetjie

Hi, I'm Cooper! I have always been drawn to animals of many kinds. Attending school on a farm allowed me the opportunity to interact with them daily and further my love for them. I fully believe animals will treat you with the same kindness and respect as you treat them.

I have extensive experience caring for my family's animals for extended periods of time when they go away, as well as being the first to call for when my friends go away and they need a reliable pet sitter.

I thoroughly enjoy walking dogs as it is not just an experience for them but also for me to see how they view and interact with the world around them.

I naturally gravitate towards animals at gatherings and events, and since moving out of home I find myself constantly missing my own dog. Caring for other people's pets allows me the opportunity to provide them with the attention, companionship and care they deserve.

Vetted & reference-checked
Lulu

Lulu

Sitter · Woodstock, Cape Town

Hi, I'm Lulu! I'm an artist and small business owner based in Woodstock, Cape Town, where I work from home with a flexible schedule that allows me to dedicate plenty of time and attention to the pets in my care.

Animals have always been a huge part of my life, and nothing makes me happier than spending my days with them. Whether your pet loves long walks, adventurous park outings, quiet companionship, or simply curling up on the couch for cuddles, I'm happy to tailor my care to their unique personality and routine.

I know how important it is to leave your pet with someone you can truly trust. That's why I treat every animal as if they were my own, making sure they feel safe, loved, and comfortable while you're away. I'll also keep you updated with regular photos and videos, so you can relax knowing exactly how your furry family member is doing.

As someone who works from home, I have the flexibility to provide plenty of companionship and attention throughout the day, ensuring your pet receives the love, care, and routine they deserve.

I can't wait to meet you and your furry family and give them all the love and care they deserve while you're away.

Vetted & reference-checked
Micha

Micha

Sitter

Hi, I'm Micha! I'm a teacher by profession, but animals have always been a huge part of my life. No matter where I go, I seem to attract them — and the feeling is always mutual. Whether it's a shy rescue dog, a curious cat, or an energetic puppy, I love taking the time to earn their trust and make them feel safe.

I believe teaching children and caring for animals come from the same place: patience, kindness, empathy, and a genuine love for nurturing others. I have a calm, caring nature that helps pets feel relaxed, comfortable, and well looked after while their owners are away.

I understand that every pet has their own personality, routine, and needs, and I pride myself on providing loving, reliable care that feels as close to home as possible. Whether your pet loves long walks, endless cuddles, or simply having a calm companion nearby, I'll make sure they receive the attention and affection they deserve.

Vetted & reference-checked

Why choose us

Why choose vetted sitters?

Clean and Safe

Your pets can enjoy a germ-free, safe, and secure environment in their own home.

Cost-Effective

We care for ALL your pets, eliminating the costly expenses associated with multiple kennels and lodging vaccines.

Stable Routine

No changes in your pet's daily feeding and sleep routine, ensuring familiarity, comfort and less stress.

Our promise

Satisfaction guaranteed.

Free Meet & Greet

Meet Tessa or, if she's already booked, one of our trusted pet sitters for a complimentary meet and greet. We want you—and your pets—to feel completely comfortable before making a booking.

Book early to avoid disappointment

Book a sit

Tell me about your pet.

Fill in your details and I'll get back to you within 24 hours to confirm availability and arrange a meet-and-greet.

By submitting you agree to a quick meet-and-greet before the first sit.

Get in touch.

Noordhoek, Southern Suburbs — and surrounds. Ask for references and special rates.

A little glimpse of the fun our furry friends get up to.