I provide whatever care you desire for your pets. This can include any or all of feeding, walking, grooming, cuddles, administering medication (if needed), maintaining routines, etc. I tailor my care to your pets’ needs and your requirements.
My preferred method of keeping you updated is WhatsApp, but I am also happy to use Messenger, email, or text. Please note I cannot send phtoos via text. I send as many or as few updates as you ask for. Some homeowners want several updates a day, others want a few a week, and one said, only contact us if there's an emergency - we'll see you in three weeks. Updates can include written notes, photos, and/or short videos of your pets so you know they’re happy, healthy, and well cared for.
I have experience with pets requiring medication, special diets, or mobility support. I’ll follow your instructions carefully and maintain consistency in their care. We’ll discuss everything in detail before you leave.
This is entirely up to you. I maintain your pet's regular schedule and living conditions as much as I can. If they are used to sleeping on the bed and being allowed on the couch, then they can do that. If they are not allowed on the bed or couch, then I will abide by that.
Pretty much. I have cared for dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, fish, chickens, ducks, guinea pigs, eels, iguanas, and even lions and tigers (true story). So if you have less common pets, I’m happy to learn your care routines in advance so I can confidently look after them.
I'm a full-time siter, so I treat each house as my home, and look after it as such. I've seen an inceasing number of people who use house sitting for free accomodation when they're travelling, and get snippy when the homeowner expects them to do housework such as vacuuming, dusting, and other cleaning. Of course I do that! One of my repeat homeownweers jokes that her windows only get cleaned once a year - when I'm there. And, of course, I'll also water the plants, collect the mail, and keep the property secure. Also, I've seen some sitters complain that the homeowners (who left super early in the morning) left them a load of dishes to put away. IF you're catching a red eye, of course I can put away the dishes when they finish washing.
I treat your home with the same care as my own. I lock doors and windows, follow your security procedures, and ensure the property looks lived-in by collecting mail, taking bins in and out, and maintaining a regular presence. Which is most of the time as I work full-time from home.
This depends on the rooms you have available. If you have a guest room, I do prefer staying in there, but if only the master bedroom is available, then that is fine too.
Of course not. I'm a stranger coming into your home, so please do whatever makes your feel safe. Plus, I heard about one sitter who accidentally broke a vase when she was cleaning - it turned out to be a 200 year old family heirloom worth $15,000! If you have anything like that, please lock it away!
Outside, sure. Inside, absolutely not. Plus, you really don't want to see me walking au naturel from the bedroom to the bathroom first thing in the morning. You won't unsee that 😂
I do respect your privacy and security, but as a full-time house sitter if I was never allowed guests, I would never be able to have friends or family over for lunch or dinner. I will not invite visitors into your home while you’re away without your permission, and if I do have guests, they are always as respectful as I am. I don't have wild parties. On several of my sits around the Brisbane area the homeowners have allowed me to have overnight guests - which is very much appreciated, and something my Aunt and Uncle (who live in Brisbane) have made use of several times. But if you would prefer no one other then me comes into the house, please let me know.
The "official" sitting websites (Trusted Housesitters, Aussie House Sitters, Kiwi House Sitters, etc.) all have a blanket "no visitors" policy. I'm more flexible. My first concern is always the wellbeing of the pets in my care, and of course it will ease their anxiety of their owners being away if someone they know comes for a visit. On one sit, the owner's sister lived next door, and she and her 4-year-old would often pop in to visit the dog. On another sit, on a three hectare property with a horse arena, there were frequently people arriving with horses on trailers to either practice in the arena, or go riding over the back paddocks. In late 2025, on a 3rd-time repeat sit, the homeowner's son will be staying in the guest wing on the weekends. So I can go away on the weekends if I like! It's all about give and take.
I have a few essential requirements. Number 1 is unlimited broadband due to the fact I work remotely. All other requirements are listed on the House-Sitting Agreement I send you once we've agreed on a sit. You can view a static PDF here, and once we confirm a sit I'll send you an editable version.
I always request your preferred vet’s contact details, along with an emergency contacts for you (i.e. a friend or family member or a neighbour). If an emergency arises, I’ll act promptly, follow your instructions, and keep you informed.
I always request contact details for tradesperson such as your plumber, electrician, and (in Australia), snake catcher! If an emergency arises, I’ll act promptly, follow your instructions, and keep you informed. If you're out of contact (like the time a water pipe burst down the side of the house while the homeonweres were at no wif-fi & no cell reception Burning Man, I will deal with the emergency and update you when you are back in civilization.
I take my sitting commitments seriously and will not cancel unless it’s an emergency. In the unlikely event something happens, I’ll try to help you find a suitable replacement sitter to ensure your pets and home are cared for. So far the only sits I have cancelled in the last 20 years were due to (1) the city I was supposed to sit in going into lockdown during covid, and (2) having to cancel 3 x sits I was reeally looking forward to in June - August 2025 due to requiring breast cancer surgery, radiotherapy, and recovery.
Life happens and plans change. I once had a three-week sit cancelled at two days notice when the homeowner was rushed into hospital with double pneumonia. Another sit was cancelled at a week’s notice when the homeowner broke their leg, and another was cancelled when the homeowner was diagnosed with a serious medical issue. I’ve never failed to secure replacement sits for the cancelled ones. So, if life throws you a nasty curve ball, please do not fret about me - concentrate on your own dilemma. I’m resilient, and I have a contingency fund.
I prefer to keep it as an exchange of services that benfits us both. I get free accommodation, power, wifi, water, streaming, etc. and you get free pet care, house care, and home security, and your pets don't get sent to a strange location while you're away. It's a win-win. Plus, it's never a $ for $ equivalent. Sometimes I could get an Airbnb or hotel cheaper than what you'd pay for boarding kennels, and sometimes (actually, usually!) I come out on top financially, like the time I looked after a $6.5 million oceanfront mansion in return for feeding three cats twice a day. An exchange of services means we each get our needs met. Bringing money into it would tarnish that, at least for me.
I am fully booked for the remainder of 2025, and I am only available for sits in Australia for 2026. My preferences for 2026 are South East Queensland or Northern New South Wales till early June, northern Queensland June-Sep, then back to SEQ & NNSW. You can see my availability on my Calendar page.
The minimum sit I'll take is two weeks, but I prefer longer sits. The longer, the better!
Absolutely. A meet-and-greet (in person or via video call) helps us both feel confident. You’ll have the chance to introduce me to your pets, show me around your home, and ask questions before making a decision. Because I tend to travel around quite a bit, an in person meet-and-greet may not be logistically possible, but I've found video chats are almost as good. If you have a spare room I'm happy to stay the night before to settle your pets in with me while you're still there.