Housecarers interviews a successful housesitter - who lines up housesits across New Zealand

"I'd like to thank HouseCarers.com for the most amazing year. You have enabled me to travel around New Zealand, doing what I love, looking after
people's pets whilst they take a carefree holiday.

A match made in Heaven. Thank you... Sue (icare88)
View profile for sitter icare88

Housecarers
"Hi Sue Great news about the housesits. It is always good to hear stories like yours.
Where have the housesits been = locations?"

Sue (icare88)
Hi Ian
Housesits since last October

"Kaukapakapa, Auckland
St Johns, Auckland
Kumeu, Auckland
Havelock North, Hawkes Bay
Stillwater, Auckland
Christchurch
Makarau, Auckland
Lake Tekapo - Till August
Blenheim - In August" Regards Sue

Housecarers
"Hi Sue,

Wow - that is very impressive.
Do you have any tips for successfully applying for
a housesit? regards Ian"

Sue (icare88)
"Hi Ian

Well, I have actually only been 'unsuccessful' with about 5 applications.
The first I never heard back from (which was rather rude), the second accepted me but gave the position to someone else without telling me - so I was very grateful not to be going there! The others were not happy about me taking my dog Dante with me - so that was OK.

When I am applying for a job, I try to read between the lines for what the owner is looking for. Mostly, I believe my success is due my love of animals. Dog lovers want someone who will take care of their dogs like they are their own, they are like their children and they really worry about them. So I make the animals my priority. I have also built a reputation for looking after the properties and leaving them in immaculate condition. And I have built up my references with contact numbers so that owners can call and check them out. I know that helps. However, I do have an attitude of trusting that I will be in the right place at the right time and I have been pretty flexible about travelling. I get a gut feeling for the places I want to apply for and only apply for the ones that feel right.

I hope that helps.

Regards
Sue"

View profile for House sitter icare88

More tips for house sitters

Yet More tips from a successful house sitter

Rotorua, New Zealand Homeowner finds housesitter for fourth year in a row - for 4 month housesits

"This is the third time I have used this service, we go overseas for 4 months every year and I have been more than satisfied each
time with the house sitters we have had from this site. This year I have returned to a very happy cat, a well cared for house and garden.

This site takes all the hassle out of the whole
experience. Thankyou so much. I will continue to use this site in the years to come. ... kiwidane

View housesit posting for kiwidane, Rotoua, North Island New Zealand

We require a live in housesitter to take care of our lovely Burmese cat ,garden, indoor plants and our peaceful lakeside home situated 5 mins from the city centre whilst we are overseas