Author: Susan

Keeping Pets Warm in Winter

Cat snuggled

Although many animals have a layer or fur or hair, this doesn’t always mean that they are protected from the harsh winds and weather of winter.

Greyhounds, Chihuahuas and Dalmatians are among the short haired dog breed that really feel the chill when the temperature starts to dip.

But it’s not just our canine and feline friends that need help to stay warm. Cold blooded, reptilian pets rely on their habitat to regulate their body temperature. They too need suitable housing, lighting and heating to get them through the winter. Continue reading “Keeping Pets Warm in Winter”

Know Your Pet’s Personality

Just like us, our pet’s have their own unique personality, which some researchers believe, they may even share with their owners.

It’s interesting to observe pets and their pet-parents at the dog park or walking down the streets of any city or town. It’s intriguing to see the similarities in their attitude and activity. There’s such a vibrant diversity in personalities with everything from the highly energised types through to those that are more laid back and happy to watch the world go by.

Here are some of the personalities we’ve observed in our pet travels. Do any of these personality traits sound like your treasured pet-pal? Continue reading “Know Your Pet’s Personality”

Money Saving Hack #54 – Meal Planning

Money Saving Travel

Planning for your meals while on house and pet sits will help you save money. Sounds simple, right? While most of us can appreciate that meal planning is a great way to ensure we don’t waste the food we buy, few of us go that extra step to physically writing down our meal plans – and stick to them!

Meal planning is particularly useful when you have back to back house and pet sits. It will help you manage the fresh food you need for a particular period and, as time goes by, you will get better at estimating how much you will need for any meal for any period.

Fresh fruit such as bananas, can ripen very quickly, so only buy enough to last you for your house and pet sit period. Continue reading “Money Saving Hack #54 – Meal Planning”

5 Packing Essentials for Roving House and Pet Sitters

Travel Light pet sitting AustraliaThe house and pet sitting lifestyle is an adventure. There are new experiences to be had, different places to visit and, with back to back house and pet sits, you must be ready to pack up and go quickly and easily.

Seasoned house and pet sitters are sure to have their packing list and routine sorted, but if you’re new to this wonderfully nomadic lifestyle, here are our tips for the five essential items you need for an organised and simple move to your next position.

  1. Zip Lock Bags

Zip lock bags of all sizes will become your best friend on your travels. Keep your more delicate items of clothing in these to avoid stains from other items in your suitcase.  If you thought scented drawer liners and potpourri were only reserved for your granny, then think again. A small amount of potpourri in a zip lock bag is a great way to keep your clothes smelling fresh no matter how long you’re travelling. Continue reading “5 Packing Essentials for Roving House and Pet Sitters”

The 3 P’s of Pet Sitting

Pet SittingAustralia is renowned for being a pet loving nation, so we understand that high quality pet care is at the top of the list for many pet owners. House and pet sitters are part of a pet loving community that treat the pets under their care as if they were their own.

Whether you’re looking for a pet sitter or you are a pet sitter yourself, here are three P’s, that we think, every great pet sitter should possess.

Personalised Approach Continue reading “The 3 P’s of Pet Sitting”

Sydney and Melbourne’s Best Dog-Friendly Eateries

It’s always great to get outdoors and enjoy a brisk walk or a meandering stroll with our four legged friend.  It’s even better coupled with a coffee in hand!

Many cafes across Australia are now embracing the dog loving community and opening their doors to our fur pals. The realisation that pets are now showered with human-like adoration is one that will see many pup-loving businesses become popular spots for the vast pet loving community.

Here are some of the best dog friendly cafes in Sydney and Melbourne to get you started, but we’d love to hear your favourites from around the country –  share your faves with us on Facebook. Continue reading “Sydney and Melbourne’s Best Dog-Friendly Eateries”

3 Life Lessons Your Pet Will Teach You

Mindahome.com.au February Blog

Sometimes it almost feels as if the months and years go by in the blink of an eye. We all know the old adage ‘stop and smell the roses’, but with work, family and life in general getting busier and busier, the idea of ‘stopping’ doesn’t seem to resonate in today’s world.

Our pet pals though, have this magic ability. They offer us unconditional love, affection and attention and whenever we spend time with them, we do take time to appreciate the best things in life.

Often, life lessons come packaged up in a ball of fluff and fur and give us perspective about what’s important and how best to make the most of every day. Continue reading “3 Life Lessons Your Pet Will Teach You”

Top 10 Things To Do With Your Pet Pal This Year

Top 10 Pet Tips

Just like any relationship, the strength of the bond with your fur-friend is only as good as the effort you put in. Spending time with your pet is one thing, but spending quality time with your furry, feline, feathery and even scaly friend can be something different all together.

Like us, dogs can become bored easily so making play time fun is important for you, and your pet, to ensure you get the most out of your time together. Simple things such as playing catch or reading to your pet are great ways to show your pet you care, but changing the play routine will make sure your pet continues to be stimulated both mentally and physically so they don’t stray into mischievous habits. It also ensures you look forward to these moments just as much as your fur-kid, rather than considering it a ‘tick the box’ activity. Continue reading “Top 10 Things To Do With Your Pet Pal This Year”

Doggy Cake for Your Best Friend

Our dogs are more than companions, they are our fitness motivators, our stress relievers, our confidants and our best friends.

For many of us, our dogs have a special place in our hearts and what better way to celebrate this bond and friendship than with a cake!

Whether it’s your dog’s birthday, adoption day or just because, setting aside some time to celebrate the bond we share with our pets is a great way to show you care. Continue reading “Doggy Cake for Your Best Friend”

4 Tips to Guarantee A House and Pet Sitting Call Back

Many of the home owners that we speak with comment about how impressed they are with the house and pet sitters who come to stay in their homes. The personalised care for their pets, the upkeep of their homes and the little touches they find when they return, all leave lasting memories of the house and pet sitter and are the difference between a one-time sit and the start of a long-term friendship.

Here are some of the ways that house and pet sitters are making their mark to secure call backs and word-of-mouth referrals. Continue reading “4 Tips to Guarantee A House and Pet Sitting Call Back”