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

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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...
... 

Experiences in housesitting

Cats Make Great Pets If You Understand Them

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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

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

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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

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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)



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

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View Pictures of  re Opportunities Worldwide pinterest  

Follow Housecarers on Pinterest for latest Pictorial Updates  



View of French Alps from Housesit Porch



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

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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

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

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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
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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

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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

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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)


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

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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,



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

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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

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Housesitting can make you a world traveller on a budget 


2:42 p.m. EDTJuly 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

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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

House sitter Barry watches dolphins swim by as He walked the dogs at the Beach

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Hi Team, 

I recently did a 2 week sit at Vincentia.Two large dogs and 2 cats were exhausting but rewarding experience
watching dolphins swim by as I walked the beach path. The current sit was gained by phone from a local couple and it ends tonight. One wild, timid cat and huge yard to care for kept me busy.
Will take a rest for the rest of this year, saw a good prospect for Feb 2014 at Coffs will apply for it early!!
Am pleased with the service you provide and will continue on while I am able to travel. 

Barry Morton.
View Barry's profile - ukwood18

Housecarers:

It is always good to hear stories like yours. Where are you from? And what are your main reasons for housesitting?

Hi Ian,

Your website is better than ever now as you keep providing  new features. I live in Mildura Victoria and am semi retired, I have a part-time curator job at a private school, so I can get away for 2 weeks maximum without stress...Having very little savings to retire on, we bought a Mercedes Sprinter van and put a queen mattress inside for overnight stays en-route to sits.
We sold our house three years ago, now we care for a ninety three yo. gent in his home, this gives Netti an income and us a place to stay 'tween sits. Luigi is as fit as a trout on the food and vitamins he gets from us.
We will venture to Tassie one day when we are free to stay longer. We have our next permanent place to stay here sorted already - at little cost. We started sits at Wagga three years ago, referrals are easy once
you have some experience, I now have at least eight refs. to date.
My next sit bloke (in July)sold my first sit man one of his blocks of rural land in Wagga
That first sit guy was my religion ( that helped start us off ) they had an active community garden there and had film nights once a month, the neighbours were very friendly there, also in Vincentia recently the people were very cordial, even the young people were most outgoing there. A neighbour took me fishing
and on drives. We sometimes get some reimbursement for travel/work done but don't expect much.I plan to wait till next year after the next sit is done July/August as our grass is verdant here under irrigation
.
Each sit is different and we learn many new things by these experiences.
Cheers,
Barry Morton.

Santa Fe, NM Pet Owner arrives home to better behaved Doggies

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I had Live-in Pet Sitter Sailormom house and pet sit for a week and the experience was awesome! I love that she sent daily text messages and pictures about my two dogs. I completely trust Laura with my dogs and would love to have her sit again if possible! She left my house cleaner and my pups better behaved than when I left them to her :) 


View Pet Sitter found ad for Santa Fe, NM dog lover


Yup, they love each other!

These two are spoiled and love to (and get to) sleep on the bed!  

New Mexico Homeowner returns to 4 Happy Stress free Dogs

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I am so pleased that I was told of your service. We have dogs that would not do well outside our home setting and we are fortunate to have found a great couple via your service. We came home to a nice clean home, the dogs were happy to see us however they did not seem stressed. They were happy. Thanks again it makes traveling easier with not having to worry about our pets.
 
View housesit filled, house sitter found for, Solar Heights, Rio Rancho, New Mexico

Dunedin Otago New Zealand homeowner finds wonderful Carers for Home and Shaver Cats, Hens

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This is the second time I have used House Carers and I would like to thank you for the opportunity to find wonderful carers for my home and animals. It is so easy and so safe and I would highly recommend your service. Thank you again. 








House Sitter receives a case of beautiful Margaret River Shiraz as a Christmas gift. in appreciation

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I have had great success I've had because of your site. I won't be renewing for a few months as I'm booked until the middle of October. But I will be renewing because there is a good energy about your site and service.

I started my first sit back in March last year and I have been continuously engaged since then and am currently sitting here in Wallaroo until March 25th. I then go down to near Dapto for seven months or so.

I have not had one day, since that first sit, where I've had to find alternative accomodation or have had to rought it. So the Lord has really blessed me. All of my sits have bee of the most comfortable and civilized kind.

At this current sit, the owner gave me a case of beautiful Margaret River Shiraz as a Christmas gift. They are such a lovely couple and very hospitable. As I said, I'm truly blessed. I'm very grateful.

Margaret River Winery
Anyway, I just thought I'd give you that bit of extra update.

Best regards....Robin
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Stella

Just to let you know we had 14 replies to our recent ad, which we thought was an excellent response. (I have replied to all of them). We have spoken on Skype to a very nice retired housesitting couple golfer12 who have agreed to do our sit, and we will meet them in person in the next couple of months so that they can familiarise themselves with our house and pets before they come in August..


We have been using www.housecarers.com since 2007 and have secured some excellent house-sitters. We have had at least seven different couples or singles, some for repeat visits. We have also recommended your site to many friends who have had great results too.I am sure we will be using your website for as long as we are still able to travel, hopefully for many years to come!

Best regards

Lynne and Stuart (User name: RugbyFans)

Our comfortable family home is located in a quiet leafy street in Castle Hill, in the north-west Hills District of Sydney. With 4 bedrooms and a study, it has a large entertaining deck and small garden. In return for your stay, our two cats 15 year old Stella and 10 yr old Mishka will need loving care.

View House Sitter found for Castle Hill, Hills District, Sydney NSW Australia



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Good Morning from Sunny South Auckland.
I most certainly have started recommending your site as it was looking like an impossible task finding someone for my animals ( We have 2 eleven year old dogs and 2 indoor cats, 11 and 3 year old.).

Most of the sitters responded to my emails. Those who I spoke to have been sitters for some time on your site and had mostly good experiences with house owners. My sitters in the past have been friends so this is a new experience for us.

We have met the sitter once and was impressed with her manner and friendliness so of course we will be highly rating her for future clients.

Thank you for reminding me to download the agreement I will get that done hopefully later today.

Our time away...I have talked my husband into walking all 800 kilometers of the Camino. So fresh air, snow, rain and sunshine.

Thank you once again for the wonderful service.

Kind Regards,
Gina

View Housesitting Profile for House Sitter profile filled - Bombay Hills, Outer city, Auckland Franklin,South Auckland New Zealand



My two boys 

We live 30 minutes from Auckland Central by motorway. Motorway 1 kilometer from home. We have 2 eleven year old dogs and 2 indoor cats, 11 and 3 year old. Our house is on the Bombay Hills and is private and fully fenced. The house is large and easy to keep. Would suit active couple.

a view of the garden 


This room was born out of the sun being to hot to enjoy dinning out on the deck. It is cool and brings the outside to the inside.  


House Sitter Sarah finds new Dimension in life - Posting from housesit in Vienna Austria

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I just say THANKS LOADS for your site - its added a whole new dimension to my life and some completely awesome experiences. I'm in Vienna Austria now on a long sit and life is wonderful
.

Sarah Furry Hat in Instanbul
Housecarers: Great news about the housesit. It is always good to hear stories like yours. Where are your from? And what are your main reasons for housesitting?
From San Francisco but normally live in England. Have done sits now via housecarers in France, the USA and here in Vienna, and plan to keep doing them again and again - I started doing it to de-stress from hard work but now I've gotten a bit hooked on it and plan to continue with it, interspersed with spells of work to pay for it! It's a great way to see more of the world - great to actually stay somewhere interesting for weeks or months at a time. I've told so many people about it and they are always amazed that you can actually live this way if you want to. It's just great - I can't praise it enough! Sarah B
View Sarah's House Sitter Profile

Thank you for such a comprehensive web site that covers all aspects of appointing house sitters

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Hi, We can't praise your web site highly enough. Within 12 hours of posting our notice we had several very suitable people apply. We have chosen a couple who were available to come for an interview immediately, and as they came with glowing references certainly were the type of people we needed. Thank you for such a comprehensive web site that covers all aspects of appointing house sitters.
JUSTUS Liz and Rudi  Sunshine Coast Qld Australia


Oregon homeowner finds house and Pet sitter for 3rd time

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Hello Ian. After just two days of advertising for a house/cat sitter we found the most wonderful lady to come sit for us next July. We have pulled the ad. We had about 5 or 6 people contact us about the sit. It was amazing.from the bottom of our hearts, thank you.
You truly give a wonderful service to those of us that need to get away and not worry about our precious pets. This will be the 3rd lady that we will have from your wonderful site.  
 Gudrun & Dwayne  OregonOutback36

Chicago Homeowner finds loving Carer for her two cats and home with lake views

0 comments

I have lined up a sitter for my travel dates so thank you and I will suspend until the next need arises. I think you do a great service... Rosalie
View Housesit Filled, Chicago - housesitter found

Location

One block from Lake Michigan, Chicago
Cook County,Illinois United 



I am looking for a carer for my cats, Chico and Benjy to feed and give water 2 times daily,take care of the litter box and water a few plants. We live in a historic landmark elevator building with lovely lake views, 15 minutes by bus or train from downtown, on the University of Chicago campus, with museums, shops and cultural activities galore.

Christmas Housesitter Found for Beautiful Beach - Pukerua Bay Porirua Wellington New Zealand

0 comments

We have now found a house sitter for over Christmas. What a wonderful service you provide.

View Housesitter found Ad Pukerua Bay Porirua Wellington New Zealand


Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.

Our beautiful beach is a 15min walk away and Plimmerton beach is a 5min drive. Lawns will be taken care of, gardens will need watering, weeding optional! Lovely rural& sea views from upstairs. Great place to relax over the Christmas break.


Oor Beach House

House Sitter found for third time for Cannonville, on the banks of the beautiful Sundays River, Denman Island BC Canada

0 comments
This is to let you know that we have chosen a house-sitter from a number of excellent applications. This is the third time we have made use of your site and we are indeed impressed with your prompt and efficient service. MANY THANKS. I have suspended and replied to all applications individually. Again, thanks for your wonderful service Regards Hilary
... Riverspell ... View housesitter found for housesit, Comox Valley, Denman Island, Denman Island Gulf Islands,British Columbia Canada

Riverspell is a 3-bedroom home on Aquavista Crescent, in the picturesque village of Cannonville, on the banks of the beautiful Sundays River. Our house overlooks the river with a view of golden dunes – a wonderful, peaceful place for you to wander freely, and for the dogs to race around. (These are, incidentally, famous as being part of the Alexandria sand dunes - the largest coastal dune system in the Northern Hemisphere)

The tidal river offers excellent boating, fishing and other water sports – we have two canoes for your use. We are a stones-throw from the South Gate of the Addo National Game Park.

Three lovely dogs and one cat need loving care and company.

Here we offer you a relaxing holiday in these delightful surroundings, in return for your care of our home and animals.

Our chocolate Burmese cat, Chia. gets caring Cat Sitter for 2nd time in Nations Captital Near Civic ACT Australia

0 comments
Just letting you know that we again received many very appealing applications to house-sit, and we only wish we could have pleased more than one couple! At the start of this year we were delighted with the English travelling couple we had to house-sit, and have stayed in contact since.

Our chocolate Burmese cat, Chia.
We hope and expect that the central coast couple we have selected for next year will be just as good. Thanks for the excellent service you provide through House Carers. "Chiacat", Downer, ACT

View House and Cat sitter found ad for chocolate Burmese cat, Chia. Downer, ACT Australia
The Lake is beautiful in all seasons, including winter, when this picture was taken.
Near Civic, a short walk to Dickson shops and restaurants, while it is also close to parks and bushland reserves. Canberra has excellent art galleries and museums, as well as the public buildings of Australia's federal capital city....

Two great sitters found for beloved Labrador, Pippa for quiet, rural home in Thailand

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We would like to say another big 'Thank You' to House Carers.com for a fantastic service. We have just returned from our annual trip 'home' having left our home and our beloved Labrador, Pippa with two great sitters. They've cared for everything in the most wonderful and efficient manner, for which we are eternally grateful! House Carers.com really has the most amazingly dedicated band of home carers and if it weren't for their help and kindness we would find it difficult to return to the UK each year. Thank you once again to Andrea and Scott, and to the team at House Carers!!

Garden and Pool

Our home is in Thailand, in a quiet, rural situation. We have a medium sized garden and a swimming pool.
The main concern for us is the care of our dear old Labrador, Pippa
The countryside around here is rural with farms,hills and open lands. Pip enjoys a good walk most days, so a couple that enjoy walking would be wonderful.
We have had house-sitters over the past 6 years and they will be able to testify to the situation here.

View Housesit - house sitter found, South East Thailand, Bang Sare Sattahip,Chon Buri 20250 Thailand

Perth, WA Pet owner grateful to fine amazing housesitter to enjoy fresh eggs for breakfast and, menagerie on our acre block.

1 comments
I am overwhelmed by the response to my ad and the amazing people that have replied to it. What a wonderful service you offer! I was terrified at the prospect of allowing a stranger to stay in my house!


Aviary

I have found a lady who responded first to my ad so hopefully all will go well. I have turned off my add and new housesitter email notification. Many thanks and kind regards Susan

Picture Guide to housesitting worldwide

0 comments
A House Sit picture tells a thousand stories:- catch the vision, whet your appetite, feed your travel bug, turn dreams into reality.
Visit the link below and subscribe to Daily Visions, from the Housesitting Universe.

A picture guide to house sit opportunities worldwide

Belconnen,. Canbera ACT Homeowners return to home cared for Beautifully by Housesitters

0 comments
We have just returned after a month and have had our house carers happily installed into our home. We can't say enough about these people, House Sitters, Retired Teachers, username tullamore, - they were amazing and cared for our home beautifully. We'd have them back any time.

Thanks HouseCarers.Com
See housesit filled Belconnen Canberra ACT

... House is five minutes from the bus stop and the local shops. We are 10 minutes drive from the major shopping mall. House is minimal care, recently renovated kitchen, laundry and en suite - we have four chickens and they are great daily providers of fresh eggs. There are great walks in this area and sheep paddocks close by. Also have cycling trails which go throughout Canberra. The house is centrally heated and very comfortable. Twenty minutes from the centre of Canberra. Great neighbours.

Grass Valley, Sacramento Couple's Vagabond retirement years made possible with HouseCarers (Found Housesitters for the last 8 Years)

0 comments

I am so grateful for this service. For the past eight years it has made our vagabond retirement years possible. Thanks to the wonderful people (the house sitters) we have gotten to know through this website we have been able to travel completely at ease about the care of our home, pets and garden.

I do my job of carefully considering and responding to each one who answers our ad, checking references and reviewing a clear contract, but each sitter has more than fulfilled what was expected of them. My neighbors who were initially horrified that we were traveling while "strangers" were left in our home have all become friends with our various sitters and now use the website themselves!

Thank you, thank you for this good idea and for keeping it going in such a responsive, organized way!.. Sid and Doni, WinteringGround, Grass Valley, Sacramento CA USA

All done! The chickens and I are having a blast with the new chicken house!

Chickens with a lake view!



We are in a wonderful "banana belt" region of the Sierra Foothills, situated 1/2 hour from Grass Valley, 2 hours from Lake Tahoe, about one and a half hours from Sacramento and 3 hours from San Francisco. We overlook a large 800 acre lake fed by the South Fork of the Yuba River and we can promise you beautiful views and gentle lake breezes. We have a swimming pool but there is enough rain in the winter to make that more scenic than usable. A winter housesit is inviting for people who like to hike the trails on the ranch or visit nearby lakes,rivers and Gold Country towns and museums. Our up to date, easy to care for home is on a 200 acre property of rolling hills, oaks and pines. The charming little Gold Country towns of ...

Long Term House Sit Grass Valley, Sacramento, Grass Valley California United States

Terrific couple (GentleCloud2012) looked after everything so beautifully and the chihuahuas just loved them.

0 comments

We recently had housecarers GentleCloud2012 to sit our home and our two dogs for three months. They were a terrific couple who looked after everything so beautifully and the dogs just loved them. Thankyou so much, Milliemouse... Dandenong Ranges Vic Australia


Our 2 chihuahuas who live mostly indoors in the winter


... We require a caring sitter for our home and 2 chihuahuas who live mostly indoors in the winter. Situated in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges approx an hour from Melbourne. Shopping is 5 minutes away and there are many local attractions including Puffing Billy and Sherbrooke Forest.

This 100 year old steam train is still running on the original rails between the mountain towns of Belgrave and Gembrook in the Dandenong Ranges.

Low maintenance home on 1 acre with lots of trees and birds. Lawn mowing only occasionally and garden care to keep tidy

Ideal, Christmas Housesit in Kitsilano, Vancouver, Housesit opportunity through Housecarers

0 comments

Once again (the 4th time for us, actually), we have found the ideal housesit opportunity through Housecarers. Feel free to use this as a reference. It was, once again, well worth the $50 to get the "preferred service" on your website.

We will be spending Christmas in Kitsilano, Vancouver, British Columbia.

The ad was posted as "kevinalove". We talked and exchanged emails over the Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend. We and they are feeling very comfortable with the match and the timing is perfect for spending Christmas with our son who lives in Vancouver.
View filled Housesit, kevinalove, Vancouver Canada

Thanks for a great service.
Lew & Laura, Ontario, Canada



View from Deck of House Sit Kitsilano, Vancouver, British Columbia

Hi Lew and Laura Thanks for the feedback and comments. It is always good to hear stories like yours What are your main reasons for housesitting? And where are you from?

We always housesit in the Vancouver area where our son lives. It's great because he always checks the place out and meets the owners. The owners always feel more comfortable having gained a feeling for who we are by talking to Neil. In each case they have offered Neil his own bedroom which we usually take advantage of so that we can spend more time together.

Lew And Laura, Seasoned House-sitters, from Ontario Canada


We live in a small town 2 hours west of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Perfect carer found for Beautiful Victorian house and English staffordshire doggy, in the coastal village of Thirroul

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Hello House Carers, I wanted to thank you as we have just returned from a holiday, having used your site for the first time, and found a very reliable, lovely lady, PEACEHOUSESITTER , to look after our home and pets. We received several replys within a couple of days, after posting our ad, and I kept pinching myself while on holidays as i couldn't believe we had found the perfect carer with little effort! I will definitely use your site again and will recommend it to family and friends. It has opened my eyes and my husband and I are looking forward to a time when we may become house carers, whilst enjoying seeing other parts of the world. Kind Regards ....Melissa (username relax56)



Loves people and other dogs. A little boisterous and excitable if he hasn't seen you for a while. View Thirroul housesitter found ad - and happy Staffie, relax56



...Beautiful Victorian house in the coastal village of Thirroul. Close to train station, cafes, quirky shops, stunning beaches, coastal bike tracks, escarpment walks



Lovely Laydies

The many moods of HouseOverLake - free Accommodation enjoyed by Housesitters

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Just wanted to tell you what a terrific site this is. We have matched with wonderful housesitters through you, and have recommended it frequently to fellow travelers (which is how we learned about it). Keep up the good work... Jay... username houseoverlake.

View housesit filled (many times) for Lakeside home, Belchertow Massachusetts, USA

....We live in a contemporary glassed-in cedar home cantilevered over a small quiet lake in Western Mass. Depending on the season, the lake can be used for swimming, non-motorized boating, water and ice fishing, skating and skiing. Great wildlife and beautiful views... HouseOverLake

You can enjoy free holiday accomodation in locations like this. Subscribe as a Housesitter and we will keep you posted of opportunities worldwide.

Announcing the NEW House Sitter Search Engine (Advanced and Easy)

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The new search engine includes Filters down the left side that lets Homeowners easily match with House Sitters. Need a House Sitter who loves Dogs and Cats, is willing to do short term - and willing to travel, and likes remote areas? No worries the new search will easily find suitable candidates for this assignment - and many others.
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