Dog Sitter Sheffield | In-Home Care From K9 Time
Leaving your dog while you travel or work long hours can be incredibly stressful. If you’re searching for a reliable dog sitter in Sheffield, K9 Time offers dedicated in-home care that keeps your dog safe, settled, and comfortable in their own familiar surroundings.
My clients constantly tell me how much they value the ‘huge comfort’ of knowing their dog is in safe hands. With over 25 years of experience, I treat your dog like my own—meaning no strange kennels, no unfamiliar dogs nearby, and no unnecessary upheaval to their normal day.”
If you’re searching for a reliable dog sitter in Sheffield, K9 Time offers dedicated in-home care that keeps your dog safe, settled, and comfortable in their own familiar surroundings. We visit your dog at home, meaning there are no strange kennels, no unfamiliar dogs nearby, and no unnecessary upheaval to their normal day.
Our in-home dog sitting is designed as a genuine kennels alternative, built around your dog’s routine rather than ours.
Led by Derek Collinson, K9 Time brings over 25 years of hands-on pet care experience to every visit. Derek is fully insured, DBS checked, and trained in dog first aid, so you can leave knowing your dog is in safe, capable hands.
We cover Sheffield postcodes S7, S8, S10, S11, and S17, including areas such as Dore, Millhouses, Ecclesall, Totley, and Fulwood.
Why In-Home Dog Sitting Works Better For Many Dogs In Sheffield
Leaving your dog while you travel can be one of the most stressful parts of any trip. The type of care you choose makes a significant difference to how your dog copes in your absence.
A Calm Alternative To Dog Boarding And Kennels
Traditional kennels and dog boarding facilities place dogs in unfamiliar environments, often surrounded by the noise and smell of other animals. Many dogs find this overwhelming, particularly those who are sensitive, elderly, or used to a quiet home. In-home care removes that pressure entirely.
With K9 Time, your dog stays exactly where they feel safest: at home.
Keeping Your Dog In Their Normal Routine
Dogs thrive on consistency. Disrupting feeding times, sleep patterns, and exercise schedules can cause anxiety even in otherwise settled dogs. Our visits are scheduled around your dog’s existing routine, maintaining the same rhythm they follow when you are there.
This continuity supports your dog’s wellbeing and means they are calm and content by the time you return.
A Better Fit For Dogs Who Prefer One-To-One Care
Not every dog thrives in a busy kennel or group setting. If your dog is nervous, reactive, or simply doesn’t want to share their space with other animals, in-home sitting is the perfect solution. I have extensive experience building solid relationships with dogs of all temperaments, taking the time to understand their specific needs so they feel completely safe and secure
Every K9 Time visit is one-to-one, focused entirely on your dog.
Dog Sitting Visits, Schedule And Pricing
What Is Included In Each Visit
Each dog sitting visit is tailored to your dog’s individual needs. Visits can include:
- A walk (where appropriate)
- Feeding and fresh water
- Playtime and cuddles
- General attention and companionship
- Home security tasks such as collecting mail and watering plants
Photos and videos are shared after every visit through a free mobile app, so you always know how your dog is doing.
Typical Four-Visit Daily Routine
For owners who are away for the day or overnight, we recommend four visits to keep your dog comfortable and cared for throughout the day. The typical schedule runs as follows:
| Visit | Time | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Early Morning | 7:00 am | Morning feed, toilet break, settle |
| Midday | 11:00 am | Walk, play, check-in |
| Afternoon | 3:00 pm | Feed, attention, refresh water |
| Evening Tuck-In | 9:00 pm | Final check, settle for the night |
This structure keeps your dog from spending long stretches alone and maintains the rhythm of a normal day.
Why Your Dog Will Love Staying Home
I don’t just pop in to fill a water bowl; I spend time giving cuddles, playing, and building a relationship with your dog. I’m incredibly proud that owners tell me their dogs ‘go bananas’ or get ‘visibly excited’ when my car pulls up. Even dogs that are anxious or ‘woofy’ around strangers quickly learn that my visits mean fun, affection, and their favourite routines.
Dog Sitting Prices
| Visit Length | Price |
|---|---|
| 30 minutes | £20 |
| 1 hour | £26 |
To find out which visit length suits your dog best, or to book a free 30-minute meet and greet with no obligation, get in touch with Derek at K9 Time directly. Contact details are available at k9time.co.uk.
What You Can Expect From K9 Time
Walks, Feeding, Fresh Water And Playtime
Every visit is built around what your dog actually needs that day. Where a walk is appropriate, Derek will take your dog out as part of the visit. Feeding, fresh water, and bowl cleaning are all included, alongside playtime and plenty of attention so your dog feels genuinely cared for rather than simply checked on.
Photo, Video And App Updates (For Total Peace of Mind)
I know that when you’re away, you want to know your dog is happy. Every visit includes photo and video updates shared through a dedicated free mobile app. Whether you’re at work or away for a family wedding, these updates are designed to give you 100% peace of mind. As one client shared, seeing how happy their pooch is while they’re not around lets them fully relax.
Updates are prompt and consistent, not an afterthought.
Home Security Support While You Are Away
Regular visits to your property have a practical benefit beyond pet care. A home that has regular activity looks lived in, which supports basic security. During visits, Derek can collect post, water plants, and take out rubbish as needed. These small tasks make a real difference when you are away for several days.
Why Pet Owners Trust Derek Collinson
25 Plus Years Of Pet Care Experience
Derek Collinson has been working with dogs and other pets for over 25 years. That depth of experience means he knows how to read a dog’s mood, adapt to individual needs, and respond appropriately in a range of situations. Owners across Sheffield trust K9 Time precisely because Derek’s background speaks for itself.
DBS Checked, Insured And Dog First Aid Trained
K9 Time is fully insured and police checked. Derek holds a current DBS check and has completed formal training in dog first aid. These credentials are not just badges; they represent a genuine commitment to professional, responsible pet care.
You can be confident your dog is in safe hands every single visit.
Free 30-Minute Meet And Greet Before You Start
Before any booking is confirmed, Derek offers a free 30-minute meet and greet with no obligation. This gives you the chance to introduce your dog, discuss their needs, ask questions, and make sure the fit feels right. It also gives your dog the chance to meet Derek in a relaxed, familiar setting before any sitting begins.
Areas K9 Time Covers Across Sheffield
Postcodes Served
K9 Time provides dog sitting across the following Sheffield postcodes:
- S7
- S8
- S10
- S11
- S17
Popular Neighbourhoods Covered
Within those postcodes, we regularly visit dogs across a wide range of Sheffield neighbourhoods, including:
- Abbeydale, Beauchief, Bents Green, Bradway, Brincliffe
- Broomhall, Broomhill, Carterknowle, Crookes, Crosspool
- Dore, Ecclesall, Endcliffe, Fulwood, Greenhill
- Greystones, High Storrs, Hunter’s Bar, Lodge Moor, Millhouses
- Nether Green, Nether Edge, Ranmoor, Ringinglow
- Sharrow Vale, Totley, Whirlow
Checking Availability In Your Area
If you are not sure whether we cover your part of Sheffield, the simplest thing to do is get in touch. Derek is happy to have a friendly, no-obligation chat about your dog’s needs and confirm whether your postcode falls within our service area. Visit k9time.co.uk to make contact and arrange your free meet and greet.
Related Pet Care Services From K9 Time
Solo Dog Walking For Regular Exercise
For dogs who need regular daily exercise, K9 Time offers solo, one-to-one dog walks tailored to your dog’s energy level and behaviour. Walks are GPS-tracked, and you receive a full walk report with photos and videos via the app. Walks are available in 30-minute (£20) or one-hour (£26) slots.
Puppy Sitting For Young Dogs Up To 16 Weeks
Young puppies need frequent attention, toilet breaks, and gentle stimulation during the early weeks. Our puppy sitting service provides in-home visits tailored to your puppy’s routine, including feeding, playtime, and lots of care. Suitable for puppies up to 16 weeks, visits start from £14 for 15 minutes.
Cat Sitting Visits At Home
Cats tend to prefer staying in their own territory when their owners are away. Our in-home cat sitting visits cover feeding, fresh water, litter tray care, playtime, and plenty of attention. Visits are priced from £14 for 15 minutes or £20 for a 30-minute visit, with photo and video updates included.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I expect to pay for a dog sitter per day?
K9 Time charges £20 per 30-minute visit or £26 per one-hour visit. For a full day of care using the typical four-visit schedule, the total will depend on the length of visits chosen for each call.
Do you offer overnight dog sitting, and what does it include?
K9 Time provides in-home dog sitting visits rather than overnight stays, with the evening tuck-in visit scheduled at 9:00 pm as the final check of the day. This four-visit daily structure ensures your dog is well cared for throughout the day and settled for the night without needing an overnight sitter present.
What’s the difference between dog sitting, home boarding and kennel boarding?
Dog sitting with K9 Time means a professional visits your dog in your own home, keeping them in familiar surroundings with their normal routine intact. Home boarding involves your dog staying in someone else’s house, and kennel boarding places your dog in a commercial facility with other animals. In-home sitting is generally the least disruptive option for dogs who are settled at home.
How do you handle dogs with separation anxiety or special medical needs?
Derek’s 25 plus years of experience means he is well placed to support dogs with anxiety, behavioural sensitivities, or specific routines. During the free meet and greet, you can discuss your dog’s needs in detail so visits are structured appropriately from the very first call.
Are meet-and-greets available before booking, and how do they work?
Yes. K9 Time offers a free 30-minute meet and greet with no obligation before any booking is confirmed. Derek visits your home, meets your dog, and talks through your requirements so that care is properly tailored before sitting begins.
What happens if my travel plans change and I need to cancel or extend the booking?
The best course of action is to contact Derek directly as soon as your plans change. Discussing any adjustments or cancellations directly with K9 Time allows arrangements to be updated promptly and ensures your dog’s care schedule reflects your actual itinerary. You can reach Derek through k9time.co.uk.
Looking for other local pet professionals? Check out our guide to the Best Dog Groomers in Sheffield.
Why Choose In-Home Sitting?
Kennels can be stressful. My service ensures your dog maintains their routine, comfort, and
happiness. Plus, your home stays secure while you’re gone.
Stress-Free Comfort
Your dog stays in their own bed, with their own smells and toys. No pining, no kennel stress, just home comforts.
Home Security
I check in throughout the day, pick up mail, water plants, and ensure your home looks lived-in and secure.
Consistent Routine
Walks, feeding, and playtimes happen on your schedule. No disruption to your dog’s daily habits.
EXCELLENT Based on 26 reviews Posted on Nick AddisonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Derek has looked after our dog for us a couple of times now and he is our go-to person for walking, feeding and company for Scooby. He can always be relied on to arrive at the scheduled times, sending photos, videos and short notes every time which have been a huge comfort while we have been away. Highly recommended
Owner's reply
Thank you Nick for taking the time to write a review about my dog walking services - I appreciate it. Scooby is a truly unique dog with a unique and endearing personality. I'm constantly amazed by how he negotiates life with such joy and enthusiasm and a love of all people and dogs. Then when you take into account that he's deaf - you realise that he truly has a wonderful indomitable spirit and serves as an example to we mere humans as to how to enjoy life in the face of adversity. Oh and I almost forgot to say that I noticed whilst on my walks with him that he has another ability - to make people smile! Who wouldn't love a dog like Scooby!?Posted on Maddy MacdonaldTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Theo, our lively cavapoo loves Derek! We have never had a dog walker before and didn't want Theo to be 'just one of many' on walks with multiple dogs. Derek came to meet Theo first at home which was great and helped us feel more confident. He is always very responsive and has helped us out last minute at times. The K9 app works really well for booking and reports on the walks too. Cannot recommend highly enough
Owner's reply
Thank you Maddy for your appreciation of my dog walking service and in particular caring for Theo, your gorgeous Cavapoo. You could say Theo is a great crowd pleaser when I take him for our walks in the Botanical Gardens. It's wonderful to see peoples' faces light up with broad smiles when they see Theo coming towards them - such is his remarkable presence and his joie de vivre - so infectious! I have no doubt that much of his joy stems from the way you and Mike have treated him since you became his proud pet parents! For my part I just adore him and always look forward to our walks together.Posted on Grace QuantTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Derek is so kind and caring and really takes his time with my nervous dog. I would highly recommend his service
Owner's reply
Thank you Grace. I hadn't looked after a Shih-Poo before although I had cared for one of your neighbour's Cavapoos-Theo. Bella was a little bit shy on our first meeting though she quickly responded to my massages everytime I arrived to take her for a walk to the Botanical Gardens. I love that she always seems to know its me entering your home and just lies there on her back waiting for my cuddles. I really look forward to going on walks with her and letting her sniff her way round the Botanical Gardens. The fact that Bella is so loving and affectionate is a tribute to the way you and your partner love and care for her and I am delighted and feel very proud that you have chosen me to look after her.Posted on Jennifer HendersonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Derek has walked both my rescue dogs, the most recent arriving just over a week ago. He's been invaluable in helping my new little one settle in with gentle walkies and kindness - even dealing with house training accidents.
Owner's reply
Thank you Jennifer. Of course I'm delighted Josh loves me especially since the feeling is mutual. Bearing in mind his background it's truly remarkable that Josh can love. Josh personifies the old adage that love conquers all and I feel sure that the love you have given him has enabled Josh to become the adorable and loving Cocker Spaniel he now is. Josh is a joy to walk and always gives me such a warm welcome with his twirls and fetching me his toy - a truly amazing and loving dog.Posted on Anne DargueTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Derek is reliable and trustworthy . Easy to book and pay online. Takes great care of our dog both with cuddles, walks, feeding and toileting. Flexible with timings of visits whether it's a lunch time walk while I'm at work or away for the whole day for a family wedding. Our dog loves his time with Derek and we can relax knowing he's in safe hands. One on one care from Derek since he's been a puppy. Derek takes and shares many great photos and videos so I can see how happy my pooch is while I'm not around. Derek is very experienced - would recommend for any age of dog.
Owner's reply
Thank you so much Anne for trusting me to look after Ridley. I had never met a Miniature Labradoodle before and was excited to meet him. I was absolutely bowled over by his cuter than cute appearance and endearing behaviour. Of course as well as being sooo cute he's a wonderful guard dog. When I open your front door he immediately goes on guard growling and barking until he sees me then suddenly his barking stops and all he wants is love - lots of it! I find it difficult to resist taking lots of pictures and videos of him at home and as we walk through the nearby woods. And of course should we met anyone on our walk they fall in love with Ridley immediately. I always find you a pleasure to deal with and look forward to going on many more walks with the ridiculously handsome Ridley!Posted on JacTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 100% reliable. My doodle is visibly excited as soon as Derek arrives. Even if I am at home, my dog happily trots off for his walk with Derek. He’s also a fountain of knowledge and ideas. Would highly recommend.
Owner's reply
Thank you Jacqui. I can't tell you how much I look forward to going on walks with Bolt, your loving and always smiling Goldendoodle. Bolt is a peculiar dog in the nicest possible way. For instance he's the only dog I walk that bears his teeth at me when I arrive to take him out. I quickly realised that unlike other dogs that bear their teeth aggressively Bolt was mimicking me smiling at him because I am always so pleased to see him. Then after smiling at me he promptly lies on his back on your pouffe for his 5 minute massage before we set of on another quest to find people and dogs - such is his insatiable appetite for making new friends. Should a car pull up Bolt is always there waiting to greet the occupants as they get out of the car! Bolt's owner, Jacqui is a joy to deal with and as you'd expect has a great sense of humour just like Bolt!Posted on Jan WrightTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service from Derek. We got regular updates and lovely videos of our cat Minnie. Derek is caring and spends time fussing over Minnie who clearly loved it! Highly recommend.
Owner's reply
Thank you Jan for your kind words. Minnie is a really affectionate and beautiful cat and after I've fed and watered her and cleaned her litter I like nothing better than to invite her to lie on my chest and stroke her. Judging by her contented purrs she really appreciates this and I'm pleased that I can bring her some comfort whilst you're on holiday.Posted on Erica BradleyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I met Derek whilst out walking my elderly dog & it was obvious he cares a lot about dogs & is very knowledgeable. He has since taken my dog out for walks and is very reliable & trustworthy. He always sends pictures and communicates promptly. Would not hesitate to recommend him. Erica
Owner's reply
Thank you Erica for your appreciation. Tess is a sweet little Puggle and she always gives me such a warm welcome when I arrive at your home to collect her. It's a pleasure to take her for walks.Posted on ank mTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Derek is pleasant,very reliable and also receptive to short notice requests, which is very helpful indeed. Alma,our cocker, really likes him. Thank you, Derek
Owner's reply
Thank you Anka for trusting me to take Alma for walks. It's a real pleasure walking Alma. She is such a sweet natured Cocker Spaniel. And I always look forward to receiving a warm welcome from her when I arrive to take her for her walk.Posted on Helen TaylorTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Derek provides an excellent, caring service and clearly loves animals. My 2 dogs have very different walking styles and one can be dog reactive at times. Derek did an initial visit to meet the dogs and learn all about them, which was very reassuring. I felt very confident that he understood their needs and would be able to manage them in a caring and competent manner. Both dogs were very pleased to see him each morning for their walks and he sent photos and videos showing the great time they were having. I can certainly recommend him to anyone needing help with their pets!
Owner's reply
Thank you Helen for taking the time to review my service. For my part it was a pleasure meeting you and walking your 2 beautiful dogs - Bruin and Oscar and I look forward to seeing them again when you next need my services.Showing our latest reviewsVerified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
A Typical Day for Your Dog
Regular Visits
Typically 4 visits per day: Early Morning (7am), Midday (11am), Afternoon (3pm), and Evening Tuck-in (9pm).
Active Engagement
Each visit includes walks, playtime, feeding, fresh water, and lots of cuddles and attention.
Peace of Mind Updates
Receive real-time updates, photos, and video clips after every visit via our app.
Everything Included
- Individual Care (No Packs)
- Visit Report+GPS Tracking
- Video Clips & Photos
- Feeding & Fresh Water
- Medication Administration
- Certified Reiki Master
- CPD Accredited First Aider
- DBS Checked
- Free App
- Litter/Waste Cleaning
- Home Security Checks
- Fully Insured
Simple, Transparent Pricing
STANDARD RATE
£26 / hour
or £20 per half hour visit
Additional Dogs
50% off (max 2)
Weekends / Out of Hours
+50%
Public Holidays
+100%
Ready to get started?
I always start with a free, no obligation meet and greet to get to know
you and your dog