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Has Anyone any Experience of House Sitters?

(6 Posts)
CanadianGran Thu 30-Jun-22 18:35:57

We've only used young adults that we know. There are often very responsible young adults home from university, or working but living at home that are grateful to have their own space for a short time. We've done this a few times, but not for that long. I found their housekeeping standards not to ours when we came home, but the cat and dog were happy.

But if there was an agency nearby, I would use them. We don't have the availability.

Naninavan Thu 30-Jun-22 18:18:11

If a rescue cat please definitely not kennels for Kevin, it could retraumatise him.

Naninavan Thu 30-Jun-22 18:14:13

Just joined and saw this! I worked as a pet sitter for ten years. Please have a sitter for your cat, they really are not suited to kennels. I used to work through Animal Aunts, but don't know if they are still going. The best thing about going through an agency is that should anything happen to a sitter, ie family bereavement, then the agency can provide back up. Go for someone who loves cats and make sure you interview them personally to get a feeling that they are trustworthy. Agencies make sure you fill out a house list, of where essential things are, ie stopcocks etc They also reference check the sitters. Having said that, you might advertise in the Lady and get a great Australian person or couple and work out your own arrangement. The commission can be hefty. Some clients just leave you to it and go away with zero contact, but I recommend checking in about weekly. And have your neighbours keep a discreet eye. Good Luck!

Bea65 Thu 30-Jun-22 18:02:13

FannyCornforth too funny grin

FannyCornforth Thu 30-Jun-22 17:59:59

Have you seen Man Vs Bee? ?

NothingLeftToInheritDarling Thu 30-Jun-22 17:44:55

Hello

We are planning an extended trip of about 12-14 weeks to my homeland of Australia next year from around the end of February.

We would be looking for someone to house and pet sit for us: Our rescue cat Kevin is rather special to us and we would want an animal lover to spend time with him and keep an eye on the house. We can use kennels for part of it, but long-term kennels is very unfair on a cat.

Has anyone ever used a house sitting service? There seems to be both paid services and those where you just pay an introcution fee such as Trusted Housesitters. I'm even considering placing an advert in The Lady to see if there is someone who would be happy to house sit in return for letting Kevin whatch TV with them!

Any advice would be much appreciated.