Engaging a house and pet sitter to care for your property and pets when you have to travel can be cost effective and convenient.
When engaging a house and pet sitter, there are a few things you may like to consider:
- Listing your position: Registering your position on Mindahome.com.au is free, but some positions will attract more enquiries based on the information provided. You may like to include information such as availability of public transport close by and proximity to shopping centres or major towns. You may also like to include information about your home such as backyard size, outdoor areas, a swimming pool, spa or air conditioning. If you require for your pet to be cared for while you are away, be sure to mention any specific requirements, such as administering regular medication, and also mention if there is any garden maintenance.
- Include images: An image is worth a thousand words, as they say, so including images of your property or of your pet/s to be cared for, will drive more interest in your position.
- Flexibility with start and finish dates: You may like to get the house and pet sitters you have chosen to come a few days early to explain the little quirks of your home or to inform them of the care requirements for your pet. Being flexible with dates also makes the position available to a wider variety of house sitters.
- House Sitter Checks: Many house sitters have police clearances and also offer testimonials from previous house and pet sits. It is a good idea to check these before engaging a sitter, for your own peace of mind.
- Updates: If you would like regular updates about your pet or home while you are away, discuss this with your house and pet sitter and agree on regularity and how you will communicate. Many house sitters will gladly provide updates, especially if they are caring for a treasured pet.
- Home security: Inform your security company of the period you will be away and mention that you will have a house and pet sitter staying in your home. Many insurance companies prefer for the home to be occupied to make the house look ‘lived in’. Most home owners cover the costs of utilities such as gas and electricity and also internet usage during the house sit period. Bonds are sometimes also considered by home owners and can be negotiated with the house sitter prior to the commencement of the sit.
When you register with Mindahome you are provided with a free ebook: Home Owners guide to House Sitting. The ebook gives you further information about engaging a house and pet sitter.
Check out how it works and consider engaging a house and pet sitter for the next time you are away.