Natiional Geographic - wants to interview remote caretakers

My name is Eric Mintz and I am working with National Geographic to find some isolated caretakers. I was wondering if you could run a message to your group reading: "National Geographic Television would like to interview caretakers that work alone in isolated areas with no human contact and have to maintain and both their properties and their sanity as the guard and maintenance their facilities and locations.  We are interested in learning more about the unique challenges and privileges you encounter working in these remote locations.  If your current work isolates you for weeks at a time we would love to hear about the experience. If you are interested in speaking with us, please contact Eric Mintz at emintz@ngs.org by February 26th."  Thank you in advance for your help in this matter!

Pet and home owners gain new freedom using house sitters worldwide

A growing number of pet and home owners around the world are discovering the many benefits of using non-paid house sitters. The number of house sitting companies and websites has grown rapidly in recent years as home owners look for better solutions and travelers seek richer experiences with lower costs.

Pet and home owners everywhere have always faced the same challenge when they travel – how to care for their homes and beloved pets. Many pet owners never travel because they refuse to leave their pets in the care of others, while many other pet owners use house sitters to allow them to travel with less worry, expense and effort. 

Since pets are often considered members of the family, kennel boarding is not an option for most pet owners, who won’t subject their loved ones to a caged stay of any duration. Bringing pets along for travel is often not realistic, especially when there are old, large, or multiple pets involved. 

  

Animal experts also see the benefits. “Dogs are creatures of habit and are very emotionally connected to their home environment,” says Francine Miller, a canine behavior specialist. “It is always preferable to keep them in their home environment and in their normal routine to minimize stress.” 

Nearly 50,000 home owners have registered on www.housecarers.com, Housecarers  has been matching home owners and sitters since 2000. These owners are part of a large and growing segment of home owners enjoying the care and cost advantages of using pet-loving house sitters, who care for homes, pets, and even larger animals such as horses and llamas. Sometimes they care for injured or dying pets and help avert robberies and home disasters related to gas leaks, power outages, etc.

Have you outgrown your home?  Looking to refinance or purchase a new home.  Mortgage Choice does all the hard work to find the right home loan for your situation.  Visit mortgage choice to find out how you can save on your home loan.

“The popularity of housesitting is growing rapidly and the demand for housesits is often greater than the supply,” says Ian White, the founder and owner of HouseCarers. “Many house sitting websites have popped up recently, but the key is to create a secure environment for both parties to make a personalized match.”

House sitters on housecarers.com receive no money for caring for homes, only accommodation. Home owners on the site pay no fees at all to connect with sitters.

“Housesitting is all about mutual benefit,”  “And making new friends from around the world.”

House sitter found for Cradle Mountain, Deloraine, Devonport, and Launceston giving access to fabulous scenery, beautiful food (cherries, raspberries, cheese) and wonderful people

Service thru this company have been nothing short of exceptional. This is a first time usage for me and I would not hesitate to use it and or recommend to others. I feel I have found a wonderful couple to cat and house sit. Regards ..  Pat. 

 Eddie the Cat

View housesitter found ad for Sheffield, Nook, Devonport Nth. West .,TAS Australia

May 2,2014 For 5 months or there abouts to suit.. | Long Term

Exotic International housesitting - out-of-this-world Scenery and Culture. House Sitting Opportunities calling you

View a list of #housesits with out-of-this world scenery or culture in exotic locations worldwide #housesittersNeeded http://bitly.com/u/sitter

Where are these housesits?

See locations of recent Internaltions housesits and others here

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xl_mIyTjcqw

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Ukrainian Shares his real house sitting experience and gets free accommodation abroard

Being on both sides of the House Sitting Fence with House Carers

We recently sold our home and started travelling full-time. Many people ask how we can afford to do this. Most of our expenses are paid out of our own pockets so staying in hotels every night can get very costly very fast. We have found a way to mitigate those costs by house sitting. We've been using a few different tools to make this possible but the biggest help for us with house sitting has been House Carers...

...Lauren Bassart  Shares here experiences as a Homeowner and Housesitter in her Blog The Constant Rambler: Read entire story 

Cats Make Great Pets If You Understand Them

Anyone wanting a new kitten should be a cat lover. Let’s face it, folks, cats are just different from dogs. Cats do not usually perform any special tricks, and they certainly do not guard your possessions  while you are away. In fact, the only thing you can be guaranteed of by having a cat is that a mouse won’t last long if they creep into your home.

Cats are loved by many because of their independence. Cats have a life, so to speak. Most cats do not follow you around the home with their tongues hanging out of their mouths waiting on your attention. While they do love their owners fiercely, cats will not grovel like a dog and worship and fawn over their owners. Cats are perfectly content simply being themselves--and they do not seem to need constant reassurance, unlike canines.

This does not mean cats do not need love and affection, it simply means cats are not “fragile” characters. In fact, cats exude a self assurance which can often be misunderstood as aloofness or coldness. Yet, cats are far from aloof or unfeeling. They feel deeply and love deeply. If a cat comes to sit on your lap, you know you are truly loved.

Anytime the family thinks about bringing a new pet into the home, it is exciting. Cats are a favorite of many because as kittens they are so entertaining to watch. Cats have a mind all of their own and only a true cat lover can even claim to understand the psyche of a feline. Cats are mysterious animals, which is part of the draw to them. While cats have been brought into the home, their instincts still remain. Cats adopt their owners and will even go out and provide “dinner.”  Many cat owners have stepped out on the stoop to find a dead mouse, opossum, or mole waiting for them. Now, that is love and loyalty!

If you are planning to bring a cat into your home, you should look at it as a life long commitment. Cats can live fifteen years and beyond. You should also understand that as cats mature, they will often sleep and laze around the home. If you are wanting a cat to entertain you throughout her life, you should seriously think about whether a cat is the pet for you.  Kittens are very entertaining and young cats are always curious and open for a challenge. However, older cats aren’t easily excitable and usually prefer to watch the antics in the home from a distance.

When you have made the decision to bring a new cat into your home, you will have to decide between a domestic or purebred cat. If you choose to go with a purebred cat, you can be guaranteed of size and appearance, and possibly temperament. There are more than 40 breeds to choose from, so do your homework. You will want to research the grooming requirements of the breed you are considering, along with the general disposition of the breed. 

Domestic cats come in all colors and shapes. When you look at any cat, there are some things you should consider. For instance, while all cats are fairly in proportion to each other, there are some cats which are more lanky and lean than others. These cats will be the ones who may be more interested in running and exploration. The chunkier, heavier cat will probably be more laid back and not get into too big a hurry about anything. You have a choice between a domestic long hair or domestic short hair cat.

When picking out your kitten, you should understand that kittens should not have an odor. While puppies do tend to have a smell about them, kittens do not. You should observe the entire litter of kittens. Do any of them have crusty eyes or a runny nose? If so, you may want to reconsider choosing a kitten from that litter. You certainly shouldn’t take one home simply because you feel sorry for it, either. Especially if you have other pets in your home. All of the kittens should have bright and clear eyes and be very alert.

You should handle the kittens. Their fur should be soft and silky, and never stiff or dry. Likewise, their coat should not feel oily or greasy. When you are petting the kitten, you should run your hands along her skin to ensure she has no sores. When you are holding each kitten, place them up to your face and nuzzle them. Listen for any breathing noises. You should not hear any raspy or breathy breathing. If you do, this is possibly a signal that the kitten has a respitory infection.

After visiting with the kittens, instinct will usually dictate to you which kitten is your match. You may feel the rowdy, rambunctious kitten will fit the best into your lively home. Or, you may decide the laid back kitten is more your speed, especially if you have a quiet home. Once you have made your decision and chosen your kitten, you should have a kennel waiting for travel. You should never try to ride in a car with a cat unless they are restrained or in a kennel. While most dogs love car rides, cats tend to scare. They can cower under your feet and this can lead to a wreck.

When you bring your new kitten into your home, you should immediately show her where the litter box, food and water are located. You should also have a supply of cat toys on hand to distract the cat from missing her mom and litter mates. While this cannot entirely be avoided, lavishing attention on a new kitten will do wonders in the transition to her new family.

You should expect your new kitten to explore every nook and cranny in the home. This is a necessary part of a kitten’s disposition. (Even older cats seem to perk up when a new piece of furniture is brought into a home they have lived in for years.) You will want to kitten proof your home. You should keep the lids down on the toilet, and you may want to remove potted plants and the like until your cat learns the rules.

Cats are social creatures, and they can learn the rules of their new environment with consistency. While you may think they do not understand what you are saying, this is not true. If you have a new kitten who wants to walk across the kitchen counter or dining room table, simply rattling a newspaper at her and saying “down” will teach her to stay off. With time you will be able to put the newspaper away and simply speak the command.

Kittens can add joy to any home. Part of the fun is knowing the kitten is oblivious to the fact that she is the center of attention. She is not trying to gain your attention by performing.  She is simply being a cat. You should also not be upset if your kitten is not interested in being a lap cat. While she may be content for a few moments on your lap, kittens have to roam, play and explore. As your cat matures she will be more inclined to take it easy curled up on your lap. Until then, just make her feel loved and you will have a feline that will adore you and her new home.

Author Ian White is founder of Housecarers.com worldwide House and Pet Sitting Directory

Register to find a House sitter or be a House sitter

House Sit in Alice Springs - Gateway to Australia's Red Center

Alice Springs is the Gateway to Australia's Red Centre.  A great way to see the red centre is as a Housesitter.

View profile - HouseSitter Needed Alice Springs, gateway to the Red Center

House Sitter Needed Alice Springs, North Side, Alice Springs   NT Australia

Victorian House Sitters Hate Motels and Housesit to fall in Love with Pets

Hi Ian, 

We have been casual house-sitters for a few years now and absolutely love the experience. The people we meet are great and we usually fall in love with their pets. 

We've done 2 QLD ones , the other have been in Victoria,where we live.

Queensland Housesit

We like to house -sit because:

It helps out fellow pet lovers

We get a free holiday

We hate motels

We enjoy caring for various pets and getting to know their personalities.

Looking forward to our next sit in Albury/Wodonga in January

Thanks Housecarers .  Kathy... (username Katles)

View Housesitter Profile for Victorian Sitters who hate Motels

Housesitting Pictures world wide - Turn your Travel Dreams and Visions into Reality

View Pictures of #Housesitting re Opportunities Worldwide pinterest http://bit.ly/16LXNP8  

Follow Housecarers on Pinterest for latest Pictorial Updates bit.ly/16LXNP8  

View of French Alps from Housesit Porch

Leny finds HouseSitter of distinction for in pretty village near Burton on Trent England UK

hi Ian.. just used your site again and once again it looks like you have come up with a sitter of distinction....your site is brilliant! .. Leny  View Profile - Kind and Patient poodle #dogsitters Found
East Midlands, Burton on Trent Staffs / Derbys England

How to choose a reliable Pet Sitter

How to choose a reliable #PetSitter http://bit.ly/1f17IjO

Retired Educator Couple from Illinois Love their Full Time House Sitting Adventures in Ireland, California, New York, Vermont and Vancouver Island, New Zealand and Australia

We have been housesitting full time since May 2nd and it is super--have been to Ireland; California; New York; currently in Vermont and scheduled out through March in Vancouver Island; Oregon; Kamloops, BC; New Zealand; and Australia. We are loving the adventure--only had one sort of negative experience when a homeowner under numbered the animals--said there were 9 and there were actually 31 (ten were chickens she failed to mention) but we weathered it fine. We are thrilled with the company--are members of another which we have not as yet used. Keep up the great work. Sincerely, Judy and Tom House Sitter profile handynhearty

Housecarers: Great news about the housesits. It is always good to hear stories like yours. Where are you from ? and what are you main reasons for housesitting?

We have a home in S. Illinois which we rented out as of May 1 and are now housesitting full time---love the adventure and new challenges... Judy

We get regular postings for housesitters in Europe. You can apply or register at the pages below - listing the current housesits. These housesits come and go all the time ... so keep informed by subscribing (Joining as a Housesitter).

House Sitters required for Housesits in Italy

House Sitters required for Housesits in France

House Sitters required for Housesits in England

House Sitters required for Housesits in Spain

A guide to global housesitting

Get tips on how to land a housesit anywhere in the world

happyhousesitters.com

A guide to international House Sitting

Netherlands Couple Escape the rat-race, and find a new life style with two Housesits in South Africa

Hi Ian, We try to find a new life style and like to travel and love animals and nature.We are fed up with the rat-race called life. We both resigned and rented our home, sold the cars and lots of other things you don't need and will see what's coming our way.

We like to thank you for the opportunity to get involved in Housesits. Till now we have 2 sits in South Africa who were listed on the site.Keep on going the good work. Kind regards Mimi (username 

mimiton)

Housesitter Profile Mimiton: Energetic,financial independent ,responsible couple available for home/animal and garden care

North Carolina Homeowner finds Wonderful House Sitters, and makes new lifelong Friend

Ian, I just wanted to write to you; have had nothing but wonderful sitters from your website. 

My favourite sitters are from Australia (she is from the US) and they are coming to visit me this Christmas!  OK, they are coming to see her family, but I will see them also.  Am planning my first trip to Australia next year to see them!

Thank you SO MUCH for this website.  I have been on for quite a while in two different states and it has been fabulous.  So nice to know your pets are cared for while you are away. 

Thanks again,

Clare, (username Nurzmomz), Greenville Pitt,North Carolina United States - view sitter found ad

Bundaberg QLD Homeowners find Lovely Housesitter couple for lively Maltese dogs and stunning morning views

We recently used your website to have our house sat by a lovely Housesitter couple, Quiet50s.
We have two lively maltese dogs and didn't want to disturb their lives and leave our house to go away
for five weeks.

Meeting Steph and Mo beforehand put our minds atease that our house and dogs would be cared for by

a responsible couple.On returning and a quick handover it was evident that all was in order. We had happy pups, a clean and fresh house which was exactly as we had left it. Good feedback from the neighbours just

made it all the more comforting. Loved that we had a carefree holiday and our home and pets were cared for.

Frosty morning across the paddocks

We would definitely recommend and use your service again. Thank you so much. Jo and Dave Joseywatt - house Sitter found, Burnett Heads, Bundaberg QLD

Housesitting can make you a world traveler on a budget - Baltimore Sun article

Housesitting can make you a world traveller on a budget 

By Josie Schneider, For The Baltimore Sun

2:42 p.m. EDT, July 29, 2013

This Housesitting article talks about the experiences of our long time Housesitter members, Josie Schneider and husband Conrad Knutsen (username Cultural Connection )

Conrad and Josie

Tuscany Housesit for Josie and Conrad

View housesit profile for housesitters CulturalConnections 

Huge Thank You from Homeowner / cat owner in Small Village, Tourbes Herault,Languedoc France

I just want to say a huge THANK YOU.  I had a marvellous and fast response.  Your website was a joy to use and I love the fact that you care about both the applicant and the house -sitters....  SueAndPrue Homeowner profile

 Front Terrace and outside dining by the pool

View catsitter found Ad Small Village, Tourbes Herault,Languedoc France