Hello, I’m Katie
I set up so my community would have someone to call for the little things as much as the big ones.
Why I started this
Have you ever wished there were two of you? Felt like there just aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done? Or found yourself thinking, “I just need a helping hand.” I know that feeling all too well.
My partner, Josh, and I moved here from down south in 2025, leaving behind our family and friends to start a new chapter. It didn’t take long before we realised how challenging it can be to juggle work, home life and all those everyday jobs that never seem to end.
For someone who’s always had dogs, our home wasn’t complete without a four-legged friend, so we welcomed our Cockapoo, Ralph or “Wreck-It Ralph,” as we call him! If you live in the village, there’s a good chance you’ve already met him.
As for me? I’m Katie Ralph’s mum, full-time poo picker, tennis ball thrower, treat dispenser, and expert at retrieving all sorts of mystery objects from his mouth, mainly socks. He keeps us laughing every single day.
Like many cockapoos, Ralph has always struggled with separation anxiety so finding someone we trusted to care for him when we needed to work wasn’t easy.
At the same time, we found ourselves struggling to fit in everyday tasks around work and family life. Whether it was getting the shopping done, feeding the fish while we were away, or simply ticking off the jobs on an ever-growing to-do list.I hated feeling like I had no options andwe soon realised how valuable a reliable helping hand would be.
That’s what inspired me to create Home & Hounds.
My goal is simple: to make life a little easier for people in our community. Whether it’s caring for your pets, running errands, helping around the home, preparing a meal, or simply popping in for a friendly chat over a cup of tea, I’m here to help. No job is too small, and every client is treated with the same care, respect and reliability that I’d want for my own family and fury friends.
I hope Home & Hounds becomes someone you can rely on and trust. I look forward to meeting you – and, of course, your pets too!
Someone who won’t judge you
Loneliness turns up in places people don’t expect
a school child with no one to sit with at break, someone living alone whose days have gone very quiet, a new parent who hasn’t spoken to an adult since Tuesday.
If you’d like an hour out of the house, a walk with someone who won’t judge you, or simply a cup of tea and a proper conversation on a low day, that’s a perfectly good reason to call me. It counts every bit as much as the shopping.
How I work
Fully
insured
Your home, your pets and your peace of mind are properly covered. Documents available on request.
I love
animals
Genuinely. Your pet gets the same patience, fuss and care I’d give my own — not a rushed twenty minutes.
Every job
personalised
We talk it through before anything is booked, so what I do is shaped around you — not a template.
Flexible
& local
One-off or every week, mornings or evenings. Barnetby le Wold and the villages around it.
A note on trust
I know I’m asking to be let into your home and trusted with the people and animals you care about. I’m happy to meet first with no commitment, to have a chat and provide my insurance details. Take your time, there’s no pressure from me.
Shall we have a chat?
Tell me a bit about what would help, and we’ll work out the rest together.