Hi there!
Alannah and Martin are lifelong dog lovers with a background in animal rescue and a genuine interest in dog behaviour and training. We bring experience from fostering all sorts of dogs, including those who need extra patience, comfort, and support. We are lucky enough to live right by the river and the mountain trails and to spend as much time outside as possible with our dog Deedee.
🐾 🐶 Specialties 🐶 🐾
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Rescue dogs
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Anxious, shy, or timid dogs
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Dogs who need a calm environment
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Active dogs
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Senior dogs
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Blind or deaf dogs
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Small dogs and big dogs
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Puppies
About Us
Alannah
Here’s a little about me and why I started Bub’s Haven! Since I was a kid, neighbours have been asking me to help out with feeding the cat, walking the dog, and then dog sitting once I was older. I think they knew that I was animal-obsessed, and that would be the correct term for it. I was the six year old who said I wanted to be a vet when I grew up, and I've always been the friend at the party who’s in the corner petting the dog. A secret horse girl on the inside. The one who dreams of owning a piece of land where I can be surrounded by animals at all times.
Luckily we've had many family dogs of our own too, ranging from big to small, deaf or blind. A Duck Toller, Brittany Spaniel, three Maltipoos (one even had seven puppies), and two Havanese.
As an adult, I still don’t have that big piece of land filled with animals yet, but I've been able to do another important thing that brings me joy, fostering dogs and helping animal rescue organizations as much as I can.
Naturally, starting a pet sitting business seemed like a given, since all I seem to want to do is take care of and spend time with animals! And somehow my Cognitive Science PhD and Education MA have come in handy in all of this too. The combination of knowledge about reward and conditioning, animal models of cognition, and learning has only helped in my understanding of animal behaviour.
Deedee
This is our resident dog named Deedee (she also goes by Doots, Oots, and Udi). Deedee is a Labrador Coon Hound mix who loves all dogs big and small. When she was 11 months old, she had her first foster gig: two 8-week old puppies. She let them climb all over her and would even let them win at tug-of-war. Her favourite thing to do is nuzzle and kiss her furry guests, but also understands when they need space. She will happily leave guests alone until they invite her to interact, something our past foster dogs have appreciated while they decompress. We're grateful she's a calm and confident role model for guests who are more on the anxious side (foster dog Sophie, I'm looking at you).
Martin
Martin grew up in the countryside of France with an outdoorsy dog-loving family who always had border collie mixes and the occasional cat around too. His experience with high energy dogs means he is always game for long walks and hikes, if that's what our guests request. But fear not, sleepy lap dogs. He is just as happy to have an arm around you on the couch as well.
Pet Care Services
Check availability
New Client Welcome Offer ☀️
Save 20% on the first stay (up to 3 nights)
Nail Care Training
Nail Maintenance Training for Anxious Dogs
This service is for dogs who are anxious, scared, jumpy or suspicious whenever the nail trimmers or dremel tool come out. This training is also for people who wish to avoid having their dogs develop this reaction after having too many negative experiences.
Having a rescue dog and fosters who have needed extra patience and time, Alannah is experienced with helping the most suspicious of dogs learn to relax when it comes time for grooming.
Owners have the choice to learn the training and continue it after the initial training session(s), or have regular home visits and continued training/maintenance sessions from Alannah. Please email YourBubsHaven@gmail.com for more information.
Book a Meet & Greet
Before your dog's stay, get peace of mind by booking a free meet and greet to make sure we pass the vibe check with your furry friend!
Please send us an email at YourBubsHaven@gmail.com to book. We look forward to hearing from you!
Testimonials
"Cooper loves his time with Alannah and Martin! They have such a calming energy with dogs and it reflects on their own dog, DD who is such a sweety! We love receiving photos and updates! It’s also so nice to know that Cooper gets out for trail walks and beach visits! He’s living the life when he stays with them! We highly recommend using their services !!"
- Lara & Cooper 🐶 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I couldn't recommend Bub's Haven enough!! They took care of our dog, Crash, for two weeks while we were away on holiday. Before finding Bub's Haven, we were worried about finding the right sitter for Crash. Upon confirming with Alannah, we were immediately relieved as we could tell it was a good fit for our dog. Alannah sent us daily updates of Crash playing and having a good time on the local trails and in their apartment which made the whole experience great! I don't even think our dog missed us because he had such a great time with Alannah and Martin! We will definitely be using them again for dogsitting in the future."
- Cas & Crash 🐶 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Alannah came to cat-sit while I was away for a week. Scout is super sweet but also shy and skittish. Alannah sent regular updates and photos, and I saw how quickly Scout warmed up to her, even going belly-up and pawing at Alannah's head for food (a privilege only for the most honored). I know how much Alannah loves Scout by the way she talked about her time with her (and still does whenever she visits). She has my highest recommendation!!"
- Jen & Scout 🐱 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Alannah came to stay at our home to watch our dog and cat while we were away for the weekend. We could tell by all the pictures and when we got back home that they both loved having Alannah over. They got to sleep in the bed with her, get lots of cuddles and go on great walks. Alannah is caring, thorough, clean and professional. I would not hesitate to recommend her!"
- Liesbeth & Iro + Dorian 🐱🐶 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I was coming to Vancouver for a concert and it was hard to find a two night dog friendly priced place. I messaged Alannah and she was so excited to have Ziggy come and stay! 10/10 service pictures were sent and was always there to answer my messages over concerned on how Ziggy was doing ! Reassured every-time with a picture and video she was living her best life :)"
- Felicia & Ziggy 🐶 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I was so relieved when Alannah had availability to look after our pets when we went on a holiday - I would normally have a neighbour watch them but this time we were going to be away longer and I just wanted to be sure our pets got appropriate attention and were well taken care of. Alannah really exceeded my expectations and even sent me some photo updates while she was cuddling them! I felt a huge sense of reassurance and really trusted her. I’m excited to say I’ve booked her again for our next little getaway and highly recommend her services."
- Robin & Whiskers + Coco 🐱 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Alannah has taken care of our various pets over the years. She is always who we ask when we leave town to make sure our cat and dog are taken good care of . She sends lots of pics and we recommend her. Especially with our cat Heidi, she is good, because Heidi can be really picky."
- Nicole & Heidi 🐱 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Alannah and Martin are the best.
Patrick loves them and their awesome dog Deedee."
- Maryam & Patrick 🐶 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Alannah was amazing and sweet with my dog, she took the time to make him feel comfortable and trust her. He doesn’t like his paws touched so I can’t trim them myself but the way she does it we've learned so much!! Will be calling her again in the future!!!"
- Sarah & Tosh 🐶 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Bub's Haven Pet Sitting