Author: Susan

How a mother and daughter duo saw Australia as house and pet sitters

adrienne_poppyKiwi born Adrienne and her daughter, Poppy, wanted to see Australia and have many adventures along the way. So they sold their house, car and all their possessions and began house and pet sitting their way around the country.

Here are some of their stories…

I came across Mindahome.com.au on one of my searches for different ways to travel around Australia and thought that house and pet sitting would be perfect for us.

We both love pets, but Poppy definitely has a way with all animals. Nothing beats the love and attention of a gentle child companion with all the time in the world to play. The pets that we’ve cared for are relaxed and in their own environment so it makes it easier for them to trust us and let us into their world. Continue reading “How a mother and daughter duo saw Australia as house and pet sitters”

7 answers to the most frequently asked questions about house and pet sitting

We get many of the same questions about house and pet sitting. So we thought we would tackle the questions head on to give you a clear idea of what is involved in being a house and pet sitter or being the home and pet owner.

1. How do I get started as a house and pet sitter?

Start by registering with a reputable house and pet sitting service. Be sure that you look at the costs associated with registering and compare with others to make sure you are getting the best deal.

Next, you have to create a profile. List some of the things you can do for the home and pet owner, such as garden maintenance and administering medication to pets.

Home owners also appreciate sitters who are flexible. They may want you to visit them before the sit to get used to the quirks of the home or pets. Continue reading “7 answers to the most frequently asked questions about house and pet sitting”

House and Pet Sitting: A Simple Definition

Knowing what house and pet sitting involves is the key to being successful at it.

As a general definition, house and pet sitting is…

…caring for the home, property and pets or animals of others in a respectful manner that is considerate of the values and lifestyle of the owner, while benefiting from free accommodation and flexible living arrangements.

To be a house and pet sitter, you have to have a love of animals. Pet owners entrust their treasured pets to you while they are away and expect that you will give them one-on-one attention and care, especially if they require medication or special treatment. Continue reading “House and Pet Sitting: A Simple Definition”

The #1 trait that house and pet sitters can offer your pet

be2House and pet sitters are special people. They understand that the bond between animals and humans is strong and one that makes separation, even for short periods, difficult.

So unlike some other pet care options, house and pet sitters bring compassion to your home and treat your pets and animals as if they were their own. Continue reading “The #1 trait that house and pet sitters can offer your pet”

House and pet sitting to enjoy the company of animals

012Animal lovers across the globe will attest to the many rewards of pet ownership, but for some, owning their own Rex, Rocky, Misty or Puss, just isn’t an option.

Sometimes apartment rules, limited space or just time pressures prevent even the most devout animals lovers from owning a pet of their own.

House and pet sitting is a way to enjoy the company of animals if owning one just doesn’t suit your lifestyle.

As Australia becomes more urbanised, more people are restricted by smaller backyards and living in apartments, where they realise owning a pet is not suitable or fair for the animal. Continue reading “House and pet sitting to enjoy the company of animals”

Our animal companions

Ad2We all know that Australia is a nation of pet lovers with more than 60% of Australian households owning at least one pet. Australia also has one of the highest levels of pet ownership per capita in the world!

Our four legged, furry, fluffy, feathery and reptilian pets are companions that share just as much love as human members of the family in most cases. And it has been proven that above companionship, pets also provide psychological and physiological benefits to owners.

The roles animals play in our lives changes as we progress through different life stages but at each time our pets play an important role in comforting us, helping us to combat challenges we face in our lives or just be there as the ever stoic friend. Continue reading “Our animal companions”

Home security during a house and pet sit

22bMany home insurance companies prefer that you have a house and pet sitter in your home while you’re away because it makes the house look ‘lived in’.

With many house and pet sitters providing police checks and testimonials from previous positions, you have the peace of mind that they will be trustworthy, but there may be a few added checks you may want to do prior to leaving:

  1. Inform your insurance company of the period you will be away and mention that you will have a house and pet sitter staying in your home
  2. Advise neighbours that you will be on holidays and perhaps even introduce them to the house sitter so they recognise the face staying at your house
  3. Generally, the cost of utilities and internet, etc are covered by the home owner, however on some occasions home owners negotiate a bond with house and pet sitters, that is returned at the completion of the sit Continue reading “Home security during a house and pet sit”

Finding the right pet sitter for your four legged friend

cat2bThe Mindahome house and pet sitting service is all about connecting home owners with the right house and pet sitters and it’s always good to hear about stories where a perfect match was made.

Danielle’s feline friend, Miss Ivy, didn’t like being alone and her health and emotional well being had suffered from a previous stay in a cattery. So Danielle signed up for a house and pet sitter and found, what she describes, as ‘an Ivy Angel’.

For the four weeks that Danielle and her family were away, they received regular text messages about how Miss Ivy was coping and when Danielle returned, they came home to a happy cat and immaculate home. Continue reading “Finding the right pet sitter for your four legged friend”

Everyone needs some time to get away

Farm lifeFor people who live on rural or semi-rural properties, it can sometimes be difficult to entrust the care of cattle, sheep or other pets to someone else while they get away for a while. But when Sue planned to travel for a few weeks, there was no question that having a house and pet sitter was a win/win situation for everyone.

With no immediate neighbours and two dogs, a fish pond, some wild birds and a half acre garden to care for, Sue needed someone who could immerse themselves in the way of the property and respect the environment and surrounds. Continue reading “Everyone needs some time to get away”