About
Experience | Qualifications | Accreditations
Hi, I'm Lydia
Hoppiness Pet Care is based in Hedge End and was founded in 2025. It's entirely run by me! My home is shared with my mum Julie, our dog Buzz, & our two house rabbits, Apollo & Willow.
At the heart of Hoppiness Pet Care is Apollo and my angel bunny, Athena (pictured). They reconnected me with my love for animals and taught me so much about the joy & responsibility that comes with caring for them. They inspired me to take the plunge and follow my passion to provide services where other pets could feel just as loved while their owners are away - whether enjoying a well-deserved holiday, or working late to ensure a constant supply of treats!
Before founding Hoppiness Pet Care, I worked in Communications for a conservation charity, which was an incredible 6-year experience that even took me to Kenya! After that, I ventured into freelance marketing work for people who specialise in holistic animal health, plus photography gigs. These experiences gave me a unique opportunity to learn about animal care & welfare from experts. But, while I've enjoyed marketing (and having a "real" job! 😆), my heart has always longed to work with animals directly. I’m beyond grateful to be able to start this chapter!
I hope you'll join me and I can't wait to meet you and your pets.

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What I Do
Happy Pets, Happy Owners
At Hoppiness Pet Care, I believe that every pet deserves love, patience, and quality care. Whether it’s a one-to-one dog walk or a drop-in visit to check on your fur (& feathered or scaled!) family, I'm here to provide trustworthy, stress-free pet care, so you can relax knowing they're in great hands.
I absolutely adore all animals - from rabbits and hamsters to huskies and beyond!
When you're running a professional service, love isn't always enough. Unfortunately, this line of work is generally very unregulated and flooded with those who mean well, but lack insurance, checks, or training (eek)!
That's why I work hard to make sure you feel confident in my services and can trust that your pet is in safe hands. I am DBS-checked, Pet First Aid trained, have a pet sitting & dog walking diploma and am fully insured. You can take a look at my qualifications below, and insurance/DBS on request.
I cover a lot of the areas surrounding Hedge End (where I am based) and offer reliable and tailored dog walking, home visits, and photography services throughout this area.
Qualifications & Associations
Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Diploma (CPD)
I have achieved a CPD Approved Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Diploma. This certification is a formal recognition of my knowledge in dog walking and pet sitting!
The extensive diploma covers 23 modules including Pet First Aid, Care for Birds, Reptiles, Dogs, Cats, Small Animals, Fish, Animal Handling, Legal Requirements and more.
Pet First Aid Certificate
I have achieved a Pet First Aid Certificate.
This certification covers essential modules such as vital signs, treating wounds, burns, choking, bites, drowning, and medications.
Diploma in Pet Psychology (CPD)
I have achieved a Diploma in Pet Psychology.
This certification is CPD certified and covers essential modules such as understanding animal behaviour, recognising common psychological issues in pets, stress and anxiety management, communication techniques, and strategies for promoting mental well-being in dogs, cats, rabbits, and other companion animals.
This course has deepened my knowledge of how pets think, feel, and react - allowing me to better support their emotional needs and build stronger, more trusting relationships with them.
SEG Awards Level 3 Award in Small Animal Care and Welfare (OFQUAL Accredited)*
I am in the middle of achieving a SEG Awards Level 3 Award in Small Animal Care and Welfare, which is OFQUAL certified. This certification will be a formal recognition of my extensive knowledge in small animal care, behaviour, & welfare. It covers everything from first aid & health management to nutrition & safety, ensuring I have the expertise to provide informed, compassionate care for a range of small animals. This Ofqual regulated qualification meets the DEFRA Animal Activity Licensing Regulations.
Rescue Charity & Foster Experience
I spent time working with Hero Dog Rescue, a dedicated dog rescue charity based in Georgia, USA - founded by my family across the pond. My time with the rescue gave me amazing hands-on experience with dogs of all backgrounds, from those who were abandoned or neglected to those who needed extra support due to medical or behavioural challenges.
As a foster carer, I have personally helped care for a large number of rescue dogs, sometimes having up to 15 dogs in our home at once! This experience has given me a deep understanding of how to meet the individual needs of each dog, whether that means building trust with a nervous pup, providing structure for an energetic dog, or offering gentle care to an elderly or unwell pet.
Through fostering and supporting adoption events, I have seen firsthand how much love, patience, and the right approach can transform a dog’s life.
Certificate in Applied Zoopharmacognosy
I believe every animal deserves care that supports their whole wellbeing—not just their physical needs.
I have had the unique opportunity to help create and complete the "Natural Health for Dogs – Introduction to Zoopharmacognosy" course with the Catherine Edwards Academy.
Zoopharmacognosy is the natural ability animals have to self-select herbs, essential oils, and other plant-based remedies to support their emotional and physical health. Through this course, I deepened my understanding of animal behaviour, body language, and natural healing - skills I now brings into every walk and every home visit. The course has helped me to further ground every interaction with empathy, observation, and respect.
Member of the Pet Industry Federation (PIF)
As a member of the Pet Industry Federation (PIF), Hoppiness Pet Care is part of the UK’s leading trade association for pet care professionals. PIF supports the development & professional standards of the pet industry, ensuring that all members are committed to operating ethically & providing top-notch services. My involvement with PIF allows me to stay updated on industry trends & continuously enhance my services offered.
Member of the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF)
As a proud member of the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF), I stay informed on the latest research & best practices in rabbit care. RWAF is a leading charity dedicated to promoting the welfare of rabbits, & my membership connects me to a wealth of resources that help ensure rabbits receive the best care possible.
Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) Compliant
Hoppiness Pet Care, is committed to upholding the highest standards of animal welfare. My services align with RSPCA guidelines, ensuring that every pet in my care receives compassionate, ethical, and responsible treatment. From providing safe and enriching environments to using positive reinforcement techniques, I prioritise your pet’s well-being at every step. You can trust that I follow best practices to keep your furry friends happy, healthy, and stress-free.
Personal Experience
Caring for animals isn’t just my job - it’s part of my daily life. I have firsthand experience looking after dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, axolotls and more, giving me a deep understanding of their unique needs, behaviours, and personalities.
My current fur-family:
🐾 Buzz – Our Dog
Living with a reactive dog has taught me the importance of patience, training, and creating a safe and trusting environment. Buzz has helped me develop key skills in managing reactivity, reading dog body language, and providing structured, positive experiences to help nervous dogs feel more secure. This personal experience means I understand the challenges of reactive dog ownership and tailor my care to ensure every dog feels safe and supported.
🐰 Apollo & Willow – My Rabbits
I’ve had Apollo for 8 years, and recently adopted 6-year-old Willow after his lifelong partner, Athena, passed this year.
Over these many years, I’ve learned just how much care and attention rabbits need. From proper nutrition and habitat setup to social interaction and grooming, I know how to provide the best possible care for these sensitive and intelligent animals. I understand their behaviour, dietary needs, and the importance of a stress-free environment, which is why I offer rabbit care with the same high level of dedication and expertise as I do with dogs.
Whether it’s a playful pup, curious cat, or a delicate bunny, I bring real-life experience, compassion, and knowledge to every pet I care for. 🐶🐾🐰