Critter Care
I care for your critters when you can't
Central, West and North West Auckland
Whether you are on holiday, travelling for business, or it's just a night or two away, Critter Care will be there to feed, clean, check and medicate, if necessary, for your pets. The bonus for you is absolute peace of mind knowing that your furry, scaly and feathered friends are receiving plenty of love and attention while you’re away. Servicing Central, West and North West Auckland
My Services
Pet feeding and checking
Peace of Mind
Do you have a cat who is nervous of strangers or smaller pets like rabbits and rodents, aquariums and birds? Not so keen on someone staying in your home? That's where Critter Care can help. Have peace of mind that your pets have been checked, cleaned and fed while you are away. We charge a minimum of $20 per visit and charges vary depending on the number of animals. Contact me for more details.
Rural and lifestyle blocks
Experienced and knowledgeable
Have a lifestyle block? Find it difficult to get away for a holiday? I could be your solution...
I have experience with cattle, sheep, goats, alpacas, chickens, ducks and horses. Give yourself a break and call Critter Care!
Priced on a case by case basis.
Reptiles, Amphibians, and Aquariums
Professional experience
Reptiles are a personal passion!!
Need someone knowledgeable and very experienced to look after your reptiles, amphibians and fish? Look no further!
Bird care and handrearing
Feathered friends
I have professional experience with many different species of birds - gained at Auckland Zoo.
I have personally kept and hand-reared a variety of birds.
Do you have an aviary or caged birds who need some care and attention while you are away? In some cases, I can take care of your birds in my home.
Invertebrate care
Something a little different
Do you have special pets? Need someone confident and knowledgeable to check and feed your inverts? Look no further, many years of invertebrate husbandry including breeding. Rest assured your special pets will be well taken care of.
Pet care advice
Expert Animal Husbandry
Need some advice? Having some problems? Thinking of acquiring a new pet and not 100% sure how to care for them? Best practice animal husbandry is an area I am very passionate about. I can help you with new or changing setups for a wide variety of animals or provide valuable advice.
Aquarium Servicing
Satisfaction guaranteed
Not spending as much time on fish tank maintenance as you would like? Don't let your busy schedule interfere with your aquariums wellbeing. Give your fishy friends the care and attention they deserve by taking advantage of my services.
How I became a Critter Carer
A Little About Myself
Qualified vet nurse and zookeeper, professional animal carer and experienced pet/house sitter. I am experienced with all types of pets, including birds, fish, amphibians, reptiles and livestock.
Since I was young I’ve always loved animals — both learning about and taking care of them. I began The Petsitter in 2017, I have changed the focus of the business and renamed it to Critter Care in 2019 as I am no longer petsitting. I hope I get the chance to meet your lovely pets soon.
My Experience
Years of Working With Animals
I’ve worked with animals in many different capacities. I have worked at Auckland Zoo for many years with lots of different species but mainly as a bird, reptile, amphibian, fish and invertebrate keeper. I have worked in vet clinics, dog boarding kennels and catteries. I have lived rurally for most of my adult life, kept and hand raised, sheep, goats and cattle. I have kept many pets over the years including cats, multiple large dogs, fish, amphibians, reptiles and birds.
My Qualifications
Bachelor of Applied Science (Animal Technology)
Applied Science Degree focusing on a wide range of animal subjects including canine behaviour, anatomy and physiology, animal husbandry, production animal husbandry, animal welfare and animal health.
Certificate in Veterinary Nursing (Merit)
Animal first aid, animal medicine, nursing, behaviour and handling.
Certificate in Animal Management - Captive Wild Animals
Zookeeping qualification; animal containment, diets and feeding, animal husbandry, natural history, enrichment, conservation education, enclosure design and animal training.
Satisfied Customers
What My Clientele Have to Say
“Lou was loved by our old dog Jazz - Jazz welcomed her like an old friend when she returned. Lou is an exceptional house sitter and pet minder - and a special lady! .”
Jo Brosnahan, Rothesay Bay, New Zealand
“Fantastic house sitter - we have a lifestyle block cows, chicks and 2 lively dogs and a cuddly cat who when we came back from holiday were still looking for Lou.
Thanks for everything you did for our boys, the cat is really missing you and the card and chocolates you left were a welcome treat after our long journey.
You are a star ⭐️ thanks again 💕Dexter, Scruffy, Lola and co.”
Liz Walker, Silverdale, NZ
“Lou's communication from the get go was fantastic. She was able to help us out with late notice and took fantastic care of our very old cat, while we were overseas. She not only attended to his needs each day, but kept him company and made sure he was happy and content. Lou also stayed in touch (and sent 'photo's) so we could see how he was doing. Great job and thank you Lou for the love and personal care shown to our beautiful old boy! .”
Desiree Gelbart, Mairangi Bay, NZ
“I feel so blessed to have had Lou Parker look after our animals and home a few times now. Her huge knowledge of animals, along with all her study and extensive work experience at New Zealand’s largest Zoo has meant I can leave all my animals (dogs, cats, chickens, goats, sheep, ducks, Lorikeets) in safety, expert and extremely kind and thoughtful hands. I leave and don’t give them a second thought – WOW! .”
Jenny Bebbington, Helensville, NZ
“We found Lou via a neighbourly website, its always difficult when you have never met someone before, knowing whether you can trust them with your house and your pets, however, the first day we met Lou, she put any fears we did have to rest.
She was very friendly and left us feeling happy to go away leaving our house and pets in her hands so we could enjoy our holiday.
I would highly recommend Lou for any pet/house sitting positions.
If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me, .”
Emma Sweetman, Torbay, NZ
“Lou is a great pet sitter who looked after my elderly cat for a couple of weeks, I had complete peace of mind while I was overseas, I would highly recommend Lou to anyone looking for a pet sitter.”
Jo Priestley, Campbells Bay, NZ
“Just Walked in the Door to these beautiful flowers & card. Lou Parker, You are awesome!!!! It's us who should be thanking you, sooo A big shout out and a Great HUGE Thank you to you Lou, for looking after our babies, Poppy & Freddie, & looking after our house, & giving us a worry & stress free holiday, so much appreciated, To everyone out there, we totally recommend Lou! Love & Hugs from Me & Mikey xoxo 😘😊👍.”