How to Keep Your House Safe While You're Away

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Fox news have written an excellent article on making preparations for travel with home security and pets in mind.

The following observation is interesting

"House sitters are usually a “better choice for cat owners since cats usually don’t appreciate change,” Arden says, but where the debate really heats up is deciding between a sitter and a kennel. "


Read entire article on Preparing for Travel, with home security and pets in mind

House Sitting Services Offer Inexpensive Vacationing Opportunities

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House sitting is quickly becoming the popular choice when it comes to taking an economical vacation. One of the reasons for this is simply because the vacationer gets to take a rent-free vacation at a place of his choosing. This fact alone provides a huge savings that allows even those who are strapped for cash to enjoy a bit of down time for relaxation and fun.

Homeowners provide their residence to house sitters free of charge. In exchange, the house sitters promise to watch over the home, take care of the pets, and perform any necessary duties as required by the homeowner. It is a good situation for everyone involved, since each party obtains something that they need or want without the exchange of money.

Another reason for an increase in the house sitting trend is the increase in the number of people offering house sits. Not only are house sitting opportunities more readily available, but also, they are more readily available in a greater number of locations. From fun in the sun to fun in the snow, vacation goers can enjoy almost any type of vacation at a reduced cost.

House sitters can enjoy some of the most exotic spots in the world at a fraction of the normal cost. If they prefer, house sitters can choose to enjoy a trip to some less exotic space while still enjoying a reduction in the cost of the trip since rent is free. House sitting opportunities are growing in numbers, allowing more people to take advantage of an excellent opportunity to see different spots in the world.

Since house sitting vacations provide a less expensive way to get away and enjoy the pleasures of life for a few days, people can start to enjoy more than one vacation a year. With minimized costs in the forefront, the excuses for not taking a vacation are greatly diminished. House sitting holidays are just another one of the amazing opportunities out there for frugal people looking to enjoy life to the best of their ability.

By Susan M. Keenan ©2009

House sitter found for A perfect place for someone that likes to read, paint, water color, photography, and smelling roses: Naples Florida

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"What a great service you provide! The first day we posted we received over ten interested contacts. We have now selected a candidate. and have removed our ad.

Thank you so much.

Pennie (username pinki61)

Housesit Details: Naples Florida USA
We need a responsible person to house sit and care for our dog and cat while we are away. O

ur home is in the country 16 miles from the beach and resort areas. A perfect place for someone that likes to read, paint, water color, photography, and smelling roses.

Recession Survival Tips for Dog Owners

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Everyone is looking for ways to cut back in these tough economic times. While you look for ways to save money, don’t forget to consider what you are spending on your dog. While you want to make sure your dog is healthy and happy, you may be able to cut back your spending on him with compromising your dog’s well-being. Here’s how:

Learn What You Can Do on Your Own:

Many pet owners turn to vets or groomers for even simple procedures that can be done at home, but there is no need to pay a professional for things like nail trimming, bathing, and ear cleaning. Nail clippers for dogs cost about $10 and will last for years, whereas professional groomers will charge $5-10 for each trim. If you are nervous about trimming your dog’s nails, ask your vet to show you how to do it at your next visit. Tips for grooming your dog can also be found online or in a book at your local library.

You can also clean your dog’s ears yourself with a bottle of ear cleaner available at any pet store and a cheap pair of tweezers. Simply remove any hairs growing inside your dog’s ear, and follow the instructions on the back of the bottle of ear cleaning solution.

To cut costs even further, why not consider trimming your dog’s hair yourself? A pair of dog clippers can be bought for little more than the cost of one visit to the groomer, and will likely last your dog’s entire lifetime. Worried you’ll hurt your dog? Most clippers are designed with guards to keep you from cutting your dog. If your concerns are mainly cosmetic, you should know that some clippers now come with booklets or even DVDs that offer detailed instructions on how to get the look you want. And remember that no matter what you do, your dog’s hair will grow out in time, so you may as well give it a try!

Ask Your Vet About Generic Drugs:

Pet owners in regions of the US where heartworm disease is endemic must give their dog heartworm prevention pills each month. Many dogs take other medicines as well. What you may not know is that, just like human medicines, both name brand and generic options are often available. If you buy your dog’s medicines directly from your vet, ask if you are buying name brand or generic drugs, and if there may be a less expensive option for you.

Get a live-in House/Pet Sitter

One of your biggest costs as a pet owner is probably pet care when you are away from home. Boarding your dog can cost $20 a day or more, and hiring a pet sitter is often even more costly. To avoid this expense, why not match up with a responsible pet/house sitter? There are many retirees, travelers and others who are willing to sit your home and pets for free in exchange for rent-free accommodation. This will save you both the cost of boarding, and you have the security of knowing your dog is kept in their familiar environment.

Practice Preventive Medicine

Another big cost for any dog owner is vet care. An unexpected illness or injury in your pet can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars in medicines and vet bills. To avoid these incidents as much as possible, it is important to practice preventive medicine with your dog. Make sure your dog stays up-to-date on all vaccinations and that he takes heartworm prevention pills each month. Prevention costs much less than treating an illness—not to mention the suffering you will save your dog! Also make sure that your dog gets plenty of exercise and that he maintains a healthy weight, as this can help avoid major health complications. Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly can also prevent dangerous infections that can result from bacteria in your dog’s mouth entering his bloodstream.

By switching your dog to generic drugs and doing most of his grooming yourself, you can save a lot on monthly pet bills. Combine that with free pet sitting and disease prevention, and you can count on saving hundreds of dollars a year on pet care without sacrificing your dog’s health or well-being.

Match with responsible House/Pet Sitters

Copyright © 2009, Ian White housesitting.com

Brisbane QLD homeowner hooks up with Sitter for spoilt Cat while she tours Europe

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This is just to say a big "thank you" for all the info you have sent me since I registered some time ago (Cuanbeagruth)

I wish to inform you that I have now found a wonderful couple who have agreed to Housesit for me whilst I am in Europe. It looks as if we might become quite good acquaintances too.

So please take my name off your list and do not send me any further info.

All those who actually asked to come and sit for me, I either responded to immediately, or all those whom I kept on hold, I have since informed of my success.

Thank you again.

I shall keep the site name and contact number in my computer, should I ever need your assistance in the future.

May I also say how much I appreciated the weekly updates.

Again many many thanks - and a very Happy Easter to you and all who man your site.
Sincerely - Ruth Cuanbeagruth

Housesit Details:7 1/2 weeks
Northern Suburbs Ferny Hills, Brisbane QLD
Whilst I go to Europe to visit family and friends I need a housesitter or a couple, preferably over 55 years of age to look after my Unit in a Retirement Village; and especially to take care of my very spoilt cat - Mischief - and my pot plants on the back (large) patio.

The Village is 6 mins drive from the Railway Station, and there are several shopping centres nearby. Mt.Nebo and Mt Samson, as well as Samford Village, are quite close. My cleaner would continue to come on a weekly basis if so desired.

Aussie homeowners from Rockingham WA freed to enjoy 12 month trip, around Australia, and the spectacular scenery that Australia has to offer

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"Thank you for this wonderful site. this is the second time we have used it and are more than happy with the results.

We have had 15 replies within 4 days and have just decided on the lucky person who will experience the love of our dog for many months to come while we will enjoy the spectacular scenery that Australia has to offer.

We certainly have recommended this site to friends and have no hesitation in using it again . Thanks a lot username :bjohn1 "

House sit details: approx. 10-12 months Rockingham WA Australia

After several stop-start attempts to go on our long anticipated round Australia holiday we are now more than ready to take off, all that is stopping us now is to find a loving MATURE person or couple to keep our dog company and look after our house,which is situated in Rockingham, on a main street, close to shops, transport and beaches

Aussie Housesitters tidytravellers secure 5 House sits through Europe

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Hi
We would like to say a big thanks for your service . We planned a year away from our home in Queensland to travel Europe and have managed to secure 5 great house-sits over 6 months in total , in 3 different areas in France , Suffolk in England and currently a beautiful spot in Perthshire in the Scottish Highlands .

Our experiences have been all positive , the homes all lovely , the pets have been a highlight and we've met great people .

The care of the pets is a huge responsibility and our only suggestion would be that the home owners let the house-sitters know in advance if a pet is old/ill or likely to pass away as happened in one of our sits and was pretty traumatic as we only found out about the situation on arrival at the house-sit .

We plan to return home in July and hope to use your great service to find house-sits in Australia and New Zealand . Thanks again for enabling us to travel and meet great people .

Lyndy & Phil

View profile of Sitters tidytravellers

Kiwi housesitter returning from Florida gets great house sits

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I must say the housecarers website is brilliant, I've had many great housesits from it! thanks!

Where have your housesits been?

My housesits have all been in Auckland, I joined originally when i was in Florida and knew I was coming back to NZ but had no home.

I even had one housesit in Te Atatu (West Akld) that was to be for 9mths but lasted 1.5 years!

The average length of most of them have been 4 weeks though.

While its been great housesitting I am hoping I'll have my own place very soon.


cheers Jane (username mcjane>

View profile of sitter mcjane

HappyinMex finds housesitter for Ajijic (North of Carrertera) Jalisco Mexico

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"We have just chosen someone who suits our needs.

Thank you for this wonderful service."

HappyinMex.

Housesit details: 7 weeks
Ajijic (North of Carrertera) Jalisco Mexico

We live 7/10th km north of the carretera in Ajijic, close to town, shopping plaza, cinemas, restaurants and buses. We have a very clean, comfortable 4 year old, 2 bdrm/2 bathroom home with a million dollar view of Lake Chapala. We have no pets but want someone to live in our home while we are away, not just someone who will drop in on occasion.

New Zealanders Marg & Kev get housesit in Perth Australia - many miles away

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We have found a house sit position within a short time, although we are many miles apart, our son, who lives in Perth was able to go and meet the people and both parties were able to make a decision from there.

Many thanks for your help, we found it a very easy process. Will report back again when our house sit is over at the end of September. Thanks again

Regards Marg & Kev "fynley" (view profile for sitters fynley)

House sitter found for Athens Greece housesit

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Greetings!

Just a short note to tell you that I registered about a month ago and advertised for house sitters. I've received many answers and have also found suitable people directly on the site.

I am corresponding with several potentials and am sure I'll find what we need for September. So for the time being I've suspended the ad.

Wanted to thank you for giving my husband and I the possibility to travel together again. Am sure I'll be using your site again in the future and maybe one day we might become house-sitters ourselves.

Thank you once again.

"Asldkure" (Athens, Greece)

Housesit details:

We have 4 dogs and 6 cats for the moment. The dogs are all females between 10 and 14 yrs old and they do not get well together. This means that three live on one side of the house and the other one with us.

The cats go where they want, as cats do. The house has two apartments, one of them empty which we use for office and to host guests.

Our house is in the northern suburb of Athens, in a pine area. We have a large garden. There are many walks. Supermarkets, and centers with cinemas, shops, etc. are within a 15-min. drive from the house. Ideally we would prefer having two people, or one person who is experienced with dogs.

We are open to suggestion and we would also welcome house-sitters any other time of the year for shorter periods allowing my husband and I to travel around Greece. Because of the animals my husband and I have not been able to travel together, except once 4 years ago.

Sitter found for 1-2 year housesit the foothills of the Big Horn Mountains Story Wyoming

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"We have found a housesitter from your site. We would like to thank you very much."
.... Homeonwer Member Cynderella

Housesit Details
Story Wyoming

2200 Square Foot house plus oversized 2 car garage, located in the foothills of the Big Horn Mountains. This house is located in a small community of 650 individuals with many more tourists in the summer time.

The house is 4 years old, has vaulted ceilings, Australian cypress hardwood floors, 4 bathrooms, and the master has a whirlpool tub. The master bedroom is at one end of the house and the guest bedroom is at the other end of the home. There is a loft with a living room/den.

The beautiful kitchen has hickory cabinets, an island/breakfast bar all open to the living room which has a gorgeous flag stone surround propane fireplace. The living room has three lovely lead glass stained windows to view the beautiful ponderosa pines that Story is known for. The garage has a bathroom, alternate coal/wood furnace, wood burning stove, which is surrounded by flag stone.

The home is heated by the propane fireplace and a propane furnace. All of the above sits on one acre of land in town with friendly neighbors. Story sits at an elevation of about 5000' and has two trailheads leading into the Big Horn mountains for snowmobiling, 4 wheeling, horsebacking or walking. There is a Post Office, Womens Club, General Store, gas station and several restaurants. Winters are beautiful with an average of 100" of snow for snowmobiling. The weather in Story is very much like the weather in Denver Colorado.

Summers are mild for all sorts of sports including fishing in streams or boating in Lake Desmet 5 miles away. Historic Ft. Phil Kerney and other historic sites are located within a few minutes. We are looking for someone to pay utilities which average about $200 per month and accomplish grass cutting and snow removal. A riding lawn mower and 4 wheeler available. Accomplish small repairs and in general take care of the house and property.

Sitter found in tiny hamlet of Dull by Aberfeldy in Highland Perthshire Scotland for pony trekking and mountain biking

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"We have now found a couple to housesit for us. Thank you for such a great website. We shall use it again for the July and October holidays

Yous ... username zsazsahip

Housesit

Aberfeldy Perthshire Perth Scotland

I am looking for a housesitter for my dog Phoebe and cat Pushkin for 11 days in April this year.

I live in a 3 bedrrom cottage in the tiny hamlet of Dull by Aberfeldy in Highland Perthshire. We are close to Loch Tay for boating, we have plenty of mountains of course and many mountain biking trails as well as pony trekking and river sports on the River Tay.

The pets are wonderful of course and very outgoing. I would ask you spend the whole day of April 2nd with me so as to introduce you to the environs and animals together. You may use our bikes and our neighbours are all very friendly and helpful and would be glad to advise you of interesing activities etc to do locally.

Housesitter mikalsworld gets get two weeks of absolute unadulterated bliss and peace from schedule ratrace in Rocky Point L.I.

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"Thanks Ian! I have very good friends on Rocky Point L.I. now thanks to your services.

Wendy, Vic and their furry friends Bailey, Dreamer, Naughty Paws & Junior (in order choc lab, himilayan and two bombay cats) look fw to my visits and I am now one of the family.

I take care of things at least twice a year for them while they go to their timeshare in Cozumel. I get two weeks of absolute unadulterated bliss and peace from the ratrace of my schedule.

It wouldn't have been possible without "Housecarers."
Peace & prosperity be yours.
Mike mikalsworld's sitter profile

Sharon & Will from Chelmsford England find their Patcaring Angel and prepare for worry free trip to India.

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My husband and I were planning a trip to India for 4 weeks, and had recently moved 500 miles from home so were left with a dilema of who could look after our 4 cats and home for this time.

On the offchance we advertised on housecarers.com and within days had tens of applications from very suitable sounding folks!! After sorting through them we found a fantastic match and she looked after our home and pets very well allowing us a worry free trip!

Thank you housecarers.com for a wonderful service and thank you Andrea for being our petcaring angel while we were away. Sharon & Will - Chelmsford (magikcatz)

Gold Coast, QLD, Homeowners find reliable and pleasant housesitters for the 3rd time

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"Thank you for your excellent web site.

Within a week, we had found suitable house sitters for a long term sit.
This is the 3rd time we have used your site and the other sitters have been reliable and very pleasant.

Please remove our advert from your current list."
Yours ... GCSeekers

Housesit details:

Australia City = BURLEIGH State = QLD CountyDistrict = CityTownArea = GOLD COAST
period= 6 Months AvailFromDate = 2009-03-24

Retired or quiet single/couple non smoking, no pets to keep house clean and pay all overheads plus electricity and tel. Lovely villa on one floor, in cul de sac with parkland out back and shared pool out front.

20 mins walk from beautiful Burleigh Beach and 4 mins from large shopping Mall. Friendly helpful neighbours mostly retired. Have had 3 successful sitters from this site who have left the home just as they found it.

Sitter Ron finds Housecarers great place to keep to retain biographical profile and records of housesits

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"Thanks Ian..........Your site has been an excellent place to retain my biographical profile and to list my assignment schedule......Ron"

View Ron's profile - sitter rebsdad

ED - I let Ron know he can also use the Calendar feature- click (tools / Calendar) after login, to keep a history of housesits and future bookings. Also suggested the reference upload facility.

Wellington NZ couple sold on House Sitting

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This is the second time we have advertised a 'Housesit' on your site, and have been very impressed with the applications and the efficiency of the site. We can certainly recommend, and would use yet again. Thanks. ... jaybee1

Housesit details:
Waikanae, Wellington, Kapiti Coast Kapiti Coast New Zealand

Reliable housesitter required to 'babysit' 2 spoilt Birman Cats. Our modern executive house runs around their requirements.

We are close to shops, golf course and bus stop is 50 metres away. Off street parking available.

Kiwi homeowner gets organised in 3 days for Our beautiful cottage is in the northern Rodney District, one hour from Auckland

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I am member Minis1.

What a great service! On Sunday I placed an ad with you for a housesitter wanted. In 4 hours I had had 5 replies plus another 3 the next day & another couple yesterday.

This morning (Wed) a couple I had contacted came here to meet us & see the house. We all liked each other, their references are great & we now have everything organised. That pretty good going in less than 3 days!!

Thank you so much for this service.

Wendy (Minis1)

Housesit details: 27 days AvailFromDate = 2009-03-16 00:00:00.0

Our beautiful cottage is in the northern Rodney District, one hour from Auckland and an easy drive to beaches, regional parks, vineyards and the cinemas and cafes of Matakana.

The local shops and library are a five minute walk from home through the park. The house and gardens are peaceful and easy- care. We have a man come to mow the lawns. Our little dog is an elderly Jack Russell. He is super friendly, lots of fun, affectionate and very quiet

Housesitters Frenez, love the challenge of different housesit - Kangaroo Island SA

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"We have almost completed our 3 months on Kangaroo Island thanks to House Carers and we have loved it. My wife and I love the challenge of something different and this has been great. "

Kindest Regards Len - Profile for sitters Frenez