02/07/2025
🌿🐾 Meet the Face Behind The Crate Escape 🐾🌿
Hi, I’m Gemma, the human behind The Crate Escape, and the one you’ll usually spot with muddy boots, soaking hair and the happiest dogs in tow 😆
I offer solo dog walks, training walks, adventure hikes (2+ hours), puppy playtime, cat drop-ins, home and pet sitting, enrichment visits, and even “Girls Afternoons In” perfect for those girls who are in season but would still like some enrichment, training or just a chill out indoors… Every service is designed around your pet, not a one size fits all approach, because they deserve better than that.
📍 Based in South Sheffield, I also cover Dronfield and Chesterfield — with a service built on patience, trust, and a lot of fun!!
Working with animals isn’t just my job, it’s been my entire world for the last 10 years. I’ve worked in kennels, rescue centres, doggy daycares, training facilities, and supported dogs with behaviour challenges out on walks. Wether that’s reactive dogs or just those frightened of the world, Every role has taught me something new and shaped the way I work now, quietly confident, calm, dog focused and always kind.
I launched The Crate Escape to create something of my own. To offer the sort of support I always wished more dogs had access to. It’s not been an easy ride…slow at times, hard at times, but I’m finally in a place where it just fits. And honestly? That’s thanks to the amazing people and incredible dogs I have the privilege of walking beside. 🐾
My love for the entire dog world properly began with a cheeky, high on life little collie called Shadow, who came into my life over 10 years ago and quite literally changed everything. He was my shadow (pun intended), my teacher, and the reason I fell headfirst into the world of dogs.
I realised then that I didn’t just want to exist alongside our dogs, I wanted to understand them, support them, and help them feel safe in a world that doesn’t always make sense to them.
So, I studied. I completed courses in animal behaviour and welfare, and now I’m almost finished with my Level 3 AIM qualification in dog training & behaviour. I’m also fully insured, DBS checked, and canine first aid trained, because knowing how to keep your dog safe and well isn’t optional, it’s essential.
My own life is shared with three crazy Border Collies, who are ball obsessed, hilarious and my absolute pride and joy. We compete in flyball (naturally) and when we’re not racing around flyball lanes, we’re off on whatever adventures take our fancy!
Rain, mud, wind? Bring it on… I actually love it. If your dog needs an outlet but you’d rather not get caught in a downpour, I’ve got you covered. And when the weather really isn’t it, I offer chilled out enrichment visits indoors to keep their brains busy.
I’ve built The Crate Escape to be safe, kind, flexible, and fun. Whether you’ve got a nervous rescue, a bouncy pup, or a golden oldie, I’ll meet them where they’re at, and give them the care and consistency they need to thrive.
Thank you for being here, and for trusting me with your dogs. If you’re new to the gang, come say hi, I’d love to meet you (and more importantly, your best mate 🐕).
