Sitters TennisNut cracks a housesit while deciding where to settle

Dear Ian,
Thank you for the quick tips. I also want to say that we are extremely pleased with your service and we have recommended Housecarers to others.We have already made several good contacts and concluded housesitting arrangements.

We are looking for others because our plans are to shift to Melbourne and possibly other states and sitting in various locations will help us find where to settle. Your constant contact with tips and destinations is a remarkable feature of your service.

Thank you,

Elliot and Claire (Sitter Username Tennisnut)

Daveanddeb reporting from 4 month Irish housesits

We are in the 4th month of a house-sit in Ireland which we got through your site. We appreciate your dedication, efforts and professionalism. We recommend HouseCarers.com to many people... sitters daveanddeb

Scorpiolady keeps in text contact with phillyqualified

We recently had phillyqualified sit for us for two weeks, looking after our rural home, 1 cat and 12 chooks. He kept in touch before we actually met (some 6 months approx with phone calls) and then came and visited us twice before coming to do the "sit". We were impressed with his friendliness and honesty and our home was very well looked after, our animals well cared for and he even weeded our vegetable patch! He kept in text contact whilst we were away which was reassuring.

We can definitely recommend him to others and hope he will be able to come and sit for us next time we go away.

Our experience is almost identical to the experience that muscrat had - see Housesitting Blog for Recent Updates > Archives>April 2007.

Scorpiolady

House sit details:

New Zealand Waikato rural area

Comfortable home in rural area on a main road (Hauraki Plains - Waikato area) but no farming work required.

We have two cats and a dozen free range chooks who need looking after so sitters must be animal lovers.

10 minutes drive from Paeroa (antique shops galore)and Ngatea (water gardens and a gem factory open to public) and Turua (tiny town but an interesting ostrich farm and a fabulous restaurant) - 20 minutes from Thames (historic gold town) and Waihi (open cast gold mine and historic town)- 45 minutes to Katikati (the mural town and a public bird zoo) and just over an hour to Auckland, Tauranga and Hamilton Cities. Under two hour drive to thermal Rotorua.

Close to the beautiful Karangahake Gorge (great bush walks). About an hour from Coromandel Township on the Peninsula (Hot Water Beach - yes! hot water bubbles from the sand - Waiau Water Gardens with activities from ages 2 - 102). References required and also a bond payable. Non-smokers please. Retirees preferred

Santa Fe pair turns house sitting into business

"The pair say they created the company after hearing horror stories from homeowners, brokers and builders about break-ins and plumbing, electrical and heating disasters."

"We have heard so many stories that are particularly unfortunate because most of them could have been averted by a regular systematic inspection of the home," said Larson. "Lauren and I knew we could bring a professional level of home management to homeowners, Realtors and builders. Our goal is to provide absolute peace of mind."

As reported in the New Mexico Business Weekly

These are also valid reasons for having a live-in housesitter to protect your valuable asset.

... Read entire story from New Mexico Business Weekly - Santa Fe pair turns house sitting into business

What Better Arrangement for All Involved but Humble House Sitting?

Graphic Designer and full time housesitter - Lesley Huntley has written some excellent first hand articles on housesitting.

Here is an excerpt:


If you are one of the many home owners that has been the victim of burglary, or you are the owner of a pet with special needs (aren’t they all), or you simply worry what will happen to your home and/or pet in your absence, you know what it is like to be unable to completely relax and enjoy your hard earned holiday.

You may have arrived home to the aftermath of irresponsible relatives who were supposed to be taking care of your home in your absence and haven’t quite lived up to their end of the bargain. You could have forked out hundreds, if not thousands for pet boarding only to be unable to stop worrying about how they are the whole time, or for them to come back different pets, perhaps even with ticks or fleas (or worse).

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Read entire article ....What Better Arrangement for All Involved but Humble House Sitting?

And more great information:


How to Become a House Sitter – in Two Easy Steps.

Retirement does not have to mean living on a limited budget

I write this for all of you retired folk out there... who love animals & have a curiosity to experience other culture's; Or perhaps to start with... to test the waters (so to speak) travel across this great country of ours, visit your favorite province or one you promised to will someday visit.

Now is your chance to enable you all to fullfill those dreams and goals... Just do it!!

Since I discovered housecarers8 years ago, it opened up a whole new way to travel saving me thousands of dollars...

Over these years I've enjoyed Home Security and Pet Companion Sitting in Greece, Costa Rica, France, England, Italy, USA, Turk & Cacois Is.
My more recent 'Sits' have been to (escape the chills of our British
Columbia climate) Hawaii, Florida and Southern California.... continued

Read Brenda Maries story in the forum

Brenda Marie (ImpeccableReferences)

Burgled twice so didn't want to leave the house unattended

"We have been burgled twice so didn't want to leave the house unattended, but previous experience with family members left us hesitant to employ their services either...."

Read entire story and more great housesitting content at the website below.

Homesafesitters available for housesitting in Christchurch New Zealand"

8 month housesit filled near Rutherglen wineriesYarrawonga NSW

"We have a house sitter thankyou for your good site it has worked well." ... beaulinga

Housesit: 8 monthes Yarrawonga = NSW Near Border town

We are requiring someone to look after our home while we travel for 8 months. Would like the garden and lawns looked after. Very close to Rutherglen wineries and also Yarrawonga and Border excellent golfing course. Beautiful Lake Mulwala is also a excellent attraction. 1 hr drive from City of Albury. Out home is in a beautiful and quite location.

Sitter found for wonderful views of Mount Maunganui - Tauranga, Bay of Plenty New Zealand

Most impressed with quality of applicants. Everybody was extremely professional. Delighted to have found this website and will certainly utilise this service again in the future. Sincere thanks... Freckles133

Housesit: Tauranga, Bay of Plenty New Zealand

We are looking for a house sitter from 6th to 28th March 2008. Free accommodation in beautiful home enjoying stunning gardens, in return for looking after our home and small dog (4 years old). Our home is 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen (all modern kitchen aids), office and large lounge. There are heat pumps either end of the house.

We have Sky TV, one in the lounge and the other in the master bedroom/ensuite. No work required in the gardens or lawns as we have a gardener who comes in to take care of both. So just sit back and enjoy the wonderful views of Mount Maunganui and the harbour entrance.

We live 8 kilometres from downtown Tauranga, and are 15 minutes from New Zealand’s best surf beach, Mount Maunganui. Tauranga offers lots to see and do including, arts, golf, gardens, fishing, walks and great dining.

Rotorua is an hour away and is famous for it’s geothermal environment, hot pools and geysers. Lots to see and do in Rotorua. There is also an excellent bus service into Tauranga that goes right past our home

Auckland NZ Homeowner keeps coming back

"A great website which has done us proud for finding someone to look after our home and pets last year and this.

Thank you very much for a great idea, a well done website and for the usefulness of your service. Keep up the good work."

Paul (paulbnz)


Housesit Auckland New Zeland:

Please note this is primarily for the dog sitting and not so much for the house sitting aspect. So this arrangement will only appeal to you if you are a true dog lover and are active and able to walk and play with our two dogs.

It would also be preferable if you were home most of the day. Our two dogs are whippets. They are medium sized who are very friendly, gentle, non aggressive and easy going. They are great company. But they are rather spoilt and very much indoor dogs who like their creature comforts, though they do also like their walks. They require daily exercise - usually a short walk in the morning and a long walk in the evening.

You must be clean living, non smoking and 100% reliable and MUST want to do this for our animals as the number one priority. You will need to take special care of our two dogs, take them for daily walks and give them plenty of attention.

Our house is a nice, comfortable bungalow in the Epsom/Royal Oak area with all mod cons. We have a pleasant, large, fenced and secure garden. We are close to an easy bus route into the city centre and about 20 minutes walk to Greenlane Clinical Centre. If you are interested or want to know more information please get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you. Thank you.

Accolades for sitter ResponsiblePlus

I recently advertised on your web stie for a housesitter for the dec/jan, I got an immediate response .

I met Jan (ResponsiblePlus) for coffee and got to know a little more about each other , decided it would be a good deal for both of us .

Jan took me to the airport the day I left, she kept in touch with me while I was overseas, looked after my two cats and home. It was a great comfort to know my pets where being looked after at home and were in such good hands.

My apartment looked lovely , fresh fruit, flowers and was very clean, Thank you Jan for a marvellous job , I am very grateful to you. I would recommend you to anyone who req'd a very reliable housesitter.

Good luck with any further jobs I would be delighted to have you housesit for me again .Thank you to housesitters, I look forward to using your services again
... Chatham

Housesit: maribyrnong Western Melbourne VIC Australia

I would like a house sitter from 16.12.2007 till 13 january 2008 have 2 cats, apartment

Sitter Grace100 lines up Canadian housesits

So far I have been successful in arranging three housesits through the website. One in Ottawa south, one in Milton, and one in St. Adele, Quebec. I am presently negotiating for one in Toronto. It has worked very well for me, and thanks for providing this excellent service.

For the Ontario housesits I replied to an ad, for the Quebec housesit the homeowner contacting me directly. Eliabeth (Grace100)

View profile for sitter Grace100

Hilton Head Island, SC USA is my winter home for over three months - maryfromtheprairie

"Hilton Head Island, SC is my winter home for over three months solely because of joining Housecarers as a Gold Member.

My husband spotted the ad put in by these wonderful folks and next thing he knew I was asking for his password to his pay pal account so we could become members. That was August 12, 2007 and by mid September, we were 'chosen' in just one week by this charming couple who are travelling on the QE II for 90 days on her last 'Round the World Cruise'. We definitely made a connection!!!

We are from western Canada and they are from southeastern United States and this was the first housesit we officially applied for through Housecarers. References from both the northern and southern hemisphere solidified the agreement.

Thanks Ian for your wonderful service ... maryfromtheprairie

View profile for maryfromtheprairie

Feline Obesity, a Danger to Your Cat

The growing epidemic of obesity in the United States isn't restricted to the human population alone, an increasing number of house cats are now mirroring their owners indulgent behaviours.

Read Full article - Feline Obesity, a Danger to Your Cat

twodogsandme Says - Too Easy!

Hi,
Too easy! In very short time found a lovely lady who is looking forward to staying with my dogs and enjoying my property while I am away.

The only difficulty was making a choice from so many obviously suitable people.

Thanks for the great service! (twodogsandme)

2 months housesit Woodbridge Tasmania (south of Hobart )

I am planning to visit my daughter who is currently living in England – exciting, except that my two mates, Lora ( a Rhodesian Ridgeback X) and Hannah (a Staffy X) can’t come along… so am hoping to find someone to keep them company for May and June, 2008.

Our home is on 15 acres in a beautiful coastal rural region of southern Tasmania with Hobart about a 45 k drive away. There is a general store, Post Office and Petrol Station in Woodbridge which is 4k from house. The house is somewhat unconventional ( straw bale and post & beam construction), has solar power (with good efficient battery charger and generator as back up).

All mod cons and slow combustion wood heating so clean, warm and comfortable living. The main house has only one bedroom and some internal steps. Adjacent is a small cabin which is used as guest room (has own shower & toilet). There is plenty of parking if you travel with a motorhome, caravan, etc.

Sited for the magnificent views and sunshine in a quiet private area, it is a place to relax, walk, enjoy the wildlife and scenery…………...and play with the dogs! I do have a garden (newly established) and you would be welcome to potter about in it but no hard work is necessary or expected. There are some chickens, but they are very low maintenance… just need to top up the feed bin and water as required and collect eggs.

My main concerns are the dogs … they are both very friendly, reasonably well trained (eg: no begging for for food is allowed!) and easy to get along with. They are used to going most places with me ( even prefer to sit in the car for hours rather than stay home). Lora is 11.5 years old and Hannah 10, so relatively mature and don’t need lots of exercise … just pats and company.

They have several ‘aunties and uncles’ in the community who are happy to take them in if you wish to take some short overnight trips. I would also be happy for you to use my car to take dogs for outings to beach, etc. There is a strong sense of community in the district so you would quickly be welcomed by my friends if you wish to socialise with the locals.

I would appreciate hearing only from folk who are prepared to stay the whole period I am away, preferably arriving a little earlier so that I can familiarise you with “the workings”. So, if you feel you would enjoy a holiday here, I look forward to hearing from you. Please don’t hesitate to ask any questions.

Brisbank homeonwer: "It takes the headache out of going away! "

Hi there,

I wanted to let you know we found a suitable couple to look after our house within a day through your site. Actually, there were several who sounded suitable.

Thanks for providing such a good service. Within a day we had had more than ten responses. It takes the headache out of going away!

Cheers,

Suzanna (Skywards)

Housesit 4 weeks March 2008 Brisbane Qld

Our comfortable house has a veranda, swimming pool and wireless internet, plus a huge library of books. There is an indoor Burmese cat, who is very affectionate, and a low maintenance Siamese fighting fish. We are looking for a responsible single person or a couple to house-sit.

The 1 Hot Travel Destination of 2008? Says Who?

United States citizens hankering to travel abroad will be disappointed in the Lonely Planet's top pick for hot travel destinations for 2008.

Read entire story - No 1 Top Travel Desitnations 2008

Sitters ibujenny leave French Mid Pyrenees Home in perfect order

Thank you for your very professional website. Our housesitters
'ibujenny' were everything we could have wished for - friendly,
experienced and charming - our home was left in perfect order.
.... Homeowers (ecurie)


View profile for sitters ibujenny

Housesit details for ecurie:

5 week Housesit Lauraet Midi Pyrenees Gers France

Require reliable house sitter to feed and care for our two cats and look after our lovely home for five weeks early October/November 2008. Large comfortable stone house (fully equipped), wood, lake, stunning views, peaceful countryside, and warm climate. We have lived here for eleven years. Interesting historical sites and bastide villages nearby. Pyrenees and Atlantic coast 2 hours drive. Nearest town with shops, markets and supermarkets 12 minutes drive. Age

Travelling Overseas - what about Vaccinations?

Your passport and visa may be sorted? But what about Vaccinations for your overseas trip? It is advisable to start planning this 6 months before your intended trip.

Read more below:
Vaccinations required for International Travel

Travelling Overseas - what about Vaccinations?

Your passport and visa may be sorted? But what about Vaccinations for your oversease trip? It is advisable to start planning this 6 months before your intended trip.

Read more below:
Vaccinations required for International Travel