Nicole

Animals have always been my world. Growing up, I was the kid known for rescuing every creature in need, and honestly, if it were up to me, I’d have a full-blown zoo by now—just ask Hazel! Though life took me into a busy career in the tech industry, which keeps me occupied Monday through Friday, my heart has always belonged to the critters.

Our own little pack is a perfect example of how diverse the needs and personalities of animals can be. Indie and Daisy, my two pomeranians, are my world but they’re also quite the feisty little duo—sometimes to their own detriment! Then there’s Reggie, our rough collie, who is my shadow. He’s a sensitive soul, and not everyone gets how highly strung he can be, but I wouldn’t have him any other way. We jokingly refer to Nala, Hazel's labX, as a predator because she's such a powerhouse. She can be a sweet baby but we have to manage her carefully. Bert, Hazel’s beardie, is our grumpy old man at 9 years old, while my dragon, Scorch, lives up to his name with his sassy attitude. Petra, our sweet and shy ball python, is a gentle girl and fascinating to observe. And lastly there's our curious little mischief of rats who really highlight just how different personalities can be between individuals of the same species.

Most of our pets are rescues or rehomes, and they’ve all got their quirks, which only makes us love them more. We know firsthand how daunting it can be to find a pet sitter you trust to truly understand your pet’s individual needs—especially with exotics and more sensitive animals. That’s one of the reasons Hazel and I created CHOC.

My experience with animals extends beyond personal care, though. I’ve had the privilege of volunteering overseas in a Spanish dog shelter, working with animals who have sadly endured the worst parts of humanity. Managing large numbers of dogs with limited support and a myriad of issues was both a careful balancing act but also one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It undoubtedly sharpened my ability to read animal body language, helping me quickly assess and respond to (or in some cases prevent) situations as they unfolded. This experience taught me not only the resilience of animals but also the importance of patience, compassion, and trust when it comes to their recovery. Additionally, during my time as a student, I completed work experience in veterinary clinics, gaining hands-on experience in animal health and welfare. These experiences have deepened my understanding of animal behavior, health, and care, and they’ve shaped the way I approach pet care today. 

CHOC isn’t just a business for us; it’s a passion project, born from our own experiences as pet parents and animal advocates. Whether it’s dogs, reptiles, or rodents, we understand the stress that comes with finding reliable care. We want to create a pet sitting service that provides pet owners with the peace of mind we always searched for. At CHOC Pet Care, we promise to do our utmost to care for every animal as if they were our own—because we honestly know how much they mean to you.

Hazel

Animals have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I spent my days helping my dad care for horses and cattle, and it didn’t take long for me to realise how much I loved being around animals. One of my first jobs was working as a foaling attendant at a local stud farm—talk about a learning experience! Those early years taught me something important: when we care for animals, we have a responsibility to give them nothing but the best standard of care.

I took that to heart and made it my mission to deepen my knowledge and skills. In 2019, I earned my QQI Level 5 in Animal Care, and I also got certified in Canine Nutrition, CPR, and First Aid. I’m a big believer that every animal, no matter how big or small, has its own personality, quirks and needs. They deserve to have all of those respected and met. My best friend, Nala, a 6-year-old LabX, is a perfect example. She keeps me on my toes every day and never lets me forget that a happy pet is a well cared for pet.

Originally from Kildare, I made the move to Birr after meeting Nicole, my partner in life (and business!). Nicole came with her own little family of animals, and we quickly realized how stressful it was to find trustworthy care for them when we wanted to travel or even just enjoy a day out. The options were either too expensive or didn’t cater to the specific needs of all our pets—especially our reptiles and rodents. It led to a lot of last-minute changes and missed plans. That’s when we knew there had to be a better way, not just for us but for other pet owners too.

So we created CHOC Pet Care, our solution to a problem we knew many others faced. If we can help make life a little easier for other pet owners locally by giving them peace of mind knowing their companions are in good hands, then we’re doing what we set out to do!