Keeping Tails Wagging and Whiskers Twitching
Our story
Welcome to Jay Jay's Smallholding Sitting! I'm Jo, and my journey with animals began when I was just 7 when I started riding, At 13 I saved enough to buy my first pony. Since then, my life has always been surrounded by a beloved menagerie including cats, dogs, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, and horses. My deep-rooted passion for animals extends beyond just companionship; it has been the cornerstone of my career.
For the past several years, I've worked as a nurse, but my true calling has always been with animals. My significant experience includes roles as a veterinary nurse and as a groom and instructor. Despite years of experience, I continue to enhance my knowledge through regular training in animal husbandry and first aid, ensuring I am never complacent.
A love for animals
My personal life has also been deeply entwined with caring for animals. I am a mother of two wonderful grown children, whom I taught to ride and care for horses. I've also faced challenges such as rescuing a foal who was not expected to survive. Against all odds, and through diligent care, this foal has thrived and enjoyed a remarkable ridden career.
Professionally, I have contributed to small studs, riding schools, and livery yards. My experience even includes working alongside farm vets and specializing in small animal and exotic pet care. Currently, I am further expanding my expertise with multiple courses focused on farm animals and assisting friends with their smallholdings.
At Jay Jay's Smallholding Sitting, my extensive background and ongoing education fuel my dedication to providing the best care for your animals.
Qualifications & Experience
I hold a Pet First Aid certificate and an Alpaca Husbandry certificate, underscoring my commitment to animal welfare and care. To further enhance my expertise, I am scheduled to acquire additional certifications in the near future, including Horse Loading, Cattle Husbandry, Sheep Husbandry and Lambing, Pig Husbandry, and an Introduction to Smallholding. These courses will expand my capabilities in managing and caring for a diverse range of farm animals. I also hold a BHSAI certificate.
Additionally, I maintain an up-to-date Enhanced DBS certificate, ensuring that I meet the highest standards of safety and trustworthiness.
My extensive experience in animal care includes positions as a groom and riding instructor, and work at livery yards, small studs, and riding schools. I have also practiced veterinary nursing for small animals and exotic pets, providing me with a broad base of medical and practical knowledge.
Moreover, I have hands-on experience assisting with a friend's smallholding, where I helped manage a variety of farm animals including pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, and geese. This experience has equipped me with the practical skills and understanding necessary to effectively care for and manage smallholding environments.
At Jay Jay's Smallholding Sitting, I bring all this experience and knowledge together to offer reliable, comprehensive care for your animals and property.
“Jay Jay's Smallholding Sitting transformed our experience of leaving our small farm when traveling. Her attention to detail and genuine affection for our animals gave us peace of mind. We returned to happy, well-cared-for animals every time. Highly recommend!.”
- Janine S, North Wales