The story behind Sue's Pet Care
Sue has loved animals for as long as she can remember. Growing up with dogs and cats, then horses through her teens - including a fabulous ex-racehorse called Parker - animals have always been at the centre of her life. These days her home is run (lovingly) by six cats, several of whom started as foster cats through her volunteer work with Animal Rescue Volunteers. When people ask why she started a pet care business, the honest answer is: she couldn't imagine doing anything else. Since founding Sue's Pet Care in 2012, she's built a team of some of the kindest, most reliable people she knows - and it's their care and consistency that keeps clients coming back.
At Sue's Pet Care, every pet is matched with a dedicated key worker - someone who gets to know them properly before the first visit, walk or stay. Animals thrive on familiarity, and a consistent face makes a genuine difference, especially for nervous pets or those with specific needs. Every pet also has a deputy key worker, so there's always a familiar face available - whatever comes up.
Meet the team
Sue
I've loved animals for as long as I can remember – dogs and cats growing up, horses in my teens, and these days six cats who run the house. I founded Sue's Pet Care in 2012 with a simple promise: your pet deserves the best. What started as just me walking dogs in Tamworth has grown into a trusted team across South Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Lichfield and Sutton Coldfield – but that promise hasn't changed one bit.
Claire
Claire has been part of Sue's team for over six years and brings a calm, confident approach to every animal she cares for. A lifelong animal lover with experience across a wide range of pets – from rescue dogs to chickens – she treats every visit as a chance to give genuine care, enrichment and attention. Her own rescue dog Ruby keeps her grounded in what matters most. Claire holds a Pet First Aid qualification and covers all services except horses and overnight stays.
Tracey
Tracey has a natural way with animals and a genuine love for getting to know each pet's individual personality. With a lifetime of caring for dogs, cats, rabbits and fish, she brings warmth, reliability and real affection to every visit. She's been part of Sue's team since February 2022 and holds a Pet First Aid qualification. Her spaniel Bibi keeps her on her toes at home - and reminds her every day why she loves what she does.
Erica
I've been part of Sue's team for over four years and still love every minute of it. I'm a qualified dog trainer, which gives me a solid understanding of canine behaviour – especially for nervous, anxious or fearful dogs. Caring for my nine-year-old Labrador Poppy, who has her own health challenges, has deepened that empathy further. I'm passionate about dog wellbeing and treat every dog in my care with the same love and dedication I give my own.
Julie
Hi, I'm Julie, and I'm living my best life as a dog walker and cat sitter. I grew up with whippets, and now share my home with five Norwegian Forest cats and a husband who's devoted to his koi. I joined Sue's Swadlincote team in February 2026 after my friends – who know I've walked 26 miles in a single day – told me dog walking was obviously my calling. They weren't wrong. I'm fully insured, DBS checked and genuinely love every dog I meet.
Rebecca
Hi, I'm Rebecca — proudly the team's crazy cat lady, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I spent years as a teacher before following my real passion, and I originally met Sue as a client. My cat Sam was diabetic, so I have first-hand experience supporting cats with complex health needs and understand the extra care they require. Every cat I look after gets individual attention tailored to their personality and routine — whether they're a bolshy ginger or a timid tabby who needs a little more time.
Kirsty
Hi, I'm Kirsty - based in Lichfield with my husband and our retired racing greyhound Simba. (The photo is of my beloved Cody, who has since crossed the rainbow bridge – always in my heart.) I'm relatively new to the team but passionate about animal welfare and dedicated to giving every dog the individual attention, exercise and enrichment they deserve. I hold a Pet First Aid qualification and a DBS, and I'm committed to making every walk safe, rewarding and genuinely enjoyable.
Julie
Hi, I'm Julie. A couple of years ago I took early retirement from a long career in HR and haven't looked back. I adore animals – dogs especially – so when Claire asked if I'd like to join Sue's team, I jumped at the chance. I'm still getting to know everyone's pets, but my approach is simple: lots of love, fuss and individual attention, and treating every dog as if it were my own. My cavapoo Fred approves of the career change.
Rachael
Hi, I'm Rachael, I've been part of Sue's team since October 2025, mainly caring for cats with the occasional dog walk thrown in – usually in whatever the British weather decides to offer. I've worked professionally with animals for around ten years, starting in catteries and rescue centres, and I currently volunteer as a cat cuddler at a local rescue in my spare time. At home I have three cats (Lewis, Tatts and Garfy) and two dogs (Bella and Rosie). Animals have always been central to my life – this job just makes it official.
Lindsay
Hi, I'm Lindsay. After 32 years with Leicestershire Police, I decided it was time for a slower pace – and joining Sue's Swadlincote team in January 2025 turned out to be the best decision I've made. I grew up surrounded by animals of all kinds and now have two apricot cockapoos, Orla and Lottie, who keep life lively. Every morning I look forward to walking our clients' dogs, and I take real pride in keeping them safe, happy and well-cared for – just as I would my own.
Shelley
Hi, I'm Shelley, I was the kid with bugs in a jam jar, and some things never change. A genuine love of animals (some might call it an obsession) brought me to Sue's team after 30 years in the police force. I've had horses of my own since I was 14, and my adventures have taken me as far as a wildlife sanctuary in Namibia. meeting incredible animals including Cheetahs. I can't wait to get to know you and your pets.
Our team of trusted pet carers
Every member of our team is carefully matched to you and your pet - so from your very first visit, there's already a familiar face at the door.
At Sue's Pet Care, every pet is matched with a dedicated key worker - someone who gets to know them properly before the first visit, walk or stay. Animals thrive on familiarity, and a consistent face makes a genuine difference, especially for nervous pets or those with specific needs. Every pet also has a deputy key worker, so there's always a familiar face available - whatever comes up.